Up and Adam at 6:30 am today, the group headed down for breakfast at the Peacock. Thankfully, Amber was feeling much better and was able to join us. A rather large group of Scottish students arrived yesterday evening, so the dining area was quite crowded. We managed to get down some “fish bites” and fried sweet potatoes before heading out to find Cypriam who has been driving us to and from the Autism Unit at Msimbosi. Amber and Melanie were extremely excited to see the school and meet the children. The children for a second time greeted us as we drove down the sanded road. Smiles covered their face from ear to ear as our “Munzugu’s” group past.
The children in the Unit were already playing in the yard and the teachers were waiting around patiently for us to arrive. Many of the students ran to greet us, showering us with hugs and Jambo’s. Nicole was quickly addressed by the smallest in the yard, Mushobozi. He grabbed her around the waist and then turned around to stand on her feet. It was evident that he wanted to stand on her feet while she walked. He appeared very affectionate and did not hesitate to visit with strangers. After walking around for a bit he moved on to grab the others and greet them with the same affectionate hugs.
After visiting in the yard, we headed into the playroom for “Jambo Time” singing the familiar “If You’re Happy and You Know It” song. Several of the students were off lying around and had no interest in holding hands in our circle. From there we decided to separate. Each one of us in the group followed a teacher and at least one student to a small classroom to observe and record some of their behaviors based on the C.A.R.S rating scale. The 5 of us departed to our “office” to discuss our experiences. It was clear that we all had different experiences yet it was safe to say that all of the children fall under the severe category of the Autism Spectrum. Before the children headed home we popped open some Tootsie Rolls and Smarties for them to enjoy. Turns out the teachers were just as excited as the children were to try the Peremende (candy).
Once the children were gone, we set up the tea, teacakes, jam, and water. Luckily, Christopher a former friend of Marilyn’s that she had met in her previous trips to Dar showed up to help us translate to the teachers. We began in the “Tea Room” with introductions that included the exchange of names, number of children you had, and for Amber and Nicole, if we were “single” or not J. From there, we moved to the classroom and formed a big circle to begin our discussion on the C.A.R.S (Childhood Autism Rating Scale). Our hopes were to give them an idea of what to look for in children to determine whether her not they displayed characteristics of Autism. It was an intriguing conversation, with Christopher acting as our liaison, we were able to communicate clearly with the Mwalimu (teachers). Deciding to pass on our sample video, we split into groups to discuss individual students. It was so neat to hear what the teachers had to say and discuss some of their concerns for the students. Though the school is lacking materials it was evident that it was not lacking dedicated and compassionate Walimu.
Mama Ella (the head teacher) managed to arrange for the student’s parents to come into tomorrow. Our group is anxious to meet with them and expand the awareness of Autism. Ella had also already mentioned us coming back for a longer stay next summer and has planned of us to meet with the Ministry (Government department in charge of education).
We are headed to the Slipway for pizza and beer again!
Kwa-heri (Bye)!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment