Kokoyah

Monday we hit the ground running, ready to see the teachers work. We (and Jacob!) told Peter, the principal, that we would be there at 8am for devotion and to watch the teachers. Kathy and I both watched the teachers and took some notes from about 8:30-10am. Then, we began! After seeing what they were doing we asked the teachers if they would like to learn and get some help concerning their school (management of the classroom and school) or the small group teaching that we had planned. They consulted each other and Kathy and I stepped out. They chose the first option. So, we discussed what they wanted in a community and a graduate of GeinWhen. They made an amazing list including honest, self-reliant, motivated, healthy, having a sense of belonging, love/care, courage, and critical thinking. So amazing. Then we asked them what the barriers to that are for the children. I so wish we had done this activity with Massaquoi as the answers were so interesting and true to all we have seen in Liberia over the past 6 years. They spoke of the teacher not understanding the content or the plight of the students, fears of punishment, friends mocking, boring teaching and even language fears. This was an amazing conversation and I wish I could share with you the depth they shared. Even moving the desks into a circle made an impression I think! So good! We spent the rest of the day talking about how they can overcome those fears. What does it take to be courageous, how can a teacher promote the welfare and safety of the children with which they work, and how can the school support such goals.