I met up with the principal that same evening to discuss what had taken place at the meeting. He suggested an idea that had come up a few other times during the planning stages of the preschool, which was to build a wall in a large classroom at the primary school in order to make an extra class. Every other time he had mentioned this, the committee and myself had looked over the idea, thinking it would be too small and crowded for a preschool. We took out the measuring tape, did a few calculations, and within a week had a wall up, dividing the classroom in two. Over the past two weeks, the parents have come out to paint the classroom walls, build an extension and wall on the veranda, and to help me set up the classroom for the teacher. We have used the remainder of the money that the parents raised to buy the furniture, linoleum flooring, basic school supplies and a few educational games. The classroom is extremely modest by all measures, but WE DID IT.
After going back and forth with the education office about our teacher, we still have not reached any conclusions. I was first told that there would not be a teacher coming until January, then received a phone call from my principal just days later telling me that the teacher would “for sure” be here for classes to begin on August 31st. I do not think that they have officially hired a teacher yet because all teachers are on duty this week and should be reporting to their schools, but I have yet to see a teacher at the preschool. The principal has not heard anything from his supervisor about it, so we are waiting anxiously throughout this week to see if the teacher will be here before Monday. Ive had small talks with the parents about the importance of the teacher having time (if even just a week) to familiarize themselves with the classroom, set up their things, plan their lessons, and get acquainted with me before the children just show up without any formal planning on the teacher’s behalf. NOBODY is hearing me out on this issue. Their minds are so set on “THE CHILDREN MUST BE THERE FOR THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL NO MATTER WHAT” that they are not seeing the big picture- an unprepared teacher = unhappy and confused children = trouble. The first day for anybody (especially a 3 or 4 year old who has never been to school before) should be one of ease- with a calm, READY, and warm teacher- not one who steps foot into the class just 10 minutes before the first bell rings.
The lack of consideration about the teacher’s preparation is just one of the issues that everyone has missed the boat on. Everyone working on the project is gun-ho that we should buy an air-conditioning unit for the classroom. AN AIR CONDITIONER! This may seem reasonable to you- but by no means is an air-conditioner common here, especially at a school. The tiniest one we can even find here costs about 3x the price that it would in the states. Besides the price, the classroom is long and the unit would not be able to provide a cool-down for the entire class. My suggestion was that we install three ceiling fans, but the response that I got in return was “We have to be a step above the rest of the preschools, Miss Elisha. We must advance ourselves.” Im sorry- but when did having a half-ass air-conditioning unit mean that children would be learning more, become better prepared to start primary school, and advance themselves? These comments come from the same individuals who questioned the educational materials that I bought with the extra funds, because the children did not “need those things.”
Hmm… As happy as I am that the school is opening, I have really had to control my frustrations and negativity over the past few weeks. As soon as we heard that we could open this fall, the parents started to point their fingers at me, telling me everything that “I needed to get done,” yet when it comes to practical advice, they would rather me keep my opinions to myself. It doesn’t seem like much of a fair trade out. I really hope that within the next few months I can start putting on parent workshops and begin educating the parents on early childhood education. Perhaps then, they wouldn’t question why a pack of crayons and a pad of paper isn’t enough to turn their children into geniuses.
I have been in contact with many of you about things that the preschool may need or how you can help, and I want to thank everybody for all of their support throughout this processes. I couldn’t have made it this far without your constant encouragement and enthusiasm to see this preschool happen. As of right now, I am not sure what the next steps are going to be about getting more supplies or “things” for the class. I really want to wait to see how the new teacher situation plays out, how much experience they have in a preschool classroom, and how interested they are in working with me and in preschool education. Who knows, the school may get a teacher who has no desire whatsoever to be a preschool teacher, but were placed here because it was the last option… (Very possible.) My ultimate goal from the beginning was for the preschool to have its own building separate from the primary school, along with its own playground. This idea has essentially been forgotten by everyone who is involved with this project since the wall has been built in the classroom. Im definitely not going to push for them to build a separate building unless THEY initiate the process.
Okay. I know this blog only covers info and updates about the preschool, but that’s where my mind is now, and this is all the energy I have to give to writing. It is my goal to start writing more often so that I don’t drown you with a novel every time that I write. I will however remind you that somebody turns 24 in a few weeks and that I miss you all. Hope to hear from you soon. - Elisha
