by Michelle Carton | Mar 23, 2017 | Morocco
What a great teaching day. We did a project together about Peace (for “Project Global Peace”) and what it means for Morrocan students.
They loved our iEarn Hands for Peace Banner and were eager to be in a picture with the banner!
Students also make Peace posters for our Alaskan students. They were so happy to share PEACE with Alaska.
Students are hard at work drawing about Peace, and I can’t wait to show what they made.
Lots of students were interested in the peace dove and what it means to them.
It was a great day of love, peace, connectedness, and new friendships. When I return to Alaska, we will connect over skype with classes that meet at 9:15 (Schewe’s, Johnson’s, and Helms’s). Morrocan students are excited to “meet” Alaskan students.
Some students asked what the outside of the school looked like. The schools are all enclosed in concrete around them so that cars don’t just drive through, and to keep kids safe.
This is the beautiful outside of their school! The murals are so pretty.
Here is what the outside of a preschool (ages 3-6) look like.
Regular school starts at 1st grade and is called “primary” school (grades 1-6). This is the outside of one, and we will visit one on Friday for more exploration.
I have become really interested in the variety of teacher’s mailboxes at the different schools. See this one!
It’s amazing how inviting, caring, respectful, and happy the Morrocan students have been!
by Michelle Carton | Mar 23, 2017 | Morocco
Tonight I had the best meal I’ve ever experienced! We came to a fish “market” without a name, chose our fish, and they grilled it for us right there!
They asked if we would like it grilledwith the heads on or off. Before grilling, I got to videotape and capture the preparation process. Much like fileting a fish Alaskan style! I got photobombed by a passing fish…
I must admit, I was worried about what we were getting into EATING our fish AT the fish market (would it be cooked all the way? Would there be seasoning? Would it taste funny?) These were all new fish for me! I was amazed at how yummy it smelled and how great it tasted. I was even talked into eating some of the head and off the scales.
I am actually eating of the scales here!
I love fish!!! See?
by Michelle Carton | Mar 22, 2017 | Morocco
Last night we got a chance to go to the top of the mountain by the Kasbah, which are the old ruins of what is left of Agadir before the earthquake. This first Picture is the view of Agadir at night. It was quite windy!
This is the Kasbah! What is left of the original city, and the notches on the top are where the military men stood to protect the city from intruders in a time of conflict.
There were camels there to meet us and even ride. I wasn’t going to, but I remember how much students wanted me too, I am so glad you encouraged me to do so! Branching out of my comfort zone is an awesome experience and I encourage you all to do the same!
This is Mustafa. She is considered a baby and is 6 years old and stands 6 feet tall. 
Mustafa loves to give kisses:
This is Mustafa’s owner and they have a great relationship:
Here, our host teacher friend, Youssef, my co teacher, Nell, and I are all enjoying our dear camel friend!
Everyone needs a camel selfie!!
And a miniature horse selfie!
by Michelle Carton | Mar 18, 2017 | Morocco
The day has come to leave the capital city and venture off to our host community, for an entirely new adventure. I’ve enjoyed so much, from tea pouring to the comforts of being in a large group, and more!
Questions I am curious (feel free to comment on one of them below)
*What makes you nervous when trying something new?
*How do you prepare for something new when you don’t know what to expect?
*What is good about trying a new experience and what can be challenging about trying a new experience?
by Michelle Carton | Mar 18, 2017 | Morocco
I was so nervous to interact with Moroccan high school students, worrying what they would think of me, would they treat me funny, would they turn away from me, would I be “cool” or interesting enough for them. I can imagine that is exactly what it’s like to be in a country, or any environment, that is new to you!
They instantly were kind, caring, smiling, and completely interested in talking with us!
A few things about the students in Morocco: they love to take selfies, they really like my tattoos, they love to talk about what they want to do after high school, many are interested in becoming doctors, lawyers, and engineers, they care a lot about their education, and they really like to laugh! Here are some pictures:
A few things about Moroccan schools in Rabat:
*The students have to work really hard to pass the tests, which is what they have to do to be successful in life and graduate.
*They aren’t allowed to have outsiders come in unless they go through an extensive process.
*Classrooms are quite plain with the walls often drawn upon, and the school itself is set up like an American college campus. Teachers write on a chalkboard!
*High school is grades 10 through 12 and is only for those motivated students (others drop out before).
*There is no room in the schedule, or money in the budget, for arts, music, or PE, and classrooms often have up to 45 students.
*A few schools have clubs that include music and theatre, and these students love it!
*Lots of students in Rabat, the capital, do sports outside of school.
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