A Third Gone - And I Guess That Means A Third to Go

No I haven't Failed Maggie's Mathnasium Class*
I do know that I won't reach my beloved wife and my home for another 55 days, between finishing here and stopping a week in Florida with siblings .....  But time as a construct in my mind doesn't go always by hours and minutes... When I first arrive in Guyana I always believe I have soooo much time to do everything that I have envisioned with no sweat (always wrong on the no sweat part).  However, after the first month I know that I must carve out some of the wonderful things that I want to do and keep focused on my primary tasks related to my nursing students and my St Ann's girls.   The days will start to pick up pace; and, I will be leaving before I realize it.
* Maggie is my youngest sister and runs a Mathnasium school in Waterbury, Connecticut.  If you do go there, do not ask for the family rate - it is double!

The PBL Course

The students are well into adjusting to the different learning modalities involved with Problem Based Learning.  When Tony Carr and I first started teaching this way at Mercy we were really worried because it was going to be so different from anything they had ever experienced.   But each year, they take to it like ducks to water and with enthusiasm -- if not always with compliance.   They have been involved with an educational system that told them what the answers were to the questions the teachers would be asking on exams.  So a method where the student is responsible for their own learning...  Somehow, it works!

Each PBL part has two sessions connected with it.  In the first, the students meet in groups of 4 or 5 and read a the "problem story" page to see what they already know; then they start identifying issues from the story that they would like to understand better.  These are then divided up and off they go to start researching (well, maybe there is a FaceBook break or a stop for food) in order to teach their small group batchmates in the next session.

I have added a little incentive to the process.  They are supposed to send their work out by email to everyone in the class before the next group, and almost all the students do -- except it was often happening 1 minute before the session ..... not really helpful.   So now I award a couple of marks if the research reaches everyone before 8:00 AM on the session day AND if it has reference links AND relates how their new knowledge helps them to understand the developing account of the problem.   (I have had to threaten only one or two students with jogging around the block if they don't get it straight.)  Then I give them additional suggestions and a few more questions.  (What I wish I had realized before I started all this was how frickin' long it takes me.)



Then, in the next small group session, each student takes their turn teaching the others what they have learned and what all of them need to know.  They answer questions from the others and do additional research if they can't answer them.   After that session they have a small exam on 4 questions that they may have researched - or not!   (One of the tutors scores the exam with comments that encourage more learning.) 


Immediately after they finish, we give them some of the answers to the exam, so they have some immediate feedback.  I am positively amazed at how they study the answers and often argue with the tutor about why they think their own answer was correct.

In all, there are over 120 set of marks.

This is a mark/exam-obsessed country; marks determine who gets into everything, from the best Nursery Schools to University .....  I tell them I don't really care about a grade; I care whether they think they are learning something.   They seem to have a hard time adjusting to that!   One student was so upset with doing poorly on a small exam (I have no big exams) that she wanted me to let her study and then give her another exam.  "Nah, you don't need to do that.  What mark would you like?"  She said, "10 out of 12."  "Okay then take your exam and write better answers on some of your missed questions until you have 10 out of 12 correct.  I'll change your mark now, so I don't forget.  And please tell all the other students they can do the same."  "Rev John, you are crazy."

One day last week, the classroom was being used for something else, and the students were going to do nothing, so I sent them home with the task of learning simple brain surface anatomy.  I told the director they would study at home ..... so they left hours early.  On Monday, I gave them a simple exam on the anatomy of the brain.. OMG! The class average was a 3.2 out of 12... a new low.  They wanted me to give them the test again. "Okay, no problem."   I even gave them the same  diagram of the brain that they would be tested on .... and I would replace their old mark with the new one.   Some of the traditional tutors thought I couldn't/shouldn't do it...  But it really doesn't matter how you make ice -- wait for February in Canada or get some from your freezer.   I want them to learn ..... and they did, with much better (though not perfect) marks.  I offered to buy pizza (my usual bribe) next time if the class average is higher than 10.0 ..... and if their individual marks aren't as good as the second exam I'll give them their first mark!  They are still thinking about that one.
One student actually wrote how much she likes learning this way:  she can't wait for the next page to see what happens to the people in the story.     Can't get any better than that.

Another Mercy Person... 

Desmond always wears the boots, hat and coat...

The exclusive interview cost me
two pones and a drink

Desmond Jacobs

Desmond is the "baby" of four and was born in New Amsterdam, Berbice He loved playing cricket and football.  He came to Kitty, in Georgetown, when he went to school.  Desmond still lives in Kitty; he is married and has two children, Adrian and Jenny, and seven grandchildren.

Desmond is a newcomer to Mercy Staff who just started in June of this year.   He has had a long history with the Guyana Police Force.  When  I asked him what rank he had, I think he said "General".  His official title here is less assuming:  "Groundsman/ Gardener".   This suits him well; in talking to him, you can see the satisfaction he receives from keeping the gardens and the grounds clean..   Desmond said, "Mercy is a nice place and I want to do my part to keep it nice, and make it better for others."   He works hard all day long in the hot sun of the yard... and in his boots!

