Time has ended...

As I write this I am back in Northern Ireland where it’s suppose be summer time but as usual its raining and doesn’t look like the beautiful weather which I had in Port Elizabeth. I can’t believe that this is my last blog and I’m back safe and sound in Northern Ireland. It’s good being home, I’ve enjoyed spending time with my family and friends and of course my boyfriend but I can’t help but miss my wonderful ‘South African’ family. These people were the people which I seen everyday, which I went to when I had a problem and were there for me whenever I needed them. I miss them all so much. Once I get a job I shall start and save, I have many places to visit.

The past four weeks I have spent enjoying being in South Africa, I was enjoying long lay-ins, spending time with wonderful people and capturing every moment in South Africa. I would like to thank both international offices- NMMU and Stranmillis for organising this and providing me with a fantastic experience.

One of my highlights was meeting one of boys which are coming to Northern Ireland in September for a semester. His name is Lincoln and what an amazing and kind person. We met on the Friday for lunch and an opportunity for him to ask lots of questions about coming to Northern Ireland. We had lots to talk about and then he offered for me to come and stay at his house and attend a feast day at his church. He did warn me that I would attend mass twice once on Saturday and once on Sunday. I was excited for this I have only attended mass twice before so I was both nervous and excited. I think it’s good to be put out for your comfort zone. His aunt kindly picked me up and drove me to his area. He had explained that he lived in an area which wasn’t what I would be used too. He wasn’t ashamed to tell me about things about his house and area which he lived in and I respected him for doing this. We went to his house and it was small but had everything that someone needs. His mum was wonderful, she made me welcome and part of the family. This is one thing I missed, being in a home, not just a house. We went to mass and everyone was very welcoming and made me feel part of the community although I stood out with the colour of my skin. On both the Saturday and Sunday, the priest called me to the front when mass was taking place and introduced me to everyone. They clapped and welcomed me into their church. The ‘feast day’ was a success, it was such a fun day. I met a South Africa football player and was even in his car cruising around the township with him. At the feast day I tasted ostrich neck and it was delicious. Meeting Lincoln provided me with the opportunity to ask questions about living in a township and schools in this area. The township which I stayed in was a coloured township unlike the township which I taught in was a black township. These are similar apart from the language which they speak. Coloured people speak Afrikaans and black people speak Xhonsa. I learnt some basic Afrikaans words; it’s very similar to Dutch. I really loved this experience and I gained allot from this, learning about how people live and although they may not have much with regard to materials, they have the same quality of live that we have.

Football fever has certainly hit South Africa and although I won’t be in South Africa for the World Cup I will be flying the South Africa flag with pride. This is the first African country to host one of the biggest events in the world. I will be supporting a country which provided me with an excellent experience and made me intentional experience an incredible one. COME ON South Africa !!!

I have decided that I would keep this blog short but include photos which illustrate my wonderful experience in South Africa.

Until next time South Africa, I’ll miss you!
Jayne

Time is running out- 25th April-1st May

This week’s blog starts on a very sad note. I received news from that my Uncle Robin had died suddenly at home on 25th April 2010. When I chose to take a study aboard semester, I didn’t think that ‘things’ will happen at home. I certainly didn’t think that anything would happen my family or friends. Hearing this news from home was awful. I was in total shock and at first I didn’t even think about it. It was my mums older brother and the two of them were close therefore I knew that although my mum would be strong she would be sad. Aaron was still here, thankfully as when I was upset I could tell him about my sadness. I made a phone call home on Monday to see how my mum was. She seemed to be coping very well and told me about what had happened. Although this was sudden for my family, they were glad he suffered no pain. I decided that I would have to be strong so I went to school and carried on with my life here. We all have family members which we don’t speak to often and I hadn’t spoke to his wife or daughters in a long time therefore I wanted to let them know that although I am very far from them that I was thinking of them.

On Tuesday I made the hardest phone call to my family. I spoke to his wife, one of his daughters, my mum, 4 aunts, 3 uncles, a cousin, an aunt in law, my brother, his girlfriend and my dad. It was one of the hardest phone calls I have made but definitely one of the best. I felt crying and letting my family know that I was thinking about them helped in the progress of losing someone. I certainly love my family more and more each day that I am away. My mum and dad are certainly the best and I miss them dearly. They are who has shaped me into the adult which I have become. Robin was buried on Wednesday and when I knew that my family were saying goodbye to one of their loved ones that I thought of them, I may not have been there but I was there in spirit.




