EBB Project Reflection – 2012

The following piece was originally written for the Education Beyond Borders Website in the autumn of 2012. With some minor edits I have finally posted it here.

During the past summer I travelled to Kenya for the second time. For approximately a month I was fortunate enough to work with Kenyan and Canadian colleagues on three Education Beyond Borders (EBB) projects. Each project provided me with opportunities to share, to learn, and to grow with other professionals. One of the most powerful experiences was returning to Gilgil, where I had spent three weeks the previous summer.

Over the course of the past year I kept in contact with some of my colleagues from the Gilgil and Naivasha districts. As spring drew near we collaborated professionally on the planning of this summer’s Navaisha-Gilgil Student-Centred Methodology workshops. There was nervousness and excitement in this process. It was to be the first year that Kenyan teachers would take on the roles of project leaders, and primary planners for nearly all facets of the preparation and delivery of the workshops. In fact, there would be no direct Canadian presence for the teacher workshops in late August. Noble Kelly was the only other Canadian teacher going to Naivasha-Gilgil this year, and we were set to be focused on observation and feedback.

This was to be an important step for the Naviasha and Gilgil districts, as well as EBB. The EBB model aims to support districts and teachers in such a way that they are able to take ownership of sustainable professional development over the course of four or five years. As the longest running project in Kenya, Naivasha-Gilgil had provided lessons for other projects in East Africa. Now that it was in its fifth year, it was time to discover just what the next steps to local sustainability would look like in a project that was approaching the end of the model’s cycle.

With the anticipation and curiosity of how this transition would unfold, Noble and I travelled towards Gilgil in early August. As we approached Utumishi Academy, where we would be working with trainers and facilitators, I recalled 2011. That year I witnessed the reunion of Kenyan and Canadian teachers who had worked together previously. I wondered if I would experience the same sense of palatable joy, and feeling of homecoming that I had witnessed in others previously.

The wonders soon became answers, and as old friends poured in to the room it felt as if we had spent merely a few weeks apart, rather than a year. The warmth of reconnecting with my Kenyan friends and colleagues, who inspire me with their dedication to students, learning, and teaching, is difficult to fully convey. The intense experience of EBB projects forges friendships that last over thousands of kilometres and years. This intensity also fuels an ambition for collaborative and student focused education. The next two weeks were filled with passionate discussion, debate, and preparation. Long hours and little electricity were but small obstacles as the core team of experienced trainers planned how to welcome new facilitators, and create new workshops. Admittedly there was some uneasiness as the reality of a new future, with less concrete ties to EBB, took shape. However, by collaborating and sharing successes of the past year, it became apparent that this new future would be no less meaningful, inspiring or effective than the previous four years. In fact, the strength and commitment of the teacher leaders in Naivasha-Gilgil was on full display, and it was clear to me that future professional development in the area can be focused specifically to meet local needs.

The teachers in Naviasha and Gilgil truly embody the EBB philosophy. No one person owns the process, there is no one way to always do things. New participants, facilitators, and trainers are welcome to share new ideas, and to develop new resources. Feedback is consistently pursued, and positively given, with support and care. There are many hands to lift heavy work. This process may not always be comfortable, or easy, but it is always fulfilling, full of learning, and focused on improving the future learning of students.

This year, close to one hundred new teacher participants in Naivsha-Gilgil attended professional development workshops at the end of August. Noble and I had returned to Canada by that point, but we were able to connect briefly to this gathering over Skype. A sense of accomplishment, collaboration, fulfilment, and unbridled joy among our friends and colleagues came across loud and clear. Professional development and collaboration is entering a new era in Naivasha-Gilgil. I am honoured and humbled to have worked with amazing colleagues and fantastic friends. I look forward to sharing and learning in new ways as an exciting new time for EBB and teachers in Naivasha-Gilgil begins.

Posts made from Kenya during the summer of 2012:
Adventures in Collaboration
Observation of Engagement

Happy Christmas 2012

Peace, Hope, Joy, Love… Redemption.

