Today we decided to go to 'The Nest' again where we had the opportunity to work in the kindergarten, we being myself and Sarah. We were so excited to have had the opportunity to work with the little children again! (especially after having taught them yesterday!) So we were introduced by Susanna, the main lady in charge, and the class welcomed us with big smiles and welcome songs! The reason why Susanna wished for us to help out in the Kindergarten was because most of the teachers were out today due to the vote. Therefore there was 3 classes within one classroom, so I think the teacher was glad to have the help/assistance! We walked in and the children were stood up at the back of the classroom singing their hearts out, in tune and with so much passion and rhythm! We actually couldn't believe how good they all were at singing. The teacher kept them in time and danced using the traditional African dance moves- which made all the songs very catchy and so we joined in with the actions! The songs they were singing included lyrics that said "We are so happy, happy, happy, We are so Happy, happy, happy" and " We are the tiny buds, that are raised in the nest, and one day we will leave the nest and fly free"- this song nearly made me cry!! Not out of pity, it was just so emotional to see how happy and successful the children were with their education and place in life, the lyrics just meant so much to them and it was obvious how the nest really had helped these orphans get their life back together again. The teacher explained that the children were practising for visitors that are going to attend in the near future. Then she asked the children what they do when they have guests in their classroom...then the children suddenly burst out into song saying 'welcome...we love you... etc' for atleast 20 minutes. They were all chanting and a 4 year old boy was stood at the front being the caller/leader...it was all so so beautiful to hear their songs!! We wanted to hear more!
We then served the children's second breakfast which was porridge in cups...and I have never seen such beautiful manners from such young children before!!! They all made sure every one had a cup before they started and they were all completely silent whilst eating/drinking their porridge...the only sound we could hear was their slurping and gulping...SO CUTE!!!!!! SOMETHING THE ENGLISH CHILDREN SHOULD REALLY LOOK UP TO!!!!!
Then the teacher explained as it was technically the summer holidays and so we could do some games with the children. So Sarah and I were trying to think on the spot and came up with 'Boom Chicka Boom' and the 'Apple Pie' game...which the children all loved and joined in with! We felt so relaxed, welcomed and confident so we got stuck in and engaged with the children. We then took them outside into the playground we sang 'Head, shoulders, knees and toes' which was different to their version, yet the teacher encouraged us to show the children our version...the children picked it up so quickly!! Then we played chase/tag with them in the playground which the children loved!! But we soon grew tired and dehyrated running around in the sun...so we played frisby/piggy in the middle with their woolen hats!! The teacher also arranged for them to have a class race with a batten and ball...and then sneakily made us join in!! (which we then returned the favour by making the teacher do it too! ;) )
We took so many videos and photos...the children all wanted to handle my camera and asked to see their picture on my camera screen...they loved it! Some of the children also nearly dived on top of sarah to braid her hair!!!
We then sat in the sunshine in the other compound near the kitchens...the sun was SO STRONG and without realising it i was getting more and more dehydrated! My consequence was a fever within half an hour and a bit of a temperature...so i slept from half past 2 till about 8pm...and my lovely friends brought me some tea from the cafe as I couldn't leave my bed :( This made me miss home slightly but we all get like that when we're ill.
Overall a very good day...very enthused about our experience at the nest but really disappointed that i fell ill towards the end of the day as everyone was sunbathing outside! (the first lot of sunny weather we had had since we got here! boo!)
Night Night xxx
