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| A precious student praying during the morning assembly at Makeni Primary School |
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| The new Mother and Child unit at Kissy Hospital |
Morning assembly at Makeni school
Teacher workshops begin
Unpacking the library
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Pictures
Teacher to Teacher...Saturday continued...
We visited Manonkoh Primary School and also the clinic in that village. John, the head teacher from Manonkoh was helping to facilitate our workshop at Makeni. A couple of his teachers were also workshop participants. John was a participant in our first workshop at the Urban Center in Kissy in 2011 when he was a teacher at Calaba Town. The dictionary he received at that workshop was on his desk in his office. He had also the beginnings of a library in the storage room behind his office. His school has received lots of support from Africa Uplifted, a group from Minnesota. The classrooms had some built in shelving, good chalkboards extending along a full wall, and hooks for the children's school bags. Also, there were covered water containers and cups so the children could have water during the day. Several of the classrooms had teaching posters, mostly handmade attached to the walls. All these things are very rare in primary schools in Sierra Leone. John stressed that he tries to limit class sizes so that classrooms are not so crowded. No more than two students to a bench. I don't know if by limiting class sizes, some children are turned away, but smaller classes are definitely an advantage for the students who are there. Also, there was some landscaping, making the space around the buildings more pleasant than most. I have never seen an actual playground or any playground equipment at any of the schools here. Manonkoh is the exception, not the rule, but is an example of what can be done to change things. from Pat Macdonald
What an incredible team we have! This group of 8 have revealed and used a vast array of skills and experiences with the 20 Sierra Leonean teachers. The results were evident asp the teachers shared the things they learned and plan to use during the final closing and celebration. They sang, rejoiced, and cheered as they received certificates and bags of supplies and books to carry back to their schools. The Head Teacher at Makeni UMC Primary School who now is responsible for the coordination of the library, generously shared from the shelves to allow each school to use those exciting books. Hallelujah, we're off! Kenema, here we come! from Amy Zent
What an incredible team we have! This group of 8 have revealed and used a vast array of skills and experiences with the 20 Sierra Leonean teachers. The results were evident asp the teachers shared the things they learned and plan to use during the final closing and celebration. They sang, rejoiced, and cheered as they received certificates and bags of supplies and books to carry back to their schools. The Head Teacher at Makeni UMC Primary School who now is responsible for the coordination of the library, generously shared from the shelves to allow each school to use those exciting books. Hallelujah, we're off! Kenema, here we come! from Amy Zent
Teacher to Teacher ... Saturday
Hello from Bo, Sierra Leone.
Yesterday we celebrated with the Makeni teachers and then hit the road. The drive to Bo was a wonderful way to see the country and the various villages. We had a bit of a problem with a tire on the van, but that was fixed and we arrived at the Mission Training Center in Bo. Today after breakfast some of took a tour of the Child Rescue Center. More details in another blog entry coming soon. Thanks for continuing to pray. Sharon
From Lisa.......
They standing the dirt outside outside in in home. They cling to Mother's skirt or ride on her back. Most wore a shirt or shorts, not always both, and A few go bare. The clothes are often torn, too small, or too large. They are the children of Sierra Leone.
Families with enough money can afford a uniform for their child and send them to school. Those who can't buy a uniform can not go. But they sometimes are drawn to the school to peer in the windows or stand around on the dirt playground. Many are curious, but don't know English, so school learning is lost to them.
Children who are fortunate enough go to school, but the odds are against are still against them. A class I herein Makeni has 109 students, 1 teacher, a chalkboard, and bench seats. That is all. More than 40 students is the norm. The rooms are not secure at hight, so there are no puzzles, no charts on the wall, no books, no puzzles no learning tools. The rooms have no electricity, so no. lighting, except that which comes through windows.
Students have no books. Some can afford to have a pencil and paper, some just a pencil, and some with nothing. No provision is made for those with hearing or vision problems or with leaning differences.
At the end of class VI they take an exam. If they pass, they can go onto secondaryschool. If not, their schooling is over. They face early marriage, children of their own, they can barely feed and clothe, almost no skills and poverty.
