Some fancy calculator tells me that the distance between central Kentucky and Namibia is about 7,790 miles.....can't fathom how long that is? Here's some help....20.5 Kentucky's
2.7 United States'
140,220 football fields
15,580,000 steps
Sunday, July 26, 2009
7,790 miles
Some fancy calculator tells me that the distance between central Kentucky and Namibia is about 7,790 miles.....can't fathom how long that is? Here's some help....
Thursday, July 23, 2009
I'm expecting some visitors.....
Here's my not-so-subtle attempt to lure you to visit me in Namibia......did it work??
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
My Assignment
From the Peace Corps.....
You have been invited to teach English at the upper primary or secondary level.
You will be assigned to one of the primary or secondary schools in Namibia. Schools at this level range in size from about 300 to 1,000 students and offer instruction in grades 6-12. These schools are located throughout the country, but the heaviest concentration is in the far northern regions where 60 percent of the student population lives. The major academic subjects usually offered in Namibian schools are Geography, History, Physical Science, Agriculture, Accounting, Math, Economics, Biology, English, and Afrikaans. Additionally, students may also choose between Typing and Home Economics.
The English syllabus is divided into two parts: language and literature. The areas dealt with include grammar, reading, oral and written skills, as well as a series of poetry, drama, novels, and short stories. English is taught as a subject in all schools from Grade 4. You may also be asked to give English classes to teachers or other adults in the community.
As a Volunteer, you will be under the direct supervision of the principal of the school. The weekly load for teachers can vary, but is usually between 28 and 34 periods a week. In some schools where there is a grave shortage of teachers, the load can shoot up to 38 periods a week. Each period lasts 35 or 40 minutes. Volunteers, however, are expected to teach 70%, of which 10% is allocated to Life Skills subject. The remaining 30% is spent on secondary activities. As a valued staff member, you may also be nominated to committees that work on various aspects of administering and organizing the school. You may also be called upon to organize extramural activities such as track and field, games such as netball (girls), soccer (boys), and volleyball, boxing, drama, or boys and girls clubs. Your weekly routine can become quite full with the addition of these activities to your teaching duties, preparing lessons, marking homework, and grading exams.
The school year is divided into three trimesters; each separated by a two to five week break. Except for the 24 days vacation you earn from Peace Corps each year, you will be expected to utilize trimester breaks to work on special school-related projects, projects in another sector, to attend Ministry of Education workshops or Peace Corps' in-service training events. Note: Except in emergency situations, Volunteers placed in school are not allowed to take leave during the school term.
Besides your classroom teaching responsibilities, you will have opportunities to enhance your own professional skills as well as those of your Namibian colleagues through formal and informal discussions as well as through working together within schools. The teaching experience of the Namibian staff, coupled with the subject expertise that you bring, represents a rich, mutual learning opportunity. The peer-coaching role of a Volunteer includes working with co-teachers, subject heads, and headmasters at your school in developing teaching and learning resources, utilizing both locally available materials and appropriate external resources.
In a more formal way, co-teachers pursuing private studies leading towards a teaching certificate or higher academic level may ask you to tutor them in subjects that you have mastered or are willing to explore with them. It may also be the case that English is the limiting factor. You may then add subject upgrading, teaching methodology, and English language skills to your peer-coaching activities.
This assignment will require a high level of motivation, initiative, and patience. It will also require a certain level of confidence in your abilities, an enthusiasm for working with students of different age groups (which may vary from 14-20 years old), and adults (co-teachers), as well as a good deal of creativity and flexibility. Volunteers assigned to one of the primary and secondary schools will find themselves working on providing students with technical skills, and teachers with the professional insight, skills, and subject knowledge required to promote the principles of a learner (student)-centered approach, focusing on interactive teaching and learning. The Namibian education system also includes the promotion of social responsibility, gender awareness, respect of cultural values, environmental awareness, and national reconciliation.
While the Ministry of Education will continue to have a critical need for trained teachers at all levels within the system, the Ministry wishes to maximize the potential spin-off effect from the use of Peace Corps Volunteers. A major goal of the government is to integrate English across the curriculum thus; all Volunteers must be prepared to learn to teach English. Additionally, Volunteers are often viewed as subject resources, whose command of the subject matter complements the practical teaching experience of their co-teachers. Furthermore, most schools offer computer studies as an examination subject. Additional schools may have one or more computers for administrators and teachers, and may expect a Volunteer to help train teachers and learners how to use a computer.
