Monday, August 3, 2015

Visit to the US Consulate and Tandi Eleanor School

Today was a busy and interesting day! We started with a visit to the US Consulate, where we met Jared Yancey, the Assistant Public Affairs Officer, and Selaelo Maseko, a Program Specialist.  We had a lively conversation, where we explored possible South African-US connections and exchanges. We also talked about American myths about South Africa, and the way in which America is viewed abroad. The hope is that this exchange program will serve to break down some barriers and tackle some myths.
After lunch, we headed to the Tandi Eleanor Secondary School, in the Nigel township.  This large school serves teenagers from the surrounding community and is quite modern. Each classroom has a Smartboard, and students are given tablets and wifi access.  Tim Kelly will be partnering with this school and will spend the day here on Thursday and Friday, but at the beginning of the week, we will visit all five schools.  We also took a stroll around the local neighborhood.  We have some free time until dinner, which will be at a famous local restaurant featuring South African cuisine.
A walking tour of the Nigel township

See the roofs of these homes? Those are solar panels hooked up to barrels of water, so folks can have a hot shower.



Tandi Eleanor School, quiet at the end of a school day





In the classroom...a combo of high and low tech


All of the classrooms have State-of-the-Art Smartboards

Posing with some of the girls

Similar to Bullis, Tandi Eleanor School had to establish rules for appropriate use of technology

These girls were trying to find me on Facebook


Our team, plus the Principal and partner teacher

Local hair salon

Convenience store

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