Day 5- Senegal-American teacher panel

The discussion today was very enlightening. Even thou we are an ocean apart, we all have the same struggles with educating our children. We have issues of the curriculum being changed. Not enough money for our schools and trying to make our students global citizens. The only difference is that they have to do it at times with no electricity. We all discussed our love for teaching on all levels. The college professors were just as concerned about their students as the Elementary principals. They asked us questions about the No Child Left Behind Law as well as the purpose of HBCU's (Historically Black Colleges and Universities). We all have funding issues and problems with some schools getting more than others. We spoke of private vs. public school issues. Even though we are a private school it was important for them to understand that we still have our own problems with students, parents and faculty. No one school was immune. I think they were surprised to hear of the poverty that we have in the US. We have a wide range of NC school represented with our group and they didn't realize that some of our kids can't afford lunch either. We had a teacher speak of "backpacks" that they would provide to kids so they could eat over the weekend and how some would have to take these home every night in order to have food. We really aren't that different when it comes right down to it. We all want the best for our students no matter what the age. We all struggle to work with the resources we are given in order to achieve excellence. I am looking forward to our day that we will spend in these teachers homes. They seem even more excited to host us. This has been an amazing experience thus far! Last night we had dinner together and I couldn't help but think that I felt like I was at a fancy resort restaurant in the Islands. We were on the rooftop with the ocean as our backdrop and the breeze was wonderful. Our meal was a little pricey and the place was owned by a French man that was married to an Ivory Coast woman. Nevertheless, the food was delicious and the company even better. Our group is so unique in our backgrounds and we have really bonded and gotten to know each other very well. No one had enough energy to go clubbing last night. Secretly I'm glad because I am exhausted. We have been on the go since we stepped off the plane. The "Yen en Marre" concert was shut down due to sound issues, but you never know if there was something more. The group is trying to start a movement here to get Senegalese people to stand up for their rights, vote and take better care of their county and each other. With that comes resistance. They are doing good work though and I will keep a close eye on the news now. For some reason I feel very connected to the people here and the culture. Well, today we are off for a day with the teachers and their families. We are divided up into groups of 4 and I'm looking forward to this. More to come later!