WORKING CONDITIONS
You have been invited to teach English at the upper primary or secondary level.
You will be assigned to one of the primary or secondary schools in Namibia. Schools at this level range in size from about 300 to 1,000 students and offer instruction in grades 6-12. These schools are located throughout the country, but the heaviest concentration is in the far northern regions where 60 percent of the student population lives. The major academic subjects usually offered in Namibian schools are Geography, History, Physical Science, Agriculture, Accounting, Math, Economics, Biology, English, and Afrikaans. Additionally, students may also choose between Typing and Home Economics.
The English syllabus is divided into two parts: language and literature. The areas dealt with include grammar, reading, oral and written skills, as well as a series of poetry, drama, novels, and short stories. English is taught as a subject in all schools from Grade 4. You may also be asked to give English classes to teachers or other adults in the community.
As a Volunteer, you will be under the direct supervision of the principal of the school. The weekly load for teachers can vary, but is usually between 28 and 34 periods a week. In some schools where there is a grave shortage of teachers, the load can shoot up to 38 periods a week. Each period lasts 35 or 40 minutes. Volunteers, however, are expected to teach 70%, of which 10% is allocated to Life Skills subject. The remaining 30% is spent on secondary activities. As a valued staff member, you may also be nominated to committees that work on various aspects of administering and organizing the school. You may also be called upon to organize extramural activities such as track and field, games such as netball (girls), soccer (boys), and volleyball, boxing, drama, or boys and girls clubs. Your weekly routine can become quite full with the addition of these activities to your teaching duties, preparing lessons, marking homework, and grading exams.
The school year is divided into three trimesters; each separated by a two to five week break. Except for the 24 days vacation you earn from Peace Corps each year, you will be expected to utilize trimester breaks to work on special school-related projects, projects in another sector, to attend Ministry of Education workshops or Peace Corps' in-service training events. Note: Except in emergency situations, Volunteers placed in school are not allowed to take leave during the school term.
Besides your classroom teaching responsibilities, you will have opportunities to enhance your own professional skills as well as those of your Namibian colleagues through formal and informal discussions as well as through working together within schools. The teaching experience of the Namibian staff, coupled with the subject expertise that you bring, represents a rich, mutual learning opportunity. The peer-coaching role of a Volunteer includes working with co-teachers, subject heads, and headmasters at your school in developing teaching and learning resources, utilizing both locally available materials and appropriate external resources.
In a more formal way, co-teachers pursuing private studies leading towards a teaching certificate or higher academic level may ask you to tutor them in subjects that you have mastered or are willing to explore with them. It may also be the case that English is the limiting factor. You may then add subject upgrading, teaching methodology, and English language skills to your peer-coaching activities.
This assignment will require a high level of motivation, initiative, and patience. It will also require a certain level of confidence in your abilities, an enthusiasm for working with students of different age groups (which may vary from 14-20 years old), and adults (co-teachers), as well as a good deal of creativity and flexibility. Volunteers assigned to one of the primary and secondary schools will find themselves working on providing students with technical skills, and teachers with the professional insight, skills, and subject knowledge required to promote the principles of a learner (student)-centered approach, focusing on interactive teaching and learning. The Namibian education system also includes the promotion of social responsibility, gender awareness, respect of cultural values, environmental awareness, and national reconciliation.
While the Ministry of Education will continue to have a critical need for trained teachers at all levels within the system, the Ministry wishes to maximize the potential spin-off effect from the use of Peace Corps Volunteers. A major goal of the government is to integrate English across the curriculum thus; all Volunteers must be prepared to learn to teach English. Additionally, Volunteers are often viewed as subject resources, whose command of the subject matter complements the practical teaching experience of their co-teachers. Furthermore, most schools offer computer studies as an examination subject. Additional schools may have one or more computers for administrators and teachers, and may expect a Volunteer to help train teachers and learners how to use a computer.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Class sizes are often large, often with 50-65 learners per class. Namibia, however, has a high dropout rate, which usually increases exponentially in the higher grades.
Overall, teachers in Namibia have a variety of material, institutional, and human resources at their disposal. What resources are available at a given school, however, greatly varies. Unfortunately, some Volunteers may find that their school buildings and facilities are inadequate, and books and resource materials are lacking. Schools that offer Science and Math in most rural areas are poorly equipped and thus, concentrate on theoretical aspects only.
