Hanging out with students at Sokehs Pah Elementary
This past week we finally jumped into the classroom with both feet, teaching English. We broke the students into two groups, with the lowest performing students working with me on the very basics and the rest being taught by Mr. B. I always try to talk with students after school and during recess to help them practice their English. I ask them things like what they do for fun, what their favorite movie is, and who they know from America. I have some bad news: the number one answer to the latter question is Justin Bieber. The number two answer doesn’t get any better: Miley Cyrus. Despite my disappointment, I had a blast getting to know the kids and it really helps them to practice their English with a native speaker.
I should be clear though that the amount of work to be done is immense. This week I taught letter sounds and some very simple vocabulary words. All of this was kindergarten, first and second grade material being taught to 6th, 7th and 8th graders. What I’m stressing to the students and constantly reminding myself though is it doesn’t matter where the students are now – what is of the greatest magnitude is if they make progress and are stronger in their English skills when we leave. I suppose this type of rationalization is necessary when facing a challenge of this size.
We are currently waiting to hear back from one of the embassies where we have submitted a grant to receive 15 iPads. MAHI International has also written a grant for 160 iPads – for a total of over $100,000 when adding in the carrying cases and application costs. These will be incredibly helpful educational tools that will pay huge dividends in the classroom. We are currently seeking to get five people like me next year – one volunteer in each of our adopted schools. It has become abundantly clear that we need a native English speaker in each of our schools every day; once a week simply is not enough. I am very confident we’ll make great progress in our schools this year, but having a volunteer in each school every day will produce truly tremendous gains. Below is the description of the position in case you or anyone you know is interested in serving here in beautiful Pohnpei!
Outside of work, this past Saturday was one of my favorite days so far here in Micronesia. John, Dale and I woke up at 6:00am to go to Manta Row, to swim with the Manta Rays. It is about a 45-minute boat ride from Kolonia and we needed to get there early when it was at the right tide. I had been there once before, a couple of days before Christmas but it was with a big group and we got there too late, so the current was very strong and most of the Mantas were gone. This time, with just the three of us, we arrived right on time. It was truly incredible. There was a giant school of Rainbow Runners, where the Mantas like to feed on the tiny fish. We stayed close to the Rainbow Runners and the Mantas were right next to us. One time, John grabbed my arm and pointed to my right, and a Manta was literally five feet away. A quick safety disclaimer for those who are wondering, Manta Rays are harmless. It is advised though not to touch them as they have bacteria on them that makes humans sick. Throughout all of this I was excited to capture these incredible creatures on film thanks to my recently arrived underwater camera. I have been told continually that I need to post more pictures, so this pocket camera will literally remain attached at my hip from here on out! Check out the video below to see the Mantas in action! I will just say quickly that no video or image can capture what it’s like to be surrounded by so much life. It can only truly be experienced firsthand!
After an hour and a half of swimming with the Mantas we headed back to Kolonia. Dale and I each had a chance to drive the boat which was really fun! We grabbed some food real quick and headed to meet with our friend Kohei, a professional surfer from Japan who recently moved to Pohnpei. He took us, his kids and some friends out to see Nan Madol, the site of an ancient kingdom, made up of these gigantic, extremely heavy rocks. Nobody knows how these rocks got here and how this immense rock city was constructed. I like to call it the “Stonehenge of the Pacific” and have also heard it called the “Atlantis of the Pacific.” It really is an incredible place. Below is a picture of Nan Madol, and I’ll elaborate on the history and structure in an upcoming post. After walking around Nan Madol for a while we hung out on Kohei’s boat fishing and snorkeling. To top the day off, Dale and I went to Joy Restaurant which has the best fried tuna and sashimi I have ever eaten. All in all, an awesome day. (Side note: I'll post all of my recent pictures in my next post!)
Just a quick note – my apologies for not posting every Thursday (EST) like I said I would; as you can see I have been very busy! I will do my best though to hold true to my weekly deadline from here on out. Thanks for reading!
Volunteer Posting
MAHI International is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization based in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia, focusing on healthcare, education and leadership development projects throughout Micronesia. Committed to serving the individuals and communities throughout the Pacific Island region, MAHI International’s vision is to increase the quality of life of the people in undeveloped communities. Focusing primarily in Micronesia, MAHI International works largely on improving healthcare and education throughout the islands, while training local Micronesian leaders. For more information, please visit www.mahi-intl.org
Position Description
MAHI International is looking for English teachers to instruct students throughout public schools on the island of Pohnpei, FSM. Teachers will be placed in one of MAHI International’s adopted schools to focus on improving the reading proficiency of students in grades 6-8. Teachers will also collaborate with school administration, community leaders and parents. The position is for the 2011-2012 school year. No teaching experience is required. Teachers will receive free housing and a living stipend.
