Peter Mabande and Pan African Teacher's Centre

Thursday July 10^th.

Back to GNAT headquarters by 9:00 where we spent the day working with our groups on organizing the workshops and preparing materials. I learned some local expressions from my co-tutors: when you are trying to interrupt them they say “patience”, when they want to know if you understand they say “are you okay?”, When they are rushed they say “I'm coming”, meaning they are getting to the point.

One of the cu-tutors we have is not a Ghanian teacher. His name is Peter Mabande and he is a retired teacher from Zimbabwe. He works for an organization called the Pan African Teacher's Centre and he is a representative of Education International. We are just getting to know him and appreciate his strengths, gentle manner and firm beliefs in the improvement of teacher education throughout Africa. He seems to have boundless energy and enthusiasm and participates and attends all of our workshops. He is a very valued member of the team.

We had a chicken and rice lunch again and then continued in the afternoon. I created a cross sum and showed Gershon, Patrick and Julius how to do it. Patrick seemed frustrated with it and didn't really get it, but the other two seemed to like it and thought it would be a useful and fun activity for students. I also showed it to Peter and he was quite interested. I also showed the tutors my time capsule and they want copies of that.

Back to the hotel for a half hour group meeting outside by the bar over a beer. It was a “how are you/we doing?” meeting to make sure we were all feeling comfortable so far. Then Barb and I went for a swim. I had a delicious spicy fisherman's soup for dinner. We relaxed and talked after dinner with a couple of beer. The last three to bed were Angela, Barb and I.