2007 BRINGS "NEW" SCHOOL, "NEW" SCHOOL SYSTEM, "NEW" APPROACHES!

This really wasn't going to happen! That is, that I would continue this blog...one that no longer has a "Joburg" connection. After all, we're back in the good old U.S. of A., and Flint, Michigan isn't exactly what Johannesburg was all about.

The emails and messages from South Africa are encouraging, even refreshing. It's just good to know that we have friends there...folks who enjoyed our company and seemingly miss us. There is so much we miss too, of course.

With Monday cancelled because of frigid weather, we definitely miss South Africa's weather! Well, I actually didn't mean Monday was cancelled! I meant SCHOOL was cancelled. And now we hear that Tuesday school is also cancelled! To be honest, I haven't really noticed that it has been THAT cold. For some strange reason the cold hasn't even bothered me. Perhaps I enjoy cold weather more than I do hot weather, I'm not sure.

We were told that "Africa is for the strong" when were there. Heck, MICHIGAN is for the strong! It's all in one's perspective, right? I sort of like the cold and snow--it makes one feel as if they are going to conquer it and overcome its ability to stop human endeavors. To me, the cold is invigorating...it strengthens your resolve to fight the elements. It's like chopping wood to build a fire. First you get warm chopping the stuff, then it rewards you by warming you the second time (only you now get to relax in front of the fireplace and enjoy a brew or two while reading the newspaper!).

The teaching load here is a "piece of cake" compared to my assignment at Norkem Park High School. Quite frankly, teachers at NPHS are way overworked and way, way underpaid! The classes are too large there. And, somewhat like here, the administrators are overburdened and given the impossible task of trying to please everyone. It just doesn't work.

There seems to be an unreasonable fear of offending kids, their parents, school board members, and pin-head bureaucrats at the highest echelons of education. I guess some would call some administrators "gutless." Indeed, some are always "looking over their shoulders", paralyzed with fear over decisions that might offend someone. And no, I'm not gonna name names...you can fill in the blanks. Everyone knows what I'm talking about, especially administrators.

I'm faced with difficulties now. I have to look at over 40 boxes of my personal things, piled on the counter next to the windows of Room #8 at Southwestern Commencement Academy. It was Southwestern Academy when I left back on January 8, 2006. Someone decided to rename it...probably without community input.

The boxes block out the sun (when there IS sun, that is!). I stare at them each and every day, thinking that it is going to be like Christmas when I start to unload them. But why should I? I was told there might be another move by the end of the year. Why get "comfortable?"

The inevitable is starting to happen though: two boxes have been opened and the contents dispersed to shelves and waiting empty spaces. Some things are missing...but are they? Maybe, just maybe, the electric pencil sharpeners I had when I left are packed away in one of those boxes. There is no way that I can find out what is in the huge pile without grabbing a box and unloading it.

It should be noted that the stuff didn't get in the boxes by itself! My exchange partner, along with some of her friends, no doubt, had the unenviable task of sorting things and packing it all way. All that happened because of the massive changes that came about in the Flint School System as a result of a reorganization plan put forth by our new superintendent. Folks keep telling me that "you couldn't have picked a better time to leave town, John!" Conversely, does that mean that my exchange partner couldn't have picked a worse time to come to Flint? Only she can answer that question...

And so it is. It seems as though every school in Flint is now named "Academy." I was transferred to the old Flint Academy back in 1980--when the designation Academy meant something. That academy was something very special. We had about 600 students, most of whom were wonderful kids--and students who really wanted to excell. The teaching staff had few problems--we did what we were hired to do: TEACH! It was "fun" to teach there (never ever did any of us refer to teaching there as "work"). And it was "fun" for students to learn there.

This blog entry is beginning to sound negative. No way. I've always said change is good...but change just for change sake, is not good. It's too early to tell whether or not I will weather the changes...my guess is that I will. After all, the changes I had to endure while on the Fulbright assignment in South Africa, were truly many and varied--the cliche' "out of your comfort zone" certainly applied.

I've been asked to submit an essay on the Fulbright experience to The Teachers College, Columbia University. They want me to write about if the time teaching there changed my teaching style in any way. The Commentary Page Coordinator of their Teachers College Record publication also wanted me to touch on what the experience taught me, plus how it might have changed my conceptual view of education.

Answering those thoughtful questions will take some effort, but I'm going to enjoy the challenge. You can be sure I'll stick to the professional, teaching experience of being in South Africa. And that will involve carefully chosen, meaningful insights--relating to what was the teaching assignment of a lifetime!

Please know that it's good to back in Flint. But I will always miss certain things about my teaching stint in South Africa. My colleagues there deserve the highest praise for doing what they do with so little. Little praise, little pay, little time-off, and little resources. It all adds up to little rewards for giving so much to so many--God bless you all, Norkem Park H.S. staff! You are true professionals!