On a lighter note this week, Aaron was still here and having a longer holiday than first thought. On Sunday seen the annual Iron Man competition, a competition made for people who are mad it you ask me. For people who have never witnessed an Iron Man competition is consists of the following. A 2.4-mile (3.86 km) swim, a 112-mile (180.25 km) bike race and a marathon (26 miles 385 yards, 42.195 km) run, raced in that order and without a break. We walked to the pier, to the start of the race which started at 7am. The crowds watching were very supportive and I loved the atmosphere. The men and woman would swim for 2.4 miles, run out of water, change from their wet suits into shorts and t-shirt and jump on a bike, cycle for 112, jump off their bike and start to run a marathon. It was insane that people put themselves through this. We watched the first man and woman to come over the finish line. Some of the competitors nearly passed out once they reached the fininsh line. Their bodies looked very sore. It was fantastic day, the sun was shining, Aaron was here and friends from all over the world. Also we were having breakfast near the sea and we seen dolphins swimming past. This is normal sighting here in South Africa.

This was our last week of school and what a week to finish, it was only a three day week as Monday and Tuesday were public holidays. I’m not 100% sure but I heard that because Tuesday was a public holiday they take Monday as well. Maybe that’s an idea for Northern Ireland. Within South Africa there are has been lots of public holidays, it’s been great.

With Aaron still being here we decided to go an adventure. Two Northern Irish and three Germans set off to the local animal park, its called Kragga Kamma. We used a rental car which was a bright shade of green, we named it the green machine. We drove around the park looking at various animals. People often ask me why I came to South Africa is to study, they ask me did I think there was elephants and lions in peoples back garden. Of course I didn’t but with this park being so close to the city it would not surprise me if someone does find an animal in their back garden who has escaped. We also went to Sardina Bay. This is a beach not far from Port Elizabeth. It was beautiful, the waves were quite big and very forceful, the sand dunes were massive and the sun was shining. It was beautiful, a perfect way to finish off the public holiday.

As I had only two lessons left to teach in school, I wanted to finish off my wall display. As I said before, the walls in my classroom was bare, it was my mission to bring a bit of colour to this classroom. The learners had to answer questions on what they were selling, create a Gantt chart, timeline and a poster to advertise. This activity allowed them to bring all aspects together and understand how they fit together to create something. Through observation of the leaners, some groups were very creative and showed potential to be able to be successful in the business. I have noticed that about the young people here. Some are like ‘Dell Boys’, they could buy and sell before you know you have been sold. Within the combie’s, there would be a driver and maybe someone collecting your money. The ‘helper’ would try and get people to use their combie’s and would be shouting to potential customers and showing enthusiasm. They want to be successful and make money. Although saying this I’ve seen boys who are too young and I wonder why they aren’t in school. Is this a typical teacher talking, 21 years old going on 50 years old.




My last couple of classes were very rushed and was slightly disappointing as I was enjoying my time with the kids. I made them work very quickly and gave the learners homework to finish their projects as I wanted to celebrate their work and put it onto the wall. In Northern Ireland, we are told to celebrate what the learners achieve.






All learners have different learning abilities and educators should celebrate everyone’s work as they will have reached their own individual ability. I noticed that the ability of the learners varied with some completing the work extremely well, meeting their success criteria which I had provided. Some had the potential but were lazy. As we have smaller class sizes back home, I find that smaller classes definitely work better. I found that as the classes sizes are very big that it was hard for me to interactive on a more personal level with the learners. The learners had names which I couldn’t pronounce. Communication with the learners, knowing the learners on a personal level and knowing what way they work best were the difficult aspects which I needed to overcome. Maybe this was because of the class size, a different education system or a different culture which the learners are from. Most groups completed their projects, meeting their success criteria and overall completing to a high standard. I felt proud when I brought them home to look at them. Friends who came to visit me that night would want to see their work, they all commented on how creative some of the groups were. Being international, we look at things different within South Africa. We compare it to our lives in Europe and America. Especially when I would show photos from the school, broken windows, seats and tables broken and only a black board sometimes we think that although the learners don’t’ have material items that won’t create work to our standard. I probably believed this and when I looked at the work, I was surprised that the learners were creative.

