Gandon's Welcome
The small town of Gandon, just outside of Saint Louis, was where Brenda (my fellow Fulbrighter) and I spent much of our time while in Saint Louis. It was here that our host lived where we were treated to several excellent, generous meals. It was here that we were taken to a tailor and fitted for our own dresses. And it was here that we got to visit even more schools.
From my previous posts, you may have already gotten the sense of how different the schools were to our own schools, so I won't spend too much time focused on that. But I will say, the shock of what they get by with remained with each classroom that we walked in. We visited the high school where our host taught. There were 6 - 8 classrooms, set in two different rows on the expansive sand with goats wandering freely, a small building for the teachers and a small canteen where students could purchase meals. Classrooms were bare with desks and a chalkboard with often 60-80 students in a classroom. Students greeted us politely, but like most high school students, weren't eager to interact with us, but instead, as soon as we would leave a classroom, conversations erupted. The small building for the teachers had a couple offices, some desks in a common room, and a small lounge room with a table. We were welcomed warmly with tasty treats and enjoyed conversations with teachers about our differing schools and cultures.
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| Brenda and I with the principal |
The middle school we visited was very similar, although the classrooms were more in a U shape around a courtyard. Teachers and students moved to different classrooms, as there were no real supplies in a classroom, it didn't matter from where the teacher taught. We were able to sit through several English lessons, and I was very impressed. Keep in mind that these were middle schoolers, and English was at least their third language. Most of the lesson was in English as students were learning to speak, write, listen and communicate in this language. They did have text books that they used to teach from, and what struck me was how progressive the books were. Instead of a lesson on how to conjugate verbs for example, the lessons were on topics that mattered and in such, students were expanding their vocabulary and understanding of a new language. Topics were on careers or children's rights around the world.
As in most classrooms around the world, some students were eager to learn, and some were not as engaged. In a classroom of sixty students, it was easy to tell who knew that education was an invaluable tool. Those students didn't let themselves get lost in the crowd, but instead were self-driven, motivated, and eagerly raising their hands. Middle school students were a bit more curious about us, although, not in front of their teachers, but instead, swarming us as soon as classes were dismissed. Students even indulged me and let me teach them "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes," participating and laughing our way through.
As always, though, the highlight for me was visiting the elementary school. We went to one teeny tiny private school (one class had four students). Their school was certainly much more equipped with supplies, but it still did not compare to what most classrooms I'm accustomed to in the US have. The public elementary school felt the way I want any elementary school to feel. It was welcoming, happy, and kids were eager to learn, ask questions and participate. The school was set up around a large courtyard with about a dozen classrooms spaced around it. A large baobab tree the centerpiece providing shade for games played in the sand during breaks.
As in our other elementary visit, the classrooms were more equipped, even if with a few more posters or colorful chalk, but they were still incredibly sparse. The kindergarten classroom recited the Wolof alphabet for us, and I was thrilled to see this language being taught. Goats wandered into classroom doorways, and no one blinked an eye. (My students often struggle to pay attention if a fly is present...)
On our last night in Gandon, our host said that a special event had been planned. Again, we had no idea what to expect. He suggested we wear our new, Senegalese dresses. So, Brenda, myself and the five other Fulbrighters in Saint Louis arrived at the middle school on our last evening, and well, I only thought that we had seen the Senegalese teranga (hospitality).
The courtyard was packed with hundreds of people, and we were led to a row of seats in the front row, the seats of honor. Overwhelmed knowing that this was all for us, tears were not far from my eyes throughout the course of the evening. One of our hosts acting as the MC through the evening, microphone in hand, he enjoyed speaking in Wolof to the crowd and sharing tidbits with us as well. A crew of drummers was stationed close to us and began beating out different rhythms. With each change of rhythm, representing a different ethnic group, a new small group of people (typically teenage girls) would emerge from the crowd to perform the dance that went along with the rhythm. It was not planned, but instead, these young women knew the different dances and were eager to show off pride for her culture. Their bodies moved in ways that I know mine will never be able to. But, being excellent hosts, throughout the evening, multiple times, they would come grab our hands and pull us into the center of the crowd where we would try, unsuccessfully to mimic their movements. I believe we brought joy to the crowd (or at least laughter), but they dutifully applauded and cheered along. But, that evening brought so much joy and honor to my heart that will be hard to replicate.
I could not be more grateful to the people of Gandon for welcoming us into their homes, schools and communities with open arms, and showing us the true meaning of hospitality.
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