When I asked him what he wanted to share with my readers, he said, "Work hard. Save your money.  You will need it when you are old."   "Anything else, Desmond?"   "Come on down to Guyana and see -- and go to our many beautiful places like Bartica and Mabaruma."

And where are you going to be in ten years?  With true Guyanese concrete logic, Desmond says, "Don't know yet."    "Okay, so where would you like to be?"  "Relaxing. Home"

On a side note:  Desmond has no internet access, so he wanted me to print an actual picture.  I walked down to the local photography place and their machine has been busted for over a week and ..... Nothing more.  That is it .....  Just:  it is broken! 

And a Special "Encore" Appearance, Benji
 

Benji wanted an action shot!

Sylvia, the Birthday Girl

The nursing students hosted a surprise birthday party for Sylvia on Monday before class. (They have the same educational principles I do, including almost anything is better than class!)   They had gotten two big chocolate cakes and cokes with a real plate for Sylvia...napkins for the rest of us ..... and sung a rousing round of the Guyana Happy Birthday song.   She was surprised and thrilled and they enjoyed it too.   Though they worked hard at making all their touching speeches last, we started class only a little late!

What a Surprise... Thank you students.
You even designed the blackboard
and look at those lovely cakes.
And the traditional Guyana speeches ..... 

Cuba and Guyana
I have talked before about the role that Cuba provides in health delivery here in Guyana. There is a bilateral agreement between Cuba and Guyana; the Cubans supply doctors, from Family Docs to almost all Specialties.  These doctors come here for two years and have left family back in Cuba.   If it weren't for Cuban doctors there would be no medical services in the interior of Guyana.

Cuba gives scholarships to 50 Guyanese students a year to study medicine at the medical school in Havana.  Last year, the first set of Guyanese students graduated with their MD diplomas and are back serving their people here in underserviced areas -- which basically is the whole country when you come to think of it.

I have attached a TED video about the medical school in Cuba.  It is not long and worth a look. http://video.ted.com/talk/podcast/2014P/None/GailReed_2014P.mp4

An old Friend and Colleague Stopped by 


Erv Janssen, a retired child psychiatrist from Tulsa, Oklahoma, was in the country for a week celebrating the opening of the Lutheran Music Academy in New Amsterdam.  I will need to do a whole story on this amazing school -- later.

Erv has been coming to Guyana almost twice as long as I have.  He started with medical missions, then it was with construction crews... and finally, in his last reincarnation, as a music enthusiast.  He has re-started the Annual Guyana Music Festival that brings together choirs and musicians from all ten regions for a juried show at the Cultural Centre.   He has also encouraged Professors Michael Murchison and Eric Sayer from St Olaf's College in Minnesota to supply music graduates, and the Lutheran Church in Guyana to provide the space for the school, at their headquarters in New Amsterdam.
It was good to just sit and chat with a friend.


Enough .....  Actually MORE than enough ..... Stop.

Thanks for reading.  John

I Was Trying Not to Talk About This

Well... I lasted to the 4th Week

You may not believe this, but I try for some variety in my blog.   I try and think of something new to write about every week.  However, this last week has been really, really, frickin' HOT!   I think for all of the previous decade, I have started my blog with the word HOT somewhere in the first sentence ..... but this is a new level!   It seems so hot that the air warms your breath and makes you chest boil. [Okay, this is a small exaggeration.]    And if there is a breeze, it just seems to increase your perspiration..  I need a deodorant I can paint on - in several coats like painting a wall.

This year we are living in Doc Daniel's old flat which is spacious but the living quarters are a floor lower -- and in the back of the Bank House, where half the breezes come from the opposite side of the ocean -- and behind the home on the East side from where the other half of the breezes come.   We got moved so that the boxes from Materials Management can enjoy the old flat with the Ocean and East facing windows...   I know there was probably a strategic decision for this; however, it does give you a sense of your worth ..... I guess it is like that for volunteers no matter where, eh?
 

And because the Bank House now contains something valuable, the hospital has added huge outdoor security lights to keep away any thieves at night.  I know this because when I sit in my chair in the living room I stare directly at it...   I have now started a Novena that the neighbour right next door will be so annoyed with how bright it is he will tear down his house and move... and we will get some breeze!

Celebrations of Commitment  

Sister Julie Matthews, RSM

Sister Julie is really the poster "girl" for the Sisters of Mercy in Guyana.  She is Guyanese and has over her career been involved with, and mainly led, almost every activity that the Sisters of Mercy are involved with:  John Bosco Boys Home, Mercy Wings, Board of  Mercy Hospital, and she is now the head of the Sisters of Mercy in Guyana.   In addition, she is an accomplished fund raiser and has taught in University Guyana.

