Count down

Friday 25^th June 2010

Finalised my assessment work and stitched up Imran’s pocket. After morning break, I spent some time with Danny on the computer to finish off his work on student profiles. Just when I thought it was safe to go outside, I was asked to join the dance class (I know what you are thinking, I had the same thoughts, but I could not get out of it); needless to say, the students enjoyed showing their skills and showing me up, which is not hard to do if you have ever seen me try to dance J.

Stretching exercises before the dance class.

I skipped this bit!!

After lunch I was asked to take out a pane of class that was broken, a young child with autism had thrown a tantrum and smashed with their hand; fortunately, the child was not harmed but clearly, from the state of the window, there could have been a major accident. I was surprised to learn that this window was broken two days earlier and that nobody had fixed it.

Football went as planned, I showed the students all I know (did not take long!) and left the field dripping in sweat (what an image J).

The students showing their skills

Me in action (or inaction)

Got back to my hotel room and half an hour later I received a telephone call telling me that one of the students was causing their parents problems (that’s putting it politely), I managed to get to talk to the student before the night was out and things have calmed down in the household (touch wood). We are so privileged having Social Services in England, despite the bad press they may sometimes get.

Now for a relaxing lager and bed (probably not in that order); back to school on Monday for my last day, I know it will definitely be emotional from my part as everybody’s welcomed me as part of the school, all the students are asking me when I am leaving and when will I be coming back L.

5 days to go!

Many apologies for not keeping up to my Blog this week, I have been locked away in a school room typing out the assessment documents for the Vocational Area. These consist of three key skill areas: Personal Presentation, Communication and Social Integration and Community. These are the core skill areas, each having assessment indicators (about 90 overall). So it is a bit of admin to say the least; unfortunately, the computer and printer are not performing as they should, which is slowing things down for me. I would like to get all this work complete as soon as possible and then spend the remaining days working with the students. I would not like to leave without completing all the things I set out to do so it is full steam ahead. The printer would not work today and it rained all day so I went down to the Vocational Centre and helped some of the students weighing and bagging vegetables they had picked from the garden area.

In the afternoon, I showed them how to sing ‘We will rock you’ by Queen, wish I had videoed it as it they were very good considering we only had a tambourine; most of them already knew some of the words, which totally impressed me. I have been asked to play football on Friday; I hope they have got space on the plane for a wheelchair and crutchesJ.

I told the school I will be happy to come to school next Monday (day before flying out) to give a talk to the teachers; this will hopefully give them the opportunity to discuss any concerns with a relatively neutral person and hopefully generate some solutions.

Well as I mentioned, the rainy season has come in with a vengeance so it looks like any time I get off will not be used trying to get a suntan but all-in-all, my time here has been challenging, exciting and a bag full of good memories and friends. More photos to follow.

Rainforest trip

Monday 21^st June 2010

Rainforest trail, set out at 08.30 and finished at 12.00; though I probably benefited from the exercise, it was largely disappointing as I expected to see some wildlife, birds, snakes etc. apparently you need to be there early in the morning (5-6 am) to catch the birds. I saw plenty of land crabs, mosquitoes and wada ants (that bite) and heard some tree frogs but nothing to really write home about. Yes, the St Lucian Parrot is still a mystery, so I am unable to do the Monty Python parrot sketch (lucky people).

We seek him here we seek him there

This is two of the chaps that joined the trail. But still no Parrottt!!!

On returning to the bus, I was glad I packed a spare T shirt as my shirt was soaked through. When I got to the hotel, Shervaughan was on the security gate (one of the students I have been working with), he noticed me in the bus and gave me a big smile, which, if you know Shervaughan is extremely rare given his level of autism. That alone lifted my spirits after a relatively disappointing trail.

In the reception, the rep asked how the trail went, he told me that there is another trail on the other side of St Lucia that has lots of wildlife but it has not been checked by the agents for safety. I would imagine that will be where all the snakes have gone to for some peace. If I do take another trip out here, I will endeavour to get on that particular trail. Just made it back in time to get a shower and watch the Spain against Honduras match. I am now looking forward to getting back into school tomorrow.

