Author Archives: Alexander Rolnick
Memories
An old black woman sits on a pew in the front of a church. She is alone. Her colorful fabrics stand out in the dim lighting. Everything is covered in a layer of dust. The church is empty, save for … Continue reading
Porters
I consider myself an able backpacker, comfortable in the woods for a few days at time, and a reasonably strong hiker, so when my guide for climbing Mount Karisimbi (~4500 meters) in Rwanda recommended both Emily and I take a … Continue reading
When the salesman comes to school
It is quite a regular occurrence for salesman of one type or another to come visit my school. They come selling books, household wares, and even fish. And almost always, their visits are met with great excitement by the teachers. … Continue reading
My school through my eyes
Something I am always very aware of at school is not only my position as a year long volunteer (teaching with career teachers), but that I am an American experiencing a different culture through American eyes. That in mind, I … Continue reading
A brief (secondhand) history of Tanzanian education
This post will join some of the disparate ideas I have been blogging about into something resembling context for thinking about the failures of the Tanzanian school system. Most of the following is based on my personal experiences and what … Continue reading
Development Perceptions
As a student of colonialism coming to Tanzania I expected more negativity from Tanzanians, especially educated Tanzanians, about the impact of colonialism on Tanzanian society, and possibly some analysis of how current international power structures have failed to help create … Continue reading
The village visit
A few weekends ago, I visited the villages of the District Education Officer (DEO) and his wife, with two other WorldTeach volunteers. The DEO and his wife are both extremely generous and welcoming people, who, as good Christians, and as … Continue reading
Bob Marley Bags
Many Tanzanians like Bob Marley. His music is very popular with many middle aged Tanzanians, as well as younger Tanzanians, including my students. However, these people – largely – have not realized that he is widely associated with marijuana use. … Continue reading
The Form IV Exam
Exams are extremely important in Tanzania. Tanzanian students must pass a national exam to enter Secondary School, and after they have finished Form II they must pass another exam another exam to move on to Form III (as of the … Continue reading
Water
It wasn’t until I was talking with my dad the other night that I realized I had yet to blog about my water situation here, which is an experience worth conveying, though it is such a Western problem that I … Continue reading