Overall my school experience was enjoyable, I loved being in front of the classroom, being ‘Miss Lamont’. I have always wanted to be a teacher and being here has re-ignited the spark for teaching. In Northern Ireland, I find that teaching practise is very stress full. Teaching seems to be the last thing which happens during teaching practise. I understand that they want us to become the best teach possible but sometimes motivation can become low. Being here teaching in a school which didn’t have resources available made me realise that it is not about the resources we have but about the way we interact with the learners. Learners don’t learn effectively from a power point, they learn from the teacher.

School finished on a high, I gave the learners sweets and they thanked me for teaching them. It was a very special moment for me, a memory from my study aboard semester that I won’t forget.

Aaron finally left South Africa after being here for nearly a month. I hope he had a wonderful time and won’t forget the memories which we had together. It was certainly a brilliant birthday present. Thank you for a wonderful experience Aaron.

Now that school was over, summer time had arrived for me. I have one month before I go back to Northern Ireland so its time to enjoy relaxing in South Africa…

Until next time, Jayne
xxx

Week 12-17th until 24th April.....

Week 12, can you believe it because I certainly can’t? 12 Weeks since I have been at home, I’m loving my experience here more and more each week. It was great having Aaron here. It was a birthday present from him and he was out in South Africa for 2weeks and 5 days. This was a nice length to be here, lucky he allowed it off work but to Aaron’s luck (and mine of course), air space closed over Europe. Eyjafjallajökull volcano decided it wanted to erupt. Aaron was supposed to go home on the 18th and when he was told that his flights had been cancelled, he was given the 29th April as his new date. Lucky for Aaron he had me to look after him. It was scary to think that if he had been travelling alone around Africa and was told this news that he would be here nearly two weeks extra. South African airways would pay for only one night accommodation although Aaron was stuck here for 11 nights extra.

Being honest I was glad as I received sad news from home that my cat, Daisy had sadly passed away. People may think it was only a cat but it was my wonderful cat who was left as a kitten all alone at someone’s front door. My mum and I were its new mums. It will certainly be sadly missed.

Now that I have discussed important issues which happened this week, we had planned a something exciting, bungeeee jumpppp! Aaron decided that this was how he wanted to spend his supposed to be last day. He wanted to bungee Jump of the World’s Highest Bridge Bungee- 216 metres in height. Being the wonderful girlfriend that I am I decided to go with him, to jump or not that was the question. He had recruited two others to do it with him, Hege from Norway and Kadie from Germany. The four of us set off, everyone was definitely doing it, I was unsure. I can’t even go to the top of Victoria Square without freaking out. For people reading this at home they will be laughing, it’s not high. I was not only worried about the rope breaking but was worried that I would hit a bird on my way down. This is typical for me, negative thoughts! My parents and Aaron will be agreeing with this. We drove 200km to the bungee jump and I was still unsure. Could I really throw myself of a bridge? As you can see from the photo I was very nervous. My hands are sweating as I write this thinking about it. We watched others jumping, hearing their screams was very off putting to me. Hege, Aaron and Kadie had registered, I completed the form and when the woman asked me for mine, I had hid it on her. I was so unsure whether to jump. Aaron paid for me so I was going to the middle of the bridge, maybe I would jump. If I didn’t jump I would lose the 60 pounds which we had just paid. The walk over to the bridge was awful, you could see straight down. My group were amazing with me, checking if I was ok.

We went to the middle of the bridge to jump and of course I was the last person to jump. I was very nervous and could have easily cried with fear. Hege was the first to jump from my group, her face when she came to the top again showed so much excitement, Aaron was next with his superman t-shirt on. He was very excited, I actually had to tell him to stop talking to me because he was very hyper. I was nervous, very nervous and I think everyone knew. The music was loud so it took my mine of it slightly. Yeah right, 216 metres is a long way down. Kadie was next and she jumped without any worries. Each time someone came up, it was wonderful the look at their face. It was my turn, ohhhh noooooo! He put the rope around my legs, tighten it and told me to have a good jump. The rest I can’t remember and I when I watch my DVD, you can see that I was nervous. The guys who work there helped me over to the edge. They ask you to put your toes over the edge of the bridge. I wouldn’t let the guys go. I think before I jumped I told them I couldn’t do it, my mine was a blank.

