The HatchFlight Foundation

In trying to be conscious of our differences and working towards equal respect for all cultures, I have come to a crossroads, one of many. Education here uses a Western pedagogy. Here in Tanzania, the importance of learning English far out weighs the value of Kiswahili and The Hopeful School has a focus on teaching English to students. Why English? To the members of the community and the owners of the school learning English is placed in high value. Is it that we are far too globalized now and must adapt our lifestyles to this new culture being created? Or is there a chance for reinvention?

One Nantucket child's conception of how the internet works: via a "communication stream."

One Nantucket child's conception of information traveling the World Wide Web via a "stream."

I think talking and communication can make peaceful things happen. It can make them happen because words are powerful. They are powerful because if you used your fists nothing would be solved. But if you use words you can talk about your problem and no one will get hurt.
-Anna

It is so exciting to hear from our friends in Sing-isi, and great to see pictures of everyone! We are thrilled that the school is growing everday - it's going to be beautiful when finished.
We will present the letters to the children tomorrow. Already they are learning so much about Tanzania, and I know they will be delighted to read these letters.
I believe Coco was right when she talked about how remarkable the power of teamwork and parnership is.
I have a question for the adults (and the children too, actually) -
In working with kids I am always seeking to improve my approach. Often I have questions but no answer. This one I would like to pose to everyone for your feedback:

On Monday the students of the Hopeful English School in Sing'isi Village drafted their first letters to their new pen pals (or in kiswahili urafiki wa barua). On Tuesday Ashley, Coco and I walked with four students out of Sing'isi Village and up the Nairobi-Moshi road towards Arusha to Tengeru to use the internet cafe. Shangwe, Juslais, Hope and Hosiana logged onto the internet for the first time and acquainted themselves with the keyboard as they typed their first e-mails to their pen pals. The remainder of this week we will be taking more students of the Hopeful School to type and send their e-mails.

While spending the last four or so weeks in Sing'isi, I have noticed one of the most remarkable aspects to this school--the partnership taking place here. Together the community is able to pool their individual talents for The Hopeful School. To further explain, the building is being constructed by parents of students in the classroom, our carpenter is a student himself, children help to clear the banana field for their classroom.
The value of teamwork is sometimes left behind in favor of the individual's success, yet Sing'isi is a true effort on all parts. More later!

Sunset at the UMASS Field Station on Nantucket.

The four of us playing outside of the schoooooool!

The mason and his team have just completed the top of thee walls by pouring concrete into a wooden mold that is reinforced with iron rebar.