These children of Sierra Leone are inquisitive, open and friendly. They are children of God. But for most, their future isn't bright. Lisa 6/27/13
Yesterday we celebrated with the Makeni teachers and then hit the road. The drive to Bo was a wonderful way to see the country and the various villages. We had a bit of a problem with a tire on the van, but that was fixed and we arrived at the Mission Training Center in Bo. Today after breakfast some of took a tour of the Child Rescue Center. More details in another blog entry coming soon. Thanks for continuing to pray. Sharon
From Lisa.......
They standing the dirt outside outside in in home. They cling to Mother's skirt or ride on her back. Most wore a shirt or shorts, not always both, and A few go bare. The clothes are often torn, too small, or too large. They are the children of Sierra Leone.
Families with enough money can afford a uniform for their child and send them to school. Those who can't buy a uniform can not go. But they sometimes are drawn to the school to peer in the windows or stand around on the dirt playground. Many are curious, but don't know English, so school learning is lost to them.
Children who are fortunate enough go to school, but the odds are against are still against them. A class I herein Makeni has 109 students, 1 teacher, a chalkboard, and bench seats. That is all. More than 40 students is the norm. The rooms are not secure at hight, so there are no puzzles, no charts on the wall, no books, no puzzles no learning tools. The rooms have no electricity, so no. lighting, except that which comes through windows.
Students have no books. Some can afford to have a pencil and paper, some just a pencil, and some with nothing. No provision is made for those with hearing or vision problems or with leaning differences.
At the end of class VI they take an exam. If they pass, they can go onto secondaryschool. If not, their schooling is over. They face early marriage, children of their own, they can barely feed and clothe, almost no skills and poverty.
These children of Sierra Leone are inquisitive, open and friendly. They are children of God. But for most, their future isn't bright. Lisa 6/27/13
Friday, June 28, 2013
Teacher to Teacher Friday morning
Good Morning from Sierra Leone!
Thursday was a busy, busy day, after all the teacher workshops we visited a school of one of the teachers attending the workshops. He is a head teacher in one of the village schools. We also got to visit the clinic there to see what services they are providing to the people.
The library was ready to go so I gave three training sessions to show them what was available and give them some ways to use these books. The most thrilling part of the session was when I said"go enjoy the books". They spent 30 minutes absolutely quiet, reading, and smiling. Thank you to everyone who contributed books.
Today we do 2 workshops, have a lunch with the teachers, and then a closing assembly. After that we drive to Bo, the second largest city here, for 2 days before we move on to Kenema for the next workshops. We aren't sure whether there will be Internet access there. Thanks for your prayer support. We need prayer for energy to complete the work set before us. Sharon
Thursday was a busy, busy day, after all the teacher workshops we visited a school of one of the teachers attending the workshops. He is a head teacher in one of the village schools. We also got to visit the clinic there to see what services they are providing to the people.
The library was ready to go so I gave three training sessions to show them what was available and give them some ways to use these books. The most thrilling part of the session was when I said"go enjoy the books". They spent 30 minutes absolutely quiet, reading, and smiling. Thank you to everyone who contributed books.
