Third Day - Funeral - Radio Show

Thursday, July 18^th. THIRD DAY – FUNERAL – RADIO SHOW

This morning as we closed the door we realized we had locked ourselves out! Oh well, we'll figure that out when we get back. Today was the same as yesterday, when we arrived I set up the projectors and sound systems in both rooms. The gentleman who was late yesterday for devotional was on time today and did an excellent job of leading and inspiring the group with song and story.

Today we talked about how you make an inclusive classroom and what it looks like. I started all three classes by telling of my experiences at Cameron with students in wheelchairs, with spinabifida, muscular dystrophy, Cornelia Delang Syndrome, open heart surgery, peanut allergy and behaviour students all in my 'regular' grade 2 classroom. Then Wendy led them through her PowerPoint about ‘Inclusion and Opportunity for All’ and I added info or anecdotes wherever appropriate. Again there were lots of good questions and lively discussions.

As soon as the workshops ended we had our usual provided lunch and then left to go to the funeral. Unfortunately, there was a misunderstanding between George and Wayne and he drove us the wrong way, he thought he was taking us home. When I realized it I asked “Where are we going?” When Wayne realized the problem we turned around, but unfortunately we arrived a bit late and missed Ken's performance. However, there were other performers including a pan band, a solo vocalist, a small choral group, and a larger choir. The whole funeral was about 2 ½ hours! Way too long but it was interesting to watch and listen to all the hymns, the beautiful singing, the reserved dancing, and the sermon that was made by an excellent orator but way too long and far too religious. I find it hard to believe that people still believe all this stuff. The Governor General was there and the Minister of Education who is also the Deputy Prime Minister.

As soon as it ended we called Wayne to pick us up and we went back home to have a quick bite before George and I headed out to the local radio station for an interview that St Vincent and the Grenadines Teacher’s Union  had set up. They host an hour long phone in show twice a month called Teacher Talk and they invited us to be guests this week. But first we had to figure out how to get back into our home – luckily we had a key that opened another door through which we could reach in and unlock two deadbolts in an iron grill door.

We arrived at the NBC radio studio but the security guard did expect us or know where we were to go to why we were there, and neither did the only other person in the building. When they finally figured it out they took us to the studio where we met a DJ named Martin who goes by the on-air handle of ‘Prince Yogi'. No sign of the SVGTU members however. We were told to be at the studio for 7 for a 7:30 start, but the DJ says the show starts at 8 – island time! “Just now”, which might mean later or never. Vibert arrived shortly and it turned out he was the host of the program and is the public relations officer for the union. The program started at 7:30! Vibert let us introduce ourselves and then asked us questions. George has an excellent radio voice. He and I took turns answering and explained why we were in St Vincent, what we were doing, what we hoped to accomplish and talked about the special education focus and CTF's involvement. I think we did a good job and represented CTF and Canada quite well. We only had two phone-in calls and they were both in the last two minutes. One was a man who asked a couple of good questions, but it was funny because as soon as Yogi said “Hello you’re on the air”, the guy said “Goodnight”, same as happened with Ken's wife. The other caller was the union president, Oswald, who just wanted to say hi and tell us that he had listened to and enjoyed the show.

When we got home again we caught up with Irnice and talked about what we are doing on Friday. In bed by 11:00.