Interviews

We have started interviewing potential teachers and staff for the school and I have learned quite a bit about some of the more subtle aspects of the culture here through this process. The Ugandan head teacher takes the lead in asking questions of the candidates, as she has a better idea of what is important to learn from these individuals in this context. Here are some things I've learned from the questions she's asked:

1. The language, Kiswahili, (spoken widely in Kenya and Tanzania) is viewed by some Ugandans as the "language of thieves" and they resist learning it. This attitude hinders the development of a common East African language--something the government in this country would like to see.

2. Some families would be willing to pay high school fees to educate their sons, but would not be willing to pay the same amount to educate their daughters.

3. Chemistry and Biology are prerequisites for taking Advanced Level Foods and Nutrition, but a student doesn't need lower level Home Management (Home Ec) in order to take it. Foods and Nutrition is considered a Science course.

4. There have been cases of Art teachers completing their students' assignments for them in order to improve the grades on the national exams.

5. Despite the many challenges facing teachers in this country, it is easy to find many dedicated individuals who stand against corruption, care for their students, are committed to seeing more girls achieve higher education and work hard to achieve these goals.

It is encouraging to meet people who recognize the importance of education to development and want to make a difference in their country. I look forward to speaking to more interesting people over the next few weeks as we finalize our decisions.

Commerce

Here's a look at a variety of businesses around Masaka. People get very creative about where and how they display their wares; any spot on the street can become a shop. People sell items from baskets on the sidewalk, from baskets balanced on their heads and from pieces of cloth spread out on the ground. It can be a great adventure participating in commercial transactions around here.

A butcher uses a machete to cut the meat.

A suit salesman. He just piles one jacket over another on his shoulders and walks up and down the street. (the shop in the background is owned by our pastor's wife; it's where we get all our photocopying done.)

Street food. These guys are making chapattis.

A typical row of small shops along with makeshift shelters selling more items.