Today we do 2 workshops, have a lunch with the teachers, and then a closing assembly. After that we drive to Bo, the second largest city here, for 2 days before we move on to Kenema for the next workshops. We aren't sure whether there will be Internet access there. Thanks for your prayer support. We need prayer for energy to complete the work set before us. Sharon
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Teacher to Teacher...Wednesday
Today was our third day at the school in Makeni. It rained this morning which I noticed affected school attendance. The teachers explained that without school bus or even proper raincoats or umbrellas most parents don't allow their children to risk catching a cold. I spoke to a child yesterday on video who claimed he had a four hour walk to school, as unbelievable as that sounds, walking several kilometers seems to the norm. Through all the effort to get to school only to sit in an overcrowded classroom with virtually zero supplies is mind boggling. Often times the conditions are overwhelming as if our supplies and efforts could hardly leave a dent,but when we see the excitement of the students it is obvious that what we are able to provide through the grace of God is making an infinite impact on the 1000 students here, and to come. Please continue to pray for the mission, that the lessons are able to be shared throughout Sierra Leone, and also for Nelson Mandela, a national hero here. Sawyer
Teacher to Teacher Tuesday ...continued
Although we are helping establish a library at Makeni, upper elementary class teachers from other schools expressed frustration with the lack of a library, books,and reference materials that would enable them to meet the educational needs of their students. While listing the resources that would be necessary in order to make libraries a reality in their school, one teacher said "the help of God." Please join with Michael Kamara praying for the teachers and students in UMC schools in Sierra Leone and also consider whether you are called to be an answer to those prayers. Pat Macdonald
With class one and two teachers participating in the teacher to teacher workshop, one participant, Roseline, offered to allow Linda to demonstrate with a lab school kind of setting, using 20 Sierra Leone students. The "Learning Centers"we're spelling, reading, reading from grade level books with the teacher and a "look at books" table.
In the spelling center, one little child struggled to write even three letters while the other children finished the list. She could not write her name on the paper. She was totally lost.
But how could a teacher determine who needs help. Another gentleman, Solomon, has 109 children in his first grade class! It makes us wonder how a teacher could keep track of each of the learning needs of each individual! Yet most teachers expressed their children were ready to go on to the next level. Martin H.
With class one and two teachers participating in the teacher to teacher workshop, one participant, Roseline, offered to allow Linda to demonstrate with a lab school kind of setting, using 20 Sierra Leone students. The "Learning Centers"we're spelling, reading, reading from grade level books with the teacher and a "look at books" table.
In the spelling center, one little child struggled to write even three letters while the other children finished the list. She could not write her name on the paper. She was totally lost.
But how could a teacher determine who needs help. Another gentleman, Solomon, has 109 children in his first grade class! It makes us wonder how a teacher could keep track of each of the learning needs of each individual! Yet most teachers expressed their children were ready to go on to the next level. Martin H.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Teacher to Teacher Tuesday
Today as we registered the arriving teachers, a Head Teacher (Principal) appeared who said he did not know about the workshop for Head Teachers the previous day. He was not informed! I asked Leonard,the Conference Sec. Of UMC Primary Schools,why he wasn't told. Leonard said the gentleman lives in a village where you must stand in one spot to access wifi. Unless the Head Teacher calls Leonard for updates, he would not know what is going on. I allowed him to stay! Amy
I met first with the group of Class III and IV teachers. Each received a deck of cards,and we discussed ways a teacher could us it to review numbers,practice multiplication and division, and encourage student use of numbers.
With the Class V and VI group, we worked similarly worked with calculators and special math decks of cards.
My session with the Class I and II teachers included using counters to learn numbers, bundling sticks for place value practice, using a 100'schart for patterning, and using modified deck of cards for several types of practice.
All the participants in the three small groups were polite and attentive, despite the heat and infrequent language struggles. A great first day! Lisa
I met first with the group of Class III and IV teachers. Each received a deck of cards,and we discussed ways a teacher could us it to review numbers,practice multiplication and division, and encourage student use of numbers.
With the Class V and VI group, we worked similarly worked with calculators and special math decks of cards.
My session with the Class I and II teachers included using counters to learn numbers, bundling sticks for place value practice, using a 100'schart for patterning, and using modified deck of cards for several types of practice.
All the participants in the three small groups were polite and attentive, despite the heat and infrequent language struggles. A great first day! Lisa
Monday, June 24, 2013
It Begins...First Meeting
Hello from Sierra Leone! Let me explain about all the mistakes in Marti's post...I was typing at 6:30 this morning in the dark.!
It's now almost 5 p.m. We have had a busy day! We met with the head teachers. Lisa presented her math and science curriculums. She will be teaching the upper level teachers this week. Marti presented the virtues curriculum and ideas for positive reinforcement. Marti and Linda will be teaching the lower level teachers. Amy and Pat presented ideas for the administration of a staff and answered questions. Sawyer was busy taking video and being pursued by kids to have their picture taken.
