The shimmering hope has graduated to a sparkling smile 😄😄😄

Dear Diary,

It's been four months since I arrived in this locale, which I had heard so little about. All I needed for this new voyage was the knowledge that there was a problem that needed to be attended to. And that I could help make a difference  in that regard- and I can confidently tell you that I have!

The early attendance of learners in January fluctuated between averages of 40 and 53 in the first week. In the second week, I was ready to rumble and thus rolled my sleeve - the difference in my  teaching styles and multiple interactions with the learners saw an increase of about 10% that week. I don't mean to gloat, the low attendance could have as well been exacerbated by other factors, the term had just began, the parents were keeping the children for other chores, or lack of interest among several others. 

This increase had seen the total number of attendees by the beginning of week 5 to 107 (43 boys and 63 girls). This was a result of several interventions, which I am sure you're quite certain of.

It was no easy run I’ll admit, considering that the learners had been robbed by over 18 months of learning time, worsened by the local language - as the language of instruction (LOI) which honestly I am not a speaker, made everything harder than they were initially supposed to be. We (me and my learners) struggled with understanding one another. But with baby steps, we could (with much difficulty of course). Like they say, with time an egg will walk. That was all we needed - time and a little patience. There was no hope whether learning was going to be possible.  

Today, the learners successfully completed a set of seven examinations - at which they were very happy and demanded we continue learning. Something I would also have loved to do very much but the just concluded exams ought to be marked by someone or  two someones :) to ascertain they can walk home with their results. This would very much (in my opinion) make their parents happy and continue their support to see their children educated. The examinations marked thus far portrays promising learners in spite of all nay thoughts I was offered from mouths both near and far.

It was a hard start. Parents on the lookout for their money in anticipation of another lockdown and the effect of the previous one on their children, - whether they were in 'learning mode' or not - same thoughts crossed a lot of people's minds including teachers. One hundred and five learners after all this while sat for the end of terms exams - two missed. I'm  yet to embark on a wayfare to find out the reason - which I suspect I already know the answer to, examination fee or phobia - the latter most likely since our school allowed the learners have exams and withhold their results.

The hope that shimmered on the onset has gradually become a sparkling smile to the learners, teachers and the parents. A few of them have confessed to me lately that they can visibly and audibly discern the progress their children have made this academic term and hoping for more, come the next. I too, have the same sentiment. Looking back how we started and where we were, a wide grin is a deserving desert, a consolation that time has and is not being wasted. An impact is being made and felt roundabout. We can only hope for the best - and we (I and my pupils) unanimously agreed that we are so fired for the next encounters to come!

Until I write again, bye!