Finally we get to Umonga school

Sorry no internet last night so couldn't post blog but here it is now

Wow ... what a day, what a way to start our time at the school! 

The day started with porridge ... well that was a non-starter! It was liquid porridge in a thermos and didn't look appetising ... so they did us omelettes to go with the bread and mango ... and then a Spanish omelette appeared ... so we did rather well in the end!

The journey to school was uneventful ... what I really mean is I didn't see any of it as I was working on my speech in Swahili that I would have to give to the whole school later ... Fred was of great assistance! 

When we arrived at the school students were in lessons so all was quiet ... I quickly noticed the differences ... now there is a wall around the main compound and a gate (part of the money paid by volunteers has bought the gate and finished the wall ... which we will be painting on Wednesday). The School day starts at 8am with two 40 minute lessons and then 5 minutes before two more lessons ... once we had been welcomed by Madam Rose we went to observe in two classes ... I took my group to the form four biology class (equivalent to GCSE/AS) whilst Mrs A (don't know why I called her Mrs C on the other blog?) took her group to a history class ... whilst mine was fairly slow and uneventful she had the raw end of a history lesson about the white mans oppression of Africa and Africans! Now that's a way to win friends and influence people who have just travelled 1000's of miles to support you in your work ... it all ended amicably enough but was obviously a little disconcerting at times. 

The visit to Zanzibar will delve into the way in which the white man oppressed the black man and subjected him to slavery and the barbaric acts that were carried out ... but I have to say that I have been very impressed with one and all and the way they have just mucked in with our friends at Umonga with no hint of anything apart from mutual respect.

Anyway ... then we had the welcome and my speech in Swahili did the job of breaking the ice for one and all ... I am told I did well and my pronunciation wasn't too bad but they were probably being kind! There were lots of smiles and response from the 650 students, so I was pleased.

And then straight into our first teaching ... four successful 40 minute lessons later we evaluated and were happy ... Mrs A's group did shapes and angles and my group did time ... all taught to classes in form 1 ... students between 13-15 ... who have had nearly two months of being taught in English from a very low baseline of primary English language ... so they are struggling, or some of them are. We found them keen and eager and no bother at all ... they were a bit non plussed by our active type of learning initially but loved it once they got going. BES students were great, helpful, supportive, confident ... particularly in the second of the lessons they taught ... and we were responsible for some good learning #proudheadteacher

So then it was time for lunch and a little 'Chill time' ... hard in this heat of course ... before getting ready for sports coaching ... we had a good group of girls turn up ... Beth and Ellie got them dressed in the donated netball bibs and skirts and did some drills which was great and then Josh and I got the footballers to do a few drills before playing a game ... which was a lot of fun but far too hot! The bus arrived and 14 hot and sticky volunteers boarded, well satisfied that they had made a difference in their first day ... 

A quick stop off at the mini market again ... the previous evening we had discussed that one way to support a developing country is to make sure that you buy local but obviously they should go with their conscience ... I tried the moral argument .. so today I bought cassava chips for everyone to try and they bought a variety of snacks ... many informing me that they had bought local ... but one chap was very quiet ... because yet again he had bought Pringles ... obviously he shall remain nameless ... but I know him as Totti from football teams :-)

Back to the hotel and lots of high jinks in the pool ... which is a welcome addition to the last visit and has made a huge difference so far ... today it was a game of keep Max's crocs from him in the pool ...which led to great hilarity ... and when he did get them both back he basically offered himself up again to be scragged as they were having so much fun ...

A dinner of fish and chips tonight ... not as you'd know it but incredibly tasty ... and almost on time ... African time having an evening off! I have to report that I asked the kitchen to preparea small amount of Ugali (staple food for Tanzanians which is basically a very firm porridge that forms the majority of a Tanzanians one meal a day ... very starchy) and I think everyone tried it with my encouragement ... they kids continue to grow in my esteem ... 

And still I haven't had to visit a hospital or a pharmacy ... things are going well! There was a moment during football today when josh fell and skinned his knee and I thought as I viewed it from afar 'here we go again' but it's just a graze and he's been great about it ... 

Lights out at 10 again tonight ... early start tomorrow as we visit the primary school, kaloleni, for a couple of hours before teaching at Umonga ... the kids have been brilliant again ... so I'll sign off and go and see how they're doing ... then hopefully I'll be able to post this on the blog ... wifi has been terrible today with the power cuts ... all new experiences for today's teenagers and valuable too ... all the best Mr L

Here I am again!!

well I was wrong ... dinner wasn't arriving ... what was arriving was an excuse that food wouldn't be arriving for another hour! Hey ho ... the kids took it in good humour as a great excuse to play more games!

Church goes down well!

The day started well ... sausages for breakfast with eggs, bread and mango juice ... very nice too. Then off to church ... as many pointed out, if it was that lively in the U.K. they would like to go! Out of the mouths of babes!

