Daniel Griffin

A typical day of my time in Ethiopia would involve watching the kids line up to sing the Ethiopian national anthem in the morning. I would then start my day by teaching kindergarten songs such as Old Macdonald and how to play hangman. At lunch I was immediately surrounded by Grade 3 kids demanding football. After attempting to organize a chaotic and competitive game of football, I would introduce a game such as the ‘drawing hat’ to Upper KG. Every day offered something new but I would always end it by heading to a famous juice bar in Addis Ababa.

My next adventure took me to the very different country of China. I was made to feel very welcome by the staff at my school from day one. I was allocated the perfect school for me in Jiao Kou – founded 107 years ago it is the oldest school in Xiaolan. Being one of the most famous schools in the area, I felt responsible to uphold its high standards and reputation.

This pressure, however, was immediately alleviated when I discovered how humble and enthusiastic the students were.  They were extremely interested in where I was from and would volunteer to speak and take part at every opportunity. The teachers at Jiao Kou would regularly introduce me to new and exciting Chinese cuisine and educate me on Chinese culture. The Dragon Boat festival in particular was a highlight. I learned about the commemorations of the poet Qu Yuan and fell in love with rice wrapped in bamboo leaves. I was made to feel like a celebrity at the school by the students who would form a human barricade outside the staff room so I wouldn’t leave.