So that I don't dissapoint any readers of my blog, here is the St Lucia Parrot; I would dearly love to say I took this photo, but sadly, this is courtesy of Google.

Maybe next time!

Just over one week left, time is flying

Friday 18^th June 2010

Today I was asked to visit a student on his work placement and discuss with him the potential consequences of his inappropriate activities on leaving work each day. This was for me a very sensitive meeting as I was required to respond to the student’s guardian’s concerns, the schools concerns and the student’s welfare and safety. I felt the meeting went well as I was able to adapt the language used to include incentives and consequences that the student could relate to; Time will tell.

On arrival back at school, I continued with some typing (not my favourite hobby) then it was lunch time. After lunch, it rained heavily, which delayed the sports afternoon but this did not stop the students’ enthusiasm; the minute the rain stopped we were out slipping and sliding all over the place, my team lost (well, got to give the other team a chance as we won last weekJ); I don’t understand it, the other team said I was cheating just because their goal became a lot wider than our goal, I don’t know how it happened, honest! J. Some of the students need to be signed up for England, they all certainly had more motivation, energy, and in some cases, more skills! Managed to get a photograph of the team working in the garden before the rain came down; the variety of food that is being grown is amazing considering one teacher (Rodney) is coordinting it all, more photos to follow next week when I hope to spend a bit of time in this area.

On leaving for the day one of the teachers gave me a hand made Father’s Day card from all the students I am working with; this really touched me; clearly, the little things in life can often mean the most.

Caroline (School principal) and her husband joined all the volunteers for dinner as the remaining volunteers, excluding me, will be flying back to England on Tuesday. I will be the last volunteer before the school closes until September, so I will be ‘Billy no mates’ for the last week, ah! ah!J; I’m sure the students will make sure I am fully occupied throughout the week and I think Rodney may ask me to go in on the last Monday before I fly out.

Saturday 19^th June 2010

Went into Castries today to get some photographs of the main food market, which is an experience in itself. Unfortunately, the sky was cloudy all day with rain; I took some anyway and will go back next Saturday (fingers crossed).

Got back to the hotel for lunch-time, wrote my blog and a chilled out for the afternoon with a book I have been promising myself I would read. Next week will be quite heavy as I am off Monday (going on a rain forest trail) and I need to ensure the assessment documents are finished (about 40 of them) before I finish on Friday.

The School Band

Thursday 17^th June 2010

Arrived at school saying good morning and shaking hands with at least 20 students before reaching my room; this is the culture adopted throughout the school – and across the island, which would be a bad thing in English schools. I needed to find a quiet place to work today as I have the concerns and recommendations from the meetings to type up. If I don’t find a quiet room to do my work, within 2 minutes, I am approached by students wanting to either do some reading, writing or develop their skills on the Internet. I was informed of some issues concerning a student outside of school and asked if I could speak to them tomorrow, so it is back with my counselling hat on tomorrow. I managed to get most of my work done by 12.00 as the senior school band is performing at t hotel for lunch time and I promised the students I would be there. While I was walking through the school I could hear the band busily making some final adjustments to their music.

Practice time

I arrived at the hotel in the same coach as the band. They played very well, unfortunately because of the time of year, the number of people in the restaurant was limited to about 15 but we all made up for it by clapping extra loud and shouting for more. They played for just short of one hour, which is amazing. When they had finished, they were all given lunch by the hotel. We all had a great time, I was so impressed with how they can all remember the intricate changes in timing.

Performing live at the Bel Jou Hotel

Having a well earned meal after the performance

Well it’s sports day tomorrow so I had better limber up, take my trainers and about five pints of water.

Another day in paradise, well school really

Wednesday 16^th June 2010

Joined for breakfast by a little bright yellow breasted bird (half the size of a sparrow); it stood on the end of my table then casually scuttled up to my side plate took a piece of bread and scuttled to the end of the table to eat it, didn’t even fly away until I threatened to introduce it to the local cat. For a couple of minutes I thought I was an extra in a Hitchcock movie.

