Teaching in Style

August 9

It has been a very busy week especially for us newbie’s. The school’s teachers have slowly been arriving which means more parties, getting-to-know-you barbecues, and social activities. What is interesting about AIS is that it truly is an international school; the teachers are not just from the states or Canada but rather from all over the world. We have teachers from Mexico, Switzerland, South Africa, Germany, Spain, as well as other countries. I would say it’s about 50-50. You have to really listen when people speak because of the various accents. Of course, I have been identified as a Canadian because of my “accent”. I say “ Alright, you betcha to that.”

I have been very impressed with the school itself and since many of you have asked about the facilities and such I will write about that today. AIS is located on 23 acres a bit outside of the city on Leopard’s Hill Road---isn’t that a cool name. Lusaka itself doesn’t feel like a capital city at all. Despite having a population of 2+ million it is very spread out. There is little traffic or pollution. People live in various neighborhoods and most of the buildings are fairly new. Zambia received its independence in 1963 and therefore most of the infrastructure dates from the 50’s onward. Rather ugly but functional.

We are in the dry winter season and I am told that after the rains Zambia becomes a bouquet of color. Even so at this time there is a lot blooming. Most of the trees and plants I don’t recognize but there are bougainvillea, hibiscus, javanica, morning glory, lavender, and of course geraniums. It is always planting time and so I will try to grow veggies/herbs throughout the year. The four apartments will share a gardener for $25 a month.

The campus is beautiful. A series of small hills gradually take you up to the soccer field, gym, and high school area. Upon entering the gate you drive past the tennis courts, “Tuck Shop”, and the smallest of the three swimming pools. The primary school, library, and administration building are on the lowest level. The school is in the process of completing its new performing arts center. It will be state of the art and the only one in Zambia too. Behind this area are the elementary classrooms, then the middle school area, and lastly the secondary classrooms. Various sitting areas are scattered around the campus and it is beautifully landscaped. All the classrooms are named after Zambian flora and fauna. My classroom is called: “Mosi oa Tunya” (smoke that thunders) better known as Victoria Falls.

We are an Apple school---all computers are Mac and Apple has just opened its own store in Lusaka! The school is wireless as are the teacher apartments---a definite perk for those of us living on campus since it is very expensive off-campus. That said there are still numerous power outages and working online can be a major pain. Other perks include, tap water that is drinkable and a generator that comes on once the power goes off. My neighbors are great. The new couple from Atlanta, Charlie and Eloise, are super nice and funny.

The school year officially begins on Wednesday. The high school is on block scheduling. Lots of new things to learn but I am a firm believer of “getting out of your comfort zone” which I think I have certainly done by coming to Zambia. J

Hope I haven’t bored you too much. I will try to write a weekly blog. Keep in touch. I look forward to hearing from you too. ‘Til next time….