This week, our first back at school, I started the term by asking each of my students to write about one interesting or weird thing that happened to them during the May holiday. I got what you might expect a typical teenager response: travel to neighbouring villages, Angola, some who's highlight was eating at KFC or going to the pool in Oshakati or getting new clothes.
But what I didn't expect were the stories of tragedy. About 6 students reported a death in their family of either their mother or father, some of several relatives including cousins and grandparents. One of my top grade 8 students lost 5 family members in 2 weeks! It is overwhelming to comprehend what these kids are dealing with and I feel powerless as their teacher to not be able to offer more than my condolences. I even have a new student who has moved here because his last parent died in the village he was in and he has moved to live with other relatives. :(
The tragedy facing these kids brings to the forefront the loss that my family was dealt over the May holiday when we heard my little cousin Keely Jayde Faught Bruinsma, who was nearly 2, passed away in Vancouver from Meningitis. My condolences go out to Emily, Kody, Jaiden, Ray & Megan. I wish I could be home and give you all a big hug.
It seems that life these days is out to test many of my family members as much as it is testing the strength and endurance of my learners. I wish you all much love. Please take care of yourselves. Chloe
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
I feel slightly bad about delving further into this painful issue, but after reading Stephen Lewis' book on AIDS in Africa a while ago, I have to ask - were the deaths in their families a result of AIDS? And on that front, have you seen much education to prevent the spread of HIV? Or is any needed? Do the 'learners' even get sex ed? What's the 'ontheground' perspective on AIDs in Africa since you're there?
Jessie
My guess is that they were from AIDS (or from car accidents).
Prevention--not talked about much. Posters and stuff exist but I think the real facts get ignored. Planning my AIDS lesson for English class in the upcoming months!
So sad...
Post a Comment