Arrived at school at 9am, had assembly and before got to my room I was reminded by two students that I was working with them this morning (bless!). For the first half of the morning I worked with Danny as he wanted to type up the responses he got from his questionnaire, this information would eventually go on the students picture profile, I feel this has helped Danny with his confidence when starting a conversation with other people that he may not know too well. We then searched for information on Greece as he has just been told that his parents will let him go to the special Olympics in Greece next year, he was really excited when he saw the images.

After the students had a morning break I continued working with Kevin on the alphabet and some basic reading, then it was time for a well earned lunch break. The students are fed from a kitchen in the school and is quite wholesome (rice chicken stew etc); this ensures they get the necessary nourishment for their day in school.

As an aside I thought I would share a couple of photos from my visit to the Diamond Botanical Gardens. Below is a picture of the most sensitive flower, the Waxrose, I can hear you all going – aarrrr as I type; it grows to 2 m ( 6 feet ) height with open blossoms 12-17 cm (6-7 ins) across. I took this while going through the botanical gardens; apparently if you touch this flower it will die due to the oil from the human hand (I should be alright then), I did try to test this out but the security cameras turned my way instantly.

The Waxrose flower

Romancing the Stone Set

At the end of the gardens is a waterfall, which was used for some of the shots in the film Romancing the Stone (Michael Douglas). This island has been used as location for quite a few well known films; Marigot Bay was used for Doctor Doolittle, ‘I know’, I was too young to remember that film as wellJ. I looked all round but could not find any remains of a ‘push me pull you’; you would have needed to seen the film to get that one.

Marigot Bay

Meanwhile back at school, my afternoon was taken up with a meeting with Imran’s eldest brother, which went very well he is an extremely supportive brother. I have had yet another joyous day at school, halfway through my stint as a volunteer and although this is an amazing experience, I do miss Yorkshire Tea, haddock and chips and Andrea’s singingJ.

A very interesting day

Monday 14^th June 2010

Today was an interesting and challenging day for me; I was asked to visit a students grandparents and mother originally on a counselling basis but as it transpired I was there to both counsel and provide awareness and appropriate strategies to help them cope with their grandson /son. On the way to their home I was given additional information, which meant I had to rethink my approach; while some of the behaviours being displayed at home were what may be deemed as typical autistic traits, one was potentially dangerous.

A particular dimension of autism could be to take anything that is said literally. For most individuals on the autistic spectrum, metaphors can sometimes be a struggle to understand; I say sometimes as on a couple of occasions I have explained the abstract idea or metaphor to the student and they have fully understood it within the context it was meant and not taken it as pure fact. I remember one student in England telling me that as far as they are concerned their live is like one big metaphor.

On the way to the meeting, I was told that this particular student was informed that ‘if you love someone you would die for them’; yes, you can imagine my response; The rest of the information (regarding the student's behaviour) I do not feel is appropriate for this blog but was sufficient for me to take the meeting extremely serious. This was the challenge for me, especially as I only had ten minutes to rearrange my thoughts for the meeting. Needless to say, this was at the top of the agenda at the meeting. Rodney left me to conduct the meeting while he took a back seat so to speak. He was happy with the outcome of the meeting, noting that he had learnt a couple of new strategies that would benefit the students he works with; I certainly learnt a lot!!!! Getting all the information prior to engaging in a sensitive meeting is so valuable and is one aspect I will ensure happens next time.

The meeting ran over by an hour given the nature of the new information. On my return to school I had a quick lunch then worked with Kevin on the alphabet focusing on phonics, then I was invited to a game of football; my Liverpool instinct kicked in and thinking I was still 20, I was soaked in sweat (not a nice image) and ‘Cream Crackered’ within 45 minutesJ. This was certainly a day I will remember for a while.

Tuesday 15^th June 2010

Another meeting was set for the parents of a student; in contrast to my last meeting the students wanted information on how to help their son develop socially and independently.

The areas of communication, social interaction and imagination are to varying degrees potential barriers to an autistic adult wanting to develop an independent social life. I provided some small steps to consider, which could help both parents and student develop confidence and skills when holding meaningful conversations, helping the student to make informed choice when going out on family trips and assisting to develop friendships.

