Letter No. 11, March 3, 2003

Hey !!!!

Lots going on here. I'm teacher on duty this week, which, for at least that everyones's told me, hasn't turned out too bad. TOD (Teacher on Duty) as they call it comes around every 7 weeks or so, and is the week that you are responsible for everything having to do with the students. You receive requests, arrange for sick students to go to the dispensary, make certain there's enough food for all the students, make certain all of students clean their areas, do after school "chores" and (shudder) you are responsible for the discipline of the students. It's is because of this last element that P Corps practically requires all PCV'S to do duty together with another teacher. The general form of punishment here is to hit the students with a SWITCH. To help the majority of us that don't agree with that, save face P Corps explicity says PCV'S are not allowed to use corporal punishment, regardless of what the school"s policy is. So - I'm TOD, but together with another teacher. It actually hasn't been that bad - just a lot more things crammed into the day, and a little bit less sleep. I've heard all kinds of horror stories though. I guess the week is in its early days though.

I had an adventure last weekend. I went to Masasi,which, would normally be a normal occurrance, but this time I decided to ride my bicyle the 55 km or so between here and there. I have to say that I really miss Tarmac roads. That alone probably would have cut an hour off the three hours and 45 minutes it took me to do this trip. Despite being pooped and a litle sore after that from the bumpy road, I really did enjoy it. One thing, there were moments when I was going uphill, in the sand, with a headwind, without water for a hour hence that I questioned my motives, but really, I'm glad I finally got up the nerve to do it......... And now, I know exactly where I can and almost buy water along the road........

When I was in Masasi I met some missionaires from somewhere in the Midwest through Colleen, who teaches at Masasi Girl's. They've been here for 9 years now and have a really nice house which, I was able to enjoy for a evening. Pizza with CHEESE, popcorn and watching the Super Bowl with all the commercials really hit the spot, and resulted in my going to bed later than I have in a long time (11pm - laugh all you want). They were really nice and good company......

We have a week long break coming up the first week of April, I'm not certain yet as to what I'm going to do for that. Fred and I have been talking about a 30 km hike down to the Ruvuma River. 60 km round trip that would only be a couple of days or so though. Maybe some more bike riding after that and a trip to MTwara, but I'm not positive yet.

I had kind of a tough day today. We're doing volumes in Form 2 and I had them measuring different boxes and cans I had brought from my house. The students here are completely, unaccustomed to doing any kind of group work, so it's always a challenge to keep control of the classroom. They are all so eager to please and to have my attention as well, I am constantly rushing from one group to another, just to find out want me to assure them they're done it right every step of the way. Basically, its exhausting, frustrating but also rewarding.

It was heartbreaking though to hear them all ask me at one point or another if they could have the can of tomatoe paste or canned milk or box of matches. There was no way to give something to all and so I couldn't give to just one. They eat the same thing everyday........UGALI, this paste - playdough thing made from corn flour and water, with either Mchiccha (Spinach) or Beans.

The matchbox was what frustrated me though. I bet you can see where this is going I forgot to empty it before giving it to them, so really it was my fault that some of the girls decided to take them and light them. They didn't burn anything, just lit them and blow them out, but grrrrrrrr.....I was mad!!!! It was the first time I felt any of them had really been disrespectful, and it really got to me. I gave them a stern talking to about it, and I could tell they felt bad making me mad and yell at them...., but next time, I know I won't forget to empty whatever it is I use as a teaching aid. It makes me feel better to know that every teacher has had a group-work project that they took the time to plan and fail at least once, but that realization didn't hit me until after I had left the classroom of course.

I'm sure I've mentioned this before now, but the weather here is doing crazy things. Supposedly, were in the middle of the rainy season, but we haven't had RAIN in over two weeks. Yet, other parts of Tanzania are suffering torrential downpours and flooding. I've never thought aboutrain before so much as I have since I came over here. It is amazing how people's lives can be so dependant on this one thing.....!!!!!

That's it for now,

Talk to you all later,

Jessica XXX