Eagerness for Learning

One of our very hard working and passionate board members, Marilyn Scott has prepared a series of stories from her several visits to Keiskamma Trust in South Africa. We are pleased to share with you the first of several, we hope you enjoy! Please leave us comments below if you would like to know more about a certain area of Keiskamma’s work.

Keiskamma Trust is taking increasing interest in education and working with the local public schools. During the past four years I have spent time in nine schools in the district. When I have a rare moment to sit down at the schools, I hear soft giggles and small hands pet the hair on the back of my head. Hands take mine and hold tight; small bodies press me against the wall wanting a hug. When I teach action rhymes and songs, to help with the English vocabulary the curriculum requires, they shout “Again! Again!” A favourite song has been Skidamarink.  When I walk in a school yard the students smile and greet me with the bent elbow and pumping wrist from the song actions. In March 2012, I told the grade 2/3 class at Bodiam I would be going home to Canada the next day.  As I walked out the door they all began to sing Skidamarink with an extra loud “I love You!”  Yes, I had tears. Who can blame me for going back again in 2013 and 2014?   In spite of overcrowded classrooms, broken desks and lack of materials there is an eagerness for learning that is enchanting.  ~Marilyn Scott