Our day began today at 6.00am. After a delicious breakfast we headed to Ntugi Secondary School only to be delayed by an elephant crossing the path. Once we
reached Ntugi, we had the privilege of witnessing their assembly
first hand which we were really impressed with. We next split up and
each one of us joined the Ntugi students in their classes. We decided not to take any cameras with us today, and therefore we have no pictures of the day. We will fill you with words.
Once class started, the Ntugi students displayed their knowledge
and ability with a curriculum that was similar to our own, but with
variation in course content and very different conventions. The organization of the classes involved 4 grades, called Form 1
through 4. The equivalent was our grades 9 through 12. There were many
students over 20 years of age, because of their own personal financial issues and trying to work and save enough money to attend school. All of the
students were very attentive and paid complete attention in class.
Winker checked out the agriculture class. Probably the most important
class to them, but completely unheard of to us. Nayyir attended a Swahili class and began his immersion into he local culture. After class, he was surrounded by 40 students asking him questions and fully engaged by his conversation.
Only Form 3 and 4 students were given (scientific) calculators.
Form 1 and 2 students used some sort of chart that was a predecessor to
the slide rule. This gave Andrew an opportunity to introduce the
slide rule in future classes. After a bit of basketball among the
Canadian students at recess, we were challenged to a game of basketball.
Good thing that we have David.
We soon headed back to camp for lunch, before returning to
help with Simon’s computer class. Many of us including Mr. Denstedt
and Mr. Woodroffe, were given an opportunity to teach a variety of
classes. Mr. Parkinson had left for Nanyuki to try and sort out the cell phone and internet issues we were having.
Thomas stayed behind in the afternoon to write the math olympiad on the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. Good luck, Thomas! ----Justin and Andrew
