Quick Update!

So this is going to be rather quick, but I just wanted to update about the math competition. It went perfectly, so smoothly it was almost unbelievable. We had an accusation of cheating from each team in the very first two rounds (which, really, we should have expected), but other than that, everything went off without a hitch. The kids had spent lots of time practicing and reviewing, and it actually showed. They had a fabulous time and thanked me the entire 45 minute ride home. I had the local radio station announce the results and the students’ names, and all the teachers at school and the principal thanked me profusely. The principal actually proceeded to give me a huge speech about how important the competition was and went around to all eight classes announcing the results (which had just been announced the previous night on the radio literally everyone listens to). In any case, it was such a success that we’re planning another one, this time in Bissikrima, and this time we’re inviting six schools. So far four are in (the two in Bisskrima, Dialakoro, and Cissela), and next Friday I’ll return to Dabola to invite the last two. So that is what’s keeping me busy currently — that and the end of the school year and work with the group Youth and Friends Association of Bissikrima (we’re hoping to get money to do sensitizations at the schools).
I recently found out one of my best students is pregnant, and I’ll write about that next time (which should be next Saturday when I have a required trip to Kankan). I hope you are all having a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend and a good time kicking off summer. Much love from Guinea!