These are more than just feelings or wishes. They are aspects of our lives we can take control of, and lead by example.

In thoughts, or in person, may you be with those you love and care about, and celebrate that which is important to you.

Krismasi Njema – Joyeux Noël – Merry Christmas – 즐거운 성탄

IR’s 2012 Christmas Playlist: Rhymin’ and Christmasin’

As another calendar year draws to a close, it’s time for a little tradition. Unfortunately the latest blog posts have only been the traditional ones. At least they remind me that I should be writing more.

As Christmas approaches I took a look back at songs or groups that featured prominently in different aspects of my life in the past year, and reflected on the annual criteria for this list. In order to be considered for inclusion, two of the following conditions must be met by the song:
- Is tied to a memorable event from the past year.
- Is musically meaningful to someone, or a group of people I care about, and/or have interacted with lately.
-Has been a popular song in the preceding year.
-Could be allowing me to send a message – but not always what appears to be the obvious one.
-Is a Christmas song.
-Is by an artist I think you should hear more of.
-A hands down cool song.

After careful (and again rather hurriedly) contemplation, the 2012 edition was battle born: Ryhmin’ and Christmasin’. For the first time both David Gray and Death Cab were left off. The Black Keys had a big year within my ears, and around the globe and thus garnered two spots. The other double feature on the 2012 list belongs to the late Adam Yauch and the Beastie Boys, for obvious reasons. The only hat trick goes to the Killers, who always get their Christmas release added (I Feel it in My Bones this year) but also got two off their latest album, as their recent concert in Vancouver was lights out!

This is about the sixth or seventh year I’ve made a playlist for Christmas, but only the fourth time it’s been posted (2009, 2010, 2011). Comments and questions on the list are always welcome. What musical selections were integral to your life this past year? Music is a big part of our lives – don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation, here, or elsewhere.

Have a Merry Christmas, and be sure to get out there and go Rhymin’…

Rhymin’ and Christmasin’

1. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing – Vince Guaraldi Trio
2. Sussudio – Phil Collins
3. Pick Me Up – Hollerado
4. Closer – Tegan and Sara
5. Charlie Brown – Coldplay
6. I Feel It In My Bones – The Killers (feat. Ryan Pardey)
7. Love Interruption – Jack White
8. Rhymin’ and Stealin’ – Beastie Boys
9. Runaways – The Killers
10. Midnight City – M83
11. Lonely Boy – The Black Keys
12. Young Blood – The Naked and Famous
13. Needing/Getting – OK Go
14. Fake Empire – The National
15. Little Black Submarines – The Black Keys
16. Ebony and Ivory – Paul McCartney & Stevie Wonder
17. Elderly Woman Behind The Counter In A Small Town – Pearl Jam
18. Some Nights – Fun.
19. Intergalactic – Beastie Boys
20. A Very Vancouver Christmas – Dan Mangan
21. Battle Born – The Killers
22. Wagon Wheel – Old Crow Medicine Show
23. Christmas Time Is Here (Instrumental) – Vince Guaraldi Trio
24. Silent Night – The Canadian Tenors

Happy Thanksgiving 2012

The Thanksgiving holiday is drawing to a close. As has become the norm for my favourite holiday, this Thanksgiving has been about spending time with family and friends. There has been some hockey, some time in the mountains, some physical activity outdoors, some filmfesting, and some eating of good food – all activities I am fortunate to be able to do, and thankful for.

This year I am particularly thankful for hope and positive thoughts. We are challenged in many different ways in our lives, but sometimes unexpected challenges, those life changing challenges can make things seem bleak and negative. We have all had challenges, and to have witnessed friends and family overcome challenges with the help of hope and positive thoughts. Admittedly, feeling hopeful, and feeling positive are not the sole factors that guide us through life’s challenges. However, they are helpful, and they do bring us closer together. Thus, thank you for sending out hope, and sending out positive thoughts to those people in your life who need it – on Thanksgiving, and throughout the year. As a wiser individual than I noted, thoughts ultimately lead to much more, including actions and habits.

