3 week anniversary!

Have been in South Africa now for 3 weeks. It has been the best three weeks of my life. I am working very hard, there is soo much to do, but it is very enjoyable and everyone is so appreciative. There was a three week teacher strike at the end of June and so the students missed out on alot of work. We have been busy trying to catch up, especially with the grade 12's. To add to that, the Department only advised us the night before that students were to start writing exams the next day. It was horrible. How are they meant to do their best when they havent even been taught the content or had any time to prepare?
The students resiliance is so admirable though. Some have been staying up until 4am to try and study as much as they can (and thats even the Grade 8's). That is on top of classes beginning at 8am and finishing at 2:30pm for lunch. Then afternoon classes starting again at 3:30-4:30, breaking for supper and then evening classes (Prep) again from 7-8:30pm. They work so hard.

This weekend i have come to Polokwane (the closest city). We caught a public taxi (a minivan packed with 15 people). It was a very entertaining ride. Each taxi has huge speakers and pumps the best music. You sing and dance the whole way. I am visiting some friends and then tomorrow attending the Manche Masemola pilgrimage. It is a big service and worship day with about 2000 people. The mass goes for 3 hours and then there is a picnic lunch on the veldt. It should be an awesome experience, really looking forward to it.

Lots of love,
Carly

p.s. to all those who are studying or at school at the moment. Do not take education for granted. Make the most of it because you seriously so not realise how wonderful we have it in Australia. Do not waste our amazing resources and opportunities because trust me, there are thousands who are far far worse off than you.
xoxox

Thobela!!!!

Absolutely loving it here!
I have found my second home!!

Totally settled in. My classes are gorgeous. I am teaching grade nine english and grade eight science. Tutoring grade 11 n 12 boys chemistry n biology n helping with english.The grade eights r a challenge. So noisy but that is ok. They are so dedicated to learning and so polite. My classes are huge. About 35-40 children with about 15 desks. They all have to share with about 4 to a desk n often some have to stand. But they work hard as they do not take education for granted.they realise how important it is for their future.

I have made some amazing friends. My school is just one big family. Everyone looks out for each other its beautiful.When I am not teachng I work in the office typing n writing exams. They start on monday.Yesterday another school from polokwane came for the day. There was a welcome dance done by the students, followed by games of netball, soccer n volleyball. I played in our netball team it was sooo much fun.the students thought it was hilarious n were dancing nsinging for me the whole game.

There was music playing all day n we all just danced. Wherever there is music, everyone moves. Such an awesome vibe here.Before they left there was a gospel performance n dancing. I got up n started dancin with them n they thought it was the funniest thing they had ever seen. One girl actually came up n grabbed my skin n said, ' r u sure ur white, because white ppl can't move like that!' hahaha it was soo much fun.

Josey, thabi, tears n ngeni (my four brothers from other mothers) have been teaching me sepedi. I now know most of the basics. Its fantastic being able to communicate with them in their language n they appreciate it a lot.

Hope everyone is well.
Gtg now I have work to do but ill try to update more often.

Sala gabotse!
Xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo