Teaching kids in Senegal

Carmen and I taught at our host teachers private school Thursday morning. The students were 18-21 years in age (the last year in high school here) and there were approximately 50 students in the class. We taught about American Culture, or basically what students in America like to do, our holidays, weather and what things make us American.

Students here love the idea of America. From what they know, it seems better than where they are now, it offers opportunity. But I actually admire a lot about their culture which I have learned about that I think American could benefit from. They had great questions about the weather in America, racism, schools, politics. They are very educated. The students were eagar to get your letters, LOVED the candy… actually had to hide it at one point, they loved it so much, and Carmen and I, being science teachers made fake snow for them so they could experience a winter wonderland if only for a few minutes.

Thursday evening however, we went to a cultural event in one of the neighborhoods. One of Senegal’s symbols is the lion, so the men dressed up as lions and danced to drums, the women dressed up as lionesses and danced back. It was such a fun night. At one point we were taken hostage by the lions, due to being a special guest of one of our hosts. It was really fun and engaging. Every month they do this even in the neighborhood to bring their community together. Everyone sits and watches and takes part in someway. It was AWESOME! I have never done anything like that.

This morning, Friday, we taught a science class at a rural public school. Carmen and I taught physics, and had the students build rockets and shoot them off. Here, due to class size, lack of resources and of course the teacher strikes, students mainly learn science theory, never the practice. So today, we reviewed forces and then lead them through a lab on gravity and air resistance. The students carefully made rockets together, shot them off into the courtyard, and celebrated their discoveries together. (One group was so happy that theirs went the furthest that they jumped on each other and flipped one kid over into a handstand position!) It was so great seeing kids love science in action. They all were so kind and said how meaningful the experience was. Perhaps it was, or perhaps they liked having a guest teacher, either way… these kids know how to pull at the heart strings I tell you!

We have also had to say goodbye to our host and his host family today, which was pretty hard. They were so kind to us and welcoming. I am extremely grateful for all that they offered us. I will never forget them; Mr. Cain's kind smile, the mother's excitement every time we came to visit, the delicious food, Salu's silliness, and their over all hospitality.

The kindest, most generous family I have ever known.