Next thing I remember is 5 4 3 2 1BUNGEE………….

The first 4 seconds you freefall, you don’t feel the rope. Those four seconds were crazy, being on a rollercoaster times 1000! You then start to feel the rope tighten. It happened so quick but I loved it. Although I was very scared before I was glad I done it. I faced fear head on. I have to admit I don’t think I could do it again.

Jayne Lois Lamont jumped from the World’s Highest Bridge Bungee-216 metres. Can you tell I’m so proud of myself?

Sunday was spent organising Aaron’s flights and telling parents etc not to expect him home for over a week. His work was very good to him and understood the situation.

School came around once again and I was excited to the week’s events, teaching children is wonderful feeling when it goes to plan. The learners within my class were grade 11 and aged from 16 to 17. I was teaching them about putting a plan into action and starting their own business venture. The learners needed to think of a product to sell at a market which was being held in their local community. I wanted them to think of product which was unique to their culture. They needed to be creative as being creative will help you to stand out within the business world. They were divided into groups. Some were selling food products such as chicken feet and heads in a sauce. When I asked each group what they were selling this group made my stomach churn each time. They told me it was a delicious meal but I told them it won’t be a meal that I would be having any time soon. Imagine me eating chicken feet and head. No thanks! One thing which I found difficult within the class was the use of language. The learners are taught in English but their first language is Xhonsa which I don’t how to speak. When working in their groups they would communicate in Xhonsa therefore I needed to look at their work and body language and try and establish if the group was working. I had an incident when one group didn’t want a girl to join their group. They were talking in Xhonsa and wouldn’t speak to me in English. I watched the body language of the group and rearranged the group. The lack of communication was very difficult but I gained experience to be able to deal with it effectively. From the finished pieces of work I believe that although I wasn’t able to communicate with them all the time, they followed my instructions well.

During one of my lessons I was left with the learners by myself, back home I prefer to not be as you never know when something would happen. In South Africa they seem to be very relaxed with the learners. Throughout this lesson, the learners worked well for me and I believe that they had gained respect for me. I had built a relationship with the class. I allowed the class to pack up early as it was last period of the day. The learners never have to line up so they gained a new experience as I asked them to line up. I won’t let them go until the bell rang and to my surprise they started to sing Christian songs to me in English. When would this ever happen back home. This is a cultural difference which I have noticed in school, the coloured people love to sing and dance. Within the staff room, teachers would sing and dance, creating a nice atmosphere. Staff rooms back home are very different, teachers are more reserved but I think from experiencing this, it better to be more upbeat, lets be happy to be in school.

Lessons this week varied as the teacher didn’t want me to teach some lessons and won’t tell me until I was in the classroom about to teach. I found this slightly de-motivating and I found that I wanted to teach them, I wanted to stand at the front and be Miss Lamont. This proved to me that teaching is what I want to do, it’s a passion which I hold.

On Friday I got a combie home from school by myself. This may not seem as a big deal but for me to it. Before I started placement townships were a place I definitely didn’t feel comfortable in. I waved down a taxi and they took me to location then put me into a different combie which took me to the central taxi rank. I was about to get when the taxi driver told me he would take me to my stop. They then put me into another taxi and I reached my stop safe. Many white South Africans here say that combie are not safe but I was looked after very well. Not one person looked at me because I was the only white person on a combie, they treated me like I was one of them. When I was in the combo, I handed my money to the man beside me and he didn’t have any fingers. This shows that medical care here within the public sector is very different to home. It was probably easier and cheaper to remove all his fingers than try to re-attach them.

I really enjoyed this week at school and enjoyed another week with Aaron. As I have wrote in previous blogs that food here is great and having it cooked by a Northern Irish boy made the food taste even better. This weeks social activities were keep to a minimum with only walks on the beach and the cinema on Wednesday. I was in bed early every night so I would be refreshed to teach again the next day. Student teaching can be slightly boring but I enjoyed relaxing. Weeks here have been very busy and it was nice to chill. I would have a few weeks at the end to do lots of activities.