On this Thanksgiving, thanks for sending out out hope and positive thoughts.

Hoping you are able to spend time with those you care about.

Merci – 감사합니다  – Asante – Thank you

Eve of Tuesday 2012

This is the 6^th annual post for this time of year. Previous entries may provide some background understanding and more complete explanation of some points mentioned below. They can be found here: 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011.

This Labour Day weekend has been filled with family, friends, traditions and celebrations. All of these are connected closely with a common theme of previous Eve of Tuesday posts: support.

In addition to support, those closest to us also offer perspective. Sometimes the perspective can be agreement and affirmation. Other times, those who care about us can offer differing perspectives. An obvious example is the differing perspectives on this time of year. It has been suggested here multiple times that the Tuesday after Labour Day marks the beginning of a “new year”. There can be many other perspectives on when the “new year” occurs most naturally. Learning and growth can happen through changing one’s perspective. This does not mean that decisions, values, attitudes and practices need to change when entertaining every different viewpoint. Often, prior knowledge and beliefs can be strengthened by coming to understand different views.

As Labour Day drifts away, and we begin a time of year that is filled with new beginnings for so many of us, it may be time to reflect upon the importance of perspectives – those that are common to our own, and those that are different.

At this point, I am afraid I will repeat much of the same expressions that have been written in Labour Day posts of the past. However, it seems that these sentiments only get stronger each year, so please forgive the reinforcement. It has been an amazing year, filled with adventures for all of us. The past year has finished with a summer that was busy, and full of stories from friends that still beg to be told.

As usual, it is a time of year where there are thoughts of appreciation. I am extremely grateful to those I shared adventures with during the past year, and those who supported me. I am all too fortunate to have many people in my life who broaden my perspective and make me a better person. In turn, the summer has finished with reconnecting and celebrating. Thanks to J, D & family for continuing with a long standing fun tradition. Thanks to L, R & their family for continually being so welcoming. Thanks to E & T for continuing with a new tradition.  Congratulations to A & T, and a special thanks to them for hosting a wonderful evening filled with caring people!

Finally, as this season of renewal gets underway I wish us all the best. As always, there are new challenges, adventures, and perspectives that await. A particular note and word of encouragement go to Kenyan colleagues who are presently amidst a challenge.

The years are passing a little quicker now – I’m sure of it. No matter what the challenge or adventure ahead, let’s face each of them with youthful energy, and caring support of others. In so doing, let us hope and expect caring support in return…. and as the autumn advances, take the time for some smiles, and maybe a little dancing.

Below, Death Cab for Cutie take us out this year. Have a great Tuesday – no matter what your perspective!

Take care,
Peace and love – à bientôt,
IR

ps – thanks to R. for the edits.

Lights Out: The Power Surge Tour

Nearly a month in Kenya is coming to an end.

I have a number of pieces of writing in the works about occurrences, thoughts, and reflections since my last post, but it is going to take a bit longer to see if any of them come to complete fruition. In the meantime, it seems only appropriate to mark the last few hours of this adventure with a quick look back, and some thanks.

It became known as Lights Out: The NK & IR Power Surge Tour. Stops and visits included:

• Kakamega – July 20-28
• Kisumu – July 29
• Nairobi – July 29-30
• Nanyuki – July 31-Aug 3
• Gilgil Aug 3-6
• Nakuru Aug 6-10
• Gilgil Aug 10-13

Nearly all of the stops included disruptions in electrical power – of various severity and duration. With a grin and a shrug we began to consider that  our mere presence was altering the flow of electricity wherever we ventured. However, it did nothing to dampen the experiences. In fact, it became the norm, and whenever the electricity went out, smiles came on. That’s because there was no shortage of power. We were surrounded by the power of amazing educators, fantastic friends, and a wealth of caring. We were welcomed wholeheartedly and with compassion in to meetings, in to workshops, in to schools, in to classrooms, and in to homes throughout our journey. In all of these adventures we were consistently among colleagues who care more than anything about their students. That’s real power.

