Mosiacs to Markets and everything in between

Thursday (25 November) started off in the library – we spent some time covering books which the school will pass onto another NGO in the new year.  St Judes is changing to the international curriculum and will be needing new text books for this.  However, as the first class came in we were introduced and impromptu New Zealand lessons ensued.  The kids were so enthusiastic to learn about New Zealand, asking questions and eagerly looking through the few books with information on New Zealand.  It was very rewarding to help answer their questions.  Our selection process came in handy with the children asking whether any Tanzanian’s live in NZ, whether we like to sing and dance and much more.  They were truly amazed at the number of sheep we have. Three similar classes followed.

For lunch we had our first taste of ugali (maize meal cooked to look like mashed potato) with beans and a capsicum / garlic mix of vegies.  Although somewhat flavorless and sticky the ugali was far better than Shelly had made it out to be.

Music class was hilarious - we learnt a new song and dance with the children under the watchful eye of Mr Kaweka – a cool rasta rocker.  One verse and one move were repeated the entire lesson in various combinations to a drum beat so the bell at the end was welcomed by all except for Brian who had the time of his life?  Just take a look at the photos!

The afternoon was concluded with the final assembly of the year for the primary school children.  It was a very touching assembly with many of the children saddened with the farewell of teaching and library staff at the school.  Many awards were also given to the children who have excelled, or modeled good behaviour throughout the year.  A teaching couple from Australia, who are leaving after three years, were presented with a goat as a token of gratitude and respect.

Friday we got stuck into smashing tiles and creative thinking for a mosaic which is to be laid on a concrete path that Brian had supervised laying the previous day.  It is a large koru that merges into the Tanzanian flag and will look stunning in an area that was formerly a mud bath during the rains.

During the afternoon we assisted with the testing of the young children who came to apply for a position in the school from 2011.  There were at least 700 youngsters, all dressed in their Sunday best. Initially they had to complete a simple Swahili reading test which many did not pass. Those that did completed a written test and were questioned about their home life.  At each stage the children who did not pass were sent out of the gate with the disappointing news to their waiting parents.  There were about 40 left at the end of the day who were successful so far.  The parents waiting at the gate were singing and dancing with joy that their children were still in the game, it was truly emotional to watch.

The successful children are not yet guaranteed a place. First they go through to the next stage of testing which will include some rigorous home visits and assessments of their living situations. Those whose parents earn too much, or who have any electrical appliances or floor coverings in their homes will be rejected. It is an unforgiving task to select the children, the only consolation being that the children can come try again, but having been rejected once the chances of success next time are slim.  There are only 25 posiitons left to fill for next year.  Those that pass all the tests are put into a probationary class for 3 weeks, and only at the end of this is their place confirmed by their being given a uniform.   A position in the School of St Jude is a once in a lifetime opportunity for these children and once in the school they certainly make the most of it.

Saturday 27 November:  There was further testing of next year’s entrant hopefuls that were selected yesterday however we have had a day away from the School to explore Urusha and the markets.  Urusha is a bustling city (population we think about 1.2 million) that is made up of a number of villages the blend into one another.  There is a relatively compact shopping area with many shops and several markets.  The main streets are tar sealed with the foot paths and side streets all dirt and rough.  This makes the town quite dusty and dirty.  There are many people trying to sell anything from paintings to watches on the footpaths who continually accost you and become very pestiferous!  We explored some shops and the Masaai market where bargaining for a price is essential.  A taxi ride to and from town (Arusha) costs 8,000 TS (Tanzanian shillings - approx NZ$8).  Petrol is 1,800 TS a litre (NZ$1.80) and many food items in the supermarket are similarly priced to New Zealand although the majority of Tanzanian locals do not shop there – only expats and wealthy Tanzanians.