Bits and Pieces

Alexandra and I had some success with our Homework -Team Project which attempted to get the students to do their English homework on a daily basis. As with classes worldwide, motivated students would complete their homework assignments while the less-than-motivated students would proffer every excuse, to include laziness, for not doing the assignment. We arranged each class into three teams and awarded points for completed assignments. At the end of the month, the team with the most points would receive an American cookie made by Michael (me ) and a free class outside playing an American game with me during a scheduled class. The team with the second-most points would get to participate in the outdoor game while the team with the least amount of points would have to stay inside and complete an English language assignment . After explaining the rules to one of the classes, a student proclaimed, “Now we have a reason to do our homework!” Go figure.

The completion rate for the month of February was over 95%. Peer pressure played an important role in the whole process as students would chastise teammates for not completing the homework assignment. The contests were close and I enjoyed watching the winners respond to their first taste of a Toll House Chocolate Chip cookie. While Alexandra and I work still have to work out some of the kinks, the students are fully engaged in this month’s challenge on newly selected teams.

International Woman's Day (IWD) is celebrated in Macedonia and in many other countries throughout the world, on the 8th of March every year. It recognizes the economic, political and social achievements of women. It is very similar to Mother’s Day, but it recognizes all women . Many children brought flowers or candy to school for their teachers on Friday this year while the teachers distributed sweets to their classes.

Another cute Macedonian custom is the tradition of children bringing sweets to their classmates when it’s their birthday. As they hand a sweet to a classmate or teacher, each classmate or teacher grabs each ear of the birthday child and gently pull upwards, thereby encouraging him/her to grow taller as they wish him/her a “Happy Birthday”.

Tooth Fairies don’t work the Macedonian beat, at least not in Probistip. The children here are fascinated by the idea that you can receive money for a tooth. When a Macedonian child loses a tooth, he/she throws it up on the roof of their home and chants something to the effect of “Take this tooth of bone and return to me a tooth of silver.” (my English speaking colleagues couldn’t remember the exact wording at the time of my writing this blog). A child only gets to do this for the first lost tooth. So if there are any unemployed Tooth Fairies that you might know of, let them know that there is an abundant supply of teeth in Macedonia.

One of my goals during my stay in Probistip is to set up an Ultimate Frisbee league. It’s an activity that requires a minimal amount of equipment and can be enjoyed by the upper grades and high school students. Friends tossing a Frisbee in the center or in the park would be much more preferable than friends sitting on the provided benches with little to do when hanging out. The only problem is that I CAN’T FIND A STINKIN’ FRISBEE OR FLYING DISC ANYWHERE IN THE COUNTRY. I searched over 20 different stores when I was in Skopje last week, and although the clerks knew what a frisbee is, not one of the stores stocked them.

Before they can participate in a game, the students need to learn how to throw a Frisbee and I need to find a source of disks. So my first task is to try to convince a shopkeeper in Probistip to stock some mid-level discs that interested parties may purchase. I did find three light toy discs that are adequate for indoor use and have a travel distance of about ten feet and the students are very eager to use them. So I know that better quality ones will sell once I get the ball (or should I say disc) rolling.

Scooters and mopeds are beginning to appear around town, so the warmer weather must be on its way. The Peace Corps prohibits Volunteers from riding on them but it sure appears to be a pleasant way to get around. You don’t have to worry about some big SUV running you off the road.

Sadly, our Country Director Bob Cone, who only six months ago took over the position, had to resign so he could be with his wife Joan while she recovers from breast cancer surgery. Bob and Joan earned the respect and friendship of all the Peace Corps family here in Macedonia and they will be missed. It’s not that often that everybody loves their boss. They were the perfect fit for the job. Fortunately Joan is expected to recover fully and perhaps someday we’ll cross paths.