In my time as mother to four secondary school students, I’ve written and received emails with such high frequency (my children being the subjects of these in various heart-sinking ways), that I’ve had to be creative in order to avoid boring both myself and the kids’ schools. When emails have led to meetings, I’ve tried … More Blooming late on exam day
Months and years of hard work and hope, flamed and scattered in post-exam joy. Dreams of a long summer whipped up in the park. In a matter of seconds, probably. Most of it is science: hydrogen and chromosomes; sclera and retina; by the anode; velocity; mitosis. Decimals, Dates, Formulae. Headings highlighted and thereby promoted. Words … More An Education
Again I begin a post with Fitta Chipeta. Otherwise known as ‘Fitta the Fixer’. When in Malawi, if there’s a glitch with a gadget, Fitta will get F Man to sort it. If you’d like a live chicken, Fitta knows someone who knows someone whose father’s sister’s neigbour can supply you with a bird. If … More A Lesson with Fitta
A friend in Malawi sent through this short film today. My immediate thoughts were: Strong legs! How many children? (I count ten). Do they do that every day? Where are the masks, and aren’t they very close? What about safety? My friend tells me there is no access to any PPE in the remote trading … More An African Ride to School
I first met Israel in 2016 at a primary school in rural Malawi. I remember introducing him here on this blog, telling of his penchant for my sunglasses and the sparkle in his eye. He was nine years old. I wondered whether I would ever see him again. But when my son and I revisit … More Israel
Have Paprika, Will Travel 