Hello week 5!

One thing I’ve come to love in South Africa is the sunshine! I love it here! Although as I write this, it’s raining, it’s been raining most of this week so no sunning myself this week. I love the way of life here, people are relaxed although sometimes they are too relaxed. This week has been a very relaxing week and I now feel that I’m living in South Africa rather than being here on a holiday. Yes it has taken a month to realise I’m here to study.

Before I start I want to a section to my beautiful niece Naiv who turned one this week. If only she could read, she would see she has got a special mention. Happy Birthday Niav!

This week’s blog starts of with my first day off since I’ve started university. I had Friday off which was great, a long weekend! Stine and I went to the local mall called Green arches. Since I’ve been here I’ve been to the mall five times, I love to shop. It was such a girly day. Clothes here are cheap so I take full advantage off this. I want to contribute as much money to the South African economy. What an excuse. I purchased clothes here for school

and also bought some essentials. Ok maybe not an essential but a want!

On Saturday we had another surf lesson. I love the surfing but on Saturday it was hard. The waves didn’t have much of a break between. An hour and a half in the cold water with waves crashing against me I thought I have actually paid for this! I still love it and want to purchase my own surf board to take it up as a hobby. My main concern would be how to get it home. I would have a suitcase, a laptop, a handbag, a hand luggage bag and a surf board. Sounds fun! Anyways when I reflected on the surfing experience I realised that it was funny when Stine and I got so cross. It’s fun. Saturday resulted in a cut foot, bruised arm, blisters on my hands and a friction burn on my neck which looks like a love bite. None of the others had injuries. Any one who knows me will understand this is always the story. Saturday night was spent having a meal at the boardwalk and spending a great evening with people from all over the world. The rest of this week has been very quiet.

On Tuesday we had our observation so I was up 5:45am. The area which the school is located is within a township like I’ve said before. When we got off the bus, a security man approached us; he admitted that he was worried to see three white people walking into a township. This is a dangerous area therefore we need to be aware of our surroundings. You give you a better idea of the school the website is www.khwezilomsocomprehensive.co.za/ . The school is provided with funding to be able to run the website. Through looking at the website and being there in reality things are very different. Within South Africa, the better schools are fee paying therefore people who live in the township can’t afford these fees therefore depend on the government and their funding. Comparing this school to Northern Ireland and the excellent facilities which we have, it makes me sad that the pupils are taught in this. Within Northern Ireland we don’t realise how lucky we are with regard to education. We have enough textbooks for all pupils, interactive whiteboards and toilet roll. Yes within this school there isn’t any. How does a government justify this. Children are the future and the government need to invest money into providing an educational system which is fair to all! I am annoyed with the condition of the school as you will see from the photos. These pupils do not deserve this, nor does the teaching staff. The teaching staff are all very friendly within the school. The teacher who I have observed is called Nomsa Sikhunxa. She doesn’t understand me so I write her notes. If the teacher doesn’t understand my thick Northern Irish accent how would the pupils! When I showed a friend pictures of the school, he described is like a prison!

When returning from school we get a taxi bus which drives through the township which is called Zwide. This is interesting to witness although some of the houses are in terrible condition. I thing I noticed is the houses are within a community and being part of the community is important to these people. They have shops, surgery’s and even a grave yard. There is a township tour which I definitely want to see. Coming from a nice house, having anything I want and a loving family I forget that not everyone is as lucky as me. When I think of a township and what I have back home I wonder to myself it’s not about what you have but it’s about your family, friends and your community so to all my family and friends I love you guys. Corny I know but it’s true!

I’m trying to cut on my blog, I don’t think they are supposed to be as long but once I start I can’t stop. Making a proper dinner tonight so I must go!

Love and kisses

Jayne xxx

Surf time..week four..

