In the beginning of November, I received an email notifying me that I had been accepted into the Gonzaga in Zambezi study abroad! I was ecstatic and had no trouble pressing the button to confirm my acceptance into the program. In the days leading up to our departure, I accepted that I was about to go on this trip that would undoubtedly show me new perspectives. It wasn’t until our plane landed in Zambezi that the weight of the trip landed on me. It seemed as if, out of nowhere, I had created sky-high expectations for this trip that I did not have prior to boarding the plane. I am not even sure what these expectations are, much less how to describe them, but I keep hitting a roadblock eating at me while in my classroom. Rather than confront these overwhelming expectations, I let it consume me until I felt ready to go home after spending a few short days in Zambezi.
When the education group toured Chilenga, we were in the head teacher’s office when I heard that they have a special education classroom. My ears perked up and I asked if I could be placed in this classroom. I requested to work in the special education unit because of volunteer work I do at home and at school. I am in a club at Gonzaga called GUSR, and this club means the world to me! It is a club for adults with special needs, and they are some of my favorite people in the world. Through my years of working with people with special needs, I have grown more aware of the injustices that the community faces.
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I walked into the classroom on my first day, but I left feeling conflicted. The teaching styles that are used in the classroom range from harsh—yelling and telling the students that the work is “very simple”—to the more familiar style of teaching I’ve seen in American schools. There are two teachers in the classroom, one who uses the harsher technique and the other, Prince, who has a style of teaching we might see in the US.
During my time in the classroom, I have enjoyed talking to Prince and learning how he ended up working in this classroom. When Prince was in university, he was studying physical therapy and education, but eventually added Zambian sign language to his course load. He added this class because he admired the teacher, who was not deaf but learned ZSL, and he now teaches people with hearing impairments. Through this teacher, Prince learned ZSL and eventually went down the path of education and special education. Prince has a caring demeanor, jokes around with his students, and is willing to give feedback.
In the classroom, I have noticed that the students are rarely praised for their work. When I started teaching math (if you know me this doesn’t add up) to the class, I called students to the chalkboard and asked them to help me solve the problem. When they finished the equation, whether they got it right or needed some assistance, I started giving them double high-fives. This pattern has continued for a few days, but now the students are the ones initiating high fives. When they started doing this it made me so incredibly happy, which led to a realization. That joy I’ve seen in the high fives gives me a similar satisfaction as GUSR, and my interest in the learners in the Special Unit reflects my passion for serving those with special needs at home. All of this is leading me to consider whether I might want to work in a special education classroom. Looks like I might switch my major…again!
Xo,
Katie DeMello
Zam Fam 26
Messages!!
To my friends! I miss you all so much! I can’t wait to catch up! I miss your hugs and humor!!! Also, Samie there is a cat here that you would love! Her name is Linus!
Emma Isabel Nielsen: DUDE WE ABSOLUTELY NEED TO DO TEMPORARY TATTOOS!!! Also yes yes yes to Sun Splash and Chicago Fire!!! I’ve genuinely told everyone about the restaurant!
Aunt Sheila, Lila, and Heidi: I miss our weekly phone calls! I can’t wait to see you this summer! We must do the face masks!!
To my family: I am so excited to catch up on what has been happening at home! Thank you for all the comments you have been leaving! I really appreciate them!
To my cousins! I’ve played hide n seek two times on this trip! Let’s just say the years of us playing are paying off!
Loved your post. It takes someone special to serve the special needs community.
Hi Morgie,
Hope all is well with one of my favorite grands. Missing you sweetie. Can’t wait to see you and hear first hand about your experiences. We are starting to make tentative plans for the Chicago trip. Hopefully it will coincide with your October break.
Love you, Grandma
Katie-
Loved your post, especially the story of the double high five celebration to make learning fun. We can’t overestimate the power of a smile, having fun, and spreading joy in even the simplest of ways. I imagine your celebration a has started a tradition that will at carry-on after you leave Zambia.
Jim
Sean – Marco, Diego, Caroline, Auntie Jen, Uncle Jorge, Nona, Gramps, Sonia, Monica, Gio, Matteo and Tony say hi!
Hi Zags- Another great blog entry. Thanks Katie!
Sam- Saw Wolfie yesterday- his fur finally looks “ reasonable”.
Dad heads to WY tomorrow to see Eric. Kate is busy with work and yoga. Megan is locked in for Chem and Spanish finals! We miss you tons and hope that each day is filled with learning and love. You’re my favorite oldest daughter. Jersey Mike’s in less than 2 weeks.
Hugs to everyone and enjoy your weekend away- I assume it is this weekend. Go ZamZags!
Katie! SpEd major here, I loved what you said about GUSR, I did it freshman year, and it is definitely a special program. How cool that there was a special ed program at Chilenga — I’m not sure our group figured that out… maybe they did though, and I was just in my own little Zambezi boarding school bubble.
Everything you said is so true; especially the piece on how Zambian teaching styles differ so much from American style. Keep giving high fives — there’s definitely something to be said about Zambezi teachers having more control over their classes than let’s say, my practicum placement classes in Spo… but, there should ALWAYS be praise and reinforcement for positive behavior!!!!
Selfishly, your last sentence made me soooo happy. The SpEd program is so freaking special!! If you have any questions, lmk when you get back. There’s also a SpEd minor so that could be a good compromise if you want to keep your major. :)) Also, lol to the “tree-t” caption. Use this last week wisely: take more photos than ever, visit your favorite market vendors, and soak up every bite of the Mamas’ food. What’s the plan for this weekend? Chinyingi Mission hospital? Spicengers? Can’t wait to see how this weekend further complicates your experience.
Love,
Weenie
12:29pm in California, 9:29pm in Zambia
Hi Katie. I can tell you have a big heart and care deeply. I love how you involve the students at the chalkboard and then double high five. And now they do it! That is such a great affirmation of the impact you are having. They clearly love the praise and acknowledgement of their hard work. It’s so obvious that you have a heart and passion for the special education population–they will be so lucky to have you as a teacher! Very excited for you.