tinawarren, 4 Jun 2008 12:08 hours
Xifeng, Qingyang, Gansu, China The final month... Its not long to go now. I really am on countdown but still have quite a lot to do. Yesterday I went to a county town Qingchen to visit a new volunteer. She is the only foreigner in the town and is still settling in. We had a great day meetings in the morning at school then lunch in a cave restaurant ( where I had been once before) and then a visit to a mountain park overlooking the town. All in all a good day.
On Friday I am off to xian and then Beijing to meet the second new volunteer. I'm looking forward to getting a bit of western comfort eg starbucks coffee and McDonalds Filet of fish . Tee hee - makes me feel naughty but in reality the anticipation is better than the real thing.
It is very hot here now and so incredibly dusty. we had a sand storm a few days ago and I had just mopped my floors. Very annoying. The dust and sand comes through the window frames as none of them fit properly.
When i get back from Beijing I will resume my school visits to the new project schools( and I'll probably have to mop the floors again !)
Yes I do remember I said I would write something about the new project this time. There are 24 rural schools in the project 6 secondary and 18 primary 3 from each county in Qingyang. The project is called "Happy School Effective Learning" and it is encouraging a more participatory approach by students and teachers not just in lessons but in school as a whole, with more involvement of parents and the local community as well. The courses which i just ran with the School Heads, the Teacher Trainers and 5 key teachers from each school lay the foundations for the project and I just hope another volunteer can be found to carry it forward. I do believe it will continue without but probably more slowly.
I just heard yesterday that several schools in Qingyang WERE destroyed by the Earthquake ( although until now it has been keep quiet). They were in Zhengning county about 1 - 2 hours south of Xifeng. About 2000 students are being taught in tents . It is especially important for them to continue studying as this weekend is the College Entrance exam which determines which University/College they are able to attend.
It is a very stressful time for both Students and Teachers ( teachers are given bonuses based on their students results) and to avoid any cheating all phones and internet will be blocked in the vicinity of exam centres. Last year security guards were oat each school gate and the roads around the schools were blocked off. Many poarents sat anxiously waiting outside until the exams were over. Many of the rural families see University as a possible escape from poverty, both for their child and for the family as a whole. Unfortunately, as in many western countries it is not always easy for graduates to find a good job so the dream does not always materialise.
The mossies are back and I've been bitten quite a lot. we have screen on the windows but the mossies come through the gaps in the window frames just like the sand! So every night I slap on the tiger balm which is supposed to keep them away.
Sunday is Dragon Boat Festival so next monday is a national holiday. The tradition is to eat Zongzhi ( stick rice and dates wrapped in banana leaves,formed into pyramids and steamed) There are other fillings but dates or prunes are the most common. The legend behind the festival is interesting but I've rambled on too long so if you're interested you can ask me when you see me !!!
Cheers
Tina
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