Day Three - Dodoma school

The day started with rain ... The first we have had ... We missed most of the heavy rain but it continued throughout the morning. Doughnuts and omelette were enjoyed for breakfast which was slightly later due to not needing to be at Dodoma school before 9.30.

Dodoma school is one of the oldest schools in the country with 1300 students and forms I to VI (A level). We were shown around the school by Mr Marko, headteacher ... The main difference between the two schools apart from their age is that Dodoma school has specialist rooms ... They are very proud of their science labs and their food room ... Although they are very old and in bad repair. We observed teaching in Physics, Biology and Geography with forms II, III and IV and found the teaching and ability of the students to be very similar. Another difference is that Dodoma school has a tradition of speaking English, teachers and students, at every given opportunity so the students grasp and use of the language is that much better ... Therefore their progress in school is that bit better. We have been working with Umonga headteacher, Rose Msafiri for the last four years, helping her to encourage her teachers to speak to students only in English and not to answer questions in Swahili but the politics of a female headteacher enforcing unpopular policy and the fact that teachers can just up and leave when they want, makes it difficult, but she is clearly making progress.

We then taught our lessons to the form I students and they were well received yet again ... The students really enjoying the engagement and fun in our learning. After a lunch of chips and fruit (we are struggling to have traditional Tanzanian cuisine on occasion because they want us to feel welcome!) we had a Q and A session with form IV students ... Our students sat on the stage and I acted as compère ... It was slow to start but once the students got confident I felt it could have gone on all afternoon ... Our students gave well considered answers with George, Marsha, Izzy, Beth, Ottilie, Mary, James R, Harriet, Brandon and Becky C playing a key role in asking and answering questions.

Late afternoon saw the Umonga v Dodoma school football and netball matches. Amy, Beth and Ottilie were key people in the netball and the crowd were particularly impressed by Amy as she demonstrated great skill playing for Umonga ... Unfortunately there was a disagreement between a player and spectator and the game ended following a fracas with Ottilie being a superstar ... Umonga were leading when the game was abandoned so we claim the moral victory. In the football, two very skilful sides, with James R, Brandon and Mr Street playing for Umonga and I refereed. The game was intense and played at a very high tempo in the roasting heat (unfortunately the rain and clouds had gone by this point so we played in the blazing late afternoon sun). Umonga won 2-0 in a close fought game, making it a clean sweep.

Now we are back at the hotel awaiting beef stew with rice and Ugali (Tanzanian staple food made of maize flour and water) ... Tomorrow we are hoping to visit Kaloleni primary school which shares the Umonga site in the morning, followed by a Q and A with Umonga form IV students and then we will visit the covered and clothing markets. 

More tomorrow ... Kind regards

Mr L