As another week draws to a close, another blog entry follows. In terms of lesson structure, nothing was much different this week. It is nice to see now that I am developing relationships with some of the students, particularly the youngest, level ones.

There's Mveliso- the quiet, shy one who I have spent a lot of one on one time with who struggles more than the rest of the class. (But thanks to my cows in fields analagy he finally understands division!)

I can't not mention Asatandile. The confident, charming one who likes to play jokes on us. Beneath the cocky exterior he's actually very eager to learn and is very helpful with packing away the class. It's amazing what you can get a child to do for an extra gwinya.

Of course, it goes without saying there are some more 'difficult' children to deal with but right now I'm putting that down to a mixture of hormones and them still getting used to me and Nadine.
Respect, or lack of it, is an issue I have been battling with some students from the start. Previously, their teacher at Axium was a black Xhosa speaking male who they automatically had to respect. But me, a white foreign girl who speaks funny, they don't culturally have to respect instantly and a select few are taking advantage of this.

I don't let this bring me down though as I am seeing progress already in a few students: Mveliso understands division, Sonezo can now multiply 2 and 3 digit numbers and Afikile is storming ahead through the multiplication and division topic for his age and level.

There's lots going on in the community this weekend too. Tim's, a teacher at Sea View- a local high school, job has finally been made permanent by the Department of Education so there was a big braai held and a sheep sacrificed for the occasion.
Currently I'm sat in a tent (in the rain may I add) in Coffee Bay for Liz's (a doctor in the hospital) farewell party. And tomorrow there is a party at Hole in the Wall for Ruan's (a fellow teacher at Axium and technological life saver). After my disastrous attempt at a hike to Hole In the Walla few weeks ago, I'm glad I will be able to enjoy and appreciate the place for what it is rather than feeling like I'm going to collapse. There will be lots of swimming in the river mouth, (hopefully) relaxing in the sun and food. Because it wouldn't be an Africaans party if there wasn't a Potjie or 10 knocking about somewhere. Weather permitting, I think it's going to be a really great day!

So I should catch some zzzz now to get maximum sleep before tomorrow. Although something's telling me I may not be too successful on this rock solid floor. On the plus side, I can hear the sound of the ocean from my tent. A lovely soundtrack to drift off to.

Bye for now