As I write this, the sun is shinning, I have a cold sprite in my hand and I’m making a good attempt at eating my way through a big bag of cheese supreme Doritos. Yumm.. I can’t believe that I am writing my blog once again and week four is now past. I can’t believe how quickly times goes by. So I will start with great news that I have a visitor coming over 600 miles to visit me. Very excited and all I need to do is persuade my parents to come out. The only problem is they might not want to go home and who would look after Daisy…

This week hasn’t been as busy or maybe it has. It seems more chilled maybe that’s because I’m now learning to surf. I’m a surf babe. On Friday night we had a delicious dinner made by Stine. We decided to chill and relax as we had a big day on Saturday. We had our first surf lesson. At 9:00am, two Norwegians, a German and the Northern Irish set off to catch come waves but on arrival there wasn’t many to catch. We were given a brief introduction on how to catch the waves. Almost immediately we all caught the waves. This was so much fun. Our instructor (a 15 year old boy) then showed us how to stand. I have to admit I thought never after he explained. I could hardy do it on the beach when practising.

Surfing is…paddle paddle paddle…until you catch the wave then left leg, arms and jump up all when your have caught the wave. It’s definitely easier said than done. After a few attempts Marco the German was the first to stand therefore winning our bet. Stine stood next and after a strap change over I stood. It might only have been a matter of seconds but I still stood. I think that I get so excited about standing that I forget that I need to steady myself and the surf board. I love it and we planned out next lesson for Sunday. It’s such a great feeling being able to surf. Cruising waves! The rest of Saturday was spent at the local pool, it was too windy for the beach. It was great relaxing and chatting with Marco and Stine. Marco is here to learn English. I taught him to say bless you when someone snizzes. Manners is very important! We had a ‘braai’ on Saturday and of course I was in charge of the potatoes. They were so tasty. Yum. We also had marshmallows for after. They were also yum. Saturday was spend dancing the night away but needed to ensure that I was ready for my surf lesson on Sunday.

Sunday arrived and could hardly get out of bed, my body was so sore. I wondered what had happened but then I realised it probably was the surfing and never using the muscles before. I definitely didn’t feel like a surf babe on Sunday; I couldn’t even cough without pain! The waves were even worse today, it was so calm but we were able to catch a couple. I actually forgot to stand up and surfed on my knees. I think I will buy a surf board but not sure how I would get it home. I can hardly carry my own suitcase let alone a surf board. Sunday was a chilling day with a stroll around the market and a coffee at Tiffanys over looking the sea. On Sunday night I felt my skin burning. I now have a farmer’s tan and two brown/red patches on the back of my legs. My new nickname should be patch. I must remember to apply all over and evenly.

Classes are going good, I’ve now handed in my second assignment. This was based on the philosophy of teaching and learning. I feel within my PGCE class that they discuss racism often. This is similuar to Northern Ireland although the conflict is over people want to express their views on the issue.

Tuesday arrived and I have to admit I’m not sure about the school we have been placed. We have to leave the Bantry at 6:15am to catch a bus 6:45am to the school. This is defiantly a low point for me and anyone who knows me well will tell you that me + early mornings+ teaching practice do not mix well. Within this school, the main language is Xhonsa which I don’t understand. I got to see three teachers teaching all having their own individual way to teach. I asked one teacher why there was no posters and she told me that they steal them. I found this very upsetting as this is a place where the children can come and learn in a colourful classroom. I need to stay motivated as I understand the challenge ahead. I want to learn from this experience. As I’ve said before I’m out of my comfort zone.

Thursday finishes this blog well. After a couple of hours in University, I met Stine at the beach where we had a gossip and caught some sun. It was beautiful, the beaches were white and the water was clear. If Stine and I hadn’t been gossiping we would have noticed dolphins in the water. Yes we missed the Dolphins in the water.. Oh well we are now on the look out.

Love from Jayne xxxxxx

Week three in SA..

Week three has now past and I can’t believe I’m here and having a fabulous time. Before I start I need to ensure that I proof read as my dad has told me off…I’ve so much to say and don’t have the time. I’m a busy woman in South Africa.

On Friday, I was so tired, the 8:30am class everyday is definitely not easy for me but I’m getting used to them. People who know me will understand that I need 12 hours sleep most nights to be able to function!! I’m in class everyday from 8:30am until at least 12 so my days are busy. We actually have so much work to do after class.
I’ve now been here two weeks and yet to do any washing of my clothes so this was a priority. I live across the road from the laundry place and they do everything for you so it’s like having my mum here. I also did some shopping as I’ve said before the food here is great! I seem to eat all the time! So after a busy week of class, doing household chores and socialising what better to relax than head to the pool. There is a pool a five minute walk from the Bantry so of course it’s going to be used by us. After catching some rays, we went out for dinner. There was Hege and Stine the two Norway girls, Marco a German and Ben an American. Was a lovely evening with great food! Of course I’m talking about food again. I couldn’t finish my meal so Marco finished it up for me…I hate to see food go to waste…I had an early night as I had an exciting day on Saturday- Aldo Elephant Park!

