Play Leaders Training

Well another week passes and where does the time go.  I was laid low for almost a week which seemed to drag on with a nagging headache.  I was advised to visit the local hospital but had some reluctance having met a Swedish Dentist on one of my visits to the Marangu Hotel who told me she was horrified at the lack of hygiene in operation.  However the headaches continued and eventually last Thursday Dilly (the project leader’s Tanzanian husband) said he would take me to a private hospital In Moshi to have my blood checked.  Thankfully the malaria parasite was not in my blood. I was advised to drink more water which I did and took some salt replacements and never looked back. I must say the Doctor was a very shrewd man who told me I had the body and heart of a 30 year old, well I think that’s what he said.  I could have lost something in the translation – it could have been 300?? Anyway I was raring to go last Monday and started my Play Leaders Training with Standard 7 in one school and Standard 6 in another.  Of course all the old skills came back. These pupils are to be seen to be believed.  They were so enthusiastic and eager to take part.  The simplest of games were devoured and developed quickly.  Its hard to comprehend but they want to please, eager to help and hang on your every word.  It reminds me of my teaching when I started in 1968!!!  They were a joy to teach.   Needless to say I was the one tired out at the end of the session.  They loved the equipment.  Time to give a big plug for Mrs Evans of Evans of Longton who kindly sponsored these activities by supplying bags of equipment and paying for it to be flown out to Tanzania.  Thank you Mrs Evans.  At the moment I have made little progress into the leading bit of the programme as there is still too much individual pupil enjoyment and learning of games taking place.  But I love it myself for its very rewarding to have pupils waiting for you to arrive and whose faces light up as soon as you arrive.  Here are some pictures of the pupils in action.