African adventure beckons as Caol teacher prepares to swap classroom
A CAOL Primary School teacher is to swap her class for one in Rwanda.
Jennifer Easson has enrolled in a professional development project with Global Learning Partnerships (GLP), which includes a four-week trip to teach in the African country.
While there this summer she will learn about Rwandan life and culture, which she can share with her Caol pupils on her return.
Jennifer will also be helping the teachers in Rwanda, sharing her knowledge and teaching style, particularly around problem-solving, critical thinking and creativity.
Ms Easson said: ‘It’s always been my dream to go to Africa. In January, I was thinking of what I could do this year, especially as I am turning 30, then the next day I got an email through from GLP offering the chance to have a real life cultural experience for four weeks.’
Ms Easson will be part of a 20-strong group who will arrive in Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, on July 1 for a two- day induction before they travel to their assigned regions.
They will visit a different school each day then get together in the middle weekend of the trip to discuss progress and share ideas.
There will also some time to explore the country and Ms Easson hopes to go on a safari, among other things.
She said: ‘I am excited. I love meeting new people and learning new things. The whole experience will be out of this world, a once in a lifetime opportunity. I think it will be really eye- opening and I will feel really alive.’
There will, of course, be challenges, but Ms Easson says she will take these in her stride. ‘I will have to adapt quickly but I like a challenge. I have to learn some of the languages: Rwandan French and Kinyarwanda.
‘ We will be living like Rwandan teachers live so we will have £40 a week to live off and will have to dress like they do – very smartly and with no short skirts or shoulders showing.
‘I am probably most worried about the food. I’m a very fussy eater and if you are offered a meal there, you have to clear the plate, otherwise it’s seen as very rude.
‘The staff have been talking about giving me a bush tucker trial to prepare me for the food.’