They say "Try anything once, except incest or Morris dancing," and on Friday, that's exactly what I did when I was a guest teacher at a local women's refuse.
The Ebyown Women's Centre, run by Moriel Missions and here in Moshono, provides education and life skills to young ladies who are either orphans or from vulnerable backgrounds (ie. drink-swilling widower fathers).
During a visit last week to gather some information for a fundraising report I'm writing for them, the headteacher (a lovely lady called Irene) invited me to share my journalistic skills by teaching a lesson on effective communication skills.
"Yes, of course, I'd be delighted to," I said. But then what?
After staring at a blank sheet of paper for an hour or so when planning my lesson, inspiration struck; base the whole thing around the five questions any good story or message must answer - Who, What, Where, Why and When.
The five young ladies I lectured to seemed to enjoy it. All are planning to become self-employed tailors when they are self-sufficient, so hopefully my lesson got the wheels turning on how they can drum up business for themselves when their name is above the door.
I'm back at Ebyown doing another Communications lesson on Wednesday (about what exactly I have no idea), then I'm lecturing at Arusha Journalism Training College about Media In The UK on Friday.
Teaching is always the last job I ever saw myself doing, but you know what? I've enjoyed what I've done so far. Don't expect it to carry on when I get back, but it's been fun so far.
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After eight weeks or so in Tanzania, I'm now feeling quite at home, not least because we're now into rainy season. Outside the window of the Moshono internet cafe where I am writing this, it is hammering down like there's no tomorrow. It's like being back at Ochilview.
I'm pleased about that though. Not because I'm fed up of having 25 degree-plus weather everyday, but because east Africa needs rain, and lots of it. I've visited lots of bone-dry communities with fields full of dead crops and skeletal-skinny animals over the last couple of months, and I know the farmers here will be loving it. Let it rain.
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Does anyone at home drink Martini Bianco? I only ask because I had a glass of it last night, to celebrate the father of my lovely homestay coming home after being away working for many weeks.
I liked it! Not something I would buy again in a hurry but it nicely hit the spot and at 15,000 Tanzanian shillings (about 7 quid) for a litre bottle, doesn't exactly break the bank.
Ross
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Hi mate, Finally had the chance to catch up on all your blogs - which i'm loving by the way.
ReplyDeletesorry i've been rubbish at keeping in touch - as you might have heard, things have been 'interesting' since you left, in the same way that the Chinese sometimes live in 'interesting times'.
Delighted to hear the rain has started to fall - long may that continue. The drought has been getting coverage over here, not just in Tanz, but north in Kenya too.
Sounds like you're having an amazing experience mate - then again, you were always going to love everything about it. After 10 years in journalism and the past four in corporate comms, your soul must have been in serious need of some nourishment!
You keep safe, keep smiling and keep writing.
Stew
Have to agree - loving the blog! As we've been getting some brilliant storms down here in SA, I've been thinking of you, wondering if and when you'll experience the same. Had any storms? Aren't they frighteningly wonderful?
ReplyDeleteAs far as teaching goes - I'm nearly done with my first year of postgrad teaching certificate exams. Never really wanted to teach either and just doing the certificate as a good back-up plan (think I may have told you this?). Yet, it's quite interesting and there is definitely something rewarding and fulfilling about teaching.
Glad you're enjoying yourself!