50 km for a
chicken!
Sunday afternoon, while I’m in the
parish office, a little boy 2-3 y.o. appears, encouraged by his Mom. He proudly
walks in with a chicken in his hand (which is almost bigger than he is!). I do
not understand if he wants to sell the chicken or what he wants to do. Is his
Mom that gives me the real reason why. She tells me that have been months since
her boy wants to see Father Aurelio, and that he began acting crazy as long as they
wouldn’t bring the chicken to Bozoum. Then Mom took advantage of Father Norberto,
who had been in their village (50km far from here) to celebrate Mass, and asked
for a passage to finally bring here the boy. What about the chicken? It's a small sign, but a great gift! I feel
deeply moved by those 50 Km just for me.
Meanwhile, the training session for
teachers, organized by the friends of Prague members of ONG SIRIRI.ORG, has come to an end. The 244 primary
school teachers are very, very enthusiastic. It was a huge job including working
in the kitchen, to arrange meals for all: Czech, French and Central African educators.
But on top there’s the satisfaction for the result, so great. Now comes the
effort to put into practice the method “Learning
with fun”, which began few years ago in our Bozoum Schools. The method consists
of 5 very basic pedagogical principles, demanding the involvement of children,
starting from the elementary schools. In addition to the 5 principles
(demonstration - practical aspect - reflection - cooperation - evaluation),
there is also the teaching in the national language, the Sango, and the use of
drawings (murals) to help children express themselves. We began with this teaching method 2 years ago
in our school, and now there are many schools using it. Teachers and parents
are excited because they see a tremendous difference between the young students
following the new system and their little brothers and sisters who follow the
old one.
The Ministry of Education is also
interested. On Wednesday morning I have had a long conversation with the
Minister of Education, who is very appreciative of the system, wishing to see
this experience, if possible, involving all schools in the Country.
On Monday I accompany to Bangui the
young SIRIRI teachers, who will leave on Tuesday night. It has been a great
experience sharing time in helping them. And for them it was rewording to see
the great interest of all the teachers in learning during the 6 days of
learning.
On Wednesday I return to Bozoum,
where the large driveway leading to the Mission is covered by lots of orchid bunches,
as it happens every years. Is with me the painter Alexis. He last year did
collaborate carrying out the paintings of the church, and now he will complete
the two lateral columns, the one on the side of the Tabernacle and the second one
dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel, the patron saint of Bozoum (and
Cuneo!).
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| In cucuna la cuisine |
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| Fine formazione |
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| Gli affreschi didattici Les fresques didactiques |
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| Compleanno di Vojtech Anniversaire de Vojtech |
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| Bangui |
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| La pala di sant Michele le tableau de St Michel |
