The first group of Primary 5 students arrived 30 minutes early making it a hectic day from the start. This group ranged in age from 10-14 and shared two traits. First, they were small in stature, and second, they didn’t understand much English. Robert says this is unusual, they do much better in the other schools, especially the boarding schools. My first impression is that they are all quiet and passive when it comes to learning. I never saw a questioning look or any sign of curiosity and seldom a smile. As a result the program lacks spontaneity and is very much one directional. Three hours is hardly enough time to ground them in their environment and the need for conservation, especially when you see the litter strewn towns and the peoples’ lack of concern.
But it’s a beginning and Robert and Lawrence work well together. My role, today at least, was to have the forms on hand, prepare the snacks and drinks and otherwise make myself useful while remaining as inconspicuous as possible. Having a “muzungu” present makes these quiet kids absolute clams. I followed the kids through the entire morning session and would have been in the dark if the guys hadn’t translated and if I hadn’t previously read the course material.
Connie went with Stephanie on some Roots and Shoots (R&S) business, mostly to get an idea of where the schools are. Emma and Jacque stayed at the center and Emma took the forest walk while Jacque slept. After taking care of some record keeping and final details the girls headed back to Bushenyi. When they drive back to Entebbe tomorrow it will be our last contact until mid-April.
A motley troop of four olive baboons visited at lunch followed by a tropical downpour, a harbinger of the rainy season ahead. We didn’t see much other wildlife unless you count the cockroach assault last night but we can hear some of Kalinzu’s 240 chimps off in the forest. Lawrence has offered to take us tracking one day soon.