Our last night in Awassa. The last week has been a bit like working at home, with plenty of stress and adrenalin. After working flat out for over week we have finally finished our work at Debub Ethiopia College. There were moments when we didn't think we could do it, but by trimming a few corners and doing lots of pushing of our colleagues we have achieved the near-impossible. The Moderators from the Ministry of Education spent today at the college checking everything we have done and now it's all over. We've said our goodbyes and are now in the process of packing our stuff before leaving tomorrow morning.
I feel very proud and satisfied with what we have achieved. In just over seven months I've lead 56 two-hour training sessions, conducted 96 one-hour lesson observations, about 70 half-hour professional interviews and many many hours of informal discussions, assessment, meetings, planning an preparation. In that time the 26 teacher educators in my HDP group have developed from talking at their students in a pure lecture style to using student-centred active methods. Some have progressed more than others, but all are now better teachers. There have been many many ups and downs along the way, including mistakes made by me, but I feel a profound sense of achievement. We really have been part of making a real difference to some peoples lives and our own tiny difference to the education system of Ethiopia. Along the way I have learned a lot and really do feel like I've changed a a person.
The staff at the college have been fantastic with us. saying goodbye has been moving. The college held an HDP graduation ceremony on Saturday morning and then took all the candidates and us to Lake Langano for the day on Sunday. What a fabulaous day! We spent most of the day swimming in the lake and then brewed up coffee in the Ethiopian way by the lakeside. After the heat and dust of Awassa splashing about and swimming in a Rift Valley lake all day was magical.
So, after learning to love Awassa with its beautiful lake and relaxed, friendly people we are now uprooting and have to start all over again in a new town. I actually feel quite excited although also a wee bit anxious about starting work on Monday!
I feel very proud and satisfied with what we have achieved. In just over seven months I've lead 56 two-hour training sessions, conducted 96 one-hour lesson observations, about 70 half-hour professional interviews and many many hours of informal discussions, assessment, meetings, planning an preparation. In that time the 26 teacher educators in my HDP group have developed from talking at their students in a pure lecture style to using student-centred active methods. Some have progressed more than others, but all are now better teachers. There have been many many ups and downs along the way, including mistakes made by me, but I feel a profound sense of achievement. We really have been part of making a real difference to some peoples lives and our own tiny difference to the education system of Ethiopia. Along the way I have learned a lot and really do feel like I've changed a a person.
The staff at the college have been fantastic with us. saying goodbye has been moving. The college held an HDP graduation ceremony on Saturday morning and then took all the candidates and us to Lake Langano for the day on Sunday. What a fabulaous day! We spent most of the day swimming in the lake and then brewed up coffee in the Ethiopian way by the lakeside. After the heat and dust of Awassa splashing about and swimming in a Rift Valley lake all day was magical.
So, after learning to love Awassa with its beautiful lake and relaxed, friendly people we are now uprooting and have to start all over again in a new town. I actually feel quite excited although also a wee bit anxious about starting work on Monday!
posted by Michael at 22:35
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