Education Programming

At times the heat is still unbearable, but I am beginning to become acclimated to it.

I am discovering more about the education programming and am looking forward to visit different schools within the district. This will provide me with a better context to develop and improve curriculum that is requested of me.

The culture within the university is diverse through the many university partnerships throughout the world. Where staff and students participate in exchange programs and virtual classrooms. UniMak has made many strives over the years to provide continuous and sustainable development in education.

I was able to attend Mass on campus at the Chapel which is held weekly. I have attached a group picture with the celebrant Fr. Gabriel, staff, and students.

Nancy in center of back row

May God bless you.

Nancy

Productive Week

Hi Again!

This week was better! Still sweating but less, power every night, and I am adjusting to a schedule. Yeah!

My direct supervisor is the Deputy Director of Academic Affairs. He is over the Post Graduate Division of the University. I do not know how he does it all because he is also an attorney for the Diocese, and lectures 3 courses.  As Senior Academic Officer, I think my initial matrix of responsibilities will evolve. 

I lectured the first class of one of the courses that I have been asked to teach, Principles of Educational Administration and Management. The students vary in experience, age, and future aspirations which makes for rich discussions. I did enjoy this first session. The other course that I will lecture is Social Psychology. We did not meet because it was a national holiday, Workers Day (equivalent to Labor Day).

I had the opportunity to briefly sit with the coordinator over the public health programs. We will be collaborating over the curriculum development to establish three new programs for accreditation to form a department. I look forward to our next meeting for planning. I am also a Dissertation Advisor, so I met with the Doctoral candidate to review his proposal.

Workers Day was nice. I met more staff during the morning activities. We participated in a Walk (which was more like a fast walk and light jog). The walk ended in a field, where we participated in a variety of exercises. I have attached some pictures and video. I enjoyed the exercise, which I miss.

All in all it was a productive week.  Next week I will be meeting with the Quality Assurance Office team. I was tasked to provide oversight and professional development to assist their progress for proper implementation as they are a younger less experienced staff.  In the USA, the office is usually called the Compliance Office but in the EU, UK, and most of Asia it is called the Quality Assurance office.

Well bye for now.

Nancy

Week 2

So, the folks in Sierre Leone stated "in a few weeks your body will adjust."  It has been two weeks and at my feet there are puddles of my sweat from my face. The thoughts running through my mind are - when exactly will this adjustment begin? I am so looking forward to it.

I had the opportunity to meet with the members of the Education department. I am looking forward to meet with members of the sustainable development program.

Besides the other duties that I will be assigned, I am lecturing two courses that begin next week. So this is a research and planning week for me.

I have had the opportunity to meet with a fellow LMH missionary, Nurse Kathy.  It's nice having someone from the USA near. We are attending Sunday mass together and then breakfast.  Here is a picture at a local cafe with a Sierra Leone, named Sheku. 

Bye for now.

Week 1

Well, my first week in Sierra Leone has been nice but also challenging.

I had a pleasant tour of two of the University of Makeni campuses. The main campus, Fatima, currently houses the post graduate programs. I will work at this campus. The other campus, Yoni, is newer and about a 30-minute commute away. It currently houses Computer Science, Law, and the Applied Science programs.

In construction now at the Yoni campus is the Post Graduate Department, that is expected to house all post graduate programs. The expected opening is next fall. I have attached pictures of the construction site.

The challenge was not only jet lag but the inferno-like temperatures that my body was enduring. OMG!!!  Nothing else to say; only those who have experienced it can understand.

Goodbye for now. 

New Journey

The launch of this journey feels different from when I was about to travel to Uganda. Then I was bubbling with excitement to visit this far region with an abundance of anticipation of what is yet to come. The energy of the world was positive and I was ready for change. I looked forward to assist the university further develop. 

The launch for Sierra Leone is filled with uncertainty of world travel and tension between regions. Due to U.S. influx of changes has impacted my personal economic strains, while still dealing with health concerns. I believe the work at the university is important for the region and country, so I look forward to assisting the development of the new PhD department. For whatever reason, I have more worry in my heart then excitement. I will continue to pray for discernment and confirmation of what is to be from God.

 

Bye for now.

Nancy