I was given two whole seconds notice that they were expecting a few words from me in the welcoming visitors section ... so thinking on my feet off I went ... the most interesting thing was there were three other white English faces in the congregation and when I mentioned Bridgnorth one lady perked up and when I mentioned umonga she peeked up again ... it turns out she has retired and is out here lecturing and teaching in a nursery for two years ... lived in Bridgnorth for a year and her Tanzanian ward went to umonga ... its such a small 🌎 

Anyway, after some socialising we have an additional visit to make (to the nursery) and then walked through Dodoma ... photo at Julius Nyerere square to add to last time ... and then a super market for soda and snacks ... I bought some baobab and banana crisis so they could all try ... Max bought Pringles!! His excuse for not supporting the industry of Tanzania was it's a different flavour ... obviously we discussed the error of his ways 😃

After a lunch of guess what?? Bet I got you there ... it wasn't chicken it was a beef curry ... although it is roast chicken again tonight (with pasta) ... they all had an afternoon by and in the pool ... lots of high jinks ensued! Rose Msafiri (headteacher) joined us to be introduced to the students before we sat and planned the school itinerary for the next four days ... 

We have just met as our two groups and planned our lessons ... one on shapes and one on time which sound good ... and now at nearly 7.30 we are waiting for the dinner promised at 7 ... kids are getting used to African time now so have quickly got games started when dinner isn't appearing ... they remain a great group and are doing really well ... and it means they are playing a game giving me time to get an early blog post in meaning I might get toned earlier! Apologies to those who have made comments on the blog, really great for me to read and share with the students but the wifi isn't strong enough to let me reply (for some reason!) ... please keep commenting as it's good to know you're there (also I somehow managed to delete the post that had been read the most ... fat fingers trying to blog on a phone is my only defence ... I've sent a plea to Toby at school to see if he can restore it ... it had 123 reads!) ... 

There are signs dinner could be on the way so I'll sign off and if it's a quiet night I'll leave the next update until tomorrow ... kwaherini ... 

Dodoma at last

have to say the kids have been great ... it's been another interesting day ... really giving them the true African experience!!
They were all up on time this morning and ready and eager for a breakfast of hard boiled eggs, andas  (like doughnuts) fried green banana and bread with some tea ... then onto the bus for the trip to Dodoma ... 7 hours we were told ... 9 hours later still on the bus ... it was an eventful journey full of great experiences of people selling produce every time the bus stopped, knocking on windows ... different countryside and loads of colourful Masai as they had a gathering from far and wide by the side of the road ... experiences of 'interesting' driving styles and rough roads ... chicken three meals out of four ...  and then we arrived at the four points hotel ... it looks fantastic, the staff are very welcoming and the manager is great and helpful ... we met Sinene (teacher from Umonga I know well) and planned a few things and then sat down to dinner ... and then the lights went out! And stayed out! Again the kids were great ... phone torches to the rescue as Fred gave them an orientation chat (very atmospheric!) but the food was going cold as the staff all tried to sort the power out ... eventually all power restored and kids fed ... and then someone found the wolves v Chelsea game live on tv so that sorted most of them out for the rest of the evening! Mrs C, Beth and I taught Fred a card game (Rummy) and he proceeded to beat us in only his second game! The kids all think he is great ... and he has been brilliant ... even when I got him out of bed a few minutes ago, the power had failed so it was torches again but Joshes mosquito net was too small ... he's got a room upgrade for tonight whilst they get another net!

So finally we have power ... the kids are all in bed ... possibly without a/c tonight as the power keeps tripping out ... but we have power and therefore wifi ... and more importantly than that Mrs C and I can get on the wifi because we've banished them all to bed ... so finally I can do the blog and keep you up to date.

An eventful day, brilliant experiences ... and then it's church in the morning for an hour ... not sure how they will cope with that but we're promised gospel singing and no experience that broadens your mind can be too bad! I'll let you know the verdict tomorrow evening ... so
Long as we have power ... can't keep my eyes open any longer so better sign off for now ... kwaherini Mr L

On our way

On the M40 with the rain on the windscreen and with tunes on ... lots of singing ... adeles set fire to the rain being belted out by one and all ... great mood on the bus ... excitement tinged with some nervousness ... just checking out the weather ... expect it to be 32C on our arrival ... They are three hours ahead ... so we land in Dubai at 04.45 then take off for Tanzania at 06.30 U.K. time landing at 12.00 U.K. time ... 15.00 Tanzania time ... 20 hours from now!