At 8:00am we were picked up by Leslie, his wife and the rest of the trainee teachers. Today was a hot day.!!! Was too hot for me. The entrance fee into the park was only 30 rand, this is about £3 so was a cheap day. The elephant park is a big reserve park so we drove around looking for elephants. If someone thought they seen one, Les would slam on the brakes so we wouldn’t miss anything. We had a few false alarms. We were told that the elephants were at the water hole so we travelled there. There was about 100 elephants here relaxing by the water, cooling themselves down. I would have loved to been able to cool myself down. For lunch we had a ‘Braai’ and caught up on everyone’s week. I really enjoy the American’s company, we all have something in common- teaching! It was definitely an enjoyable day had by all.

Sunday was a relaxing day by the beach, we were able to sunbathe on the beach as today was not windy. Happy days!! Sundays are a day to relax and reflect on the past week. Needed an early night as I had class in the morning, I’m being a good role model!



Class was also good this week, I still meeting new people and getting to know people better. I haven’t got lost this week which I’m happy about. We have our second assignment due on Monday (15th Feb) so we were told how to complete this. They definitely have it hard here with regard to school work.

On Tuesday of each week until Easter we have observation in the school which we are attending for teaching practice after Easter. Patrick, a lecturer from NMMU, picked us up at 7:15am. Schools start at 8am so off I headed with my pack lunch to school. I was excited and nervous as we didn’t know anything about the school which Johnny and I were attending. Jason, one of the student teachers also came with us. Patrick informed us that we were going to a township school near the missonvale campus. I have to admit I didn’t think that we would be going to a township school. A township is the poor of South Africa. We drove up to the school, the building looked nice and was kept well. We attended the staff meeting and were introduced to the teaching staff. They clapped for us which was a really nice gesture and made us feel welcome. We were given a teacher each to observe throughout the day. I followed the teacher to the classroom. All the pupils were staring, they probably thought who is the red head girl with pale skin. All the pupils who attend are black and there is only a small amount of white teachers. When I walked into the classroom I didn’t know what to think. The first thing I noticed was there was no posters on the wall and the classroom looked so boring. Back home we have colourful posters to help in the learning. The second thing I noticed was they used a blackboard, no interactive whiteboards here! The class teacher explained that most classes had 47 pupils in, with not enough textbooks and pupil motivation is low. 47 pupils, the biggest class size I’ve had at home is 25 pupils with enough resources and an interactive whiteboard. I was definitely out of my comfort zone. I went to sit down and the teacher told me to get up as she needed to clean the dirt of the chair. Pupils within the school are nice and I’m sure that I will get to know them by the end of teaching practice. The classroom was so hot I nearly fell asleep a few times. By the end of the day I knew that this is definitely going to be challenge. I don’t have the resources available with big class sizes and English is not their first language but I need to think about this experience as a positive, I will need to be creative, to be able to enhance the pupils learning. I look forward to this as I believe it will help me to think outside the box!

The rest of the week was spent chilling with a visit to the movies for about £1.50 to see Amelia, this is about the first lady to fly around the world. Definitely a bad choice!! The popcorn here comes plain and you put your own choice of flavouring. I love the salt and vinegar! Yummm… Still no roommate, won’t be getting one until March..

I hope that everyone back home is keeping good..

Miss you all!

Lots of love
Jayne

Oh also I passed all my exams from Stranmillis..

Week two in South Africa....