The second meeting (due in the afternoon) cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances but re-booked for tomorrow. This left me some spare time so I continued where I left off with Kevin; within five minutes of starting the alphabet, two more students sat around the table, then another four came, so I changed my approach and set up a game where we all had to name an animal starting with each letter of the alphabet and sound the first letter out. This was hilarious, at one point I asked for an animal starting with ‘J’, a student jumped up really excited and shouted ‘Peanut butter!’, I figured that they meant jam, so I asked how many legs does a peanut butter have, we all fell about laughing. I think the students are all catching my scouse sense of humour, oh dear!

I have been tole that there is a chance of a tropical rainstorm coming to St Lucia towards the end of this week so hopefully it will not cause too much damage or injury to this wonderfull island.

More pictures to follow over the next couple of days.

Working outside (Nice!)

Friday 11^th June 2010

Reviewed with students what we had covered on Thursday in Casties and confirmed their understanding of understanding of using their particular Banks. Friday is a day for cleaning the classroom so a lot of my work was carried out outside (much cooler!) and it helped me to cheer on the other students as they were playing football in the afternoon.

Throughout the day I helped Danny with the basics of using a computer while inputting information from his project. While I had the computer set-up I worked with Imran and Kevin as they wanted to write a letter to their parents. I found this very interesting as their needs and level of difficulty expressing what they wanted to be included in their letter were so different given the nature of their difficulties. When working with Kevin I employed more visual approaches (images) to help him put down his ideas in a logical sequence.

While I had the internet connected to my computer I introduced some of the students to the webcam and connected with my partner (Andrea) who was working in England; the students were excited to be able to talk and see Andrea from such a distance. This may have potential as a teaching tool in the future. Particularly, towards helping students develop their confidence when communicating with others.

During the afternoon, I had a wander around some of the other classrooms and found the craft teachers and students making dolls from the wool kindly donated. These dolls are sold to gain much needed funds to purchase teaching materials for the school and help to provide students (who are over 25 and too old to stay at school) with a job and to some degree an income.


Doll made from donated materiels

Some of the students are excited about the World Cup starting today, especially Imran, who is fanatical about Wayne Rooney and Manchester United (I know what you are thinking, I don’t know why either, but then again I support Liverpool J ). So, if there is anybody reading this that is connected with Manchester United, a Wayne Rooney football shirt would make Imran’s day to say the least. Caroline the Principal has asked me if I could give a talk to the teachers with focus how the different disabilities, Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Mental Retardation (not my choice of terminology) affects them as individuals throughout their daily living and how it could influence their learning. Rodney has made appointments with some of the students’ parents for me to meet with them next week so it will hope be another productive week. Today was a varied and enjoyable day; being able to look at the wonderful views over the Castries while working was a great bonus.

Saturday 12^th June

Went into Castires to catch up with my shopping; went to the main food market, which was amazing, so much fresh frit and vegetable that I had not seen before. I tried the Aki, a local delicacy, which is a small round fruit (about and inch in diameter), very sweat. I also bought a stick of cocoa; this is made locally from roasted and dried cocoa nuts. Apparently it is a 100% chocolate, so no good if you are on a diet. The locals take a piece of this, put it in some milk with hot water, cinnamon and sugar/honey (to taste) to make an amazing chocolate drink.

It was a very hot day and once I had got all my shopping, I still had 2 hours left for the mini bus to arrive so I had a quiet 45 minutes in the Cathedral, which was very pleasant.

Visit to Castries

Thursday 10^th June

Front of Dunnattar School.

All aboard the coach for a morning at the shops.

visited Castries with nine students to help them with banking and visiting the shops; when we arrived in town, we split into groups to do various activities, I went with three students to two banks to deposit and withdraw money. I was there to help them get familiar with the protocol of standing in the queue and approaching the bank assistant and the process of requesting the right service and showing their ID cards etc.

The only problem that occurred, which was minor, was that the students had been given St Lucia Bank cheques and the students’ accounts were in two other banks, which meant we had to get a banker’s signature from the St Lucia Bank to withdraw the money. This was resolved and the students experienced and hopefully learnt something extra. We met the rest of the students then invaded the shopping mall. It was good timing as there was an education exhibition on the top floor. Children from all the local secondary schools had stalls demonstrating projects they were working on. One school was showing how to grow plants in infertile soil and reduce water usage; another was demonstrating how to and dye clothes create patterns in tops and T shirts. There was a school band with backing singer that sounded amazing considering their age; I had to keep going back to the band to get one of the students who was fascinated by the drums.

