net ball

Within the daily routines, each day boasts of new learning. Whether I develop more Runyoro vocabulary, meet a smiling person full of curiosity, indulge my taste buds in new foods, learn a traditional custom, or gain greater understanding of Ugandan society, I happily rest my head on my soft pillow at night thanking God I am still able to acquire new abilities and knowledge. One of my personal more enjoyable new learning experiences has been learning to play net ball. Foreign in Canada, my only exposure to the game was through watching sports highlights on UBC (Uganda's Broadcasting Channel). Even though I lacked any experience, my curiosity led me to organize a game. With a personal belief that effective teaching and learning is achieved by doing or experiencing, I decided it best to actually play to learn. So, after a heavy rain on a Saturday afternoon, I put on my sports cothes, equipped with sunscreen and a water bottle, and walked to school for a schedule game of net ball.

With an understanding of the basic rules, we divided into 2 teams of 7 each, and positioned ourselves accordingly. Thus began a couple of hours of confusion, of fun, of jumping, of diving, of shooting, of falling, of congratulations, of disappointment, of questions, and of laughter. I won't go into detail explaining the rules but do consider net ball a combination of handball and basketball. I thoroughly enjoyed being engaged, once again, in organized sports that I returned the following day after church to play again. Amid the visible reflections of net ball, my body reveals my sometimes successful, sometimes failing attempts to play: bruised legs, scratches, fatigues muscles, grass-stained clothing.

Net ball has also been beneficial in non-visible ways, by helping me to demonstrate that females are capable of playing various sports, of throwing and catching, of co-ordination and balance. Whereas males play soccer, females are restricted to playing net ball. To people's surprise, maybe even disapproval, I proudly tell people I have played soccer, baseball, basketball, volleyball, football, and field hockey among other sports throughout my life. Although I don't intend on changing traditional activities, I do hope to provide equal opportunities for males and females. I encourage both males and females, for example, to become involved in playing volleyball. Within the next week, I will begin instructing students on proper volleyball playing techniques and skills. Instead of preparing myself for the football field, I will get ready for the net ball pitch. Perhaps I shall share this new sport with Canada when I return.

why?

Having correctly answered my English or Mathematics question, I now stand in front of my students and ask of them this particular question: why? Although correct, I want the students to develop critical thinking skills that will enable them to account for their particular reasons for doing certain tasks or responding to situations in a particular manner. To know why something is correct demonstrates a more complete understanding of and comprehension of a concept, an issue, or a rule. In turn, this comprehension will enable the students to respond favourably in similar situations and to effectively analyze future problems and possible solutions. In response to my question, I receive questioning looks from students or bowed faces, silence, and uncomfortable squirming. Undoubtedly, students are rarely asked to provide explanations for their answers. In consequence, students fail to acquire critical thinking skills as well as creative problem solving strategies. Alternatively, students develop excellent memory skills because they are required to simply memorize and reiterate all material taught. By probing, encouraging, positively reinforcing student responses, and using group discussions, among other teachings trategies, I am slowly beginning to yield constructive results. The silence that once haunted the classroom has now become a very dull and faint murmur. But in reflecting on the silence initially produced, I have begun to draw a comparison between the students' response and the western practice of always needing to question our behaviour, our motives, our procedures, and ultimately our lives.

I now ask myself the same question: why? Perhaps the most obvious is why am I here? Why am I teaching English and Math? Why am I living with a Ugandan family? Why one year? Why? Instead of practicing what I teach, namely to think critically about the answer to such questions, I shall follow in the footsteps of my students. I will be silent. In contrast to deconstructing and analyzing such questions, I have faith. I am learning that faith is critical to my spiritual, emotional, relational, and physical health. Faith in God for spiritual renewal and nurture, for emotional stability, for strength in and healing in friendships, and for physical safety allow me to cast aside burdening anxieties and imposing criticisms. Although I fail to completely understand the extent of my role here, I understand that there will be mutual transformation, both in the present and future. The beauty seen, the laughter heard, the people I touch, the heavy rain tasted, and the fertile soil I smell, is enjoyed by, possible through, and continues in faith.

In trying to teach my students critical thinking and creative problem solving strategies, the students have taught me to live by faith. To not always demand answers for questions affirms our reliance upon God's grace, love, and compassion. More importantly, I am learning that we need both silence and discussion, faith and questions.

independence

As I began preparing an English unit focusing on Independence Day, which in Uganda is celebrated on October 9, I began questioning the perceived and actual meaning of independence. To not be dependent on someone or something, to complete a task or live individually, or to be separate from the actions of others explains independence. Highly valued, taught, and sought, independence proudly defines the characteristics of the people from whom I established my rudimentary worldview, namely the western world. Goals of living individually, obtaining employment outside the family, and creating distinct compartments of life separate from each other penetrate our minds. Conversely, independence is rarely alluded to in Uganda. The entire notion of being individual or, alternatively, communal is not discussed. Rather, life continues irrespective of how society is structured.

Having spent over one month in Uganda, I am beginning to conclude that the social structure of the west is not as dissimilar to Uganda as once perceived and believed. Instead, the difference rests in the way in which the west emphasizes the pursuit of independence compared to Uganda's acceptance of the natural social structure. Although the west idealizes and boasts of independence, in reality the west is as estranged from being independent as are Ugandans and non-western nations. Simply examine the origin of the various products you consume and you will notice that the vast majority are imported. Research the background of the technology you utilize or the entertainment you enjoy. Count the number of people employed before you are able to use a product effectively. Virtually impossible to rely solely on one's own, we must embrace the natural tendency to unite with people to produce effective, or ineffective, results. Such a relationship is defined as interdependence. Interdependence supports our needs and the needs of others including our need to give, to share, to serve, and to befriend.

I cannot even imagine desiring a life of independence. Constantly relying on my own inexperiences, lack of concrete understanding, untrained skills, and immature beliefs would certainly lead to my emotional, physical, and spiritual destitute, deprivation, poverty, and ultimately death. Instead, I embrace interdependence, or the ability to share life while still maintaining a personal sense of accomplishment, of learning, of ability, and of purpose. Undoubtedly, I would have failed to experience many joys here in Uganda if I sought a life of independence: no shared laughter as I unintentionally shower my back with soil while digging barefoot in the garden, no surprised and proud faces as I converse in Runyoro, no welcoming hugs as I enter the internet cafe, no one to teach me how to evict a poisonous black snake from the latrine, no courageous person to spray the unwanted cockroaches, no generous offer to share tea while examining photo albums and telling stories.

Happy Independence Day. I think instead I will celebrate my interdependence by recognizing my need for others: the skills, knowledge, presence, comfort, and resources. Such acknowledgement is not a weakness but an affirmation of God's most important creation, namely humans. I celebrated Uganda's expressed legal independence, but ultimately I unite with Ugandans to celebrate our interdependence. So thank you for sharing life with me and letting me share life with you.