Hey everyone, another week has now pasted. Time certainly goes fast when you are in a new and exciting place! I love it here. I have to admit I am more settled this week and starting to feel like part of society, I’am getting used to the taxis and the wind. Like the first week I have had a busy week where I am still meeting lots of new people. This week started on Friday 29th January, the international office had organised a city tour of Port Elizabeth so I charged the batteries and got my camera at the ready. The bus was leaving at 8:30am so I had an early start. The tour took us to exciting places around Port Elizabeth. We were first taken to the port. This is where the name Port Elizabeth comes from. Although Port Elizabeth is also know as the Nelson Mandela Bay. We were lucky on Friday as it wasn’t windy too windy, thankfully as I was wearing a skirt. The captain explained that there are two areas within the port, one for ships to export vehicles and the other was for fruit etc. The next time you eat a piece of fruit it may have been exported from South Africa so you can think of me! We also went to the Ford. This ford has never shot a canning. We could see the port in the distance. It was a beautiful day as you can see from the photos. It was nice to travel around areas of Port Elizabeth which we haven’t got to see yet. The best part of the tour was visiting a local township called New Brighton. When I first seen this I have to admit it was shocking that people live in the circumstances. If you looked out the left side of the bus, the houses were build with concrete bricks. These houses looked liveable and were brightly coloured. On the other hand if you looked out the right side of the bus, the houses were made a tin sheets and looked unliveable. In the middle of the township was a museum telling stories about the history of the township and what people suffered. These stories were heart breaking but I was glad to experience this as it makes me appreciate what I have. Although the living conditions seem unliveable these are small communities. People were selling items at the side of the road. Children were waving at us and there seemed to friendly atmosphere. Although these people do not have money or big houses they seem to be happy. We finished the tour with a shopping trip to Green arches. I didn’t spend too much money. I promise Mum and Dad!!



We had another busy day on Saturday as the international office had also organised a beach day with fun games and food. I had to call into University on Saturday. Yes I know being in university on Saturday is not cool. The beach day was very good as it allowed us the opportunity to meet other international students. There are students from all other the world, I love asking where people are from because you never know!... The games looked fun, I was too busy sunbathing. We finished the afternoon with a couple of hours sunbathing at the local swimming pool. This is located beside the beach and the waves crash over the wall. Yes I did get soaked. This was freshening as it was very warm. The pool area over looks the sea and should be in a holiday brochure. I enjoy the pool more than the beach, no sand, yipppeee…

On Saturday evening, we were invited to Les’s house from a traditional South African ‘Braai’. This is a barbeque to everyone back home. We were meeting the student teachers from America which I mentioned in my first blog. They’re a great group of people. It was a lovely evening with great company. I tasted new foods, I have now eaten Liver. Don’t think it’s for me!

After a few busy days I decided to enjoy a relaxing Sunday. A lazy day is a good remedy to being tired. I went to a Chinese which was the best meal which I have had since my arrival. I went out with three Germans. I had to ban them specking German as most of the international students want to improve their English.

Classes were starting on Monday so I needed to be organised but knowing me this was not the case. I firstly didn’t know what time my class was so I made a phone call. I was told that class started at 8:30am. This meant I had 20 minutes to get ready and travel to class. We are taking two education modules and a method class. My method class is business studies. I am in everyday at 8:30am which is not what I am used too. On Tuesdays were have observation which I am very excited for. We are also given the opportunity to experience alternative placements. I want to widen my school experiences and this will give me the opportunity too. Within my class there are around 90 students and only three international students. This is Jason from America and Johnny and I. I am studying on the PGCE program. Most of the students within this class have not come straight from College but have gained experience in various jobs. I was given an assignment on Monday which was due for Tuesday. I had not planned for this but the topic area is interesting to me.

I enjoyed class this week and I have not yet got lost. I think that because of the diverse range of people in the class that our class will be interesting. During one class the topic came up of the split in society between the coloured, black and white people. This is very similar to Northern Ireland where society was divided but with new generations this is now history. I believe from the conversation that South Africa is moving forward and for the better. I want to learn move about this and how people feel about this topic.

So this has been a busy week with sun burned feet, making two Norway girls, Stine and Hege 3 o’clock tea brought from home and in a teapot. This is a tradition for me and my mum. I also made proper dinner this week for the girls. We had potatoes of course.

Love and kisses from South Africa
xxxxxxx

Hey everyone, I have finally arrived in Port Elizabeth in one piece. It took me 22 hours and over 6000 miles with many security checks in between but it certainly has been worth it. I left the George Best Airport on the 20th of January at 5.10pm I embarked on a very long journey to South Africa which will change me as a person. On my arrival to Port Elizabeth after three flights, the sun was shining and I was certainly felt at home. In October Leslie Meiring, a lecturer from the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) visited Northern Ireland. He kindly offered to meet us at the airport. Thank fully he did as no one turned up to collect us. The driver eventually turned up after Les making a few phone calls for us. He was taking his time and I that is one thing I have learned since being here. People are relaxed and enjoy life. A saying used here is ‘now now’ which means anytime soon.

