School time

            This morning we met the teacher who will be working with us during the primary school practicum.  She was SO SWEET!  She looked like she was 30 and told us she had grandkids.  I was pretty shocked.  She has a very warm, maternal look about her with a similar personality.  I loved what she had to say about her job and some of the challenges with which she is faced as a result of working with students who come from poor families.  “Sometimes the kids show up in messy uniforms or without their uniforms, but you have to be understanding.  They come from poor families who are focused on putting food on the table, not buying the right uniform.  You cant be harsh on them.  Theyre just kids.”  I like you, Mrs. Saloojee.  I like you a lot. 

            Her bright smile and deep, sensitive eyes conveyed that she was passionate about and proud of what she did for a living.  She loves those kids.  She talked about them as though they were all her own little beauties.  Hearing her speak about her students, her school, and our visit there made me smile. “These kids will get so much out of your being there.  You have no idea of the impact that you will make on these kids,” she told us.  Needless to say, Im freakin STOKED about starting school on Monday! 

            There is a possibility that I will have the privilege of visiting a new school for autistic kids.  I would be excited beyond belief if I actually got to do this.  Special education in the states is highly interesting to me, but special education in a place like South Africa where many schools are still largely black or largely white and corruption is rampant, would be absolutely fascinating.  Where do special needs children fall into the system?  Is there adequate schooling and help for them?  Are their teachers qualified?  I hope that I will learn the answers to all of these questions before this trip is over.