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 A story written by Rebe, a teenager who is volunteering with the Terry Wood School at House of Martha this summer:
I love my class.
I love teaching.
I love Zambia!
There are two classrooms at House of Martha, one for pre-1st grade and one for 2-4 grade and they are connected.
Today both of the classes were learning to sing the Zambian National Anthem, “Stand and Sing of Zambia, Proud and Free” and so the words were written on the board. I listened to them sing it, which was beautiful. Then the teacher looked at me and asked, "Ready?"
I was very confused. What was she insinuating? After a couple seconds of her smiling and nodding to me I looked around the classroom trying to figure out what I was supposed to do. She watched me and just laughed. Then the whole class joined in on the laugh as well. After a moment I realized that they were not laughing at me but were laughing with me. I was just too nervous at first to even realize I was laughing.
The teacher then pointed to the board and re-announced her "Ready?" I then understood and exclaimed that I would love to try it, but wouldn't go it alone...she decided Morene would sing with me, but Morene decided she would not sing with me. Hey if she could back out why couldn't I?!
Another student, Cecious, volunteered and we opened our mouths and started singing.
While I was singing with this precious little girl, I realized how much I love this culture. They don't judge each other or themselves based on others’ ability or disability, at least most don't. This little child of about 9 or 10 years old was singing, smiling and laughing at me. As I was singing the National Anthem I missed a few words and her peers were watching, and waiting for a moment to help. The students were really nice and didn’t make fun of me or of each other like other children might do. Like I said, I love Zambia!
To make a donation to the Dr. Terry Wood Memorial School, click on DONATE, then choose SCHOOLS:
WOOD MEMORIAL from the drop-down list.
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