Malawian Teacher: Why don't you like to teach after the second break? (12:15-2 pm)
Me: The students are so tired then! Plus they're hot, and hungry, and thirsty. *mime student falling asleep on a desk*
MT: You really think that affects how they learn?
Me: . . . Yes.
MT: But we have a borehole right here!
Me: But do they ever drink from it?
MT: Yes! . . . No.
Me: Plus they're hungry. They walk from far away to get here by 7:30 and don't eat until after they leave. Don't you think they get hungry? I do.
MT: But they can have lunch when they get home!
Me: I think we should start bringing lunch to school. Or snacks.
MT: Hahaha!
Just me being a crazy azungu. At least hot season is technically over and I finish classes by 12:40 at the latest! Because even if the students are supposed to make it till 2 without lunch, I can't. I am officially packing myself snacks, too, and I'm not sharing with anyone who guffaws at that idea.
I have several thoughts as I read this, which in no particular order include:
ReplyDelete* I am so impressed that your vocabulary includes the word guffaw! Although I know what it means I am not sure I would have thought to use it.
*It seems hard to believe that there isn't a scheduled time for the students to have lunch. Do they have a break, but just don't have the food to bring?
*It is hard to believe that the teachers are unaware that the students don't have the same attention span as the day wears on and the students become more in need of a nutritious break, no less the need for something to drink.
*Is this something that is unique to your school? Or is it common amongst the secondary schools?
And then just in general, I am very proud of you!!
Mom
I've been following your blog, and out of everything you have posted this shocks me the most. I completely melt down by about 12:30pm without food. I see the exact same thing in my children in a very exaggerated way when they miss or have a delayed meal. I personally lose all ability to cope with anything when I'm hungry.
ReplyDeleteIs there access to milk? That's probably a silly question. I always try to get milk into my kids when they are at that break down point since it has protein.
Meredith (a friend of your Mom :))
The students actually have 2 15 minute breaks by noon, which theoretically gives them enough time to go to the market a few minutes away and get a mango or something, but many don't. I do occasionally see students getting water at the borehole, but again, many don't.
ReplyDeleteSome schools, eapecially those with boarding programa and kitchens, provide llunch for students and teachers during a longer break. My school has neither a boarding program nor kitchen. All too many schools share this problem.
To be fair, some of the teachers I've chatted with do agree that it's not good that the students are ao tired and hungry at school, but no one has really done anything about it.
I agree that milk wkuld be great! Unfortunately fresh milk isn't available out where I live, and even powdered milk is relatively expensive. I'm thinking about encouraging students to get peanuts instead of or in addition to mangoes and donuts at break.
The students actually have 2 15 minute breaks by noon, which theoretically gives them enough time to go to the market a few minutes away and get a mango or something, but many don't. I do occasionally see students getting water at the borehole, but again, many don't.
ReplyDeleteSome schools, eapecially those with boarding programa and kitchens, provide llunch for students and teachers during a longer break. My school has neither a boarding program nor kitchen. All too many schools share this problem.
To be fair, some of the teachers I've chatted with do agree that it's not good that the students are ao tired and hungry at school, but no one has really done anything about it.
I agree that milk wkuld be great! Unfortunately fresh milk isn't available out where I live, and even powdered milk is relatively expensive. I'm thinking about encouraging students to get peanuts instead of or in addition to mangoes and donuts at break.