04 /09 /2001
  Meki - Ethiopia
  08°10 N   38°50 E
  + 267

The little clock rings wakes us up at 7.30 am. It's a gift from the sisters : when it rings, it sings like a cock and gives the outside temperature. Today, it's 17° C.

It may seem strange, but for the most of us, it's easier to get up than in Europe... we should think about it.

For the menu, a standard breakfast. Sat in the kitchen, we drink powdered milk, diluted in hot water (purified with pills). We have bought some chocolate and vanilla crackers. Yesterday, the sisters offered us some bananas, that we ate while sucking a sugar-cane. But Sunday was the best : four papayas, with lemon and sugar... except for Greg, who suffered from dyssenteria.

As soon as we open the garden gate, a swarm of children comes to take our hand to take us to the school.

We organised the classes following a precise schedule: from 8:30 to noon, Nicolas, Greg and Franck share the lessons. One teaches chemistry and physics, the second biology and medecine, the last one math. From 12 to 2.30 pm, lunch time. Then, from 2.30 pm to 4.00 pm, Céline and Sophie teach english, as Aurélie and Theo teach theater, geography and history.

 

Yesterday night, we had dinner with the school's headmaster, Brother Zenebe Abebe. Ethiopian, 34 years old, he's very charismatic and speaks with calm and clarity.

After discussing about the World's problem, he explained us his plans for developing the school for the next year to come. He proposed us to help him.

- Laboratories : two classrooms of physics, chemistry and biology have been set up. But there is no didactical material, almost impossible to find in Ethiopia. We believe that the Community could help us to find: chemical products for experiences, test-tubes, books, posters with explanations of physics and chemistry, skeletons, etc... We wait for your messages on the FORUM.

- Modernization of the classrooms : some classrooms must be renovated.

- Student House: a few years ago, about 40 students, from poor families or living too far, were sleeping here. But the dormitory's roof is now getting  unsafe. The school is looking for some funds, material and people to renovate it.

- Computers: a recent reform of the Ministry of Education imposed the schools to teach computer science. Meki School is now looking for 25 computers. In Ethiopia, computer business is developing, but seems a real luxury !

Tomorrow, we'll tell you more about the internet situation in Africa.

You can now visit the Meki School with us,... right click on the picture and download the VIDEO on your hard disck.

If you have any problem, write on the FORUM to Vicio, Rico or Zico, and they will help you !

 

 

Extract of one of us'diary:

The main theme I'd like to develop from this experience is: the discovery of myself, who am I, what I'd like to do, what I want. This research is based on the encounter with poor people.

When I arrived in Ethiopia, I was looking for 3 points, essential for my personality's development:

- Research for a moral balance; research of the true values in life; a better knowledge of myself.

 

 

The MEKI CATHOLIC SCHOOL was created in 1970 and belongs to the Congregation of the de la Salle Brothers (religious order dedicated only to education). The school's headmaster is Brother Zenebe Abebe.

It's a private school, opened to all, from any tribe or any religious beliefs. There are about 1050 pupils, 60% of boys, 40% girls.

There are 3 levels of classes: grades 1 to 8, elementary school; grades 9 to 12, college; technical training, professional and technical education.

There a several schools in the area, but the Meki Catholic School is the only to have a high school (public schools don't). This school is the only to give an access to University.

University is paid by the government. Its access is limited by an entrance exam. Last year, 69% of the Meki School candidates took it.

The students who succeed in Addis Abeba's University are almost sure to find a job.

 

 

Wednesday, it's Lariam day for all of us. We'll swallow the horrible anti-malaria weekly pill.

The good news is that we meet on chat, tomorrow at 8.30 pm GMT !

See you there !

 

team@nomadcommunity.com - loako@hotmail.com

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