Munezero's Musings: And We're Off!

Two weeks of classes at Gitega International Academy have been completed, and nobody has died! We’ve done it. The abstract idea has become a reality. The administrative brainstorming has been put into practice. This thing is actually happening, and loads of people in Burundi want to be a part of it. We were hoping for at least 20 students, but for grades 7 and 8 we now have 88 students! There is nowhere else in Africa I would rather be working, because this academy is an amazing tool for extreme long term changes.

Registration Day

Showed up to my classroom on day 1...no chairs or tables...this is Africa! Ha, I had tables and chairs by day 2

How do we think this school will change Africa? Well, based on many conversations, I have gathered that education in Burundi is extremely structured to teach students to be good robots. The teacher lectures, the student doesn’t ever ask questions, and they are expected to regurgitate the material for an exam. Yes, this same thing happens in some places in the US, but it is our objective to teach our students at GIA to think critically. They are already learning to ask questions, to think outside of the box, and to be creative in their school work. We’re hoping this helps them to become great problem solvers and leaders who can raise this nation from its current state as the least competitive economy in the world. Read Article Here >>

Doyen, one of my best students

Elsie, another great student

The best part about working for this academy is our emphasis on integrity. This has been a major theme, even in my science and typing courses, as we are in one of the most corrupt nations in the world (for instance, even though we have established the best boarding school in the nation, we still don’t have official approval from the ministry of education because it seems that they may want a little extra something from us), and because I have already caught a few students cheating. My students are grades 7 and 8, but they range in age from 11 to 20. This is because for many people, education had to be put on hold during the war. But it’s cool to have such a range in age, and I have already been able to start mentoring a few of my students. It is my goal to shepherd them towards a desire to develop solid character.

Zack teaching about the Abacus

Yesterday I caught 3 students cheating in one of my classes. It was extremely sad for me, and after the quiz the whole class and I had an amazing heart to hear about integrity. I then told them that I love all of them, and that this is why I must discipline those who act out of line. We talked about how sometimes God disciplines people because he wants them to repent and live full lives. So I think that the students are starting to get it. We don’t discipline them by hitting them, like most other schools in Burundi do, but we are hoping to engage their hearts through conversation and mentoring. This is how they will know that we love them. This is how we are hoping God uses us to raise excellent leaders of integrity. So we will give it our best shot. And we believe that we can change the world for the better. If you don’t think you can do the same, I think you’re listening to the wrong voices.