Born in the 90's and growing up in the UK, I took it for granted being regularly exposed to the technology that surrounds us here. Something that made me take a step back and realise how the world really varies from country to country was when I had the opportunity to teach ICT lessons with the children at the schools we were visiting. With a small amount of previous teaching experience and regularly having to help my technophobe relatives with technology, I thought how hard could it be and volunteered to help run ICT classes. I didn't think that many children would want to attend when there was a bunch of Muzungu (White man) volunteers playing fun games outside but we soon had children piling through the door and the staff had to select the older children who they felt would benefit more from the lessons. Between 3 and 5 children squeezed around on laptop (which we had brought along with us) or very old styled computed; each student very keen to at least be able to have one hand touching it. To my amazement this was the first time the majority of the children had seen a computer/laptop. At Mbame primary school I noticed on the blackboard that they had some work on the theory so felt this would be a good place to start.
DASH to Malawi
Once upon a time we went to Malawi
Friday 2 October 2015
Teaching ICT lessons in Malawi
Born in the 90's and growing up in the UK, I took it for granted being regularly exposed to the technology that surrounds us here. Something that made me take a step back and realise how the world really varies from country to country was when I had the opportunity to teach ICT lessons with the children at the schools we were visiting. With a small amount of previous teaching experience and regularly having to help my technophobe relatives with technology, I thought how hard could it be and volunteered to help run ICT classes. I didn't think that many children would want to attend when there was a bunch of Muzungu (White man) volunteers playing fun games outside but we soon had children piling through the door and the staff had to select the older children who they felt would benefit more from the lessons. Between 3 and 5 children squeezed around on laptop (which we had brought along with us) or very old styled computed; each student very keen to at least be able to have one hand touching it. To my amazement this was the first time the majority of the children had seen a computer/laptop. At Mbame primary school I noticed on the blackboard that they had some work on the theory so felt this would be a good place to start.
Lunchtime in Malawi
With this being said the perception that is given in the UK media of African child overly skinny with large bellies and flies around there mouths was not the only reality I saw when in Malawi.
I regularly fast therefore I have an idea how difficult skipping meals are, especially when you are expected to concentrate at school without food. The difference with fasting is I will have the option to break my fast however these children don't have that same luxury. However it gave me the opportunity to some what empathize with their situation.
Experience of making the Phala:
Making the phala was a straight forward process, however it was long and required some level of upper arm strength to constantly be mixing the porridge and getting the lumps out. I was reluctant at first to do it because I didn't want to ruin it. However I did it anyway with the help of some of the older children from the school. I did find it quite challenging however I would never really get this experience again so didn't want to waste it. As it cooks on the firewood a lot of smoke is released and this smoke if it gets in your eyes can make it quite difficult to see. I often found I had to step back every now and then for some fresh air. After being left on the fire to keep warm it is then ready to serve.Story time:
They know under normal circumstances until everyone has had then they shouldn't be coming up for seconds. However many tried and some were successful others were not so.
In a world of plenty it hard to understand why some people have so little.
Monday 28 September 2015
Malawi reflection
Everyone loved having photos taken! (Mbame primary school, Blantyre) |
Sarah and Jacqueline, students at the local nursery (Lake Malawi) |
Beautiful Lake Malawi |
Monday 7 September 2015
Mpemba health clinic
On Wednesday, the DASH team visited Mpemba health clinic, and to say the least, people's opinions were mixed.
The clinic is poorly equipped and hugely understaffed, where patients walk hours to the clinic and then wait hours to be seen; and most cases are then referred to Queen's in Blantyre.
In my opinion, the staff at the clinic should be praised, and I don't think words have yet been invented to just sum up how much amazing work they do. Despite conditions and lack of necessary equipment, the amazing staff remain unphased and work endlessly until their job is done.
We should all focus more on the positives than the negatives.
Sunday 6 September 2015
Gule Wamkulu - 'Big Dance'
Thursday 3 September 2015
CURE; teddy donation
Our amazing girls Liz and Erin holding their toy donations which were all lovingly provided by friends and family back home for them to bring and give to children here in Malawi.
They both decided that they would like to donate some of their teddies to Cure in Blantyre to the children our wonderful physiotherapists are currently working with; all of the children they are working with are all inpatients with mild to severe mobility issues.