Qualifications
I should be clear though that the amount of work to be done is immense. This week I taught letter sounds and some very simple vocabulary words. All of this was kindergarten, first and second grade material being taught to 6th, 7th and 8th graders. What I’m stressing to the students and constantly reminding myself though is it doesn’t matter where the students are now – what is of the greatest magnitude is if they make progress and are stronger in their English skills when we leave. I suppose this type of rationalization is necessary when facing a challenge of this size.
We are currently waiting to hear back from one of the embassies where we have submitted a grant to receive 15 iPads. MAHI International has also written a grant for 160 iPads – for a total of over $100,000 when adding in the carrying cases and application costs. These will be incredibly helpful educational tools that will pay huge dividends in the classroom. We are currently seeking to get five people like me next year – one volunteer in each of our adopted schools. It has become abundantly clear that we need a native English speaker in each of our schools every day; once a week simply is not enough. I am very confident we’ll make great progress in our schools this year, but having a volunteer in each school every day will produce truly tremendous gains. Below is the description of the position in case you or anyone you know is interested in serving here in beautiful Pohnpei!
Outside of work, this past Saturday was one of my favorite days so far here in Micronesia. John, Dale and I woke up at 6:00am to go to Manta Row, to swim with the Manta Rays. It is about a 45-minute boat ride from Kolonia and we needed to get there early when it was at the right tide. I had been there once before, a couple of days before Christmas but it was with a big group and we got there too late, so the current was very strong and most of the Mantas were gone. This time, with just the three of us, we arrived right on time. It was truly incredible. There was a giant school of Rainbow Runners, where the Mantas like to feed on the tiny fish. We stayed close to the Rainbow Runners and the Mantas were right next to us. One time, John grabbed my arm and pointed to my right, and a Manta was literally five feet away. A quick safety disclaimer for those who are wondering, Manta Rays are harmless. It is advised though not to touch them as they have bacteria on them that makes humans sick. Throughout all of this I was excited to capture these incredible creatures on film thanks to my recently arrived underwater camera. I have been told continually that I need to post more pictures, so this pocket camera will literally remain attached at my hip from here on out! Check out the video below to see the Mantas in action! I will just say quickly that no video or image can capture what it’s like to be surrounded by so much life. It can only truly be experienced firsthand!
After an hour and a half of swimming with the Mantas we headed back to Kolonia. Dale and I each had a chance to drive the boat which was really fun! We grabbed some food real quick and headed to meet with our friend Kohei, a professional surfer from Japan who recently moved to Pohnpei. He took us, his kids and some friends out to see Nan Madol, the site of an ancient kingdom, made up of these gigantic, extremely heavy rocks. Nobody knows how these rocks got here and how this immense rock city was constructed. I like to call it the “Stonehenge of the Pacific” and have also heard it called the “Atlantis of the Pacific.” It really is an incredible place. Below is a picture of Nan Madol, and I’ll elaborate on the history and structure in an upcoming post. After walking around Nan Madol for a while we hung out on Kohei’s boat fishing and snorkeling. To top the day off, Dale and I went to Joy Restaurant which has the best fried tuna and sashimi I have ever eaten. All in all, an awesome day. (Side note: I'll post all of my recent pictures in my next post!)
Just a quick note – my apologies for not posting every Thursday (EST) like I said I would; as you can see I have been very busy! I will do my best though to hold true to my weekly deadline from here on out. Thanks for reading!
Volunteer Posting
MAHI International is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization based in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia, focusing on healthcare, education and leadership development projects throughout Micronesia. Committed to serving the individuals and communities throughout the Pacific Island region, MAHI International’s vision is to increase the quality of life of the people in undeveloped communities. Focusing primarily in Micronesia, MAHI International works largely on improving healthcare and education throughout the islands, while training local Micronesian leaders. For more information, please visit www.mahi-intl.org
Position Description
MAHI International is looking for English teachers to instruct students throughout public schools on the island of Pohnpei, FSM. Teachers will be placed in one of MAHI International’s adopted schools to focus on improving the reading proficiency of students in grades 6-8. Teachers will also collaborate with school administration, community leaders and parents. The position is for the 2011-2012 school year. No teaching experience is required. Teachers will receive free housing and a living stipend.
Qualifications
- Fluent English speaker
- 21 + years in age
- Minimum 2 years of college experience
- Hold a US Driver’s License
- Ability to live and work in a remote location within a small community
- Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team
- Excellent communication, social and problem-solving skills
- Willingness to be flexible and adjust to changing circumstances
Manta Ray up close
View of our boat while snorkeling with the Mantas
Driving the boat!
Dale showing the size of a wall at Nan Madol
