The meeting with all the teachers began with a prayer and then we all went around speaking about what each teacher felt they had gained from the 2 weeks. This is always great because you never know what will be gained. The Malawian teachers mentioned things like essay writing, vocabulary games, classroom culture and even discipline. When I say discipline I mean that they were surprised at how well our teachers handled students when they were not acting properly. Some of the teachers here use a cane to swat children and now have seen examples of alternatives from our teachers. The Malawian teachers also loved many of the songs that our teachers used to teach certain lessons or ways they encourage the students. All of this is great! Our teachers spoke about how well the Malawian teachers handle a class of so many students. They also compliments certain teachers on small group work and classroom culture. In the end it seems as if teachers from both sides gained so much from this experience. Both groups seems grateful for the time and for the partnership. We served some cookies (biscuits) and Fanta and took some group pictures. Then the team dived up donations and gifts for the teachers. The Malawian teachers love being given “resources” that can be used in the classroom. This group brought a bunch of educational posters that also were divided among the classrooms and the library.
After the meeting we had to say our goodbyes which is always a bit sad. I wish we had more time and hopefully next year we will. It is our goal to have 2 teams of teachers next year so that our program with the school can last 4 weeks in total. It’s possible that we would even overlap groups by a few days so that the first team could share ideas with the second team as they begin their time. Just brainstorming here so we will see what we are able to put together. The headmaster has been asking if we can provide teachers for a one month period so we need to work on that.
The group had been asking to see our projects down the road at Adziwa so we agreed to walk home that way so they could see what With Change In Mind has done at the orphan community. The group loved seeing all the kids and also seeing the kitchen, the stoves, the water pump and the gardens that past teams have built and supported. Some of the teachers that came this year are considering joining one of our open trips in the future so it was fun to share with them what some of our other groups have done on trips.
We headed back down the road to our village to get ready for our final evening in Malawi. Everyone had packing to do and also wanted to take showers before dinner.
At around 5pm we all met with the staff and thanked them for taking such good care of us here in the village. It really does quickly feel like home and that has so much to do with everyone who works here. We gave some small gifts to the staff and to Sai as well as a tip. Once that group meeting was finished we asked Sai to come down to where the huts are. We told him we wanted to talk to him in front of Scott’s hut. I told him that this group had come up with a gift they wanted to give him and that yesterday I had been gone from the school because I was busy getting it. We then wheeled out the bicycle. The look on Sai’s face was priceless. He was literally speechless. He said thank you and then as his eyes dropped I could see tears fill his eyes. He then was asked what he thought of the bike and he said “I can not speak, if I speak I will cry.” We all wanted him to jump on and see how it felt so he obliged and the smile across his face was as broad as we had ever seen it. What a great thing this team did for him. I know that after Monday he will have the bike ready to ride and I can’t wait to see it! I promise to take pictures for the group.
The mood is always a bit sad this last night as I know everyone’s thoughts are leaning toward the long flight home. We all met up at the main area for a few drinks and some laughs. Dinner was served later than normal, but it was alright with us. We were enjoying just talking about the past two weeks. Many of these volunteers want to return to Malawi at some point and hopefully WCIM can help them do that.
We ate dinner and then gathered around a small camp fire that one of the night watchmen made for us. It was chilly but a really nice evening with lots of stars. Scott had agreed to bring down his guitar and play for us wheel we had our time around the fire. I spoke for a little bit about how thankful I was that the teachers had chosen WCIM and trusted my organization with their experience in Malawi. I also kept tradition and handed out necklaces to each volunteer. Just a small gift from me that they can keep to remember their time in Malawi. Over the next few hours each member of the team spoke about their time here and there were even a few tears. This group has been so put together, so focused and just a joy to be around. There have been no conflicts and no drama which is refreshing 😉 These teachers spent time planning lessons and worked well helping each other with ideas and strategies.
It felt like we stayed up late, but I think it was only about 9:30 when we all walked back to the huts for bed. This group is filled with gigglers so each night when I close myself in my hut I smile listening to them giggle and laugh as they get ready for bed. This night was no different so it was a great end to our final night together.
We all got to sleep in a bit since the bus wouldn’t arrive until 10 to pick us up and take us to the airport. We enjoyed breakfast and then slowly began bringing bags up and emptying out the huts. The group seemed ready to head for home, but it’s always a little sad when it’s time to go.
We got to the airport in plenty of time and I helped get everyone checked in. This process always takes longer than it should, but we are after all in Malawi 😉
Once they were all checked in we went up to the viewing area to wait for the plane to arrive. We gathered around a small table and had some soda and some snacks. My friend Isaac popped up to say goodbye as he was there picking up some other visitors. I was able to get an update on his foot. He even brought me the medical report and X-ray to take a look at. The plane landed and everyone took a deep sigh as we gathered things up and walked them to the “stairs” this is where we had to say our final goodbyes. We took one last group picture and then off they went. Waiving hugging and many promises to speak soon. I told them to take care of each other on the long journey home and to write about it once they land in DC. We will see if we get an update in the next few hours.
So this chapter is now closed as I have returned to an empty village;) I was so sleepy last night and turned in early. I have woken up this morning and I’m ready to do some wash, clean my hut and then prepare for my next guests arrival. A new chapter begins today!
I’m leaving around 1 to pick up Gordon from the airport. Stay tuned for part 2 of this years adventure in Malawi!