Week 21

This week began rather dramatically, including my assistance in dealing with some issues with the family I have been living with. I was called during school time to leave my class and run back to my home in the village to try and diffuse a situation with the mother and some issues she has been having with local people from our church. Kormatha has a long history of mental problems, which in the past have led to her children being cared for by other people as well as being hospitalised for some time. She has over the last four years shown significant improvements, and The Dust Project even assisted in providing a house for her, her husband and three children, to give them a safe place to live, and reunite them.

After running home, I took her youngest child back to school with me, telling her it was time for tuition, to prevent her from leaving Irupalai with her mother and father. Soon after Kormatha was taken to a hospital in Jaffna, and treated by the doctors for the ‘relapse’ of her mental illness. During the week her husband made several trips to the hospital to visit her, as well as her children too. With Kormatha being away recovering, the house has seemed rather quiet and calm, and in all honesty I have really been missing her. Please do pray for Kormatha if you feel so inclined; Reena (her youngest child) is dreadfully missing her, and wants her to come home as soon as she can!

As a result of these problems at MC and church, the half of the school located in my house, moved from one side of the village to the other, joining the older half of the students near the church. On Thursday, myself and a few teachers clubbed together, as well as Angel and a couple of students to move all of the classroom furniture, equipment and learning resources. We now have over 50 students learning in a poorly aerated building, with a roof made of straw, and nowhere safe to leave things. It was a fun afternoon and evening moving the stuff, and if anything it proved how strong a team we are here at Paalam International School, Jaffna.

We have been managing, just about with this change of the school system, however it has caused a few problems with the organisation and running of classes. With being in such close proximity to each other, it has caused teachers to become involved in other classes, or disciplining students who are not in their class. On another hand though, this has been helpful in keeping some behaviours in line, as students are aware they no longer have 3 teachers watching them at all times, but six!

A rather relaxing weekend for me, involving going shopping to the supermarket, buying essentials including water and toothpaste, and then doing lots of admin tasks and marking essays for students in Paalam International School, Wattala who are trying to finish the schooling by the end of this academic year. They seem to be feeling the pressure, and as soon as I return an essay, I can guarantee within 2 days I have a redrafted version, sat in my inbox, begging me to be marked as soon as possible! Alongside this, I have managed to find some time as well to spend with Miss Reena and watch a few films – on Sunday afternoon I headed to her house, and set up my laptop and DVD player and plugged in The Sound of Music. My ALL TIME favourite film. She seemed to enjoy it too! As well as this I have been enjoying running about doing Dust Project errands, including taking new pictures of families who are on our website for sponsorship for houses, wells and toilets. Pictured is Grecian and Ruby, and their family, who are in desperate need of a house. They have a 3 month old baby girl, who is just the CUTEST!

With only two weeks left of school, and two days off for holiday, the pressure is really on for my class to complete their PACE work. Next week’s blog I am sure will be me commenting on how I am laying the work on them, and setting lots and lots of homework. I think in the next few weeks, I will not be crowned with a ‘Teacher of the Year’ award…