Last Saturday her Sister colleagues, the larger Catholic Community, boys from Bosco (present and former), and people who have been touched by her ministry and energy, all gathered for a Special Mass (it was very special because the congregation actually sang) to honour her 25 years of Consecration as as a Sister of Mercy.    Believe me, with so much sadness and tiredness in Guyana, it was an event of joy and hope for the future.

Sister Julie offering the Blessing

Scarboro Volunteers [r-l Sylvia, Ashley, Bev,
Paulina, Donna]  blocking the Mercy Volunteers
Jess and Matthew

I was fourth in line

Long(Suffering) Service Awards on Mercy Day

Also, this week the hospital took time out - and cancelled my class too - to honour the employees who have given service for the past 5 to 30 years.  I do think that this group should have received Purple Hearts for surviving the struggles in the hospital - 2010 fire, layoffs, deficits, etc.   It was a small, low key celebration but the congratulations to the awardees and supporters were enthusiastic.  It is a small community, so everyone knows everyone else .....  The CEO Bridgemohan and COO Browman presented the pins and awards to each of the employees.    And Nutrition Services served piwari and cassava.   Dr Bridgemohan gave an optimistic talk about many positive developments for the future and the atmosphere was noticeably hopeful.  And my colleague and co-leader of the Problem Based Learning Course, Elsie Asabere, received a five year pin for her time at Mercy.
 

Elsie and I: the photographer thought I looked better
with my bald head cropped and in my Elsie shirt.

    

The Mercy Star of the Week ..... Drumroll please!

Patricia Benjamin “Benji”

Benji was born in Georgetown -- lived on Regent Street and now lives in East Penitence, still in Georgetown.   In between she had 6 "amazing” children – Denise, Sherman, Colleen, Onika, Rushell and Wendy – who have blessed her with 20 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. 

Benji has been working at Mercy for over 20 years.  She started as a maid and then went to the laundry for many years.   She liked the laundry (I did have to question her sanity, as the heat from the dryers actually makes it hotter than it is already) because you had to stay on your toes with everything throughout the day requiring precise timing to keep the loads moving along.

Then she was promoted to “Office Assistant”.  Benji is on her bicycle twice a day - morning and afternoon, delivering and picking up mail and packages for the hospital.   One can see her all over Georgetown; Benji said she has limits but it really is almost all of GT.   I have trouble walking on the busy streets of the city where everyone drives like it is a Friday and they're going home for the weekend, but she has had only one accident that left her with scraped and bruised knees.

Benji said she loves this job because she gets exposed so many interesting people and places that she would never otherwise go to or see, such as the Embassies and the Ministry Buildings.

Her wisdom for my hordes of readers: “Try to be obedient and honest and truthful all the time…..  or you will end up drifting; no one can recommend you and no one can count on you.”    Well, with that advice, I had to truthfully confess that my “hordes” may not mean the same thing to her.

And in 10 years?   "I don’t really know, you know?  I hope the Good Lord leaves me around to enjoy life for many more good years."
 

STOP THE PRESSES!
 

A few days after this interview, Benji received an outstanding service award from the hospital on Mercy Day.   

St Ann's, Jerries All-Nite Bar and Traditional Blindfold Walk.

I continue "leading" the senior girls' course "Bodies, Boys, Boundaries, Beliefs" at St. Ann's; I love their enthusiasm to learn ..... Motivation is pretty easy in a sex course for teenagers!
 

I have two cameras this year which I hoped would cut down on the constant pestering for whose turn is it for the camera.  It has just made it worse, I think. Again the pictures are in the Slide Show above. Just Double Click.
 

Jerry and his wife Paula have been great supporters of the girls at St. Ann's and he has had them for meals often at his restaurant. (They actually own four or five restaurants in Georgetown area.) Well, it was their 22nd year anniversary of starting.  Jerry actually started with a push cart on the streets - a Guyanese self-made man.  Sylvia and I went to the celebration to support their commitment to the girls and while we were there we had a few beers.
 

Sylvia and Father Chris
w/o Beer Bottles

Bev and Sylvia with their Beer Bottles

As usual, the students had an experience with Disability.  They paired up and one of the students was blindfolded.  I gave them a slip of paper that had a staff member's name written on it and it said they were blind and had an appointment with that person to collect a package. The "sighted" person was there just to keep them safe from steps and cars... They had to ask strangers what the note said as well as see if any one knew where the staff member was. Some of my choices were a little sadistic, like the security guard at the front gate whose first day it was.  Well, the staff person had a package with cookies for them, but first could ask them a nursing question that they had to get right ..... and say the magic words - Please and Thank You.   This exercise always causes lots of chatter among the whole hospital.

That's it.. I will try and do less this week so I won't have to type so much... Thanks for reading.  And please keep me and my family in your prayers this week.  John