You should come prepared to work with the resources that are locally available. Part of the Peace Corps development philosophy is to work in a way that is sustainable and replicable. Creating program initiatives that rely on advanced technology or other resources that are either not locally available or prohibitively expensive to maintain contradicts Peace Corps’ approach to development. The desire to provide resources because they are easily available to you creates dependence and reinforces issues of disempowerment.
Location of Job
Peace Corps Education Volunteers are placed in schools throughout Namibia in most regions of the country. You will be placed in one of the eight regions out of thirteen in the country. Peace Corps places Volunteers in either upper primary, junior secondary (middle school) or senior secondary (high school). Peace Corps Volunteers are placed in a variety of school settings. Some placements may be in schools with few physical resources, in remote settings, and with a shortage of qualified teachers. Peace Corps/Namibia also supports schools that are well equipped, but have teacher shortages. You should come prepared to accept either of these assignments. To ensure sustainability, Peace Corps/Namibia would ideally want each Volunteer to have a counterpart who is teaching the same subject as you. However, due to the shortage of teachers, you might find yourself teaching without a counterpart.
The final decision about your particular placement will be made by the Peace Corps staff after carefully reviewing your skills and the corresponding needs of the host institutions. Placements are not negotiable. Volunteers should refrain from creating expectations and/or defining a site assignment.
Work Hours
Peace Corps is a 24/7 job. This means that your role as a Peace Corps Volunteer does not end when you leave work for the day. As a “cultural ambassador,” your off-hours and free time still carry the burden and blessing of your commitment to service. The Namibian school calendar lasts from January –December and has three terms a year with breaks in May, August, and December. Please note that Volunteers assigned to schools are not allowed to take leave during the school term.
Volunteer schedules may vary tremendously and may include evening and weekend activities. Your typical work day will be from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
Overall, teachers in Namibia have a variety of material, institutional, and human resources at their disposal. What resources are available at a given school, however, greatly varies. Unfortunately, some Volunteers may find that their school buildings and facilities are inadequate, and books and resource materials are lacking. Schools that offer Science and Math in most rural areas are poorly equipped and thus, concentrate on theoretical aspects only.
You should come prepared to work with the resources that are locally available. Part of the Peace Corps development philosophy is to work in a way that is sustainable and replicable. Creating program initiatives that rely on advanced technology or other resources that are either not locally available or prohibitively expensive to maintain contradicts Peace Corps’ approach to development. The desire to provide resources because they are easily available to you creates dependence and reinforces issues of disempowerment.
Location of Job
Peace Corps Education Volunteers are placed in schools throughout Namibia in most regions of the country. You will be placed in one of the eight regions out of thirteen in the country. Peace Corps places Volunteers in either upper primary, junior secondary (middle school) or senior secondary (high school). Peace Corps Volunteers are placed in a variety of school settings. Some placements may be in schools with few physical resources, in remote settings, and with a shortage of qualified teachers. Peace Corps/Namibia also supports schools that are well equipped, but have teacher shortages. You should come prepared to accept either of these assignments. To ensure sustainability, Peace Corps/Namibia would ideally want each Volunteer to have a counterpart who is teaching the same subject as you. However, due to the shortage of teachers, you might find yourself teaching without a counterpart.
The final decision about your particular placement will be made by the Peace Corps staff after carefully reviewing your skills and the corresponding needs of the host institutions. Placements are not negotiable. Volunteers should refrain from creating expectations and/or defining a site assignment.
Work Hours
Peace Corps is a 24/7 job. This means that your role as a Peace Corps Volunteer does not end when you leave work for the day. As a “cultural ambassador,” your off-hours and free time still carry the burden and blessing of your commitment to service. The Namibian school calendar lasts from January –December and has three terms a year with breaks in May, August, and December. Please note that Volunteers assigned to schools are not allowed to take leave during the school term.
Volunteer schedules may vary tremendously and may include evening and weekend activities. Your typical work day will be from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Flag Facts
"Unity, Liberty, Justice"
The flag of Namibia was adopted on March 21, 1990 upon independence from South Africa. After 850 designs were submitted for consideration, the above design was chosen and symbolize the following:
Red - represents Namibia's most important resource, its people. It refers to their heroism and their determination to build a future of equal opportunity for all.
