Mr. Ginter on the GO

Spoiled

2010-05-10T09:42:00.000-05:00

As an American in South Africa you soon realize that you are very fortunate/spoiled in where and what you came from. Back in the States we take a lot of things for granted and tend not to truly appreciate all that we have.

In South Africa all resources are finite and you soon begin to appreciate the small conveniences in life, such as water. There is a water shortage in South Africa. Much of the recent political coverage has been focused on water resources. Prices for water have been rising, water supplies have been diminishing, and municipal workers have been striking.

The other night we arrived home after a long day of traveling, only to find that we had no water and no opportunity to wash up. The next morning we woke up in the same situation. Finally, one of the maintenance workers from where we were staying came to our door yielding two large buckets of preserved rain water. Apparently the municipal workers went on strike, for reasons unknown to me, and decided to cut off water supplies to everyone within their service zones, which included the entire town we were staying in. I thought it interesting that they would be allowed to withhold a vital resource from their people, but apparently it happens quite often. A couple months ago in Grahamstown, my host city, the people were without water for a week due to mismanagement of the resource. This happens more than you would think, and the people are quite used to it by now.

So, we used the rain water to wash up and to flush the toilet, as those were not working either. But, the rain water was not sufficient and we went in search of a better way to clean up. Our solution, to go swimming in the Mac Mac Pools, a popular sightseeing stop along the Panorama Route in the Mpumalanga Province . We went early in the morning, before all the other tourists had arrived, soap and shampoo in tow. The water was cold but clean, and the falls acted nicely as a shower. It was a refreshing dip. We cleaned up and were on our way before anyone else arrived, although I am sure that we were not the only ones with the same idea that day.

Luckily the water strike in Mapumalanga only lasted one day, and the water was turned back on that night, although the larger municipal utilities strike is still ongoing. For example, as we were driving back to our cottage that night I looked up into the air and saw what appeared to be hundreds of vultures circling something, which was a common sight in the Kruger National Park but we were no longer in the park. Upon closer evaluation, it was clear that the turning mass was a garbage tornado. It was the most bizarre thing I’ve ever witnessed. The garbage tornado was turning above the town we were driving into, and it was filled with materials such as paper and plastic bags. As we drove through the town the streets were littered with garbage. There was paper, plastic bags, rotten food, and broken bottles littering the whole town. Now this was the second time we witnessed a town in this condition, so we knew there must be some connection. We had driven through many towns, large and small, and these were the only two that were littered with trash. This sight is not a common occurrence in South Africa. That night on the news we saw reports of rioting throughout the Gauteng and Mapumalanga Provinces, where the municipal workers on strike were marching through the streets and destroying all the trash receptacles and littering the streets with trash. What we witnessed in those two towns was the aftermath of municipal workers rioting. In some bigger cities, such as Johannesburg, the rioting was so bad that the police nearly opened fire on the crowd. Luckily things have cooled down, and we have our water back.

During the short time I have been traveling through South Africa my eyes have been opened to all that I have back home. We are very fortunate in all that we have. Beside our lives being filled with material possessions, we are very fortunate to have basic utilities and infrastructure, where as this is not always the case in other countries.

Consistently Inconsistent

2010-04-25T08:29:00.002-05:00

For the past three weeks, since March 31 until April 20, I have been living out of ONE small duffle bag while traveling across South Africa and back again. My life right now consists of driving hours upon hours through mountains, savannas, farms lands, and along the ocean’s coast, through big cities and little towns, and on the LEFT side of the road; sleeping in 13 person dorm rooms where Benadryl comes in handy; signing my life away to fly through canopies, raft down rivers, and jump 700 feet off a bridge; playing with cheetahs and tigers, and riding ostriches; looking like and doing everything a typical tourist might do (minus the fanny pack), while at the same time taking in as much South African culture as I can; meeting and making friends with people from all over the world; and having a once in a lifetime experience, all while taking a lot of pictures.

My life right now is consistently inconsistent! I haven’t spent more than 3 nights in the same bed or in the same part of the country. There is so much to see and do, and to experience in South Africa, and there is too little time to do it all. I am lucky to have three weeks to travel and experience this beautiful country. Many of the people I have met have said that I will have seen more of South Africa in these three weeks than they have in their entire life. I do not know how many miles I have traveled but they sure have added up. We left Grahamstown and drove to Cape Town, spent 5 days in Cape Town driving around, then drove from Cape Town back to Grahamstown, and up to Kruger National Park and back again!

As much as I have enjoyed my holiday traveling through South Africa, I am looking forward to some consistency and routine in my life. I am looking forward to having my own bed and spending more than 3 nights sleeping in it. I am looking forward to getting to know people and building relationships that are not temporary. And, I am looking forward to getting back to teaching and learning more about education in South Africa. My trip has been amazing, but my journey of discovery has just only begun.

