I arrived mid-afternoon in Ondangwa a scattered urban town with a few shopping centers and plenty of honking taxis. I met my Principal on the side of the road with another fellow teacher, Festus, who drove me over to my school and living complex. My Principal asked if I had had a good trip and I responded that indeed I had. However, I did not mention how different of a drive it was compared to any other I have had. Baboons frequently tramped across the two-lane road and through traffic. Cows and bulls lazily chomped grass along the sides of the street, while meercats (spelling big time) were like dodging squirrels. One doesn’t need to take a safari within Africa to find wildlife; just drive along the road for an hour and you will find plenty.
Festus and about six other teachers live within my complex, which is an old school building and some rooms are still used for the local kindergarten. My room was the school tuck-shop but was recently cleared out into a livable space. It is a bit tight with a fridge, bed, and a few shelves taking up most of the space. I added a desk and chair today, borrowing them from the student’s for a bit. I have a place to work, eat, and sleep, and that is fine by me. Moreover, I won’t get too lonely, as there are plenty of paper-thin wall spiders. This may sound like I am resentful towards my accommodations, but I am far from that. My school and the ministry have gone to the furthest efforts to provide these things and I couldn’t be more grateful. Complaining would be a sin.
Going off of that, the teachers and students are extremely friendly. The teachers, especially my housemates, have made it clear that whenever I need anything that I should not hesitate to ask. My Principal even gave a check-in call last night just to make sure I was doing all right. With everyone being so accepting, it is easy to see the Namibian family like culture in full effect.
This was especially evident during my first school assembly. Every morning Eloolo (pronounced Eelowlow) has a mass outdoor assembly where announcements are made. Three younger girls began by singing a hymn and reading a religious passage. After, the Principal introduced me and I said a few words (basically, wa lalapo or good morning). To finish, the school sings the national anthem as the Namibian flag is raised.
After a brief discussion with my Principal, it was determined that I was going to teach history and English. He had me observe a history teacher, Eugene, who runs a relaxed but effective classroom. The learners (students in Namibia) all seem quite disciplined and very willing to learn. To end the day I played in a pickup volleyball game which was quite fun.
So my first day is done and I am very happy. The students are curious, bashful and excited all at the same time. I am the only white person within the 800-student/teacher body, so I stick out a bit. Wherever I go, there is someone who says hello or gives a wave. I went for a run later to a group of shops/shacks and the people through up their hands in surprise and welcoming. It’s very weird contrasting so much from the people here. But that is just on the outside. I feel a deep comfort in the kindness and wellbeing that everyone emits. This definitely allows me to relax more and will help me along my teaching journey in Namibia. I’m excited to continue to learn more and more and hopefully can return the favor. Tomorrow, Eloolo is participating in a soccer/net ball tournament and I will be traveling with both of the coaches (whom are also my housemates), Festus and Joseph, for the day. Best of luck to the teams and hope to keep you all posted soon. Best.
p.s. The internet is very slow and unreliable, I have to wake up at odd hours of the evening to access it, so I'm sorry for the delay on the posts
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