9 Jan – Polytechnic Re-opens + Computer Class Starts

January saw the start of a new year at the Polytechnic after the 2 month of Christmas holiday. These holidays are far too long really and the trainees often forget a lot of the good stuff they have learnt or find other things to do. But hey, we soldier on and as you can see from previous posts I make the most of the time!!

We are expecting a slower intake this year as the result from school exams are going to be delayed due to strikes last year. Also we have the election campaigning and the youth can earn cash helping the campaigns which often takes precedence over learning. Short term gains at the expense of education. We still hope to break the magic 100 barrier this year due to marketing and the start of the Computer course. Time will tell. When I started intake had been 27 in 2011, we increased that to 62 in Jan 2012. Let’s see if we can hit a population of 100, a personal challenge I set myself at the start of my placement.

Last year I asked friends and colleagues to search their cupboards etc for old laptops that they could donate for the poly. Ithiru YP had no computers at the start of 2012 and over the last year I gradually acquired some from various sources. We now have 8, a printer and projector. 4 from UK donors, 2 from VSO, one from a departing volunteer and a measly one from the Ministry, the latter is disappointing but I am still working on that one! We therefore have a functioning course. We did not have an instructor however, so for 3 weeks I was Mwalimu Simon (Teacher Simon). This was great fun and a good change from the normal role. Now we have Joseph a very popular and effective teacher and the classes are becoming increasingly popular.

Below - Winnie from VSO hands over 2 more laptops and a projector  

Joseph the new computer teacher with Winnie from VSO (centre) and our youngest "student" sat on a laptop!!

We do still need more computers so that, as the class grows, we ensure there is a laptop for each student in the class (up to 20). If any of you can assist with donating your old ones then please get in touch via the contact option of this blog. The benefit that can be gained here and the change to peoples lives by an old laptop which is currently sitting in your cupboard is amazing, so get searching and get in touch.