Notes from the Field 2009

By Katarina Grande
Tanzania

I spent the day helping out with an English class at PeaceHouse. As I wandered about the classroom, I was cheerfully greeted by the students, "You are welcome!" and promptly bombarded with questions. "What do you like about Tanzania?" [Everything! the people, the food, the environment!]. "Why did Michael Jackson want to become white?" [Michael Jackson had a skin problem where his skin was many different shades, he was just trying to fix it.] "Can I study both accounting and science?" [I don't see why not! Go for it!] "What causes muscle cramps?" [A buildup of lactic acid in your muscles. I mean, an imbalance of chemicals in your body. Be sure to stretch and drink lots of water prior to exercising]. "Why can girls get pregnant but not boys?" [Girls have different body parts that allow them to be pregnant. You'll learn more about this in Life Skills class.] "Does the U.S. have a prime minister in addition to a president?" [Nope. Obama is our president. We have congresspeople and senators as well--have you learned about these branches of American government?] "What color of skin do people have where you come from?" [All different colors!] "Your skin is like an albino Tanzanian!" [Yup!] "Do you speak Swahili?" [I'm trying to learn!] "What is New York City like? [Big, full of lights, exciting]. "Do you hand wash your clothes?" [Sometimes, but I also use a washing machine.]

This press conference-like atmosphere lasted all class. I tried to sneak in a question here and there--what is important to you? [Education! Food!] What are your hobbies? [Soccer!] etc. Next, I attended volleyball club, which was a lot of fun. These students are such great kids; I wish I had more time here to get to know them better.