"A shocking and amazing experience"
"I have learned that some of my ideals are not as necessary as I previously thought"
"I learned more from the Maasai girls in three weeks than they could ever learn from me in a lifetime"
Click on the movie to see a video of our stay in 2004 You will NEED the FREE Quicktime Player to view the streamed media files
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Planning and PreparationThroughout the year students and staff involved in the project meet regularly to plan and organise the summer programme. Within the preparations, time is also given to exploring and sharing personal expectations as well as expectations we have of each other. Students are encouraged to write down their initial expectations so that these can be reflected on at the end of the trip. During these sessions many aspects are covered to try to ensure that the group concerned are ready for the cultural experience. |
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An ISA student working with a MGLSS student during an English lesson |
The Summer ProgrammeThe daily routine follows a fairly strict timetable with lessons taking place in the morning and afternoon followed by an evening programme. Each day the ISA group meet to reflect on the days happenings and plan for the following day. The programme is related as much as possible to the environment in which the MGLSS students live. The subjects offered have included English, Maths, Science, First Aid, Sketching, Sports and Arts and Crafts. Students from ISA assist the teacher by working closely with the MGLSS students. |
A First Aid lesson |
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Close observations.
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A volleyball session |
A Science lesson |
As well as assisting the teachers in lessons, ISA students have planned and run their own arts and crafts activity, given talks about their own countries and organised activities for the evening programme.
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Learning about the USA |
Making a bag in sewing session. |
A dance session. |
Cultural EveningFor the last few years MGLSS has organised a Maasai cultural evening for the ISA group. This gives a wonderful insight into rich culture of the Maasai. The MGLSS students demonstrated several of their childhood games, acted out scenes showing aspects of their lifestyle, traditions and customs.
Form 1 girls perform for ISA as part of their cultural evening |
Trip to a National Park |
We also visit one of the students' homes in an "engang." This is a remarkable experience and enables us to see the Maasai in their native environment. We see traditional Maasai singing and dancing which are very important aspects of their lives
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A Maasai girl. The face markings show that she is going through the initiation into womanhood. |
Traditional dancing |
At a Maasai engang |
During the time at the Maasae Girls school friendships are made and contact is maintained after the project. The close contact that the ISA students have with the MGLSS girls enables our students to see how the the maasai live and to learn about their rich and diverse culture. The MGLSS students who previously have had little or no contact with foreigners likewise learn more about our cultures and lifestyles.
Click here to read Wendy's short reflection following a trip.
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A trip to the local market in Monduli |
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