School starts, computers and friends

School started properly on Wednesday.  Seems just the same apart from a few more teachers and different kids. 

On arriving each day the kids have to clean the school compound; sweeping, tidying up, collecting water etc before assembly is held and any announcements made.  This usually cuts into the first lesson period which is supposed to start at 8am but usually around 8:15-8:30.  Many of the kids turn up late and are dully shouted at and on occasion, if very late, are caned.  I don't like the canning, however it's the norm over here (as it used to be back in the UK).  Many of the boys wear several layers of underwear hoping that will make it less painful.  Maybe if they didn't misbehave or turn up late in the first place they needn't worry.  But kids are the same all over and misbehaving seems to be second nature. lol

Some of the teachers under a
mango tree.

I am now teaching ICT (Form 1) and Maths (Form 1).  My first lesson, Maths, was supposed to be at 8am today (Monday).  By the time the rain stopped and everyone was at the school it started at 9, leaving me 10 mins to teach the pupils before their next lesson.    What a start to the week. lol.

Coconut trees at the school.

The kids at the school have to bring their own desks and seats.  The Education Authority is apparently in the process of obtaining some to distribute to the various schools.  However, when these will be available for collection is anyone's guess.  Maybe they'll be here by the time I next visit.

Coconuts, yum yum

Badu arranged an estimate for the doors and windows of one of the rooms here at the JHS.   The cost is a bit more than I thought it was going to be and would not leave any cash to buy a few second hand computers to help the kids in their ICT studies.  After speaking to the Headmaster and teachers, the general consensus seems to be that computers would benefit the pupils more.  An empty room could be made more secure to keep all the books in, leaving the current staff/library/computer room free for just computers.

When I spoke to Badu regarding this he didn't seem happy and slightly annoyed.  He has been focused on getting the one room completed and thinks this is the best use of the money I have raised.  The conversation ended with him saying it was up to me.   The following day Dixon (Headmaster) called me over and mentioned he had seen Badu before he returned to Accra, had also noted how annoyed he was, but after some discussion it was agreed computers would be best, especially as the kids have to learn ICT and sit the same exams as those who have access to pcs.  Computers it is then and a trip to Accra to get cheaper ones than at Ho.  Looking forward to the fun of transporting them back via natural air-con bus!

Nat has been continuing to try and teach me Ewe.  All good so far (I think) apart from some of my pronounciation.  We popped to Ho the other day to try and find a beginners learning book.  Unfortunately nowhere seems to sell an Ewe-English phrase book anymore so I've picked up a very basic book with pictures.  I feel about 6 years old. lol.

Jackson and myself visited the paramount Chief over the weekend to discuss details of the plot of land him and his family generously gave me and indicate my intention to build a house.  All is ready for demarkation and sorting out the plan and quote.  Yay!  Will pop to the site again soon to see the land and how I'd like the building to be situated etc.  Will be great in the future to have my own place here and where friends/family can stay if they decide to come over.

Stephen and me at the drinking
spot in Ho.

Esther, the cook at the Ho drinking
 spot.

I've made a few friends at the usual drinking spot in Ho.  They seem a nice bunch, most in their mid 20s, early 30s, some continuing their education in college.  As with everyone over here, they like their dancing and keep inviting me to the local club.  I'll prob pop by one weekend but no jumping around for me in case of another injury.  Although that doesn't seem the be the type of dancing that goes on over here, so maybe I'll just sit and watch the more sexy, bump and grinding out of a 50 Cent video.  Think they've got enough to talk about without some white woman strutting her stuff on the dance floor.

It was absolutely boiling yesterday.  Did some washing then had to have a rest to try and stop sweating.  Stephen called to say a few of them were heading to the Freedom Hotel where there's a pool.  Very tempting if it wouldn't take me about an hour to get there.  So a shower will have to do and at least no one will see my very white legs and belly.  No doubt another shower before bed as the sweating starts almost immediately.  Sometimes I wonder what's the point.

There's another wasp in the bathroom.  Again I'll be a coward and ask someone else to remove it.  There was a tiny green frog in there the other evening.  Looked like ones you see on nature programmes from the Amazon.  Reminded me of a programme where some nutter licked the back of one to see if it was hallucinagenic regardless of whether it was poisonous or not.  He survived, nothing happened and he wasn't honoured with a Darwin Award.  I'm sure it won't be long.

No new developments on the spider or crunching noises thankfully, however, the mozzies are on an excelerated rampage.  Word's got around that Sam's back so there seems to be a free for all.  Thankfully I've picked up some more anti-malarials in Ho.  I know I'm a veggi but mozzies can be wiped off the face of the earth has far as I and most other people are concerned.  No use whatsoever and only spread various deadly diseases. 

On a good note, the goats and chickens are frolicking about.  A lot more sheep seem to be patrolling, so peace keeping missions are continuing to be successful.  

Bye for now

Sam x