Computers

Last October my headteacher and I submitted an application to a Non-Governmental Organisation call SchoolMalawi to receive a donation of old computers. Schoolnet takes computers from the UK and distributes them to schools throughout the country. Upon having an inspection and filling out lots of paperwork, we received ten computers complete with mouse, keyboard and monitor. We’ve turned the reading area of our library into a computer lab and starting next term I will be adding computer studies to my teaching load. This term I’ve spent some time working on teaching typing and basic computer skills to the other teachers.

We are so lucky to have these computers! Having an opportunity to learn how to type and use a computer is HUGE for my students and will really benefit them in the long run. Unfortunately there are only 10 computers and 360 students, so we’ve decided that only the top students will be allowed to attend computer class. It’s been a good motivator for students especially for the upcoming end of term exams. Here are a few pictures of my friend and fellow teacher Mr. Kasiya in the new computer lab.

Prefect Council

In Malawi there are three terms within the school year. At the end of Term Two the entire student body elects a new Prefect Council, that is a group of student leaders for the school. We have a headgirl, vice headgirl, headboy, viceheadboy as well as prefects for various departments including the library, sanitation, entertainment, sports, health, boarding, laboratory, etc. All together eleven boys and eleven girls were elected into these positions. It was fun to watch the election and voting process. Each student campaigned and spoke to her/his friends about why she/he should be elected. Afterward, all students were given a chance to vote using a paper ballot.

If you know me at all, you know how much I love student government, so it’s really cool to be on the other side of this process. I’ve posted a few pics from voting day and some random shots my students took that afternoon inlcuding some of our recycled paper making project project for physical science.

Kitchen Opening

On April 30th we had an opening ceremony to celebrate our new school kitchen! Parents, students, teachers and local leaders were invited to watch the builder hand over the keys to our headmaster. The kitchen is now up and running, feeding three meals a day to many of our students. Thank you once again to everyone who donated to make this project possible. Here are some pictures from the opening!!