Once again I leave Kenya having grown as a professional, and having strengthened bonds of friendship. I am so very grateful to my new friends, and my old friends in each of the locations we visited. At the risk of forgetting someone, I will not attempt an exhaustive list. Simply: thank you – asante! While I have learned at every stop along our tour, I will briefly mention that those I have worked closely with in Gilgil these past two years have given me so much. They are simply outstanding friends and colleagues. Asante sana.

I intentionally speak in the present tense. These are my friends, these are my colleagues, even as I depart Kenya.

Finally – a large debt of gratitude to NK as my tour partner. A great teammate, an inspiring educator.

Hopefully more photos to come on flickr, and more writing to come on this blog. In the meantime…

Asante sana – tutaonana siku nyingine!
IR

Mount Kenya

Reflecting on time in Nanyuki July 30-Aug 3, and arrival in Gilgil, Aug 3.

Growing up next to the ocean, as well as spending the summers of my youth at the foot of one of the world’s greatest mountain ranges led to an attraction that still survives. Whenever I catch a glimpse of ocean, or magnificent mountains I get caught up. While I only spent a few days in Nanyuki, every opportunity I had to gaze at Mount Kenya I grasped. During tea breaks in our Train the Trainer sessions I would steal away for a few moments to look out across a corn field, and hope that the clouds would break for an unobstructed view.

No television monitor, no touch screen, no wifi, no smart phone, and something my camera could not properly capture, yet it kept me fully occupied.

During my experiences in Kenya last year I was taken with its diversity. I have been fortunate on this second sojourn to have been exposed to new places, and meet new people, and to have been exposed to an even greater diversity – a true strength of Kenya. Seeing Mount Kenya also reminded me of the diversity of British Columbia, and how much I cherish my time in the mountains there. Thus, while I have been having fantastic experiences, it was in Nanyuki that I felt a twinge of longing for some serious physical activity at a bit of altitude. So, one adventure leads one’s mind to thinking of future adventures. That is probably the sign of a good adventure – at least I will take it as such.

We left Nanyuki on August 3^rd and travelled through an incredibly different terrain than that around Mount Kenya. Drier, grass landscapes, and single trees spotted a view that had it’s own unquestionable qualities of beauty. We returned to where I spent most of my time last year, Gilgil. The peaks and ridges of this region are impressive in their own right. While the time with new friends in Nanyuki was all too quick, it was fantastic to reconnect with old friends in Gilgil. It was an intense opening three days with the trainers in Gilgil. There was much discussion and debate, and very little electricity. I wholeheartedly valued the working time, and the reflection time. The time indoors also made me look forward with intensity to some serious time outside, and perhaps in the mountains before too long.

Observation of Engagement

“Chora, chora, chora!!” came the enthusiastic instructions as I sat among my Standard One classmates at Emasare Primary School. I was engaged as an observer, participant, teacher’s assistant, and learner – all in one go. The Class One teacher had agreed to be observed and receive feedback following the Education Beyond Borders (EBB) workshops he had participated in during the previous three days. During our pre-conference he asked if I would be comfortable in being involved in the lesson a bit. As it was an informal observation, and it had been a year since I was in a primary class of any kind, I smiled at the chance. Then, just before we entered he reminded me that most of the instruction would be in Kiswahili, and I smiled even more, as my Kiswahili is in serious need of a development.