Hugs from South Africa
Jayne xxxxx

Week 11- 11th-16th April 2010

Easter came and went so quickly and school placement has finally come around. I couldn’t believe how quickly that my lectures had passed and now I would be standing in front of a class again being ‘Miss Lamont’. It had been over a year since I had stood in front of a class teaching them valuable knowledge so I was rather nervous but also excited, this was a new experience. I had my ‘teacher clothes’ and school bag brought by Aaron from home to South Africa so I was prepared and ready to educate some of the learners within South Africa. I had a mixture of feeling and emotions about school. I was worried about whether they would understand me, the lack of resources but was excited to teach in a new education system, to be able to compare it to home.

The Sunday before school started was spent relaxing at the beach and has been one of the last beach days we have had. Weather in South Africa is similar to home, winters are cold here. Although it’s similar to home, the summers here was great. I loved being able to wear my summer clothes all the time throughout the summer. Instead of needing to put on a winter coat like friends at home, I was putting on my sunglasses.

Aaron was still here so I was certainly lucky as he made my lunch for school and my dinner in the evening. He made some delicious meals so thank you Aaron for this, it helped me through school placement. Schools within South Africa start at 8am and staff meeting within our school started at 7:50am. The early mornings weren’t too bad and in the end of placement I was able to get up without any trouble. Aaron may disagree with this. On Mondays, the school would hold their weekly assembly which is held within the playground as the school gym or hall wouldn’t be big enough. We were standing at the front facing the learners when the principal called us over. She introduced us to the learners saying that we were not from South Africa and from Ireland and America. The learners would sing similar to what we do at home. The principal then told the learners that Jonny and I could sing in Gaelic and that we could sing really well. Firstly I don’t know any Gaelic apart from good morning and as for my singing, its not good believe you me. She asked the learners to show the international students how they sing in South Africa. The music teacher was asked and took a total blank and couldn’t think of a song then out of learners, a beautiful voice started to sing and the other learners followed her song. This was magical moment when nearly 1500 learners are singing for you. The learners could sing very well and it’s a moment I won’t forget.

Work started to pile up this week with preparation for lessons etc. Compared to home, school placement was very relaxed. Within Northern Ireland you have so many other things you need to think about but here it’s about the teaching although you need to teach effectively. Maybe it’s different for the other student teachers within my class but I was very relaxed and didn’t have many worries about placement. Within my class I had a blackboard and that was it, there was nothing on the walls. You can see this from the photos that compared to classrooms at home, this classroom was very boring therefore this was my plan, to brighten up the classroom and I had three weeks to do so.

I believe that my teaching style has changed since being here, I believe that before I would use resources to teach instead of teaching. Experiencing a school which doesn’t have any resources you can’t use them. I found that my teaching would involve me standing at the front of the classroom and talking to the learners, gaining feedback from questions. The learners within my class were very talkative but when it came to answering questions, they seemed to become very shy. It seems to happen all over the world.

When I return to school next year I will introduce a mixture from my experiences here and previous experience at home. I believe that being put of your comfort zone may not be seen as a good thing at the time but when you reflect on what you gained, it certainly out weighs the negative thoughts.

School this week came and went so quick, if only placement at home would go as quick. The rest of the week was spent spending time with friends, eating great food and enjoying being with Aaron in South Africa. We had a busy week ahead so this week was taken easy. I always find teaching placement feels like being a student back at high school. You get up in the morning to travel to school, you are at school for six hours, come home from school to do tasks for the next day, dinner, TV and bed by 10:30pm.

Another wonderful week here in South Africa!
Love to all at home

Jayne
x

Week 10- Easter week

I believe according to my boyfriend that I have fallen behind on my blog so I need to keep this more updated. I am now a few weeks between but I will write a blog for each week. I now have lots of free time.

This blog is from the 29th March until the 10th April. This is when we got off for Easter and had lots of fun! On Tuesday was a very special day, it was my 21st birthday. This is not only me becoming an adult (although I am already an adult) but the arrival of my Boyfriend Aaron. On Monday I had class and started to become very nervous when Aaron left Belfast, coming to South Africa is certainly a challenge and with Aaron never having travelled on his own I was on edge. I continually got an update of flights etc. Everything was going well so I got ready for a busy couple of weeks. On the Monday I received 4 birthday cards which was brilliant as I was able to open them on the morning of my birthday. Thank you goes to my parents, Gary in Holland, Hannah and Becky in Denmark and my aunt Berta in Larne. Was very good planning.

