First day of school (pt. 1)

What a day, what a day! Talk about getting the full experience. Today I joined Akilah in her daily task of teaching at the Lycee Bilingue Sultan Ibrahim Njoula of Foumban (Lycee Bilingue for short).

The first class of the day was 6eM class (pronounced seeze-a-em), which is her largest class of the day. How many students? There are one hundred and four students sitting in about five rows of seats. These students sit four to a table that would only sit two per table were this the states. Its amazing that any teacher can keep their attention long enough to teach them. This class would be the equivalent of a sixth grade class in the states.

As soon as I walked in, all eyes were on me. Most of them finally get to see the “white man” up close. Between the stares and whispers going on amongst the students, it actually wasn’t too bad. I think I was more nervous than they were.

Akilah began her lesson for the day and I looked on, just marveled that she’s able to handle such a class. Though there was talking here and there, at least ninety percent of the students were participating. After they’d begun completing their first assignment, she asked if I would assist by taking a look at their notebooks. Though I was still kind of nervous about walking through a see of eyes, I did.

It was actually fun, though I only made it through two of the five rows of seats. But for those I made it to, I could see the pride in the faces of those who quickly completed the lessons, or even from those who were just beginning as I walked past their table. They obviously wanted to prove they could grasp the lesson with ease.

There was even one student who submitted more artwork to his teacher. This young man is enraptured by Dragon Ball-Z and continually draws one of the characters. He often gives the drawings a gifts to Ms. Clarke. The drawings are actually pretty good. If he develops his skill, he could probably do very well in the art world. But where do Cameroonian children go after graduation? What do they have to look forward to? Later on those questions.

So we make it through this class, and take leave a little early to give them time to study for tomorrow’s test or head to physical education. We took a temporary break in the school library, though it appears to be that more in name than resources. If Americans gave away half of the books and texts we discard, there would be a number of well equipped libraries at schools in developing nations.

Next class? 5eM (pronounced sink-a-em). This is Akilah’s most dreaded class. Not because they mean to be disrespectful, but they see her after physical education and come in with adrenaline raging. She recently implemented a new discipline system that has actually calmed the class down; they now work within groups, and the entire group is affected by the actions of one member. Its definitely had an impact.

However, there are a few who don’t believe they’ll be put out of class for a week. Well, for those unbelievers, yesterday was there first example. Two boys were actually affected by the new policy, though one was more a victim of circumstance (but he disobeyed a warning, so it had to happen).

This class of ninety students would be a handful for any teacher. I can’t even imagine some seasoned American teachers who could have handled a bunch such as this. Much respect and cudos has to go out to all PCVs teaching in such an environment. A foreign land, a foreign culture, a foreign language, and the children test you every bit until you prove you’re worthy of their attention.

Today’s teaching, for us, ended at about noon. We took leave in the library once more, to kind of recap the day and for Akilah to prepare lesson plans for the remainder of the week. Normally she would be able to go home, but on Wednesdays student clubs meet, and she’s the advisor for the English club.