American Born, Limba By Tribe

Nwali nwali, (Limba Greeting)

I’ve been in my community for well over a month now and have begun teaching Integrated Science here in Sierra Leone. I have learned to greet in Tonko Limba, one of 12 dialects of Limba (the oldest language in Sierra Leone). Because of the presence of Missionaries since the 60s it is common for fair-skinned foreigners to be called “Fada” (Father). But most of my community knows me as Dauda or Mr. Matthew (my students). “Sol bag” translates to salt bag in Krio, so I thought it best to use my first name at school. My students will come to know my blog as Tales of the salt bag, which lacks a certain spark I had hoped to achieve in the title. But enough about me, let me tell you more about my community. Cultural exchange is after all, a part of my mission as a Peace Corps Volunteer. My community in northwestern Sierra Leone is primarily Muslim, and I’ve come to love waking up to the prayers from the mosque each morning. I am a mere 10 minutes from the school, but greeting neighbors easily makes for a good walk (greeting is an integral part of the culture). Mango trees and fern-laden palms shade the worn clay paths in my village. As you walk you’ll find a striking contrast between traditional and modern houses. Tin-roofed cement homes adorned with various paints and traditional mud huts with palm-thatched roofs. Anything you encounter resembling a yard is used for agriculture. And if you wander further towards the rice fields you’ll pass through Elephant Grass well over 3 meters tall. It’s a beautiful place full of green and easy to find happiness in the little things.

Classes:
 

Here in Sierra Leone schools are a world apart from what I was brought up with in America. Students in Salone are challenged to learn with limited resources. A black board, chalk, and an immense imagination are the primary tools for education here. Entering the classroom makes for a cool refuge from the sun. The classroom’s cement walls are dimly lit by barred windows. Daylight is our only source of light. Glare on the chalkboard quickly makes an enemy of the students as the white chalk is lost in the phantom’s eerie glow. But this is just one of many challenges. Many students sit 80 to a room on benches and chairs crafted by local carpenters.  There are no pictures, no textbooks, and no equipment in the classroom. Imagine trying to teach concepts like the Earth’s motion, the Solar System, and the Universe. It is hard enough for some students to grasp concepts outside of Africa, so going beyond the Earth poses a significant challenge. But students here are eager to learn! Sierra Leone is a beautiful country full of potential. I am fortunate enough to be teaching at one of the better schools in Sierra Leone. We have a library full of textbooks donated by the Ministry of Education (Sierra Leone) and Kanga Schools (Australia). Even better are the two bookshelves full of fiction books that will open student’s eyes to stories around the world. Though we are currently unable to check books out, students and teachers have the opportunity to come to the library and read during library hours. One of my favorite activities is lugging 40 science books to my class so we can read and answer questions together. I’m working as the Assistant Librarian alongside my colleague Daniel Alimamy Bangura, Head Librarian. We will continue Rachel Murray’s work (previous Peace Corps Volunteer) to further develop the library. Our next task, is a term long computer class for students (a significant challenge with only 4 computers).

 

Student Elections:

Last week I had the privilege of witnessing student elections. I took photos as the entire school gathered around to hear the candidate’s speeches. Four students voiced their strengths and opinions in hopes of earning the student’s votes. I particularly enjoyed watching their friends tuck money in their pockets emphasizing their importance and value to the community. One Head Boy and One Head Girl would be selected to represent the students.
 

Wildlife?


Though I haven’t ventured in the bush as much as I would have liked, I find myself consistently rehabilitating wildlife. I had a small Duiker in my backyard for 2 weeks. A baby antelope no bigger than a rabbit that had been caught by a neighbor’s snare. Much to my disappointment it did not survive. I have however managed to rescue one weaver bird. As soon as they drop from the nest it’s a race against the village children. Young weaver birds make great toys in my village. Bobos (young boys) attached strings to their feet and watch them fly. This usually lasts until I lure them away with biscuits (cookies). It’s cruel… but they are young boys without toys, who can blame them?

 

GLADI:

When Rachel Murray left, my community was under the impression they would be receiving another female volunteer. And despite my thin hair, which to this day my neighbors still associate as a female trait… I am in fact a male. This disappointed a group of girls at my school hoping to continue a girl’s club known as GLADI. GLADI stands for Girls Leadership And Development Initiative. Rachel Murray was responsible for bringing the club to Madina Junction. But even as a male volunteer I decided it best to continue the club. With a strong patriarchal society present in Sierra Leone, men play a key role in supporting such efforts. I hope not only to support the young woman, but to set an example in how they should be treated and respected by men. Some of our topics for the year include:
 

The Difference between Gender Roles and Sex (Biological Identity)
Building Self Esteem
Empowerment
Being a Role Model
Career Exploration
A Healthy Relationship
Play about Making Good Decisions (seen below)

If you are interested in supporting such efforts we can always use more art supplies, paper, and magazines! Feel free to email me at conservation.solberg@gmail.com and I will send you my address in Sierra Leone (when I have internet access).
 

I must say I am increasingly excited for the upcoming holidays. The heat has been the greatest challenge for me, and December in Sierra Leone promises cold winds. I also hope the Holidays will bring more letters ;)

Best wishes to you all, and a special thank you to those that have helped support me through friendship, emails, and mail. It means more than you know.
 

Boku Tenki (Many Thanks in Krio),
Matthew Solberg