We worked are way to ‘Taxi’ the local sports shop, were Imran chose his football, I don’t think I have seen anyone with a bigger smile than Imran when he received it from the saleswomen. We had to rush back to the school as some of the students were expected in the music room; today they were going to practice ‘My Girl’, which was my request when I first heard them.

After lunch I was amazed at how far they had got, the keyboard player and the two pans players had got the basic verse and chorus off to a tee. The next stage will be to introduce the drums (can’t wait).

The rest of the day was spent working with Danny, organising him to take student photographs and asking set questions to help produce individual portfolios for each student. Rodney (the teacher) was impressed with how much Danny had progressed with his communication skills, particularly when talking to other students. another great day, I am now going to treat myself to a lager (or two !!).

I forgot to mention on my last entry that the church pictured is actually a Cathedral.

The main church of Castries

These are pictures of the main church in the capital Castries, I thought this was a facinating building as it is completely made of wood.

Around the corner from the church is the oldest tree in St Lucia - a Samaan tree, over 400 years old.

brief visit to Castries

Before I go into today’s (hard!) workJ, I must apologise for not mentioning the kind donations of wool and crayons etc. The Principal was over the moon and asked me to say a massive thank you to all involved. The children are benefiting from your kind gifts as I write this.

Wednesday 9^th July 2010

Went into Castries (town) with Rodney to look for some pesticide to kill termites; these little chaps are having lunch inside some of the wooden work areas in the vocation section. On the way back we stopped at a work placement (pre-school nursery) to check on a student who is working one day a week. The nursery was very well organised and the children were so well behaved; they were sat having there food not making a noise, amazing. The student is doing so well the nursery manager is extending her work to two days per week with pay. This is excellent news considering the difficulties the student experiences.

On arrival back at school I continued with the assessment work then the weather started to come in quite heavy complete with thunder. This unfortunately put a stop to the planned garden project. The younger children get very frightened when the thunder and lightening starts, which is to some degree surprising as the thunder cannot be heard for the noise of the children. From the garden area you are able to see the cruise ship in the main harbour; it’s a pity the visitors will only get about four hours to visit the town in this weather J. The afternoon was spent working with Imran who is a student with physical difficulties and possible Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Along with these difficulties, there are concerns regarding his behaviour towards other students. This was a challenge for me as there were additional issues concerning his home life that was potentially influencing his behaviour. We agreed some specific targets Imran to aim for while I am there and I will help him with his reading, drawing, writing and playing football (yes I said football, stop laughing). If he maintains the targets while I am there, I will go into town with Rodney and buy him a football. I did emphasise that while a football was for a few games, changing his behaviour and attitude will help him for life. All in all, apart from the mozzy bites, a good productive day.

The Simpsons

Monday 7^th June 2010

Attended morning assembly then met Danny who is autistic; we discussed his concerns and agreed possible strategies to work towards solutions. We worked on setting questions that Danny would feel comfortable asking other students to assist in initiating a conversation and work towards develop his social skills.

Met with Rodney and continued work on assessments; agreed to focus on the key areas of communication, social integration and personal presentation. After lunch we provided tuition for three students who wanted to play table tennis; apparently the school plays against another school as part of a special sports day. Last time we were beat in table tennis (so the gloves are off for the next sports day). I had a game of football with Imran who is a big fan of Rooney. When he scored he did a very impressive impersonation of Rooney (without the swearing); unfortunately rain stopped play part way through.

Imran and Christian, waiting to restart football. Today was a hot but very productive day for me as I got to know more students.

Tuesday 8^th June 2010

Met with a student who is currently on work placement in the security sector of the hotel where I am staying. We spent most of the morning discussing his concerns regarding his work and personal development. We agreed that Rodney and I would arrange meetings with his supervisor and his guardians. I felt this was a good session, not just because of the positive outcomes but I feel I am gaining more valuable experience in this field. The afternoon was spent developing the core skills checklist for the three key areas identified on Monday. While I was on the computer, I let Imran, Kevin and shervaughen watch the Simpsons during their break. They were transfixed, as they have never seen this programme before; they couldn’t stop laughing. After break we had a discussion session with all the vocational students. For the latter half the questions were focused on me to assist the students develop their communication skills; this went well and I feel this should happen at the end of each day, very productive!