Finally in Africa

2010-04-04T13:28:00.003-05:00

I've been in South Africa for 5 days now, but it seems like a lot longer. I have had no time to rest or get used to my host city, Grahamstown. Rather, I was quickly swept away to begin my "holiday," traveling around South Africa with fellow international teachers.

After a crazy long plane ride, 9 hours to Amsterdam and 12 hours to Cape Town, I was picked up by a lady named Kaylene and spent the night resting in CT. The people of South Africa are so friendly. I was picked up from the airport, fed home cooking, given a bed to sleep in, and briefly toured around CT. After one nights rest in CT, I hopped on another plane for Port Elizabeth. There, I was picked up and shuttled to my host city, Grahamstown. Upon arriving in GHT I was met by my supervisor and fellow American teachers, and quickly was ushered off to where I would be staying. I will be living at the school, as it is a boarding school, in a complex called "The Boys Village." As I arrived in the village, I was quickly swarmed by all of the boarding students and no longer was I carrying my bags. "Hello sir, may I take your bags to your room," they said as I walked in. It was very humorous. After being showed around the village, by everyone eager to see the American, I was brought out to dinner and then out to the pub. I didn't get back to my room until midnight. The next day I visited the school; it was their last day before the end of the term and a 3 week holiday. Some of the students had already left because they needed to catch flights, or trains, or busses, back home. Many of the students live far from the school, and even come from different countries. The children at the school are like no other! As I walked around and met the staff, I was consistently greeted with, "Hello sir" or "Good morning sir." The children are very well mannered and respectful.

After spending the morning at the school, we immediately left for our Holiday. We have rented a car and will be driving all throughout South Africa. First, we are driving to Cape Town, and spending five days doing various things. Next, we will drive back to Grahamstown, stopping along the way to do different things. Finally, we will drive to Johannesburg and to the Kruger National Park, where we will do a couple safaris, and then drive back down to Grahamstown. We have a lot of driving ahead of us, but it will be a once and a life time experience! I am very much looking forward to it.

My First Video Attempt

2010-01-18T22:19:00.002-06:00

This was my first attempt at using my windows video editor. Hopefully I will be able use this application as an educational tool while traveling abroad. I hope you enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osFaprRc5l0

My Inspiration

2010-01-12T18:11:00.000-06:00

Today I spent time working with a group of third grade students, many of which are considered underprivileged and “at risk”.

We were analyzing a poem that was about climbing mountains. Sometimes we need to climb mountains and even when our arms grow tired and our legs become weary, we must keep climbing until we reach the top. And, sometimes after reaching the plateau of one peak there is another mountain waiting in the distance. In order to reach the top you must keep moving and keep climbing, for if you stop too long to enjoy the view you will lose your ambition to keep moving. Eventually, if you keep climbing and keep moving, you will reach to top. And, only then can you spread your wings and fly.

Obviously, this is a metaphor for life. Nothing worthwhile comes easy, we must work hard to keep improving and to reach for our full potential.

I discussed this metaphor with a group of students. I asked each one of them what their goal in life was. Responses included being a doctor, artist, actress, and teacher. Then I asked them if they thought those dreams would come easy....obviously, they answered no. I told them that sometimes life can be difficult and they may need to work very hard, and it could be compared to climbing a mountain. And, sometimes just when they thought things were getting easier, it might get tough again. But, like before they must keep climbing. Then I told the students that the top of the mountain was a metaphor for our dreams in life. Once again, I asked each student what was at the top of their mountain. And, they replied with the same answers as before. Finally, I told the students that nothing could get in their way of reaching the top of their mountain and if they kept climbing and never gave up, they could achieve their goals in life.

As we discussed this metaphor one girl leaned over and whispered to me, in a very sincere tone, “Mr. Jeff, is it true that we really do have futures?”

I was stunned...I answered, “Of course it is true! If you work hard and never give up, you can be whatever you want to be”

This little girl, at 8 years-old, should serve as an inspiration for all people who work with children. Thank you for your hard work and dedication. Because of you, I could answer her question honestly and with confidence. It is true, these children really do have futures!

Keep up the good work!

Check out my school in South Africa

2010-01-07T22:06:00.000-06:00

Kingswood College is an independent, co-educational boarding and day school in Grahamstown, South Africa – a very special little town, known as a top education centre. Kingswood was established in 1894 and it is one of the oldest Methodist schools in South Africa. We offer schooling in a family-like environment from Grade 00 to Grade 12 and a Bridging Year.

At Kingswood Junior, our curriculum emphasises four distinct areas.

