Thursday Rwanda by Daisy and Emma H

Rwanda blog Thursday 23^rd

This morning everyone remained pretty tired after another exhausting day yesterday, which was proved by the Thornbarians who failed to wake up. Today was our last full day of teaching so all the teams were highly anticipating the fun that was in store.

The Incredibles kicked off the day with the tough topic of time which some of the members (Emma) struggle to do anyway. To much surprise many of the children took to the lesson like ducks to water and Barb did an excellent job of making it sound far less complicated. To finish the lesson, team Incredible played a game of Whats the time Mr Lion (Wolves are not known by the children). We even managed to incorporate our team song, In the Jungle, to prevent the Lion from waking. Sarah then took the lead on a lesson based on forces which the children found fascinating, focusing on gravity, air resistance and friction. The children really enjoyed the use of mini cars going down  a ramp to demonstrate how friction slows down objects and how some materials create more friction than others. Kaya finished the lesson with an exciting insight into magnetism and how iron fillings could be magically moved. The afternoon was action packed and very exciting for children and leaders alike. The team began by teaching manners to the children after experiencing the rampage for balloons, holla hoops and skipping ropes. The Incredibles then introduced the kids to what felt like thousands of pens to decorate their new t-shirts. Barb then suggested the idea of signing shirts so that long after this trip we will still remember all of the children.

Team Malala began the day with a classic British story, The Ugly Duckling, Genie hoped that this would introduce to the children to a snippet of British culture. The children were then asked to write their own ending, many of which were very imaginative. Up next was a hands on lesson taught by Lowri where the children made their own model lung using balloons and plastic bottles, the childrens reaction was really positive. We also managed to squeeze in some time to do maths worksheets, which the children understood perfectly. During together time it was our moment as team Malala to shine, we won todays team chant! Hooray! After lunch it was our crafty lesson of the day, T-shirt making. This received a fantastic response, with half of the class copying our Cred T-shirts. I (Daisy) started off a classroom trend by adding a red apple to a T-shirt, soon I had a line of customers awaiting their apple stamp. The day ended with a Teacher Vs student sack race, Lowri won triumphantly and was not willing to let any of the children win. Gideon’s (our class teacher) cheating did not go unnoticed.

After school we visited the ex sex workers, who’ve turned their lives around and now create beautiful crafts as a means to support themselves. We arrived to singing and dancing and some very thankful ladies. All of the group left with paper bags filled with gifts for everyone at home, so you can all look forward to those. 

We are all now nervously waiting to hear Pias’ personal experience of the genocide which is bound to be hard to hear but also inspiring. After becoming so comfortable at the school all members are upset  but extremely excited to have our final day with the children.

Ps. Mum I made it here alive, just took a little trip around Africa before I got here.

Ps. Cal I hope you aren’t feeling too worse for wear and that Mya is glad to have you back! Not too long now Mum, can’t wait to see you!!

Lots of Love, Daisy and Emma H xxxxxx