Porridge, Parent's Day and Pythons

There always seems to be something that you are busily trying to get done either in the volunteer village or down at Kesho Leo. Sometimes it’s frustrating and usually exhausting. That’s why I’ve really come to appreciate Fridays. Not only because you can look back at what you’ve done in the week and put your feet up for a bit of relax with the rest of the Kesho Krew. But mainly because Friday’s at Kesho Leo Chekechea have been quite exciting lately and mean jumping out of bed ready for something a bit different. Chekechea has had record attendance in the past month – which is not only attributed to our fantastic Tanzanian teachers and Mamas in the classroom – but also our porridge program which has proved incredibly popular.


Porridge got up and running about a month ago thanks to record sales on the fws shopping list. Apart from the obvious benefits - it’s a great little social sit around to start the day for the children and can provide some pretty funny moments as they chat away and sip their breakfast. Plus going down for the morning cook up with the mamas is an ideal opportunity for quality bonding and some less than perfect Swahili conversation. So after porridge kicks off our Fridays begin.


A month ago saw our “bring your parent to school day”and the majority of children had a mum or dad rock up to see what they have been up to. There were several proud moments as the parents flicked through their child’s work, as well a chance for the teachers to meet parents and discuss how we are trying to help their child’s learning. I’m almost certain everyone – kids and adults - left Kesho Leo chekechea with a sense of pride about what’s going on in the classroom. And now after it’s all over when I head to Kesho Leo these days I’m able to stop and have a quick “Habari” and smile to parents that I now know.
Awesome.

A few weeks ago, on another Friday, as I drove up to Kesho Leo and saw big smiles and red jumpers dancing around I had a pretty good feeling that this would be one to remember. I had recently made contact with the local Snake Park and organised for the Kesho Leo chekechea to get a guided tour. So we piled into the back of the landrover and the hired dalla-dalla for the day and set out on our excursion. Quite a few songs later (you don’t need a sound system when you have Tanzanian children in the car) we made it to the Snake Park.

Huge snakes. Huge birds. And some pretty huge crocodiles.

The kids were in awe – but even more so the three mamas who came to help out – Ester, Helena and Glady – were loving it. Ester proved to be an exceptional tour guide and after the kids got a snack of juice and mandazi (local food like a doughnut) we headed next door to see a mock Masai Village. By noon I was exhausted – so were Regina and Lucy (Kesho Leo Teachers) and the mamas. Somehow, these mini sized chekechea kids were still full of energy and just as excited as when the day began. So off we piled into the landrover and dalla for another sing-a-long back home.Although worn out now after a big Friday and the Saturday morning shop I just had a giggle (they happen often here) when one little chekechea kid gave me a wave in the 4wd after obviously playing in mud – covered head to toe.P.s. I’m already excited for the next Friday adventure…