The month of June has been challenging, but has also provided closure as we were finally able to reach a conclusion on multiple activities.
We were able to complete door-to-door meetings with all the parents and received positive feedback on the pre-school classes and the fast-track curriculum for older first-time students. We also finished putting together the final tests for the literacy class in Village 68 and are ready to administer them as soon as the students complete the last lesson. Finally, we’ve completed the preparations for the literacy class graduation party and expect all the students to qualify.
Unfortunately, the adult literacy class in Village 74 has not been as successful. We have had a consistently low attendance rate, and oftentimes nobody shows up for classes at all. We believe this is a result of a new farm that has opened near Village 74 that has begun employing nearly all the adults in Block F. We think we may move the older children’s classes to the afternoon so that they are no longer with the youngest children and their teacher, Mundaji, can push them more and provide more one-on-one attention.
We’ve also had some problems with the health authorities regarding the painting of the side wall in the Village 68 school, but have worked through the issues and will complete the paint job within the next few weeks. We’ve been allowed to use blackboard paint for the project, and upon completion will have a very large space for the students to use for interactive math and pattern instruction.
Despite a few difficulties, overall Mwangaza has had a positive month and our teaching staff has continued to show creativity and commitment in serving the children of Block F. The students are responding positively and have begun to move much faster through the curriculum. We have high hopes for their progress over the next term.
