Back To Classroom Teaching

Aubs back in the classroom

With much of my 20 years of Primary school teaching in “rich” well – resourced international schools, teaching here in the orphanage is something so far removed from anything else i have experienced before.

The classroom is outside and students cram themselves onto 4 benches moved in from the “eating” tent. There is a tarpaulin cover and i sweat like a pig in temperatures in excess of 30 degrees. It´s not easy, with students ranging from 18 months to 15 years, with most of them not having a word of English.

Typically we start with “Amazing Grace”, a tune that they seem to recognise. Then into body parts with “Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes” being particularly popular. With my desire to mix it up a little we get into numbers to and from 20 – i have made the most basic of number “cards” which has caused much excitement amongst the students. Colours games also seem quite popular and we are making good progress. Despite a bunch of startled faces, the kids are real eager to learn and communicate. Their manners are impeccable.


The students start at the local church school next week where they are all enrolled and the staff and not least myself will feel somewhat lonely.

Photos are courtesy of Jean Luc.