On Tuesday I got up and felt a mixture of emotions, it was my first birthday away from home but I had a mini family here. When I went to leave the bantry I had a present on my door, another as a left and a few birthday wishes. I certainly felt loved. Aaron arrived safe and well which I was certainly happy about. He seemed very excited to have arrived in South Africa. One of the first things which Aaron saw was a township. He was certainly surprised to see the conditions of some. We drove to the Bantry and he was getting the ‘low down’ on Port Elizabeth and the people which I have met. I made a quick phone call to my mum which was great to get chatting to her. Although I wasn’t at home for my birthday, I felt like I was at home. When I returned to my flat, Aaron had items from home, banner and balloons. I cried as I was so happy. I got a newspaper, sweets and a new outfit so thank you Aaron and also to mum and dad. I loved it!! Also to my surprise I received 20 birthday cards from home which was a highlight. Thank you everyone, it certainly made my 21st special.

The rest of my day was fantastic, people wished my birthday wishes, sang happy birthday in a number of languages and we had a fabulous meal that evening. I got brownies, a birthday cake and salt and vinegar crisps. So I would like to thank everyone who made my birthday special. What a way to spend your birthday- in South Africa with great people…

The next 9 nines was certainly a busy. We were off on a road trip to Cape Town with a few stops along the famous garden route- route 62. Aaron and I purchased a map and set off on the N2. We decided to have two stops on the way there and two on the way back. We chilled but also done fun activities. Cango caves was certainly different. We had to squeeze through small spaces within the caves. At some stages I needed to turn to the side to get through. We stopped at a random waterfall, went to a festival and seen beautiful landscapes. Also I nearly forgot but I slept in a tent. We were lying in a tent looking at the southern hemisphere stars. Was magical! This all happened within two stops.

We arrived in Cape Town safe and well and spent 5 days exploring this wonderful city. We had a disappointed as Robben Island was closed. We shopped, ate great food, visited the aquarium, boat trip, township tour, cape of good hope, visited small towns outside cape town and of course we went to table Mountain. We were so lucky we had the chance as it was the day we left when there was no wind. It certainly was a highlight over looking Cape Town. I’m sure you will agree from the photos. Cape Town has been a highlight of my trip here. Thank you Aaron.

On our way back we went to the most southern tip of Africa and watched the sun set. At this small village, it’s where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. This was certainly a beautiful moment. The thing I liked most about this small village in the most southern tip of Africa was there was an Irish pub. Yes an Irish pub in the most southern tip of Africa. We were treated like royalty and one of the owners was from Ireland. The bar became empty and we started to have discussions about South Africa as a country. Aaron and I were in South Africa when history was happening.

Eugène Ney Terre'Blanche was a South African political leader. An Afrikaner, he was a former member of South Africa's Herstigte Nasionale Party who founded the Afrikaner Weerstandsbeweging (or AWB) during the apartheid era. He was beaten two death by two black farm workers. One was only aged 15.
This political leader is similar to some of our political leaders who have committed crimes. Some people followed his party while others didn’t. This is very similar to home. If someone killed a political leader at home tensions who rise, people would become would angry. South Africa is now facing this just as they are about the host the World Cup. People don’t know what is happening and how people are feeling towards eachother. Looking through the various newspapers I read ‘South African President Jacob Zuma, who followed up an overnight statement with a televised address called for calm and for "responsible leadership" following the murder, describing it as a "terrible deed"; and described the murder as "cowardly". The government wants to keep tensions low and discussing it with South Africans believe that this could start the racial war again’.

Also this couple were telling about life in south Africa.
Random facts-
· Their kitchen staff get paid 6 rand per hour..50pence an hour
· Their bar staff get paid 15 rand per hour…£1.50 per hour but can make money through tips that is why tipping here is very important..
· This is normal for South Africa
· Cars are very expensive here..
· They would never take a combo (taxi’s) which I take on a regular basis..
· Had respect that I was going into a township school to teach. The told me that they would never go into a township because they fear their own Safety. I disagree with this as I wrote this blog when I was in school and feel very safe and part of the school.