I'll try to send another message before we leave the uk

The final countdown

Habari (hello how are you) volunteers, 
Just a quick reminder that you should take your anti malarials at breakfast time please as that is when I will be asking you to take them in Tanzania ... remember to start taking them the prescribed amount of time before we leave ... if it's malarone that will probably be from Wednesday morning. Please also make sure that the tablets are in your hand luggage as you will need to take them on the flight.
As previously suggested please bring bags to room 60/61 (the demountables nearest the sixth form student centre) at the start of the day. I will ensure they are locked away until 1.05 and we will meet in the room at 1.30. 
For parents who want to wave us off remember our intention is to leave at 2.30 at the earliest.
Kwaheri ya kuonana (goodbye for now) 
I wish us all Safari njema (safe journey)
Mr L

Draft itinerary for the trip so you can follow where we are

17/02/2017 Friday
Arrival Day

You will be met at the airport by African Adventures’ friendly in-country team before heading to a bank and a convenience store. Here, you can withdraw some Tanzanian Shillings, the local currency, and buy some refreshments for the journey to Sawe Hotel in Dar es Salaam.

You will have some dinner (included) on arrival and then time to relax at the accommodation.  

18/02/2017 Saturday
Transfer to Dodoma

You will be served breakfast before heading to off Dodoma and checking into your accommodation.

Once you have unpacked and settled in our team will deliver an orientation that explains more about life in Tanzania and your forthcoming trip.

In the evening, you will have dinner at your accommodation.

19/02/2017 Sunday
Free day

You will be served breakfast at your accommodation (Four Points Hotel). 

In the morning, you can visit a local church and experience a church service. On return to your accommodation, lunch will be provided.

In the afternoon, you can go to town and have a look around and purchase items such as snacks and water. 

In the evening, you will have dinner at your accommodation and some time to relax.

20/02/2017 Monday
First Project Day – Umonga School

You will be served breakfast at around 7.30am before being picked up and taken to Umonga School where you will be volunteering. Once you have arrived, you will meet the teachers and children and be introduced to the project work you will be helping with for the duration of your stay.

You will have lunch at the project before spending the afternoon in your volunteer role.You will be picked up between 3-4pm and returned to your accommodation.

In the evening, you will have dinner at your accommodation, before spending the evening as you wish. This is a great time to talk about your project experience so far and prepare any lessons or work for the following day.

(Activities/visits to the supermarket in the late afternoon and evening will be arranged between your Group Leader and Trip Host.)

21/02/2017 Tuesday
Second Project Day – Kaloleni and Umonga School

Breakfast will be ready by 7.30am, so you can be ready to leave for your project between 8-8.30am! You will spend the morning visiting Kaloleni Primary School and the afternoon you will spend at Umonga. 

Your lunch will be brought to you at the school between 12-1pm and there is usually a one-hour break. 

Afternoon lessons and project work usually recommences between 1-1.30pm until around 3.30pm, when you will be picked up and returned to your accommodation.

In the evening, you will have dinner at your accommodation and some time to relax. 

22/02/2017 Wednesday
Third Project Day – Dodoma School

Breakfast will be ready by 7.30am, so you can be ready to leave for Dodoma School between 8-8.30am!

Your lunch will be brought to you at the school between 12-1pm and there is usually a one-hour break. 

Afternoon lessons and project work usually recommences between 1-1.30pm until around 3.30pm, when you will be picked up and returned to your accommodation.

In the evening, you will have dinner at your accommodation and some time to relax

23/02/2017 Thursday
Final Project Day – Umonga School

Breakfast will be ready by 7.30am, so you can be ready to leave for your final day at Umonga School between 8-8.30am!

Your lunch will be brought to you at the school between 12-1pm and there is usually a one-hour break. 

After lunch, there will be farewell celebration assemblies until around 3.30pm, when you will be picked up and returned to your accommodation.

24/02/2017 Friday
Transfer to Dar es Salaam

You will be served breakfast before you leave Dodoma for Dar es Salaam. 

You will spend the night in Dar es Salaam and tomorrow you will get the ferry to Zanzibar island. 

Check into your accommodation where you will have your evening meal.  

25/02/2017 Saturday
Taste of Zanzibar Weekend 

You will be served breakfast at the accommodation. You will then board the ferry for the crossing to Zanzibar Island.

Once you arrive you will head north to a spice farm where you can discover new herbs, spices, soaps and other natural produce from this famous exporting island. You can even sample some! The tour rounds off with a refreshing coconut drink.

Arrive at your beach resort in time to enjoy the sea and sand before the sun goes down and the tide comes in.

Evening meal (included) together before an evening of relaxation.

26/02/2017 Sunday
Taste of Zanzibar Weekend 

This is your morning to relax. Wake up and enjoy breakfast (included) whenever you like and enjoy the resort’s facilities - namely the turquoise waters before heading over to Stone Town.

After lunch (included) you will begin your walking tour which begins in the heart of Stone Town, the centre of Zanzibar’s historic capital, also named Zanzibar City.

Slalom through the narrow streets, passing through an array of famous attractions.

Check into your accommodation at 5 Star Lodge where you will have your evening meal (included).

27/02/2017 Monday
Departure Day

Unfortunately, it is time to head home! Your group will wake up bright and early, have breakfast and bid a fond farewell to the African Adventures staff.

You will be on an early morning ferry crossing back across to Dar es Salaam and taken to the airport to head home!

(In Zanzibar, we don’t say ‘goodbye’, we say ‘see you soon’!)