Heather: starting work at Kitagwa

We arrived at Kitagwa Primary School at 10am on Monday (yesterday) as instructed, and were greeted by the headteacher – new in post as of two weeks – the Chair of Governors and the treasurer.

We were given the most amazing welcome with speeches, a great welcoming dance by the pupils (which we videoed – watch out for it later), a tour of the school and all followed by tea, eggs, bread and bananas – a real feast.

Everyone was so warm and friendly and they were delighted to have us there – of course the feeling was mutual – although sometimes I am so glad for my councillor experience as I often have to make impromptu speeches at such gatherings and luckily it doesn’t phase me any more.

I was surprisingly nervous though to meet the kids, but they were lovely.

There’s so much to say but not much time in the internet cafe – I wrote a long blog last night on the laptop back at Naomy’s but forgot to load it onto the CD to bring into the city!

Today we did the first phone contact – it was hectic and stressful, but the kids are very patient and keen.

I’ve had some great chats with the teachers – who are really lovely people – very badly paid and over worked – I taped a long interview about the pay and conditions and about the World Bank and international politics etc. but somehow it has disappeared from my recorder!!!! Along with the taped phone calls –