Cyabakamyi learns to read!
on Melissa Hipkins (Rwanda), 15/Dec/2010 06:52, 34 days ago
Around Christmas time more than any other period in the year gives one the opportunity to reflect on the past year and look to the future; in essence, to consider people that are not as fortunate as one’s self. During our placement here in Rwanda we have been privileged to meet many amazing people, with the inevitable downside of encountering the occasional frustration. Pascal, Head Teacher at GS Gahengeli, a remote rural Primary/Lower Secondary school, has had this vision...well more like a burning ambition to reduce the illiteracy rates (just under 50%) of the adult population in his school’s local community. The rationale behind his drive is very simple, if the parents learn to trust, understand and value the school as a learning environment, then they, in turn, will encourage their children to attend and stay at school (the level of drop out is deemed significant in this region, running at over 10%). It should be a win-win situation improving over time.Pascal’s frustration was a total lack of resources, ranging from chalk, paper and reading books through to dictionaries, teacher trainers and audio equipment. There is a dearth of suitable reading books available here, although this is slowly being addressed. His embryonic project was in danger of floundering even before it had really got off the ground. But help was at hand with friends in UK and Amazon to the rescue! There is a parcel of basic reading material, CDs and CD/radio player flying over the Sahara as you read this! Yesterday Pascal managed to find an experienced adult trainer in the District who is willing to train not only key teachers from GS Gahengeli but also certain local Sector representatives, whose support is vital if this project is to be sustainable. This initial teacher training will take place early in the New Year, ahead of the new academic year. Already momentum isbuilding with Pascal in the driving seat.There is much more still to be put in place; basic health information, family planning and HIV/Aids awareness; formation of an advanced literacy group, who can mentor and encourage others to join. But with each small step, the local community will gain in confidence and self belief, with the local school as the central hub.