LAST IMAGE FOR 2006...FEATURING BEETHOVEN, MARLEY, AND MANDELA!!

Why would I end my 2006 Fulbright exchange experience with a photograph like this on my blog? Read this posting to the end and you'll learn the answer to that question. The photo is from a large studio located near the amphitheatre in Cape Town. The vibrant colors reflect magnificent weaving accomplished by local black women who sell their art to (wealthy) tourists. We were tourists who could not afford their work (yes, we're not wealthy). The manager of the craftshop liked to challenge potential customers with an identity quiz on these three world-famous persons. I guessed them all with only a bit of hesitation on the fellow in the background. He's Ludwig van Beethoven, of course. The fellow in the center is a favorite of my daughter, Erin--that would be reggae-maestro, Bob Marley. I still have difficulty in understanding his legacy in terms of music (perhaps his real legacy pertains to what they call "dagga" in South Africa = marijuana). The question arises, for me at least: will Marley have the lasting appeal of a Beethoven? I think not, but what the heck do I know about music...or folks that are attracted to him?
The closest weaving featured in the photograph is none other than Nelson R. Mandela...better known as "Madiba" in South Africa. The title refers to his leadership of his particular clan, but just about every person in S.A. and beyond recognizes it as a title of leadership for the nation. I chose this photograph to close out my blog for 2006 because it features Mandela. One of my goals while in South Africa was to somehow meet him...if successful, then receiving permission to have some Norkem Park H.S. learners along-- for the chance of a lifetime. We came close, but it just wasn't to be.
My eighth-graders won a national writing contest sponsored by The Nelson Mandela Foundation. They won a computer for the school and some of them were given a wonderful memento--a cap from the foundation. The award gave me, and our assistant principal, Mr. Thomas Tervit, a chance to ask foundation officials if we could acquire a quote on peace from Mandela for our Peace Wall-Garden area in the school. Eventually, we received the quote and it will be incorporated on the wall, alongside the quotes by Dr. M.L.King Jr. and Mohandas Gandhi. Three down, one to go: We're expecting a peace quote from Archbishop Desmond Tutu. With my "foot in the door" at the Mandela Foundation, I also (boldly) asked them if I, along with several of our kids, could meet Mandela. Despite several requests, I never did receive an answer. Close, but so far...
With all of this in mind, I shall end this blog and this entry with a quote from Nelson Mandela. The quote is taken from his presidential inaugural address, 10 May 1994. It is well-known by South Africans of every ethnic persuasion/color. It is only ONE of the reasons why Mandela is, and always will be, a hero of mine. The quote:

"Out of the experience of an extraordinary human disaster that lasted too long, must
be born a society which all humanity will be proud...Never, never, and never again
shall it be that this beautiful land will again experience the oppression of one by another."

WITH THAT SAID, I'M GOING TO ONCE AGAIN TRY TO LEAVE THE BLOG WITH THIS ENTRY OPEN FOR COMMENTS. THIS TRUST HAS BEEN BROKEN MANY TIMES WITH NASTY PERSONAL ATTACKS ON ME, JOHN DAVIDEK, BY INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE NOTHING BETTER TO DO THAN TRY TO DEMEAN ME. IF YOU DON'T HAVE SOMETHING POSITIVE TO SAY, THEN PLEASE DO NOT DEPOSIT YOUR TRASH IN THE COMMENT SECTION. AGAIN, IF YOU DO, I WILL SIMPLY ELIMINATE THE OPPORTUNITY FOR ANYONE TO RESPOND. PLEASE REMEMBER THAT IF YOU LEAVE NEGATIVE COMMENTS THEY, ALONG WITH THE GOOD ONES, WILL BE IMMEDIATELY ELIMINATED...

BRAVING THE UNUSUALLY COLD WEATHER, IVAN AND NEW-FOUND MUSICIAN FRIEND STRIKE A POSE WHILE TRYING TO STRIKE A TUNE ON THE BOAT FROM ROBBEN ISLAND!

Ivan looks like a kid in the middle of a Michigan winter! Not so. He's on a passenger ship returning from a most memorable four hours on Robben Island. We hit it lucky (see following posting), so the college-age musicians made the choppy ride back to Cape Town a lot more enjoyable. The horns were blaring and the drums, along with various percussion instruments, were rocking--as we rode those waves back to harbour! Yet another example of African peoples wanting to share their culture with others--we were very, very fortunate!

CLOUDY, COLD DAY ON ROBBEN ISLAND/WARMTH AND FRIENDSHIP ON THE PASSENGER SHIP RETURNING TO CAPE TOWN!

