field trip

Early morning last Tuesday, as I was finishing my breakfast of tea with bread, I heard the familiar sound of a bus passing. This morning, though, the sound was a bit more intense since the large vehicle was passing the road deteriorated from soil erosion in front of my home. After receiving the pre-arranged "beep" from my colleague at school, I grabbed my packed bag, water, and hat, to proceed to school. At school, the atmosphere was filled with excitement, curiosity, anxiety, jealousy, and concern. Senior three and four students who could afford to pay the fee for the field trip were awaiting the teacher's permission to board the rented bus. Students that had failed to raise money or senior one and two students stood observing the excitement. Some wished their peers a safe journey while others tried to hide their disappointment and jealousy. I consoled some, saying that in a couple of years, they too, will have the opportunity.

A list was quickly compiled of students, teachers, and staff present who would participate in the geography tour. Students squeezed themselves in the bus while the teachers sat comfortably in the front. Unaccustomed to such a seating arrangement for a field trip, I proceeded to the back of the bus to be nearer my students after driving a little while. Driving towards the main road that would take us to the escarpment and Butiaba Falls, the bus tried very hard to avoid the ditches and bumps, in addition to the numerous students walking to their respective schools. Unfortunately, the bus was unable to avoid all bumps and one bump in particular caused part of our lunch (rice with meat) to spill from the bucket. This was immediately cleaned up after a few grumbles from the driver whose trousers were now stained.

Driving along allowed the students, especially the boarders, to observe another part of their beloved and beautiful country. Their contentment and joy was reflected in their bursts of song, shouts, and chatter. One of my colleagues and I kept asking them geographical questions to ensure their minds were still on the task at hand: education mixed with enjoyment and pleasure. We temporarily stopped the bus as we approached the escarpment. For many students, this was their first opportunity to see this type of rock formation a few miles from their home. Wearing skirts (females) or trousers (males), white blouses/shirts, and black shoes, the students tried to climb up the rocks, calling "Madam, my photo". In addition to the title of teacher, I also became the photographer for the day.

The ugly conditions of the road was experienced very negatively by the students in the back of the bus, where each bump and swerve was felt. After driving over a particularly dangerous hump, all passengers jumped off their seats before gravity regained control of the bus. At the back of the bus, one student actually got her feet stuck between the cushion and the seat frame. Teachers were alerted and I went to the back to investigate. Eventually, the pain reduced though limping became the consequence.

At Butiaba Fishing Village, the students descended onto the beach to learn more about the fishing practices, the impacts of the economical activity, problems and responses, and the geography of the place. An informed facilitator gave us a tour of the place, explaining various processes, answering innocent questions, pointing out places of interest, and expanding our knowledge. Since students rarely have the opportunity to leave the school compound for educational reasons, most students quickly became fatigued though the hour had not yet reached noon.

We continued our journey heading west towards Murchison Falls National Park in search of some wonderful creatures. Before crossing the River Nile via a ferry, we removed the buckets containing our lunch and began serving over fifty students and seven staff members. Within minutes the food was consumed and students were curiously walking around the park, pointing towards hippos, looking at the looming trees, kicking dirt, and congratulating each other for making it thus far. As we timidly boarded the ferry, a few students asked me about it's safety. I used the most unscientific explanation to describe how the ferry functions and assured them we won't touch water. For most, this ferry experience equalled danger and fear, mixed with a humble excitement and joy. Upon reaching the other side, a ranger climbed onto our bus to explain to us the various things we would see on the 2-hour game drive. We saw many animals, vegetation, and new relief forms, yet I was a bit more concerned with the welfare of the students. Some had become very fatigued, hungry, thirsty, and feeling unwell. The slower drive through the park was enabling a few students to rest their bodies.

Upon returning from the game drive, consensus among the students showed an interest in going to see the Murchison Falls. We arrived at the Falls but an urgent medical concern caused us to turn around and proceed to the local dispensary. Most of the students, though were able to briefly view the magnificent and majestic natural falls. As the sun set, we reached the dispensary and stayed for almost two hours. Most students, by this point, were in need of liquids so the park was filled with tired students in search of our most basic need: water. After walking over one kilometer, we found bottled water and nearly completely reduced the small shop of it's supply. With a bright moon overhead, we cautiously drove through the park towards Masindi town where we stopped to buy some sodas for the students before completing the last ten miles before going home to Ikoba. In total, the journey lasted from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.!

This geography tour, or field trip, was an incredible experience for students and teachers alike. For the students, it was filled with beauty, awe, first time encounters, fatigue, and learning. For me, I began to appreciate the luxury or privilege in Canada of going on numerous field trips throughout my school career. Usually within one school year, I would attend at least two field trips. I was grateful for the opportunity to connect with my students and understand their perspectives a bit more. I think the next geography tour in which I will participate will be flying over the Atlantic Ocean to return to the beautiful and diverse country called Canada.