School update

I've been working in Vuzamanzi Primary School now for several days. I have managed to teach in all sections of grades 4-7 (they have 4 or 5 sections in each grade level). The Principal felt that I could serve them best by rotating each day throughout their English classes. I'm not working with one class, but rather all of the English classes in 4th-7th grades. The school does not begin to teach English until 4th grade so the children have a very difficult time communicating with me. Grades 1-3 are taught in their mother language, Xhosa.

My main goals are helping them with their fluency and also vocabulary. They don't recognize a lot of words, so I clarify the words for them and then explain their meaning. Unfortunately, the kids don't have much paper to write on or pencils to use, so the information i'm teaching is not written down. The children are quite curious though and try their best to talk to me in English. I am learning a bit of Xhosa as well, which they get a kick out of!

The school day begins at 8 a.m. and ends at 2 p.m. for the children. They have 4 classes before their first break, then 3 classes before their second break (lunch), and they finish with 2 classes. Each class is 30 minutes long and the pace is very slow compared to what i'm used to. Today, I shared the letters that my RES kids wrote with the 7th graders. They really enjoyed reading the letters! They are now working on writing letters back to the RES kids.

I should be able to get into each grade 1-2 more times before I leave and will hopefully be able to post another blog at the end of this week.

Hello from South Africa!

I made it safely and I have so much to write and only about 3 minutes. Internet is not what we are used to at home. Today was my first full day here and everyone has been incredibly welcoming. I went to the school today and met the Principal and children. I actually taught all 4 sections of the fourth grade! I'm helping them with their language and communication in English. They don't actually start learning English until the 4th grade so I'll be working in grades 4-7 while i'm here. The school's resources are so minimal. Kids don't even have pencils of their own. They break one pencil in half and then 2 kids share. It's so different from what I'm used to! I'm trying to excite the kids about reading and learning and they are quite curious. I've shared some pictures that were drawn by Richboro 4th graders and the children LOVED them! I will have many more stories to share as well as pictures. The community here doesn't have much, but they do have big hearts and open arms. The children are so sweet and I so look forward to seeing more of them next week!!

First Teacher Safely Arrives in Cape Town!

Hi Debra

Tanya arrived safely and I will be taking her to school tommorrow.Let me thank you very much for all what you have done for our kids and our community,you have put Khayellitsha on the map and I hope that this would be the beginning of many good things.When you mentioned this I did'nt know that it can be possible.We appreciate all what you and all the people who have contributed to this.

I love you all,I will keep you updated

Love

Vicky

From: Debra Lynn Marra
Subject: Books arrive?
To: "Vicky Ntonzini" <vickysbandb@yahoo.com>
Date: Friday, July 17, 2009, 5:13 PM

Dear Vicky:

Did the cartons of books arrive yet? I have a garage full of donated books which I am trying to get shipped over by a company that buys South African wines. If I can get enough books, how can you get a space for a library? Could we build a cinder block building near you?

Regards,

Debra

Ready for travel to South Africa

I'm so excited to be leaving tomorrow for South Africa! I'm truly blessed and grateful to the foundation for allowing me to be part of such a wonderful establishment. A huge thank you to Debra for creating Miss Vicky's Children's Education Fund and for all of those who have worked so hard to make this happen. Thank you also to the generosity of those who have made donations to the foundation.

Prior to volunteering in South Africa, I wanted to contribute to Miss Vicky's Children's Education Fund in some other way. With the help of the 4th graders and teachers at Richboro Elementary School, we were able to collect many books and supplies for the foundation. Saint Bernard Elementary School in Philadelphia also helped out tremendously with their very generous donation of textbooks. Additionally, the staff members at Maureen M. Welch Elementary School helped raise money to ship the books over to South Africa. Thank you to all of these individuals who have shown great support in the efforts of the foundation.

As I'm packing for my trip, I'm feeling very eager and a little nervous. I want to work with the children to the best of my ability and hope to make a difference. I look forward to meeting Miss Vicky and the children and anticipate a wonderful experience!

Traveler's Impression

Vicky's Bed and Breakfast
Submitted by Morgan Keys on Sat, 2007-01-20 09:15.
I am currently staying at the "Tube n' Axe" backpakers resort somewhere on the south eastern coast of South Africa. Last wednesday we spent a night in Township known as a Khayitlisha. A township, for those unfamiliar is semi-temporary housing built by poor blacks moving in toward the cities to find work. The townships are basically shanty-town, where each house is crudely (but creatively) fashioned out of corrugated metal sheets, and any other building materials available. A number of problems are associated with town including lack of healthcare facilities, lack of utilities, and crime/gangsterism. The development of townships is directly related to racist Apartheid policies which kept black people poor and disadvantaged. And even though Apartheid is over, finding housing for the millions of residents of the townships is a long and difficult process. We stayed at a bed and breakfast there--yes, it too was a shack--which goes to show that the people who live there, contrary to stereotypes, are industrious, creative, and kind. It was beautiful community and we had quite a nice time.

Meet Tanya F.: Our First Teacher Volunteer!

As previously announced, Tanya F., a teacher from Council Rock School District and resident of Perkasie, PA, has graciously offered to be our first volunteer to travel to Khayelitsha. Below are pictures of Tanya with her first graders. She leaves in three weeks! Tanya, we wish you safe travel and much success!