Term 2

At the beginning of this year, our headmistress chose several Class 1 students to join our school. They live in the community and would have attended the local public school where class sizes average 65-80 kids per teacher. They were chosen to join our school based on need and ability as we provide everything for them: books, uniform, breakfast and lunch everyday, and a great teacher who is only responsible for 18 students. In every grade at our school, we invite community students to fill the extra spots until the class size reaches 18. They are guaranteed a spot every year as long as their grades and behavior stay decent.

Needless to say, the transition can be quite intimidating for youngsters, especially when all of a sudden there are so many white people around!

During Term 1, the new kids hardly smiled.  They would whisper hello when spoken to and barely say that they were fine.  They would sit wide-eyed in music class wondering who this crazy white lady was trying to teach them crazy new songs.

Term 2 has been a different story.  Class 1 has come alive.  They are now comfortable in their new surroundings and trust their new teachers.  They are comfortable enough to act out every now and then, laugh and joke, and smile first when meeting.

When I am out and about during recess, I find I am suddenly surrounded by five or six smiling 6-7 year olds who all want to play with my elbows, touch my freckles, feel my fingernails and hold my hands. 

I can't wait to see what Term 3 will be like.