We drove around Port Elizabeth and I have to admit it looked like a holiday destination but one thing I noticed was the wind. Port Elizabeth is known as the windy city and it certainly is windy.



We reached our home for next three months which is called the Bantry. This building lives all international students. There are students from America, Germany, Norway and of course Northern Ireland.


My room has two spacious bedrooms, kitchen, living room and a bathroom. The best thing about the Bantry is the sea view. Yes I can see the sea from my bedroom. And the best thing about Port Elizabeth is the sea. It has beautiful coast line and even if the sun is not shining it is still beautiful. I have to admit that the first few days I found it very hard to settle especially as I have the flat to myself. I miss the company but I have met so many people. The first weekend was spent relaxing, getting things for the flat. I enjoy having my home comforts and having no bedding does not suit me. And also I didn’t realise that buying bedding is stressful. Fitted, flat, small, king and queen are new words to me in the bedding world. We also went to the beach, the water was too cold for me, and I enjoy relaxing in the sun.


On Monday (25th Jan) was orientation so all international students got a campus tour. There are two campuses at the NMMU and are very big compared to Stranmillis College. I am hoping that all my lectures are within the same building or I’m sure I will defiantly be late for class by the time I find my way. I look forward to being part of a large group of people. There are people studying from all parts of the world. I hope to engage so I will become more diverse. We had registration on Thursday, this is stressful at any university and I hope to get it sorted soon. NMMU is build on a nature reverse and yes that means that monkeys run around stealing your food. I was glad to have my camera with me and here are the photos to prove it. We were told be careful when eating on the grass etc as they will steal out food! It will be strange going back to Stranmillis with no monkeys running around.

Although I am over 6000 miles from home there is some things which are similar such as they drive on the left, everyone knows how to speck English and the food is very similar. I have found bread and jam which I love and also to my surprise the fanta orange tastes great here. The Americans say the Irish and their Orange Soda! One different is the taxis used here. There are small minibuses which cost 60pence for any distance. Within these minibuses they fit 16 people but I sometimes think less would be safer. I didn’t realise you passed your money to the driver and on my first experience I didn’t pay and they starting shouting at me. When you want the bus to stop, you have to shout BUS STOP. With my accent everyone looks at me.

So within my first week I have had certainly have had highs and lows with more highs than lows. It’s strange being in a new country, only knowing one person but personally its benefiting me. I am out of my comfort zone! Most things are cheap apart from the internet hence the lack of my blog and face book within the first week. This will hopefully not be a problem anymore as I am getting the internet ‘now now’.

On Thursday (25th) I had a PGCE camp, this was exciting as we got to meet our class and there is a large number of people compared to our small classes back home. One thing I realised is my fellow students will help understand terms used here. During this camp I met fellow international students who are trainee teachers, I love it as I get to talk about the stresses of being a student teacher! My fellow trainee teachers will understand this. Within the PGCE course which I am doing there are three international students.

So within my first week I have learned the foundation of South African education. There are a number of different types of education such a public, private, home schooling and catholic schools. This is similar to home but within South Africa schools which have a high standard have fees unlike home where all schools have a good standard. Corporate punishment was only banned since 1996 and this surprised me as I would have been at school and punishments were still being carried out. There is now a total ban which I am glad. Within my class I have a diverse range of races and as a whole country South Africa is made up of a range of people. Within South Africa head scarf’s can not be banned from schools if worn for a religious reason unlike France. One of many new words which I have learned is the term Apardtheid which is cultural hate which was once a problem in South Africa where black people were not treated the same as whites. Another word is Bantu which is a term once used to describe black people. This is not used and the terms used are white and non white. There are a number of terms which I will need to learn. I look forward to comparing both Northern Ireland and South Africa education.

I look forward to a new week in South Africa

Lots of love
Jayne
xxxxxxx

p.s. I have photos to upload but didn't save them coreectly...:o