White - refers to peace and unity.
Green - symbolizes vegetation and agricultural resources.
Blue - represents the clear Namibian sky and the Atlantic Ocean, the country's precious water resources and rain.
Golden-Yellow Sun - represents life and energy.
Go Cats!
Namibia has the world's highest population of what animal?
The Cheetah. There are an estimated 2,500 - 3,000 cheetahs in Namibia. However this is not a scientifically based estimate, and more accurate research continues. Cheetahs are under pressure from farming and ranching encroachment on their habitat. Leopards and lions are also indigenous big cats in Namibia.
Check back often for more Namibian facts of the day!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Staging: Round 2
Well I've made my flight reservations, received my reporting documents and packed for the fourth time. Staging is in D.C. this time around at a hotel in the Georgetown area. Here's a look at what my schedule will be like:
Tuesday, August 18th
7:10am Depart Lexington Airport
10:20am Arrive Washington National Airport
1:30pm Registration begins at the Holiday Inn Georgetown Hotel
3:30-7:00pm Training (History of PC, Managing Risk, Anxieties, Commitment, Logistics)
Wednesday, August 19th
8:00am Check out of hotel
8:30am Bus arrives for loading and departure to clinic
5:40pm Plane departs for Namibia (17 hours nonstop to Johannesburg, South Africa)
Thursday, August 20th
5:20pm Arrive Johannesburg, South Africa (ummm...are we there yet?)
Friday, August 21st
9:45am Plane departs Johannesburg for Windhoek, Namibia
10:45am Arrive Windhoek, Namibia (FINALLY!)
PS. The Mauritanian elections were held today with the polls closing around 7pm local time. The vote began Saturday after police in Nouakchott exchanged fire overnight with two alleged members of an al-Qaida-linked terror cell that claimed responsibility for gunning down an American teacher here last month. To all those PCV's that chose to stay.....please be safe.
Tuesday, August 18th
7:10am Depart Lexington Airport
10:20am Arrive Washington National Airport
1:30pm Registration begins at the Holiday Inn Georgetown Hotel
3:30-7:00pm Training (History of PC, Managing Risk, Anxieties, Commitment, Logistics)
Wednesday, August 19th
8:00am Check out of hotel
8:30am Bus arrives for loading and departure to clinic
5:40pm Plane departs for Namibia (17 hours nonstop to Johannesburg, South Africa)
Thursday, August 20th
5:20pm Arrive Johannesburg, South Africa (ummm...are we there yet?)
Friday, August 21st
9:45am Plane departs Johannesburg for Windhoek, Namibia
10:45am Arrive Windhoek, Namibia (FINALLY!)
PS. The Mauritanian elections were held today with the polls closing around 7pm local time. The vote began Saturday after police in Nouakchott exchanged fire overnight with two alleged members of an al-Qaida-linked terror cell that claimed responsibility for gunning down an American teacher here last month. To all those PCV's that chose to stay.....please be safe.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Please Stay In Touch!
Amy Wickliffe, PCT
Peace Corps
PO Box 6862
20 Nachtigal Street
Ausspannplatz
Windhoek
Namibia
Helpful Hints for keeping in touch with me....
- This address is also posted in the right column of my blog for easy reference. This address is only valid until October 15, 2009. Once my training concludes and I receive my permanent site placement I will have a new address and will post it as soon as I get it.
- The Peace Corps tells us that the mail system is reliable in Namibia (yay!), but it will probably take 2-3 weeks for the mail to actually reach me.
- Remember to write "Airmail" on the letter or package, otherwise I might not ever receive what you sent me as it could take up to a year for "ground" mail to get delivered across the pond.
- For those of you who have offered to send care packages (THANK YOU!), the best way to send items is to use padded envelopes - they are cheaper and easier to send and receive. Once I get established at my site I will post a list of items on this blog that I need and can't get in Namibia. Thank you again to those of you who have offered to send me little pieces of home!
- Remember you can always send me an email! I'm not sure how much access I will have, but I'll figure that out when I get over there. But I will be keeping my gmail account so send me an email and let me know how you're doing - AmyD.Wickliffe@gmail.com
- And last, but certainly not least - I WANT LETTERS FROM YOU! (and pictures)
Stay in touch!
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