CLAIRE
Exceptional Education Undergraduate |
CLAIRE
Exceptional Education Undergraduate |
As I am sitting at my computer typing my last blog for IPDS Zambia, it is difficult to realize that I am actually home. Besides the jetlag, I am feeling a mix of emotions because I miss Zambia so much. When I first arrived back home, everything looked different. The roads, trees, people...You name it! When my mother picked me up from the airport, driving in a car (on the right side of the road) felt strange. Traveling to Zambia sparks my desire to travel to as many countries as possible. I want to become a stronger, globalized educator. Yes, I have read about Africa in history books in school, but I did not become as interested in the history, culture, and lifestyle of the people until I witnessed it first hand. I would recommend traveling internationally to anyone who wants to broaden their horizons. Truthfully, a history book could not replicate what I saw on this trip. Special Thank YouI would like to thank so many people who have made IPDS Zambia possible for me. This experience of a lifetime would not have been possible without Buffalo State's Education Department(s). I am so thankful to have such supportive friends, family and professor's! -Thank you, Dr. Patterson for supporting study aboard experiences for education majors! -Thank you, Buffalo State Exceptional Education Department and Buffalo State Elementary Education Department for your continuous support! -Thank you, Dr. Patti for helping me with my research! -Thank you, Tamara and for arranging our blogs and helping with travel plans! -Thank you, Dr. del Prado for making IPDS possible! Also, thank you for encouraging me to travel through IPDS! -Thank you, Mr. Turkle for making this trip possible for me! -Thank you, Dr. Shandomo and Professor Wendy McLeish for a beautiful international learning experience! -Thank you, Mom, Dad, Grandma C, Grandma B and Grandpa C for always having faith in me. Love you all! -Claire Borczuch
0 Comments
School LifeThroughout this experience, I have been trying to "take in" all of the Zambian culture I can before I have to return to Buffalo. I have been welcomed, loved and immersed in this beautiful country. When passing students in Zambian schools, I have observed that most students greet our group, standing to say hello and asking about our lives. Genuine respect shows from the students. While observing and teaching in primary school settings, I have noticed distinct differences between schools. For example; some schools have access to computers, while other schools do not. Some schools were rich with colorful posters, while other school classrooms had a bare chalk board with very few pieces of chalk for the chalk board. Despite the economic component, all students (regardless of their resources) were attentive to their teacher and showed the highest upmost respect. Students in Zambian schools also appear to be happy and eager to learn. I hope that my own classroom can reflect the devotion that these students have to learn. Studying to be a teacher in the United States, I plan to incorporate Zambian teaching practices into my my own classroom such as: incorporating music into learning and having students know what is expected of themselves (academically and socially). In addition, my future students will know how to show respect towards others, like the Zambian children have showed me. ChikumbusoYesterday, I felt a great deal of positive emotion when I was at the orphanage, Chikumbuso. This orphanage is a safe haven for women and children who have been directed affected by HIV. All of the women whom I encountered were peaceful, religious and musical. Despite being HIV positive, the women appeared to be healthy and thankful for life in general. Even before our we stepped off the bus, a group of about 10 women began singing beautiful songs to bless our Zambia cohort. I was touched and moved by their welcome. I could not have envisioned myself anywhere else in the world at that given time. Later, one of the women gave us a tour of the orphanage, which consisted of school classrooms for the children and a sewing room. The women at the orphanage rely on selling handmade bags (made out of plastic grocery store bags) for a living. Towards the end of our stay at the orphanage, our Zambia cohort spread out our donations (clothing, school supplies, toys) in front of the women who were ever so grateful. As we took out donations from our bottomless suitcases, the women blessed us and our donations in the form of song.
I realized first hand that giving is much more powerful than receiving. I was touched, moved, blessed and with great emotion! This weekend, I was able to travel outside the city of Lusaka to head to Mukambi Safari Lodge. This four hour drive was completely worthwhile as I saw beautiful scenery, spent time with our group and relaxed. Once we arrived at the safari lodge, we were given many choices as to how to spend our time. Should I go fishing? Should I go on a land safari or a water safari? Well, I chose to do it all! The accommodations were wonderful and the safari guides did a phenomenal job sharing their knowledge about the animals we would soon see.
The photos that are posted on this blog don’t do justice for the beauty that I saw when I was out exploring. I felt like a was crossing sacred land, untouched by humans. I thought of my family and how I would go back to Buffalo to tell them about my adventures. I also wish that they could be here, so I could share everything I saw in sight. When I arrived at the safari lodge, I felt overwhelmed with excitement. This feeling felt like the excitement one would feel if they were about to ride a gigantic roller coaster. It was a great feeling! I did not know what to expect. Gradually, I learned to go with the flow, awaiting whatever event would come my way. While driving in an open Jeep-like vehicle, I saw hippos, elephants, Nile crocodiles near the Kafue River, and other animals that I have never seen before. I was in awe seeing such animals in their natural habitat. I had trouble coming to the realization that these animals all live under the same sun, moon and sky, sharing our world. This weekend, I spent a lot of peaceful time taking in the wonders of Africa. Teaching
ResearchBefore traveling to Zambia, I worked to create interview questions to ask Zambian teachers about special education. Even though I have not yet attended a school for students with disabilities yet, (separate schools) I decided that I am going to interview teachers from a variety of schools in Zambia. Today, I had the chance to interview my second interviewee who was a teacher in the eighth grade at Libala Primary School. I was able to record the interview to refer later. When I return to Buffalo, I plan to create brochures to show my findings. I would like to thank Dr. Patti for helping me with my Zambia research! School Observations |