Graduate Student Field Study

We had 8 graduate students come to Yola for a field study as part of the course I am teaching at AU.  It was an amazing group of people and we had a great time together.  The students had the opportunity to go out on site visits including the orphanage, several local schools, villages on public health issues, visited AIDS patients, and went on a safari.  

Emma got some alone time with mommy and the group when she went with us to Yankari. She loved sitting in the front next to Dahiru and thoroughly enjoyed the hot springs!

We hiked to some caves on our safari and Emma's favorite animals were the baboons that were everywhere in the camp.  One even got into our safari vehicle.  She also liked the warthog babies.  

Some students enjoyed talking with the teachers at a local village school.  

During our farewell dinner we had great conversation with several inspiring community leaders. 

I hope we can continue this collaboration...it was an amazing experience for all involved! 

Graduation Ceremony at the Community School

We had the Community School graduation last week.  I can't believe that our Emma graduated from kindergarten!  As usual in Nigeria, the ceremony lasted for a few hours.  The girls did some singing and Emma did a ballet dance with her after school group.  Addie got a certificate as well and sang a few songs with her class.  I have been working as the Director for the Community School since November and I am so proud of all that the teachers and staff have done to move the school forward and incorporate hands on learning.  As a school, we have written a new curriculum, started an after school program, and conducted numerous trainings on educational strategies.  The first picture is all the staff at the Community School that I have worked so closely with this year.

Emma's 6th Birthday Party

Emma celebrated her 6th birthday party at the Club yesterday with her friends from school.  She picked Ben 10 as the theme and daddy worked hard at finding materials at the local market to make her cake.  LaLa sent the party plates, napkins, and cups which made it complete.  Emma enjoyed swimming with her friends.  Instead of gifts, she asked for books to donate to her school library.  Besides the 115 degree heat, fun was had by all.