Blessings and Blunders

Week Two: Lessons Beyond the Classroom

“ Blessings and and Blunders: A Journey of Learning in Rwanda” – Part 1

Week two has been nothing short of inspiring. The teachers participating in our seminar continue to surprise me with their excitement, their hunger to grow, and their ability to absorb new material and immediately apply it in creative ways. These aren’t just educators—they’re innovators, collaborators, and lifelong learners.

Watching them adapt to new teaching techniques reminds me that learning is never a one-way street. I came here to teach, but I find myself constantly learning in return—sometimes in the most unexpected ways.

Take our session on PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System), where I followed the standard North American example: offering a desirable object (a drink) versus a non-desirable one (a sock). It didn’t take long for the room to erupt in laughter. In Rwanda, a sock is far from undesirable—in fact, some children would be thrilled to receive one. With a little consultation and a lot of grace, we made a quick swap. My sandal became the new “undesirable” item, which made perfect sense in a culture where many children prefer to go barefoot.

It was a gentle and powerful reminder: effective teaching requires cultural humility. What fits seamlessly into a Canadian classroom might not translate here. But it’s these moments of cross-cultural discovery—where laughter meets learning—that make the work so rewarding.

There’s so much more to share: misprinted tests turned into teachable moments, dancing teachers receiving their honorarium, and spirited debates over doll hairstyles. But I’ll save those for the next post in the series.

Stay tuned for part two: “Prints and Perils: The Great Quiz Mix-Up.”