Lots of love

Jayne

xxx

Week 9-Saying Goodbye to ones..

Another week has week past so quickly. Before this experience I didn’t appreciate time and how quickly it goes past. Since being here I appreciate time, I capture every moment. Before I know I will be back on plane heading home. Although I will be heading home, I’ll be heading home to a great family. I miss you all everyday, you are always in my thoughts.

This week started off good, I was off on Friday so I had a nice day relaxing, catching up with family and friends but more importantly getting caught up on sleep. Before I came here I slept all the time. As a child I didn’t sleep a full night before the age of four but as a teenager I certainly made up for it. My parents will be agreeing with this statement. A priority this day was sleep and chilling. Friday saw a farewell ‘braai’ to more trainee teachers which we met. I had already said a goodbye the week before and this certainly does not get any easier. We had a ‘braai’ and talked about our memories. Although they were only here for a short time the memories which they are taking back to states will never leave them. It was a perfect night with lots of laughter.

Saturday was also spent lazing around the flat, Friday night was a late night so everyone was laying low. On Saturday night we had a farewell meal at the boardwalk. Definitely a great bunch of people. They reminded me of home as we always had the ‘teacher talk’. Only student teachers will understand this, we have a bond.

On Sunday we were having an adventure day. We wanted to see things around Port Elizabeth so we rented a car and set off. We had one map which had part of the roads missing as they had pictures over the top of them. Someone didn’t think about this and how silly this was. We decided to go the sea view lion park which is only 20 minutes away from port Elizabeth. This time we got out of the rental car park safe unlike the incident we had the last time. We drove along the coast to the park. The drive was beautiful. Not similar to the coast back home, the sun was shining here! Today was a hot day and we found it too much. We all thought we were going to melt away. The park doesn’t just have lions, they had other animals. We were very close to them, at some stages we could have touched them. Don’t worry we didn’t but I’m sure Marco thought about it. We saw the lions being fed with huge pieces of meat. The smell was disgusting. We also caught to go into the enclosure with five lion clubs. They were all male and 9 months old. There was a white lion which was beautiful. We got to pet them and the photo I included was the lion with made me bleed. Its paw caught my arm. I have to admit I hope it scares. I have a scare from surfing but how cool would it to have one from a lion club. I know I’m mad.

After the park we decided to go a local restaurant for a meal, the sun was shining one moment and the next a fog/mist had set in. It was so cold and I can certainly see a change in the weather. I’m wearing my jeans more often. Makes me sad…

On Monday we also had the day off as it was day. This is a day which is celebrated here because of Humans Right Day. We decided to go the beach and make the most of our day off but the wind was bad so that was a failure.

On Tuesday seen the last day of observation and the next time I am in school I will be teaching. In the staff meeting in the morning, the head wanted to arrange a hygiene talk with both boys and girls. This is normal in school where the pupils would be told about looking after themselves. To my surprise the head said that the teachers need to explain to the boys that it is not ok to urinate in the playground and on the school building. She wanted the teachers to explain to the pupils that it is not acceptable for this. I was very shocked by this but living in a township and what is acceptable is different to the conditions which we live in. My class teacher and I discussed what she wanted me to teach. In any of my teaching placements I have always been told what to teach and was given classes. Discussing this was a new experience as she told me that I can shoes what I wanted to teach and the class which I wanted to teach. I will be teaching business ventures and grade 11D. The timetable within the school changes each week and works on number of days. It’s slightly confusing so I imagine the first day I won’t teach as I won’t be on the correct day. I have mixed emotions about teaching within this school. Resources are available the way they are at home, I need to change the way I teach and think differently about the way I will interact with the children. Language will be the biggest challenge. Although I am worried and anxious about this experience, I am excited to teach them. I look forward to standing in front of classroom enhancing what the pupils know, its been over a year since my last placement. Teaching is differently what I want to do. Not many people from Northern Ireland can say that they have taught in a township school in South Africa. Jonny and I are lucky to have this opportunity.