We entered the class, I was warmly welcomed, and within a few minutes the lesson on domestic animals was rolling. While I took observation notes, curious six year olds were sneaking glances my way as they also tried to pay attention to their enthusiastic teacher whom they clearly enjoyed. The instructions and expectations were incredibly clear to all of us, including the larger student in the second row that had a less than rudimentary grasp of the language of instruction, me. It spoke volumes about the teacher’s passion and engagement strategies. While trying to keep his young class focused he also challenged himself to try a new collaborative learning strategy he had only learned two days earlier. It was here that I learned that chora is Kiswahili for draw, as we were all given a spot on a collaborative graphic organizer to draw domestic animals – including me. The lesson continued with sharing, more drawing, animal sounds, animal movements, and finally sculpting.

Between our energetic greeting at the opening of the lesson, and my heartfelt departure, not a single word was exchanged between any of my Class One companions and I. However, the smiles, the looks, and the unmistakable shared feeling that we were in something fun and exciting together was more than enough to communicate to me that they enjoyed learning, and enjoyed their teacher. He had committed to taking risks with methodologies that were new to him. Even more impressive was nearly all his colleagues at Emasare had done the same thing – and they all opened their classrooms to me. Each one had a story that I look forward to sharing with you another time.

A year ago I spoke about schools being places of people. As I observed four classes at Elsamere on Thursday I saw passionate teachers taking first time risks so that their students could maximize opportunities. I saw hands-on investigations in Class Four/Five, collaborative learning around fishing resources in Class Seven, and students asking in depth questions in Class 8. None of it had anything to do with where they were – but everything to do with the people they were with.

Adventures in Collaboration

For more than a week I have been largely disconnected from the online world. Rather, I have been off having an adventure in collaboration. The word collaboration may conjure images of electronic connection and social networking, but that has simply not been the case since I arrived in Kenya. While I will be honest and admit I was happy to get back online today, I can also truthfully say that I was not feeling as if I was missing anything because of a lack of modem these past ten days or so. Instead my days have been full and engaging because of interactions with people. These personal interactions have been largely collaborative. The focus has been on student-centred methodology workshops in Kakamega, Kenya. Designing, organizing, and implementing the workshops has been a collaborative effort by a number of organizations and individuals. While I am specifically a member of the Education Beyond Borders (EBB) team that is presently in Kenya, the workshops were also organized by the African Canadian Continuing Education Society (ACCES), supported by the Kakamega District, and attended by a diverse number of teachers and stakeholders. The true measure of how collaborative the efforts were came from the sense of equality throughout. Facilitators and organizers worked alongside participants as co-learners. The power of this sharing and collaborating – rather than directing and leading – created an environment that bred confidence, and success.

Too often, when organizations or institutions attempt to collaborate there becomes a sense of protectionism, and questions arise concerning ownership. It has been a positive start to new collaboration in Kakamega as those involved have worked to avoid these pitfalls. It is certainly my hope that it continues.

It is also my hope that I begin to post more regularly. I trust you will excuse that infrequency with which this space has been updated lately, and allow this short and overly simple post to lead things off for reporting on this next adventure. If all goes well, the next post should be about yesterday’s visit to Emasera Primary.

145 for Canada

A couple of years ago I wrote about Canada working towards something. A great deal has happened in our country, and in our world since then. There have been questions, and debates about the future direction of our country. Nevertheless, I do not believe we are on the wrong path. We may not always make the perfect choices, and sometimes we may stumble backwards, but generally we are moving in the right direction. We are moving towards equality, towards responsibility, towards respect. There is still much to be done in all these aspects, but I remain so very grateful, and feel so very fortunate to call this country home.

In March I had the pleasure of attending a wedding outside of Montreal. In attendance were people representing all regions of our vast nation: Pacific, West, Central, East, Atlantic, and North. There were so many differences, but it was all so very Canadian, very together. As I prepare to spend time away from Canada I start to notice those things that I will proudly reference as I travel. In many cases, it is our people, and our potential that I will reference the most. While there is still much work to be done on this project we call Canada, there is a lot of hope we will get there.

Enjoy your holiday! Celebrate that which makes us different, celebrate that which can bring us together, and let’s work on our potential!