Operation Classroom Primary Workshop - Makeni, Sierra Leone July 2006

Operation Classroom Primary Workshop 2006

Twenty-seven enthusiastic primary teachers from the primary schools in Makeni participated in a primary school workshop from July 24 to July 28, 2006. The workshop was held at the UMC Secondary School in Makeni. Facilatators were Elaine Blinn [row 1 left], Alice Law [ row 1, 2nd from left], Catherine Frazier [ row 1, middle] and Judy Figi [ row 1 right].

Above: Primary teachers working on one of their projects. Right: Makeni UMC Primary School principal John Sesay reading letters from students at Yahara Valley Elementary School in Edgerton, Wisconsin, USA. Yahara students sent 200 books to the UMC Primary School in Makeni.

Above left: The Paramount Chief from the Makeni area visited the Operation Classroom workshop during the afternoon of the opening day of the mathematics and primary workshops. Above Right: Teachers enjoy the opening day 'get acquainted' activities.




		Above left: Alieu Bangura[L] and Elizabeth Barzey, two of the primary teachers in the workshop. Above right: Peter Bundu [L] and Bockerie Fornah [R] displaying their Completion Certificates on the last day of the workshop.

		Above left: "Good morning ladies and gentleman. Edward has come to greet you. Today I have a lovely partner to introduce to you!" Each day workshop members took turns introducing another workshop member. Above Middle: A neighborhood boy displaying his Galimoto. Each teacher received a book titled Galimoto. The books were secured through a grant written by Nina Frazier, a 2005 Operation Classroom member. Above Right: Hassan Koroma, a teacher in the workshop, brought a cockroach for his assignment of bringing something that moves for science day.



		Above left: Once the word got out that the teachers had the book Galimoto, children from the surrounding area began bringing their Galimotos for display. Above Right: Teachers working on a project. Below left:: On science day a workshop member brought a car made from a soap wrapper and limes to exhibit something that moves. Below Right: Three of the prmary teachers enjoying the morning break.

Teachers: Primary Workshop 2006
	Hellen Koroma* David Tarawalie Bockarie Fornah Isatta A. Jalloh Salamatu Barzey Augusta A. Koroma Mangay S. Koroma Rev. Franklyn K. Kabia Osman Bangura Alieu Bangura Alusine T. Koroma Abdul Sesay Mary H. Bockarie Frederick K. Koroma *[classroom assistant]	Hassan Koroma Alfred S. Bangura Fatu Harding Jestina M. Smart Fanta S. Kamara Mary Bangura Elizabeth Bangura Sheku Conteh Santigie I. Fornah John C. Koroma George T. Serry Alusine Kargbo Peter Bundu Edward Nathaniel Josiah

	Operation Classroom Primary Workshop Leaders Elaine Blinn Elaine is on the faculty of St. Mary Corwin Teaching Hospital in Pueblo. Received a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Westmar College, LeMars, Iowa in 1967. Received a Masters of Arts in Education from University of Missouri at Kansas City in 1970. Received a Bachelor of Social Work from Colorado State University in 1981. Received a Masters of Social Work from the University of Denver in 1982. Certified in Effectiveness Training for Women; Worked with Job Corps, Colorado Civil Rights Commission, Upward Bound, Headstart, Warrren Village, Hospice of Metro Denver, and Centura Health Family Medicine Residencies in Denver and Pueblo. Currently on the faculty of the Southern Colorado Family Medicine Residency at St. Mary Corwin Hospital in Pueblo, CO. Works additionally as a Private Psychotherapist. Serves on the Board of Directors of the Center for the Church and Global Aids. Elaine lives in Pueblo, Colorado, and is on the faculty of St. Mary Corwin Teaching Hospital in Pueblo. Judy Figi Received Bachelor of Music degree from University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1964. Received Master of Music in Music History/Ethnomusicology from University of Wisconsin-Madison 1968. Master's thesis was "Musical Instruments of Sierra Leone." Completed 32 additional credits in music and education. Was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Sierra Leone from 1964-1966. Taught music and French at Harford School for Girls in Moyamba and volunteered as a literacy tutor. Received 1999 Global Educator Award from National Peace Corps Association. Taught music in Wisconsin public and private schools until retirement in June, 2004. Certiified as an English as a Second Language tutor. Currently serves as a volunteer tutor at Janesville Literacy Council, teaches music privately and at University of Wisconsin-Rock County, and is on the board of Friends of Sierra Leone. Currently serves on the Advocacy Committee of the Friends of Sierra Leone. FoSL is an organization in America that aids in the development and well-being of Sierra Leone and its people, increases understanding among Americans and others about Sierra Leone and serves as a "Virtual Cottontree," a gathering place for all of us to share our ideas and thoughts. On September 16, 2006, received a Personal Service Award for her work on the FOSL Advocacy Committee whose primary mission is to bring back the Peace Corps to Sierra Leone. Catherine Frazier Catherine lives in Warransburg, Missouri, and specializes in the teaching of literacy and reading. Catherine was a major contributor to the English Language Learning standards in Missouri. Catherine is a teacher in the Warransburg School District. Richard Frazier Dr. Richard Frazer, a professor who teaches Physics for Teachers and Elementary Science Teaching Strategies to preservice teachers at Central Missouri State University, Warrensburg, MO, was a Special Guest Lecturer For Science at the primary workshop. Alice Law R.