Preschool Fun

Hello again! I know that this entry is a bit soon after my Spanish adventure one but I wanted to write it before I forget. I only have two weeks left of classes, a week of exams, and then I will be homeward bound! It’s all going by so quickly and I am getting ready to leave JUST as it is starting to get warm here. Oh well, can’t have it all, I suppose.
This entry is to show you the little ones that I have been working with since the beginning of January. Every Friday I go to school with Colette (my French host mother). She teaches a preschool class of 2-3 year olds at an elementary school about ten minutes from where we live. It is an area of Montpellier that many inhabitants, sadly, do their best to avoid. This area is where the majority of North African immigrants come to live, most of whom are from Morocco. These children come from large families living in small houses, often knowing only how to speak Arabic. Many mothers who don’t speak French can’t communicate with the teachers, a sad sight to see. A number of fathers are unemployed and seeking employment but, unfortunately, the prejudice toward immigrants still exists here. This coupled with the economic crisis leaves many of these families desperate. Despite these hardships, the children still come to school and learn French. Hopefully their futures will be a bit easier than the lives of their parents. Enjoy the pictures—today we had a fairy visit and give us the gift of an Egg Hunt!!!

Amine/Some of the class

Jasmine/Rosalie and the fairy telling us about the hunt

Hunting for those eggs/Nabil bringing back the victory basket

Snack time/Some of the boys

Maryam and Soufiane/Yasmina

Chahid!!