Meanwhile the boxes and boxes of books arrived for the library. Sharon was just a bit overwhelmed with the idea of organizing all of them.
Please to pray for us. Pray for energy as we work in the hot humid condition. Pray that we will show the love of Jesus to the teachers and students...the kids are still in school.
Thanks for your support and encouragement! Sharon
It's now almost 5 p.m. We have had a busy day! We met with the head teachers. Lisa presented her math and science curriculums. She will be teaching the upper level teachers this week. Marti presented the virtues curriculum and ideas for positive reinforcement. Marti and Linda will be teaching the lower level teachers. Amy and Pat presented ideas for the administration of a staff and answered questions. Sawyer was busy taking video and being pursued by kids to have their picture taken.
Meanwhile the boxes and boxes of books arrived for the library. Sharon was just a bit overwhelmed with the idea of organizing all of them.
Please to pray for us. Pray for energy as we work in the hot humid condition. Pray that we will show the love of Jesus to the teachers and students...the kids are still in school.
Thanks for your support and encouragement! Sharon
In transit...
Work up in Brussels - on to Dakar then finally on to Freetown. After 48 hours we rested, ended the longest day of the year.
From waking up in Indianapolis on Thursday to tucking ourselves in bed on Friday night in Freetown it had been almost 48 hours. The full moon reflecting on the bay, crossing from the airport at Lungi to Freetown reminded us we are at Summer solistie . It had indeed been the longest day of the year.
In our morning devotional I shared from Deitrick Bonhoffer "whatever this day may bring Thy name be praised". May this blessing be true for our mission. Marti
From waking up in Indianapolis on Thursday to tucking ourselves in bed on Friday night in Freetown it had been almost 48 hours. The full moon reflecting on the bay, crossing from the airport at Lungi to Freetown reminded us we are at Summer solistie . It had indeed been the longest day of the year.
In our morning devotional I shared from Deitrick Bonhoffer "whatever this day may bring Thy name be praised". May this blessing be true for our mission. Marti
Sunday, June 23, 2013
We have arrived in Makena
We arrived in Sierra Leone as expected on Friday. We have spent Saturday and Sunday morning in Freetown and this afternoon we drove to Makena. Tomorrow we start the workshops with the teachers. We will post something tomorrow about the trip here. We praise God for a good trip and we know He is going to do a good work this week. Keep praying.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Message from Bishop Yambasu
Dear Marilyn,
Thanks for putting
together an education VIM team for Sierra Leone. Leonard is all geared up to receive the team.
Leonard has delivered
the books to Makeni.
On behalf of all our primary schools in Makeni
and Kenema, I warmly welcome the team "home".
Thank you for making me
feel so much at home in your home during my last visit. You continue to be a
blessing to us in Sierra Leone.
Do hope you both are
well and doing fine.
Blessings and peace
Bishop Yambasu
Monday, June 10, 2013
Meet the Team
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| Front Row: Marti Hunsucker, Amy Zent, Linda Newsome Back Row: Sharon Puterbaugh, Lisa Ranck, John and Pat Macdonald |
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| Sawyer Zent
Sawyer Zent...
I have recently graduated
from college with a degree in video production. I’m very excited that I was
invited to participate in this year’s mission. I have done some traveling
before, but never to a place that needed my help. I look forward not only to helping school
children in Sierra Leone, but also documenting the trip through the lens of a
video camera. A short digital video I made using pictures from last year’s trip
has already proven a success in raising awareness and funds. I am confident
that filming the trip will go a long way in promoting the program and spreading
the word! Sawyer
Lisa Ranck... I come to the Sierra Leone mission as a retired teacher with a thirty-plus year career. I am looking forward to the opportunity to share my training and experience in elementary education teaching with the teachers of Sierra Leone, who perservere with extremely limited materials and training. I am developing math and science components to add to the important language arts, literacy skills, and library lessons we provide. What a blessing to be able to help both the teachers and the children of this developing country. Lisa Linda Newsome...
