The least of the work of learning is done in the classroom

As an elementary teacher in Bergen County, it was customary to have a yearly budget with which I’d purchase school supplies for my classroom. It was a pretty hefty budget of $400-500. One of things taken for granter when living in Northern NJ is that our classrooms are very well-stocked, well-lit, clean and decorated.
Pre-school Classroom in Swayimane — There is little here, except the chalkboard, a couch, and a few snacks. Whenever we visited this creche, we saw the children playing outside. On two occasions, I spotted kids heading to the outhouse/toilet holding a crumpled piece of newspaper in their hands. No, it’s not for reading.. it’s for wiping! That image is completely cute and sad, all in one.

The creche was born out of the efforts & saving of one SHG ( self help group). The SHG comprised of women from one community, who pooled their resources together to pay for a teacher.

You may see this picture and think that it represents despair and poverty. I challenge you to re-formulate that thought, and see that these children have a chance to learn in a safe environment. This creche is a GOOD THING, even if it is minimally equipped. And, as any teacher should know…. good teaching has nothing to do with the kind of classroom you have.