October 12, 2013

Mozambicans celebrate a lot of holidays compared to Americans. Days I never would have considered, like Children’s Day and Hero’s Day, are official holidays when no one goes to school (except for the confused Americans who then wander around wondering where everyone went). October 12, however, is a very important holiday for all education volunteers here in Mozambique: Teacher’s Day! Here’s how our day went:

My English Theater students loved being in the spotlight and wanted to show off their skills once again. They wrote another play, this time in Portuguese, to present at the district celebration. After practicing for a week, we all went to the party in Namialo. Every type of teacher was there and many schools came up to dance and sing. All the teachers also wore matching capalans so everyone would know they are a teacher and got to sit in actual seats.

The teachers of an elementary school celebrating on their holiday.

My students once again performing their theater.

We had all contributed money earlier and all the female teachers spent the day preparing a feast. Near midnight (way past our bedtime!) we finally got to eat, listen to music, and enjoy ourselves. Unfortunately, Elizabeth had a fever so I saved her a dish and left soon after.

Being a teacher here in Mozambique is different than in the United States. Teachers here make a lot of money so they can afford things like televisions, vacations, even cars. They are in an upper class. In the United States, however, a lot of teachers are underpaid and underappreciated. Parents encourage their children to be doctors or lawyers. Maybe we as Americans can be more like Mozambique in some aspects :)