Small Steps

Over the years, whilst I've always had some semblance of a plan, I have allowed myself to become slightly more open to the unexpected. One has to. It is a response mechanism, though in truth, I'm not sure how good I am at it. And always, Allah is my guide, to whom I am forever grateful for all the beautiful things I am able to see, learn about and share.

So here I am, working towards the establishment of a school. There are lots of strategic variables here that one has to be aware of and how these should be managed. Again, since this is Afghanistan, and since we are in a politically and socially sensitive situation, I choose my words and actions with care. 

There are delays - expect them - and there will be compromises along the way - expect them too, but the idea is that once the teachers are hired, I will support either by distance or by being on the ground, so there is always the probability of return visits. The vision is a good foundation to build on - and the encouragement from senior Afghans (in government and at all levels) and other influential voices, so far has been a blessing. Ameen. Afghanistan's schools need good civic education, creativity and the need to produce critical thinkers who will lead this country tomorrow. It is a long term vision and there will be challenges ahead, but it is a blessing to be part of this project and my contribution is just one small aspect of what many aspire to and dream about. 

I share a photo taken on my trusted mobile phone of the building that will be the school. Something tells me that I may be slightly overcome with emotion, when the school finally opens.

Ode to Serco

Schools, computers and student reporting, ha? A little ditty, I wrote and sent by email to a colleague. I mentioned SERCO, the supposed wonderful school management/student reporting system. All, in good humour, I hope, but summarises how educators under pressure are made to feel now and then.

Ode to Serco

SERCO's sometimes complex, sometimes it's all wrong.

Sometimes it’s just erratic, though I'm often told "Hold On!"

A little error nagged us, so Dave and I one night -

Stayed back a little longer, and we thought that fixed it right -

But the bug came back, the very next day

We thought there was no danger

The bug came back; was here to stay

And came back even stranger

5B and A were fixed, I thought

And 5C in its place

But when I looked at SERCO,

It laughed right back at my face.

"You thought you fixed me, didn't you?"

"You thought you'd make me tame?"

"You thought I'd just run out of tricks"

"But I've a better game."

"Try this - I have some random names"

"Try this, I have a class."

"That doesn't match to what you thought."

"I love a little laugh."

So, when I look to Numeracy, and see a list of names,

That's not to be, supposed to be, it's like a losing game.

So here I am, Dear Mr Jones, back to the square called one.

And whilst I hope, you liked this rhyme, reports are just not fun.

I’m hoping that you’ll tame this beast, that’s making life a pain

And next time when I write you Sir, my will is once again

Restored to where it ought to be, you know just what I mean

It’s hard to smile, be on good show, when deep inside you scream.