Word.

So I made a list of things to include in my blog like back in August. So here it is...

Namibia is pretty advanced in random ways, ways that we aren't yet (or maybe we've passed that???)

~~~Refill containers: so all soaps and detergent come with refills, you should really only buy the carton once.

~~~Electric Kettle: you plug it in and water is boiling in like 2mins or less, its crazy and super convenient. I suppose it necessary since the convention of high tea is taken so seriously. All events will break for tea, including school. While we, Americans, would rather push through a meeting and go home early, they put it into the schedule and will not allow it to be bullied.

~~~They don't seem to throw very much away. Kitchens and bathrooms rarely have garbage cans.

~~~DVD players and car stereos all have usb ports! I think this is a newer feature in Am.



You're in Africa!!!

~~~I'm always surprised when I walk out of my room on a Saturday morning to find my roomate sweeping the floor topless. Its these moments when I'm remindid where I am. In every other way, she's modern, then BAM! Breasts! She'll just have a towel wrapped around her waist AND will do this with the front door open.

~~~Donkey carts are means of transoprtation. Its just a 2 wheel cart with 2 donkeys at the front. The garbage men in my village use a donkey cart. I'll ride it one day, the garbage men are also my students in my evening adult english class!!!



Men

~~~Saying NO in Namibian culture is simply a challenge for the men. No matter how firm or consistent you are at saying no, he will chase you until you say yes. (Bane of my existance)

~~~If a male and female are having a public dispute, no one will help or intrude. They feel that its a domestic dispute and therefore not their place.



School System and Teachers

~~~Majority of students drop out at 8th-10th grade because they've either failed twice or they can't pass the national exam.
Even the few that actually graduate from 12th grade aren't eligible for higher education, or many can't pass the grade 12 exam. Even the few that do pass have limited options.

~~~Teacher College??? A great option!!! You don't need a bachelors degree to enter. Its only a 2 year program. And its FREE!!! Why wouldn't you become a teacher?! Consequently, you have an outrageous amount of teachers that could care less.
Teacher Perks: (Especially in rural areas) Free Housing, N$4,000-N$7,000/month, a bonus for teaching in the rural area.

~~~Learners: Here's the grading system for all grades 7 and under: A 80-100, B 56-79, C 45-55, D 45-30, E 0-29.....Soooo, yes, all they need is a 30% to pass!!! Because clearly, getting a 3 out of 10 shows competence. How do they expect these kids to be able to compete with the rest of the world?!?!?!!?

~~~English is NOT spoken enough. Teachers use their mother tongue to make their jobs easier, the kids don't speak it amongst themselves. and when they go home for vacation they don't hear it or speak it at all!!!