In May 2012, I
retired from 36 years of teaching. Soon
after, I was given the incredible opportunity to continue sharing my love for
education, but in a way that rewards my soul!
I am an active member of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, where I
have been able to participate in missionary trips to Haiti. During these trips, my purpose was to develop
the skills of teachers and provide them with the appropriate knowledge and
tools needed to teach children in grade levels Pre-K through third. Now I join this team to travel to Sierra
Leone and teach teachers! Linda
Sharon Puterbaugh...
Since retiring from teaching I have made several trips to South Africa where I have been involved in children's ministry and training Sunday school teachers. I've also been involved in a ministry with senior ladies there. Last summer God opened the doors for me to spend two weeks in Kenya where I worked with a baby rescue center and visited several orphanages. I am excited to travel to Sierra Leone with this team and look forward to the opportunities to be the "hands and feet of Jesus". Thank you for your prayers! Sharon Pat Macdonald...
My first opportunity to go to Sierra Leone
came in 2008 and it has changed my world. I had
been involved as church and district coordinator for Operation Classroom, but
this gave me the chance to experience firsthand the enormous challenges Sierra
Leonean teachers face and a deep appreciation for the work these teachers do
under seemingly impossible circumstances. This will be my fifth trip to Sierra
Leone and the third one focused on working with teachers in primary
schools. I feel blessed to have been
given the privilege to be in relationship with so many wonderful people and to share
some of what I have learned from 28 years of teaching. I will again
be working with the language arts, specifically vocabulary development,
dictionary use, and writing skills. I
look forward to once more spending time among these teachers and children whose
faith, commitment, and joy have and will continue to enrich my life. I pray I can give back at least some measure
of what they have given me.
John Macdonald...
When I retired after a 40-year career in
electrical/electronic engineering, I asked God to show me a way to use that
background in some kind of service for Him.
He answered that prayer in a way I could never have imagined when he
opened the door for me to work with hospitals and schools in Sierra Leone. I have been blessed with the opportunity to
continue doing the work I enjoy while getting to travel, learn, and work with
many new friends. My love for the
people of Sierra Leone continues to grow.
This trip will be a departure from the work I have done on previous
trips, but I hope that I will be able to use my in-country experience to
provide logistical, communications, and any other kind of support needed by the
primary education team.
Marti Hunsucker...
Marti Hunsucker (Margaret),Artist, Teacher and Christian Educator, is a member of the St. Luke UMC Congregation,.. Her teaching experience for Westfield-Washington schools included 11 years teaching Kindergarten, 12 years teaching first grade and 3 years teaching second grade gifted and talented classes. For 13 years Marti served the United Methodist Church as a Christian Educator which included experience in teaching and creating programs for people from the cradle to the grave. After retiring, she came to St. Luke's UMC. and has continued to volunteer as a teacher for: VBS, Disciple, and Adult Classes. She is active with Studio Three, St. Luke's Art Ministry and is a Stephen Minister. Marti and her husband, Glenn, live on a small farm in Sheridan, IN, where she serves in the Kiwanis Club for community activities. Glenn and Marti have two adult sons and four grandchildren.
Marti is excited about returning to Sierra Leone for she feels the church's mission to the UMC Primary Schools in Sierra Leone can make a huge difference for the teachers and children there. On her first visit to Sierra Leone, she was deeply impressed by the long and faithful commitment the United Methodist Church has made to that country. St. Luke's has been an integral part of that mission. Seeing the work at Kissy Hospital in Freetown, the success of the goat project in Tiama and the success of the Nothing But Nets campaign was just a few examples of St. Luke's presence in mission.
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Please Pray....
- for good air travel on June 20-21 and July 8-9
- for rest during the flights
- for protection of the luggage for theft and damage to materials we are taking
- for team unity, patience, and a strong bond as we work together
- for safe in-country travel for the team and the teachers coming to the workshops
- for the health of the team members, protection from disease and illness, and good sleep
- for opportunities to share the love of Jesus with people
- that we would see this as an opportunity to be the "hands and feet of Jesus"
- for a real sense of the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we plan and teach
Thank you for praying!
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