Mathiba Primary, the clinic & the old br

Breakfast was at 7.00 in the camp restaurant and we were ready to depart at 7.30 for our first day of teaching primary students. 40 minutes into Maun and we entered the school gates to find all 1100+ students waiting for us.

The Mathiba Memorial Primary School Principal, Noah, and his Deputy, Patricia, greeted us and the students sang several songs of welcome. From the outside Assembly, we all moved into the staff room, for further introductions. We were told how much Mathiba appreciated the link with Oxley and the funds that have been raised for their projects.

Noah took us on a tour of the school including their computer facility and the kitchens that fed the 1000+ students at lunchtime.

When we arrived at the Std 2 (our Year 2) classrooms we were allocated groups of about 4 students to teach. Much beneficial activity took place in the next hour as the Oxley students provided something different and interesting. It was a great success.

By 12.00 we managed to extract ourselves from the excited Std 2s and we walked across the road to the local clinic. Although it provided support for any medical needs, the main emphasis in the talks given by the medical staff was HIV/AIDS. Three different staff talked to us and there were plenty of Oxley questions. Several Oxley students added information to their research projects.

From the clinic we walked along the road the 800 metres to Sedie Junior Secondary School where we relaxed in the shade until the change of class bell occurred. Allocated a ‘buddy’ everybody went off to two classes before a late lunch: which was held in the smaller staff room, with food provided by Sitatunga.

(News came through at lunchtime that the Ritchies had arrived back in Oz and had been able to visit Mum/Grandma)

After lunch we climbed aboard our truck and followed by two minivans carrying Sedie students, we drove out to the Old Bridge over the Thamalakane River, north of Maun. The idea here, in this picturesque setting, was to walk slowly across the rickety bridge with your buddy, getting to know each other. After a while, everyone returned, collected a rubbish bag and gloves, and wandered along the river bank in pairs improving the environment by picking up rubbish.

About 5.00 the mission had been accomplished and we said goodbye to new friends and headed back to Sitatunga. The locals challenged us to a game of football before dinner. The Oxley girls provided a cheer squad and the boys were allowed to win. Challenges have been issued for a return match tomorrow evening, with the girls playing netball.

Pizzas for dinner tonight (a great effort by camp cook Shah) and we were joined by Sedie School Head, Senatla Mokobela who came out to say hello.

It had been a good - but busy - dayBaca lagi