Hmmm…so I have somewhat fooloshly agreed to jump out of a aeroplane tomorrow. I’m fairly convinced that I’m mad and that my travel insurance doesn’t cover such foolhardiness but I will be strapped to someone who is probably quite keen not to hurt himself so probably won’t let anything too bad happen to me.
Anyway back to today and the fact that my students really are trying to run before they can walk with this debate we’re having on Monday. Still I’m trying to prepare them as much as possible.
In the afternoon I taught the Maasai but this time I was teaching the beginners who are basically two fully grown men with swords, sticks and bows and arrows but they are totally illiterate and rather than trying to learn to read and write in any language they vaguely understand, they are learning to read and write in English. I suspect this is because this is the only chance they get because the Maasai are so badly treated over here that:
a- there’s probably no adult literacy lessons and,
b- if there were any they probably wouldn’t be able to get on them.
Basically I was teaching about five weather concepts: rain – it s rainy; sun – it is sunny etc and it took over 45 minutes and was totally exhausting. They were really trying though so you don’t get frustrated. I’m sure people have told me in the past that I lack patience but if I can see someone is really trying then I am patient and don’t mind doing it again and again. The whole concept of illiteracy is so difficult to get your head round though. I’m trying to think of things I can do when I got back to continue this “giving” vibe which is becoming increasingly important – perhaps adult literacy might be something although probably at home you have to have 10 miliion qualifications and not just be willing.
Before I came out here I knew I was doing this for myself rather than any “worthy” reason but I am getting a buzz knowing that I am doing something useful (which again is all about me) but today something very lovely happened because Mr Lyimo was asking me about my project and – as he does when he shakes your hand – was holding my hand for ages and thanking me for coming to his country and helping his people. Realistically I don’t think I’m the sort of person who could give everything up and do this full time but for every bit you put in you get so much back.
Kili reappeared today after over a week behind the clouds and it was so good to see it again. In some ways it’s like a good, steady friend and it’s good to see it again and in some way it’s just the most amazing sight and you get all over-excited all over again.
