Visit to Elim Primary

Today, I visited Elim Primary in Khomasdal (an area of Windhoek) where Priscilla Harris is employed as a year 3 teacher (8 and 9 year olds). Priscilla’s class consists of 42 students. The language of instruction is English, however, for many under her tutelage, English is often their second or even third language. She recently received the donation of books made by the Livonia High School Student Senate and I went there to read the children a story and to take the various other book donations made by family and friends. The children were extremely well behaved and very respectful. They listened attentively while I read even though they were crammed into a tiny space between the board and their desks. Afterwards, many gave me a hug on their way out to break. It was truly a very moving experience. The students will now have the chance to take some of these home and work on developing their English comprehension and reading skills further.
I got the chance to chat with Priscilla’s principal while I was waiting and she communicated her profound gratitude and also the desire to possibly broaden the scope of the project. She’s got several teachers who have expressed an interest in creating a classroom library similar to what Priscilla is doing with her book donation. I indicated that I would see what I could do about that, so readers send in your ideas because right now the biggest obstacle is the cost of shipping as it often out-weighs the value of the books.
Once again, I want to express my gratitude to those who contributed to injecting a bit of good in this world filled with inequalities and injustices.