So I have finally started to settle in here in Iganga. The town has a few main roads and is very busy with people selling things on the side of the road and bikes EVERYWHERE. I've almost been hit a few times but I'm learning. My house is wonderful, and they have furnished it with a bed, desk, and table and chairs in my bedroom, a sofa and chairs and table in my sitting room, and a bigger table and fridge. I have a toilet, sink and shower that can get hot water if I turn on the heater a few hours in advance. They have also provided a wonderful bike for me to get to and from the school which is about 15-20 min. away from my house. Overall, I feel quite spoiled compared to the other volunteers I have met who bathe in a basin once a week or less and pee in a hole...basically, I got hooked up!
The school has seven classrooms with around 100 students each! Quite a few more than I'm used to, but it's definitely a learning experience. I will be teaching P3 and P5, ages 9-11, and I will be teaching them English grammar and reading comprehension and composition. They speak a decent amount of English, but have a little trouble understanding my American accent, but I'm sure they will get used to it the more I am around.
When I am not working at the school I will be helping out at the orphanage, doing projects and playing with the kids. I also will be helping another American volunteer with a painting project she will be starting soon. I'm not entirely sure of the details but I think we will be painting various things around the town, so that should be fun. I will also be getting involved with some women's groups they have in the area so that will certainly be interesting.
So as you can see they are keeping me very busy! But things are getting much easier as I settle in more and I look forward to all of the things I will be doing here. I'm even learning some Luganda, which is the language they speak here, NOT Swahili as I originally assumed. Lots of good challenges!
I hope everyone is doing well and as soon as I figure out how I will send along pictures.
Nwelaba! (Goodbye!)
Hilary
No comments:
Post a Comment