Teaching in Africa: What an Experience!

This quote sums up the 13 days I spent teaching in and experiencing the Rukwa region of Tanzania.  The experience I had, both as an educator and member of Opportunity Education’s team, will not be forgotten. Tanzania is a beautiful country, and we were lucky enough to see a parts of it that many do not get to see—Kalambo Falls, Lake Tanganyika, and Katavi National Park.  The people in each of the remote villages we traveled through to get to these locations were some of the happiest and most welcoming people I have ever experience.  Their grace and kindness to our rag-tag group of teachers, speech pathologists, and dental team was exceptional—as was the food they regularly prepared for us!

When not sightseeing, we spent five days working in four OE Schools.  This was a priceless experience as an educator.  The student’s joy at seeing us is unexplainable—they all wanted to have the American teacher come to their room or play with them at recess.  The teachers are wonders to observe, their ability to do so much with so little is an inspiration to all educators.  The schools we visited were much like the villages in their welcoming spirit and generosity—I don’t think I’ve ever eaten so much in a day! I was proud to see OE materials being used in the classrooms and how eager the teachers were to learn how to better use the OE materials; it is a true testament to the power of OE’s mission and work in the developing world.  The OE teaching trip was an unforgettable experience that I hope every teacher will be able to experience in the future!