40 PENCILS AND A RAZOR BLADE

                                          Top Class, Maranatha Primary School Mizigo, Mityana, Uganda

Facebook  09/18/2012  

FORTY PENCILS AND A RAZOR BLADE

Yesterday my first task as a volunteer teacher at Maranatha Primary School in Mityana, Uganda, was to pass out pencils to our 40 students in Top Class (ages 5-6). These students have graduated from Baby Class (ages 3-4) and write very well, with seat work copied from the chalkboard daily in three subjects. The two Top Class teachers, Madame Cathy and Madame Margaret, were impressed that we have both electric and mechanical pencil sharpeners in the USA. I was impressed by how well they teach, even after starting their day using a double-edge razor blade to sharpen at least 40 pencils. I am adding this skill to my repertoire of teaching skills, necessary since it works on all pencils. They are happy to have an extra pair of hands, and we all appreciate genuine wood pencils, well worth the extra cost.

Amanda Stegenga Hunter Want me to ship you some pencil sharpeners :-)
September 18 at 7:35pm via mobile · Like · 4

Update 10/08/2012

We are doing a good job of keeping up with the pencils using razor blades, along with small sharpeners that I brought with me, donated by members of Eastlawn United Methodist Church, Pascagoula, MS.  Next week two US visitors are coming, who may be able to bring us some regular classroom pencil sharpeners, at least one per school.  I have also located by internet a supply store in Kampala to visit later.  Top Class at Mizigo now has 49 students, and Baby Class has 53.  The top and baby classes at the other three primary schools are not as large. Older students take care of their own pencils at home (or in their dormitories), probably using razor blades, or use ballpoint pens. 

Update 10/27/2012

PENCIL SHARPENERS HAVE ARRIVED!!!

Donated by KidsUganda

Chairman Dave Andersen and Building Project Leader Dan Kaskubar of KidsUganda arrived last week for a previously-scheduled visit, bringing with them a special donation of 35 pencil sharpeners for Maranatha Schools.  I was very happy to meet Dave and Dan, and we all really appreciate the gift.

Since 2009, KidsUganda has provided many child sponsorships for the orphans at Maranatha, (sponsorships are $300 per year), along with other special projects for these children.  They built a beautiful dormitory for the girls in 2009 and for the boys in 2011, including showers and solar lights.

In 2007 they partnered with Lake Forest-Lake Bluff, IL Rotary Club and Drs. Larry and Ruth Shoemaker of Pascagoula, MS to build Maranatha Vocational High School in Mityana.