The young woman was a member of a group of musicians who performed for school-age youngsters on Robben Island. We missed their performance on the island, but were treated to an informal concert of singing/dancing on the return trip back to the mainland. The group of young men and women were from a college and WOW did they have the boat rocking! We felt so fortunate to have been able to join them on the deck--just about everyone tried to sing and dance with them! It was a most memorable way to ride the water back to Cape Town, especially following the Robben Island experience!

TWO LOVELY ZULU COLLEAGUES AT NORKEM PARK H.S. = ONE DELIGHTED FULBRIGHT TEACHER FROM AMERICA...

Yep, that would be me! I'm not gonna post names because permission wasn't granted to have their names associated with mine and then sent out to the worldwideweb. Regardless, their images go out there to intrigue and have people wonder how in heck an older fellow like me can cause such havoc amongst the ladies. Just kidding, of course! It's just a photograph taken in the staff lounge at NPHS during the last days of school. Everyone was finished with grades and the learners were long gone...we were having fun and being frivilous. My t-shirt reads "Spirit of Africa" and this picture represents the friendliness of some of my teacher-colleagues. Gosh, I miss you already!

FARM KIDS NEAR KRUGERSDORP...ONE OF MY FAVORITE PHOTOGRAPHS!

We were getting ready to take off with Ron and Andrea...from their "out in the country" home near Krugersdorp. The youngsters next door were attempting to get a peek of us while we were piling in our cars. Playful and perhaps looking for a piece of candy/bubblegum, I coaxed them into posing for this photo. Then, of course, they received a couple of candy bars from us. I think they were fascinated with Ivan more than anything else. The little fellow on the right could barely get a glimpse of us. The older guys tried to muscle the younger tike out, but we made sure he received a chunk of the candy bars too. Kids are kids anywhere in the world!

CHRISTMAS SURVIVAL STORY...2006

Well, it's not exactly a "survival" story. I suppose the only reason for the survival reference is the fact that Svetlana, as usual, has cooked up a storm and when there's food around the house I just can't seem to resist! She learned a dessert recipe while in South Africa and the cake has been thrust before me more than once since my arrival back in Flint. The doggone thing is s-o-o-o-o delicious!

Mary Ann, my sister, is here (from Boca Raton, Florida). Actually, Dan, her son-in-law, came with her--they drove up with two (large) dogs, along with a rather large cat by the name of "bulls-eye." Bulls-eye is the fattest cat I've ever seen. I'm told they acquired him from the pound down there, rescuing him from certain death. I thought the animal was the "victim" of too much food from them, but was informed he was that way when they picked him up. Not only is the cat huge, he's much like a dog--preferring to lap around your feet, begging for a human touch. I swear the critter understands English! He sits there and kind of bobs his head when one "talks" to him. It's uncanny.

Everyone else has arrived from Florida. The patriarch of the family, Pete, has arrived. Maria came with him: she broke away from her endless work with the produce firm she works for. Suzanne is here (wife of Dan). And then Danny arrived. He's Kristen's son. Oh, Kristen also arrived with Pete and Maria! Wow, what a crew... Next, it's gonna be Michelle and her two adopted kids. They arrive from Hollywood, California (yes, people actually call that place home!).

We gave everyone something from South Africa. Thank goodness we were smart enough to do the Christmas shopping while in southern Africa...everyone seems really pleased with their gifts we chose for them. Oh. And my twin brother, Jim, is also with us. He was very happy with the two hand-made, wooden canes we gave him. One cane, a black ebony, sculpted beauty, we bought from a fellow on the beaches of Mozambique. It's a heavy one and we're gonna keep it at our home for his use when he visits with us. The other cane is much lighter in weight, is also sculpted with an intricate design, and was bought somewhere in South Africa (I think). Gosh, it might have been purchased in Swaziland...I'm just not sure. He really, really likes it too. It is now his "regular" cane.

Ivan received the usual assortment of goodies, most of which are more educational than entertaining. Svetlana wouldn't have it any other way. He got a keyboard (piano) from his godfather, Mikhail. We gave him a ("real") guitar, which he also practices on quite often. Ivan is going to be proficient with musical instruments, one way or the other!

It's so good to be back in Flint...and with family. Even though there is a nip in the air and snow can't be too far behind, we're enjoying being back in more familiar surroundings. We had a tremendous time in South Africa, but home is home. Flint never looked so good! Here, folks talk about crime. All they have to do is go to South Africa...then they'll receive an education on crime. I've written about it and nothing has changed: it's the one factor that will lead South Africa to dramatic change if the leaders there don't bring it under control.

