Put those computer skills to good use

"You type so fast, its like you were born with a computer in your hands"

That's what one of the students said today when we were hastily retyping her Excel work after the computer switched off due to overheating.

Technology seems to be a luxury item here, not only at GHTA, but in Tanzania. We currently have eight machines, now that another recently made its way to computer heaven. Its hard to comprehend how something which is so readily available at home, is so needed here. Some of the students have had to share laptops during lessons, and for the most part, computer class is the only opportunity they have to practice what they have learned in a previous session. I've watched them redraw the spreadsheets they've created in Excel onto paper. It takes the whole concept of "backing up" to a whole new level.

Its been just over a week since I arrived here in GHTA, and after observing some of the computer classes before Sergio left, I was feeling a slight sense of panic; thinking...will I do a good job? Will the students understand me? Can I really teach them what they need to know in time?

The classes themselves involve teaching (a max of 10 students at a time) how to apply the lessons from business class to spreadsheets; and doing calculations and charts in Excel. However, saving, formatting, and writing formulas can often be a challenge. Up until now, the closest I'd ever come to teaching, was a workshop in my job where there were no language barriers, no cultural nuances, and everyone was on an intermediate level. To say I was a tad nervous of sharing my skills with people who were 3 weeks away from their finals was an understatement.

Classes are generally setup with a translator, the teacher, and an additional volunteer if available/needed. The students are split into two groups of level 1 and level 2; with level 1 being the beginners, and level 2 the quicker learners. You can definitely see the differences between both groups; and even within each group; the varying levels of skillset and understanding.

I often think I'm going too fast, or going too slow, and on occasion have been caught off guard with how different each lesson can be; but to be perfectly honest with you, I'm loving it. The level 2 classes always seem a bit more serious, possibly because they pick things up quickly and feel they have something to prove. The level 1 classes though, they're my favourites. The students tend to be older, not as technically skilled, but a joy to watch. Telling them to make things "boldi" and to "clicki" on the mouse (words that have no specific kiswahili translation which end in a consenent automatically have an "i" added) can be challenging; but to see their reactions when they get something right...when the penny drops. It just makes it worth it.

I've had the opportunity to spend some time chatting to the students, getting to know them; and joking around. Last week, I would often be met with silence or confused looks on their faces, whereas this time around the students are more interactive. Its hard to judge how much of an impact you make on these people's lives; but when I'm greeted daily with smiles, and hugs, and "asante sanas"; it makes it all the more enjoyable.

Today I went into class and informed the students I would be going back home the end of next week, which was met with some looks of surprise and sadness. I told them that until I left, I would be available to help them when they wanted, because after all...that's why I came here. I explained that I wanted to see them all pass, and expected all of them to be in the graduation photo, seeming as its a fair trade off for flying all the way from London ;-)

According to the other volunteers, its not usual for people to stay after class; so it was nice to see 5 of them turn up today...I think I'm warming to them all; either that or my skills of emotional blackmail have done the job. =P