The rest of the week was spent in class, experiencing new things. Each week I feel more settled but I still become shocked at the way some people live here. I forgot to write about but the day we went on the apple express we were outside the bantry when the bins were being lifted by the garage people. There was about 10 people going through the rubbish to see what they could have. I don’t know if this was to eat but I am sure this is why. It was a sad experience as it shows the quality of living which experience here.

Love Jayne xoxo

WeEk 8- a rElAxInG WeEk...

On Friday Jonny and I had our alternative visit to a local school called Cape Recife high school which is a public school for learners who have special educational needs. It was a good experience to visit a different school for children with special educational needs. This school serves children with a number of learning abilities. They include cerebral palsy and other physical disabilities such as children who have been left disabled because of accidents. We met a young boy, I think he was 16. He told us about how he was hit by a car in 1996. He told us how he doesn’t remember being hit by the car but remembers wakening up and told he would never walk again. Stories like this make me appreciate what I have. This guy has enthusiasm about life, he is a reminder that we should be grateful everyday. The teachers which spoke to us have excellent relationships with the kids. Within the school there is boarding part where some of the children stay as they live far away or their parents don’t have the correct facilities. The room was spacious and are able to look after the children in the best possible way.

The teacher who showed us around the school had a child who she is very close too. At the weekends she will take him home to give him a break from the school. She spends five days a week with the kids and still finds the time to take him home and look after him. This school had excellent facilities and the children here are getting an excellent education. They are provided with the correct help. Cape Recife high school is very similar to the schools back home. I really enjoyed this experience and hopefully will get the chance to go back for a couple of days once the term at NMMU finishes.

On Saturday we went on a train called the apple express. We left at 8:30am in the morning and set off on an old steam engine run train. We went through the country side, going past local townships. The children were running to wave at us. The children seemed so friendly and must know that each day the train will be passing. We had a picnic and relaxed at small farming village. We haven’t got to experience rural Africa yet. The people within the small village were very friendly, telling us about the local area. A good day had by all. On Saturday evening I had my first goodbye, first of many I’m sure. Kayla a trainee teacher from America was leaving and heading to Cape Town and then back to America. We went out for dinner at the boardwalk. My favourite restaurant called the news café. I love the food there. It’s sad to think that I won’t see her again but it’s all about the experience here. It makes me grateful that I still have a number of weeks left.

This week with regard to class didn’t get off to a good start. I was woke by my two flat mates who are nurses. They leave every morning at 6:30 as they are here on placement. My class was supposed to start at 11 so I was able to have a lie in. Having got up the girls had told me that the taxi’s which we use to transport us to university were on strike. The reason to this is a man who is up for a murder trail is the boss (not really sure) but the taxi drivers had to show their support. This is a cultural issue which I find hard to think that people can’t go to school or work because their usual method of transport is not available. If he committed the crime he should do the time regardless of who he is. Comparing this to Northern Ireland, we also have gangs etc who can affect the everyday life of people. On Monday I had a day off and loved it. Little did I realise this week wasn’t going to get much better.


Every Tuesday we have observation at our placement school. The three international students have been placed together which I enjoy. It means we can sit beside each other in the staff room. Jason the other international student was away for the week so I missed him greatly. Because of this it was just Jonny and I for school on Tuesday but on Monday night Jonny wasn’t feeling good and wasn’t feeling well enough for school. As a result of this I couldn’t go to school. The reason to this as I wouldn’t feel safe entering a township school by myself. Back home I would never feel unsafe to go to a school but in this case I did. The area where the township is located is a number of different townships surrounding it. Jonny agreed and so did my coordinator from NMMU that it wouldn’t be safe. This was a shock as it is a reminder that although over the weeks I have become more relaxed there is very dangerous parts of South Africa where a white girl just can’t go.

Tuesday also seen the first birthday of a few in March. Hege a close friend was turning a certain age. (I'd tell a girls age). To celebrate a had a tea party. Stine and I cooked buns and I made a banner. To finish it off we had tea from home. Great afternoon with lots of gossip.
Saint Patricks day arrived finally. I love the fact that there are only two Irish here. Jonny and I are unique here. I really enjoyed celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day. I dressed in green, did some Irish dancing and enjoyed being Northern Irish! I kept telling every one I was Irish and people kept taking photos of me. I loved being centre of attention.

Love
Jayne xx