Firstly, there is a focus on building each child's self-esteem. A culture of caring is very evident where pupils are listened to and taken seriously. Encouragement and confidence building are an integral part of school life.

Secondly, life-skills training is highlighted. Curricular courses in public speaking, sexuality education, information technology skills, food technology, design technology, entrepreneurship and leadership are undertaken. Exposure to lifetime sports such as sailing, golf and squash, and a variety of voluntary club activities provide a wide range of experiences to complement the academic emphasis. The junior years are an extremely influential stage during which pupils are keen to experiment. It is therefore an ideal time to introduce courses in self-assessment, goal-setting and forward planning.

Learning-how-to-learn is the third area of emphasis. Techniques such as brainstorming and mindmapping are taught and exercised. Creative problem solving and lateral thinking, as well as listening skills, form part of the programme. It is recognised at Kingswood Junior that learning is a life-long activity and the skills for resource-based learning and co-operative learning are applied. The ability to access information, analyse it, extract relevant material and apply it, is seen as a fundamental life skill.

The fourth area of prominence is the core academic programme which includes physical and religious education, music, drama and art.

At Kingswood Junior the formal classroom is seen as a base from which children can explore their wider environment in a number of settings. To this end, a vigorous environmental and outdoor education programme exists, with tours, field studies and excursions being undertaken on a termly basis.

Good manners, smartness and consideration for others are basic values instilled at Kingswood Junior. A common sense approach to discipline produces young people who do not associate school authority with intimidation and oppression. The happy atmosphere of the school fosters in the children a friendly relationship with adults and with one another. Each child is encouraged to develop his or her individuality whilst recognising that personal freedom also involves responsibility to others.

Year of Student Teaching

2010-01-07T08:28:00.000-06:00

August 28, 2009 - October 30, 2009
Kindergarten
Eastern Heights Elementary School
Saint Paul, MN

November 02, 2009 - January 15, 2010
PreKindergarten (4 year-old)
Highwood Hills Elementary School
Saint Paul, MN

January 18, 2010 - April 05, 2010
4th Grade
Forest View Elementary School
Forest Lake, MN

April 19, 2010 - June 04, 2010
1st-6th Grade
Kingswood College-Junior School
Grahamstown, South Africa

New and Improved Blog

2010-01-06T21:23:00.000-06:00

I've changed my settings, so now ANYONE can leave a comment on my blog. You DO NOT need to have an account. You may now leave a comment as an anonymous user or just by typing in your name. Use the "comment as" drop down option located below the "post a comment" text box to select the anonymous or name option.

Now, my blog is truly "an interactive blog spot"

Valeria Silva and my Kindergarten Kids

2010-01-06T06:48:00.001-06:00

New St. Paul Superintendent Valeria Silva got to know kindergartner Qali Mohamed, center, and Alexis Xiong during a recent assembly at Eastern Heights Elementary School.

Qali and Alexis were two of my former Kindergarten kids! This picture, featured in the Star Tribune, is classic!

My First Ever Blog!

2010-01-05T17:27:00.000-06:00

Dear all,

Look at me, I'm officially a blogger! Thank you to Shannon for recommending this wonderful blogging site.

Blog Spot is an internet service that will allow me to create an interactive blog for free! This is what I will use during my upcoming travels to keep in touch with family and friends. I will be able to keep in touch via text, photos, and video updates.

This site will serve two purposes:
1) My blog spot will be my primary means of communicating, updating, and keeping in touch with my family and friends. This site will offer a portal into my travels and experiences. Look for written updates, and photos and videos from my journey. Also, this blog is a two way street. Please feel free to use my blog to communicate, update, and keep in touch with ME. Comments and messages welcome!!

2) My blog spot will serve as an education resource for my students, both present and past. I hope to use my blog as a link between my student in South Africa and my students in the the US. I understand the uniqueness of this international opportunity and want to be able to share it with my students. To this site, I hope to add educational information in the form of written text, photos, videos, and external links. And, most importantly, my blog spot URL (jeffginter.blogspot.com) is school district friendly, meaning you will be able to view my site on your school district server. Amazing, I know! This means whatever educational material I share on my site, will be able to be shared in your school.....hopefully!

3) I know....I only said I had two purposes....but I thought of one more. Seeing as I just spent a good 45 minutes on my first blog, my blog spot will be useful in the area of "time wasting". And, seeing as I have much time before me, as in 86 days, 13 hrs, 36 mins, 34 secs before I leave for South Africa, I have a lot of room available in my schedule for "time wasting".

WOW! I think that's enough for now...this blogging stuff is a lot more strenuous than you'd think! This has officially been my first ever blog, hopefully many more to come!

Thank your for listening...or reading!