Kari Teaching in Cool Places : This Thing Called Love

We have been in Namibia a little over a month now and it is amazing to me how quickly I have fallen for this country, the people, and my students. I wake up many times disappointed not because it is 5:30 am…. but because I know we are one day closer to going home. Everyday my learners bring such joy in my life and reconfirm my decision of future vocation and coming to Namibia for student teaching.

Being in “love” makes it that more shocking and wrenching when you see or hear instances of violence, punishment, and unimaginable home life realities. Technically Corporal punishment became illegal in Namibia when the independence was instated. Unfortunately some still view this as suitable discipline. Secretly I have been fighting this reality by grabbing rubber pieces around the school that are used as whips, putting them in my bag, and then disposing of them when I return home. Hopefully, through my theft, and along with the other student teachers and myself modeling positive relationships with our students, we can change a few opinions.

These images are all taken at my school Moses Garoeb Primary School. I mainly teach the 7^th grade’s English and Art courses. Because of my schedule I am consistently with the same students, so I have been able to form close and meaningful relationships. I don’t even want to imagine leaving them in a few weeks….Ah

Next week big events: Monday: Valentines day, Tuesday: Track Competition with all of the other schools in Windhoek stadium. ( I am ready to cheer my learners on! So excited!)

These three....Shared my granola bar with them one day, now they hit me up everyday the minute I arrive at school. Too cute to say no.

Running once they hear the bell

Meet my homeroom.... crazies.

My Classroom ( also the library)

Waiting to enter my class!

P.E....a.k.a. futbol, futbol, and more futbol

My girls celebrating a goal!

ART

Some of my 7th grade boys making jokes.

ORPHANAGE

This year the orphanage in Katatura is a new addition to the Namibia student teaching experience. Every day after school two girls go to the orphanage to tutor and spend time with the kids. We all have had such great experiences becoming part of their family. The house mother said that all of the kids have made improvements in school since we started our regular visits. (probably a good thing since we are all future teachers :P ) But it has been a great experience and we love them all so much!!