I had to write a short “day in the life” for my RED project director for an invitation packet that is going out and while writing it I realized I have not really written such a thing on my blog, so I’m sharing it now. This is just a typical day, but there are many aspects to my job that are not in this example. Enjoy!

A typical village day begins anytime around sunrise with the wake up call of roosters, children playing, and a slew of other sounds. Soon enough it’s out of bed to start the morning fire and while that gets
going, fetch the day’s water and any other simple morning chores. After enjoying a cup of tea and a bowl of oatmeal it is soon time to prepare to walk or bike to one of my schools.

Greetings of “How are you?” and “Bwanji?” follow my journey all the way to the school from children and adults alike, wishing me a wonderful day. It is always a joy to see an empty schoolyard and hear indications of learning in the classrooms. I usually make my way to the Headteacher’s office to greet him and find out the day’s programs as well as any updates at the school. We usually discuss matters which may require follow up and trainings or programs that may be of service to the school and or staff. After a visit in the main office I will often spend time in a classroom as well as any weekly staff meetings.

The teaching staff at my schools have received me as a welcome guest, often inviting me to their homes for tea breaks and even meals. Outside the classroom is were I really develop friendships with them
as well as earn their trust. This time has made them even more eager to invite me into their classrooms and weekly staff meetings freely and without hesitation. My input is now anticipated in meetings and discussions as a valuable asset to their team, offering continued improvement for not only their benefit but that of the pupils as well. A day spent with them is a learning experience for each of us and it is rewarding to go home knowing that even a small difference has been made.

Upon arriving back home I am greeted by a joyous chorus of children eager to hug me and play with me even if my absence has not been more than a few mere hours. As I take some time for myself to bathe and do any afternoon chores, such as sweeping out my hut, the children may stick around and sing and dance to the music on my radio. When I am finished, they might ask to read a storybook or color which we do until it is time for dinner.

The day ends with a few hot lumps of nsima accompanied by a variety of vegetables. After we eat, I sit with the ladies on the reed mat enjoying their stories and discussions over the latest village happenings. We often laugh over the many similarities and differences in our cultures based on questions we ask each other. The conversation slowly fades as we watch the sunset dim along the horizon and the sky gradually becomes speckled with stars. The noises of people fade into those of nature as the village peacefully lulls its residents to sleep, including me, preparing each of us for a new day.