Setting up my Classroom

Over the past few days in Iringa I have been busy with Kiswahili classes. I have been learning a lot; it is a beautiful language. In addition to the classes I have been taking I have also been busy setting up my classroom. Since I have such a small class, I also have a small classroom. My classroom is a building that stands alone; it was previously the school library which may make it sound like it is big but I have no idea how they fit all the books in there. Today I spent a lot of time contemplating how I should set it up. It was filled with all the materials from last year so I had a lot of cleaning up to do before I could do anything. I made a small amount of progress today. I will continue to work at it until it is good to go for all the kiddos! I also had a meeting today to discuss some curriculum items. I was able to get my class list and gather some ideas about what my students might be like. This all made me so excited I could barely stand it!
I have been going out to eat a lot with the other teachers. We have been going to a place called Neema Crafts. It is a little cafe that employs people who have disabilities. People with disabilities here in Tanzania have are really looked down upon and have very few opportunities. A couple who was traveling in Tanzania opened up Neema Crafts to help those with disabilities make a life for themselves. A lot of the workers are deaf so we order our food on slips of paper. It also has a nice little shop attached to the cafe as well. I also walked to the market with the other teachers. It was another successful day in Africa. I am enjoying myself but can't wait to start teaching. I am feeling very fortunate to be living in such a beautiful area with such kind people, but I really miss everyone!