Emafini

There are no words to describe how I felt when I saw the students at Emafini Primary school! They were all so excited to see us. I felt extremely overwhelmed, but in a good way. They were so welcoming, and so kind. I’m glad that it is exactly how I pictured it in my head. I thought I was going to be culture shocked, but it was the complete opposite. I felt like this is the place that I need to be. As I was walking towards my classroom I started to tear up because of all the different emotions I felt at the moment. As I walked in my classroom the students started singing immediately. They were welcoming me into their classroom. The classroom wasn’t as nice as the classroom back in the United States; it was located in a little trailer in the back of the school. The pictures on the wall resembled typical stuff that Kindergartners (grade R) are required to learn. It was fascinating to learn that the students did not really speak English. They only knew a few songs because their teacher had taught them. Immediately I knew that the language would be more of a barrier than I expected. Their schedule is a bit different. They don’t have specified times when they are doing any particular subject. This would definitely be something frowned upon in the United States. Also, they have their lunch and then an unsupervised break.  The break is for everyone in the entire school, including teachers. It just amazes me at how much discipline the students have to stay at school even when no one is watching. I definitely don’t think that could be something to try in the U.S. After the break grade R has about 30 minutes to do an activity, pray, and then go home. Prayer is also a very big thing throughout the entire school which is one of the things I admire the most.