South Africa is losing approximately 30,000 people yearly to out-country migration. Most of the folks leaving are going to New Zealand, Australia, Britain, Canada, the USA, and other countries. It's mostly "white-flight" in my estimation. People just can't take the crime rate there any longer--and those people leaving are mostly professionals that the country can't afford to lose. It will continue unabated as long as the South African leadership ignores the crime issue.

So, there it is! We had a very Merry Christmas and hopefully our friends in South Africa had one too. There will be few more additions to this blog, mostly photographs (some of my favorites). The New Year will bring an end to this 2006 Fulbright blog...I'm going to miss it!

ALMOST CHRISTMAS, 2006...WOW, WHAT A YEAR THIS HAS BEEN!!

Dear Blogger,

This has been an unbelievable year! Who would have ever imagined all of the adventures and experiences we enjoyed during 2006. We were tremendously challenged in so many ways--some were wonderful, enduring challenges, while others were best to be forgotten. If you've followed this Blog, then you surely know the events/circumstances that we hold dear. And the forgettable events/circumstances are probably fairly easy to determine.

The question arises, would we do it all over again? Absolutely! Would we have done some things differently? Absolutely. I went diving into this thing with reckless abandon...and we paid for that kind of enthusiasm, no doubt. They say experience is the best teacher, so given the chance to do this again, there would be some things we would change.

Importantly, I should have listened to our (then) Fulbright Commission mentor, Monica Joi, when she advised me and my family to make different housing arrangements. It was a recommendation that we should have followed. The advice was given to us early on in the exchange and if followed, our time in South Africa would have been much more enjoyable and far less stressful. Hindsight, right?

The school I was assigned to was more than adequate for the exchange. It had technologies that were surely lacking in two out of three of the other exchange schools. As it turned out, my colleagues in those technology-lacking institutions had good, solid experiences at their respective places of work. Perhaps my main complaint was the fact that I was given mostly 8th-graders to teach...a daunting challenge for someone accustomed to upper-grade kids.

No, I take that back. My biggest gripe is that my school's administration did not use my experiences, talents, and abilities to their best advantage. Then again, one might say that I should have gleefully taken what was given to me and turn those 8th-graders into voracious learners, willing to devour my lesson plans for their learning. I tried. Was I successful? No, not on a regular basis. There were, no doubt, some successes...not as many as desired.

Blogger, you know what this Fulbright exchange was all about. You featured many wonderful, exciting photographs during the past year. By no means were you "fed" all of my best photos, but folks knew we had experiences that will never be forgotten. You also know that some folks who read the Blog were less than pleased with my choice of words, etc. I can readily accept that fact; I can not accept the manner in which they personally attacked me.

Anyway, I might have one or two more postings before ending Joburg Journal forever. It has been a lot of fun/it has been stressful too. Would I have changed anything about the Blog? Well, as some of you know, I did just that--change my criticism of that person who singlehandedly caused us so much anguish, pain, and stress. We'll pray for the dude.

So, that's it. Have a terrific Christmas Blogger! And for all of you folks who have tuned in during the past year, have a wonderful, safe, healthy, prosperous New Year!! Yes, ALL of you...

Sincerely,

John C. Davidek
Fulbright South Africa-2006

IVAN'S SEVENTH BIRTHDAY BASH CELEBRATED IN VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE!

Ivan is the recipient of a birthday party at a restaurant in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe called The Boma. He's all smiles because the group that played music and sang that evening was nice enough to sing the birthday song...in a Zimbabwean language (I think it was Shona). Needless to say, Ivan was very pleased. He was also very happy to receive some nice gifts, including a lion's claw from his father. Sadly, the gift was later stolen in a burglary of our living quarters while we away on yet another mini-vacation in Durban, South Africa. We cherish the memory of his seventh birthday in Africa, but the loss of his lion's claw necklace in a later burglary will also never be forgotten. A few months later the stolen necklace was replaced by another one purchased by his father, John Davidek. I made a special trip back up to Zimbabwe just to replace the stolen item...Ivan cried over the loss of it and I was determined to replace it with another one.

KIDS WILL BE KIDS WHEREVER YOU FIND THEM...I FOUND THESE YOUNGSTERS AT PATRICK MCHUGH'S SCHOOL...

I really like this photograph. It took every bit of one second as I prompted these youngsters to pose and smile for the camera. Like kids anywhere, they instantly struck this particular pose and I responded by clicking my shutter. Their smiles and spontaneous reaction to my request make for a nice photo...at least that's my opinion. Leave a comment if you agree or disagree with me on this one. And if you are leaving a comment to project your hatred or animosity toward me, then forget it (because, even though I'm generous in giving you an opportunity to express yourself, I will not be targeted by any negative comments. In other words, your printed remarks will be removed before anyone has the opportunity to read them...).