While the children waited for their film to be developed, they got right to work on designing and creating their journals. Their work was so exceptional, it attracted many admirers. Notice photos here of Headmaster Benson visiting the classroom and JoAnn sharing student work with the Headmaster and the Parent Council chairperson, Mr. Francis Mboya.
Once each student completed a final draft of his or her narrative, it was time to move on to the photography lessons. The children were so eager to begin. After teaching the basic parts and functions of the camera (view finder, film advance gear, frame counter, lens, actuating button, shutter, flash), they were ready to “experience” photography. Many of the children had never held or used a camera before and others were the class “experts”, modeling proper form and technique.
The students’ assignment was to document their home and school lives via photomedia and to correlate their photos with their narrative stories. It was so much fun for us to observe the students as they experimented with their cameras and to photograph them photographing their world. Each day, the students reported back about their experiences. We were impressed with how seriously each child took his or her assignment, exercising special care of the materials given. At the end of the week, every single camera was returned and the film was ready for developing!
Enjoy the photos of the children with their cameras!
JoAnn and Danielle began the “Walk in My Shoes” photojournalism project, the aim of which was for students to capture narratives of their daily lives through photography and journalism. Each student was provided a disposable camera to use in school and at home (thank you Henderson Coin Drive donations) and each student compiled a personal journal to share with his or her penpal.
The process began when Kilimani students read Henderson student journals and made observations. After reading and sharing, they then brainstormed ideas for their own journals and wrote a rough draft. When rough drafts were finished, each student conferred with either JoAnn or Danielle and then revised his or her writing in preparation for the final draft.
The process was enlightening to say the least! It was really fun for us to experience first hand in an instructional setting the many similarities and differences between our students and the Killmani students. Enjoy some of these photos of the “Take a Walk in My Shoes” writing process…
After the book donation celebration, Ellen and Terri started the week-long assignment of sorting, cataloguing, labeling, and shelving nearly one thousand books. Although seemingly very tedious to the rest of us, if you ask them, they thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it!
A select group of Kilimani 7th and 8th grade students serve as the school's librarians and they were truly Ellen and Terri’s right-hand boys and girls. Ellen and Terri worked hard with these students to set in place a system for locating, borrowing, and returning the books. By the end of the week, we were thrilled to see formerly-empty shelves filled with new books and students of all ages and levels accessing them!
1. Kilimani Library pre Henderson book donation
2. Ellen sorting
3. Terri & Ellen with student librarians sorting & shelving
(LOOK AT THOSE FULL SHELVES!!)
4. Terri cataloguing & labeling
5. Student librarian helping peer find a “just right” book
On our first day back to Kilimani, we presented the students and staff with the 6 suitcases of books. What we thought was a simple “handing over” turned out to be a school-wide celebration where the Kilimani choir performed and speeches were delivered. We were also asked to speak to the school community about what our partnership has meant to the Henderson Inclusion School. Needless to say, it was very emotional for all.
The best part came, however, when the students had a chance to do a “book walk”. The smiles, excitement and squeals of joy over the wide array of genres and titles was more encouraging and gratifying than any of us could have anticipated. We only wish that we could have transported each Henderson School student, teacher, and family member who donated to our Book Drive and to the Coin Drive (which paid for the transport of all the books) to Kilimani for just a glimpse of the celebration. It literally brought tears to every one of our eyes.
It was beautiful to see inclusion at work during the book ceremony.
Sighted children read titles and jacket covers to blind students. Furthermore, almost in perfect synchronization with our book donation celebration, members of the African Braille Center (ABC) came to introduce and donate a lending library of books on cd. They also donated Victor Reader, a device for simple, easy navigation through novels, magazines, and other books for the visually impaired. It was truly a day to celebrate at Kilimani!
Enjoy the photos of students enjoying their books!
We were sad to bid the Mara farewell, but excited to get back to Nairobi and start our work at the Kilimani School. We all felt refreshed and like we had accomplished our Science learning goals. Ellen especially was geared up to spend a few debrief days with all of her newly acquired information, planning for future units of study in the upcoming 2011-2012 school year.
Upon our departure, our guides Wilson and Kitere honored us each in a special way. Ellen, JoAnn, and Kevin were given honorary Maasai names. Ellen was named Ntajiriyi meaning “rich in knowledge and experience”, JoAnn was named Sidai meaning “beautiful lady – inside and out”, and Kevin was named Mchungaji meaning “the shepherd over the flock”.
Danielle and Terri were promised a visit from Wilson in Nairobi after he had a chance to pass home. Wilson’s mother and the other “mamas” from his village had been working hard on a surprise. It wasn’t until later in Nairobi (after Wilson made a 340 km. round trip journey via “matatu”), that we were deeply touched to receive beautiful beaded bracelets bearing the names “Naramat” and “Naserian”, as well as many other hand-beaded treasures. Words cannot express our gratitude and thanks to these very thoughtful and loving friends.
Photos:
1. One last shot of the crew
2. Walking to the plane
3. Wilson’s mother and the other “mamas” beading in the village.
(Wilson’s mom is the one in the yellow shirt at the back left with the beautiful
smile on her face.)
4. Wilson in Nairobi bearing gifts
The migration is one of the 7 natural wonders of the world and for many people, a once in a lifetime opportunity to see. The Great Migration is when over a million wildebeests and zebras cross the Mara River from the Serengeti in search of red oat grass and water. The sheer numbers of them in the Mara at this time of year is absolutely awe-inspiring.
Wildebeests and zebras have a symbiotic relationship. They live intermingled with one another because wildebeests have superior hearing and zebras have incredible eyesight and sense of smell. Co-existing with one another increases their chances of survival.
Guess what else?? We picnicked right in the middle of the herds underneath an acacia tree. How cool is that?!?
