Day 4 / Education in Tanzania

I have yet to visit a public school in Dar es Salaam, but having read a few articles, going to a private school, and meeting a teacher, as well as speaking with a few other Tanzanians about the issues with education here, I think it is safe to say that educational system in Tanzania is quite inadequate. Let's start with the basics - like language. Something we learn from birth, and it is proven that it is most beneficial to learn language with the fluency of a mother tongue before the age of five. The official language here, Swahili, is what children grow up learning and are taught that in primary school. But when they get to high school, they are graded and tested in English - a language that some of them have never learned before. Usually, students of elite parents will get the highest scores, move onto the best universities, and ultimately have a better chance at a successful future. The students who may be the smartest but do not have the same opportunities to learn English fluently do not have the equal chance as the students who do know English. I just can't see how this language system in schools is logical.So far, the only teachers I have met in Tanzania have been from a private school or missionaries. I am very much looking forward to meeting with a public school teacher and discussing the current issues they have with the education system. I did, however, find out that according to a document published by ActionAid-Int'l and the Tanzanian Teachers Union in 2007, the average teacher only gets paid 100,000 Tsh (Tanzanian shillings) which is the equivalent of $70 US. How is that livable? Five years later, however, I have been told that the price may have gone up to 300,000 Tsh/year, but I am curious to see what the facts are after meeting some teachers. Even teachers in Canada don't get paid as much as they should, but the numbers I have heard for salaries of Tanzanian teachers is outrageously insufficient.More to come on this topic soon :) I might even do a research project on it!
Aaaand on a side note, for those of you (aka my parents...) who would like to know how I'm doing, here's a picture that should explain it all! I've got some color, a big smile, totally safe, but missing you in my heart ;
)

And here is my new room! Right now I am sharing with Jesse and Moriah but I think Moriah might be moving into another room tomorrow when her roomie gets here!

Day 3 / What's wrong with this picture?

10 points to whoever guesses what is wrong with this picture.

Can't figure it out? Well that's because at first glance, it's paradise! We went to this resort today where we paid 20,000 Tsh (the equivalent of $13 US) just to swim in the pool and bask in the sun for a couple of hours. Don't get me wrong, it was wonderful! But as I looked out into the harbor, the exotic islands, and the beautiful blue Indian Ocean, I realized just how wrong this picture was.

You see, just on the other side of this hotel there were people who would have to save up for weeks in order to get enough spending money to visit this place. Just a few blocks away, as we were driving home we were approached by a man pushing another disabled man in a wheelchair and begging for money. To be honest, the sight of the disabled man took me off guard. I had almost forgotten that disabled people even existed in Africa because you rarely see them (I will have to do another post on this later! Lots to say about that...ha). The list goes on and on about poverty in Tanzania and sub-Saharan Africa, from lack of adequate education, hunger, water sanitation, health & disease prevention, etc. etc. etc.!

It is easy to forget sometimes that I am living in a poverty-stricken country while I sit in my air conditioned room on my laptop with a full belly and healthy body. Also, many places  here in Dar seem so urban and westernized because it is such an international city. But not long after I come back to the reality that there is poverty, still alive and well, just right across the street. During my stay here, I know  I can't eradicate it. I can't fix it. I can't even make dent in the depressing face of poverty in Africa. But I can make a difference, and I really hope I do.

Today's the day

I had no idea how much it would hurt to say goodbye. I knew it would be sad, but I kept it together pretty darn well the last couple of weeks. Right up until we pulled into the airport parking lot I was calm, cool, collected, and stoked! But then the butterflies came. And the nausea. And the tears. Never ever in my life have I been so emotional in public, but I was a blubbering mess when I said goodbye to my daddy at security, and heard my boyfriend's voice on the phone one last time. I know it will get better, and like I always say - 83 days will go by in the blink of an eye! But for right now, it might as well be a million years.

Normally I love airports, like LOVE airports, but that's cos I always have my best friends - my family - to keep me occupied while I'm waiting to board. Today, I feel more alone than I have in my entire life. So alone. Gaaaah it sounds so depressing, I know. And to be honest I'm not that depressed. I'm happy and excited to see what God has in store for me - so keep praying! It's just going to take some getting used to...

With love,