First day at school!

Thursday 3^rd June

Spent most of the morning catching up with my personal chores (laundry etc) and sorting out the parcels (stuck at customs) I had sent prior to flying out. In the afternoon I experimented setting up my computer in different parts of the room and balcony to hopefully get the best reception for the internet; with no battery, I am restricted to power points so if I can obtain an extension lead, there is a possibility I may be able to pick it up from the far corner of my balcony; this which would cut down on setting up in the reception each day. The manager here is very helpful and will try and get one for me. The rest of the day was absorbed preparing for my first day in school tomorrow.

Friday 4^th June - Big Day!

Arrived at reception at 08.45 catch the bus to school (haven’t said that since I was 7 J ). The school is only approximately 200 yards away but it is a safer option to use the bus, as the roads are quite steep and narrow for other road users.

Met with a volunteer couple who have been attending the school for the past week Diane and Derek; Diane is helping students with basic reading skills, Derek is assisting with the school accounting systems and helping students use joinery tools in the vocational area. The other volunteer is Cyril who is an elderly gentleman who helps the children with music; he has a vast amount of experience, has been to South Africa 7 times. Cyril is ex Navy and has brought his Bugle, as it was an easier option for transporting than his usual instrument the euphonium. I am sure Cyril will not mind me mentioning his age and although I do not know his exact age I would hazard a guess at late 70s early 80s, which I find absolutely incredible considering the conditions with the heat and workload etc. He is truly a trooper and has my full respect, definitely something for me to aspire too.

On arriving at school I was greeted by Caroline who showed me around the school while the children where carrying out their morning assembly. Today was going to be sports day as mentioned, this always depends on the whether especially from June onwards (hurricane season). I was introduced to Rodney who was very busy organising the events and setting up the sound system. Once the sports day commenced, we had a good talk about the key I can hopefully help. I think I will be quite busy during my stay here, but hey, I would not want it any other way. I told Rodney that with the nature of the work we need to put together, I may need to come back next year with my partner to continue any work needed; I think he may hold me to that! The sports day went well up to lunchtime; football was due to take place after lunch but it rained quite heavy so it was cancelled. This gave me the opportunity to meet some of the students. A student gave me a list of all the students’ names to memorise by Monday (ouch!). All the students are very welcoming and have varied levels of ability. I have organised a meeting with one student (Danny) who Rodney wants me to meet; Danny has high functioning autism and is concerned about the other students’ behaviours. I have asked Danny to write his concerns down and we will discuss these on Monday. Well that was my first day and I really enjoyed it; I even enjoyed my shower when I returned to the hotel as it is very hot and humid in the rooms of the school, looking on the bright side it will help me lose weight.

Day 2, Wednesday 2nd June 2010

Met with Caroline (School Principal) to get an overview of Dunnattar School and discuss potential areas I may be able to assist over the next four weeks. After talking to Caroline, it is not difficult to see how Dunnattar has been providing the high level of support over the past 23 years; Caroline is so passionate and motivated towards helping the students.

The school has 75 students aged between 5 and 25, with 14 of the students (aged 16 to 25) attending the Vocational Training Centre, which could be the area I will be working. These students are working towards developing their interpersonal and vocational skills to gain employment opportunities. Once they achieve a competant level in all areas, support is then provided during the transition from school to work.

I was expecting to start at the school today but it is a public holiday across the island for Corpus Christi so schools are closed for the day. I will be starting tomorrow (Friday) and apparently it is a sports day so it's on with the track suit and getting fit J

A quick word about the hotel before the blog gets taken over by my work at school; the hotel is amazing and staff are so friendly. It is very hot and humid at the moment as we are in ‘hurricane season’; hopefully this event will keep at bay. The sounds of the wildlife in the evening are equally amazing and so loud. If I could upload a sound file I would put it on my blog so you could listen to what I fall asleep to (something for me to work on).

Well I don’t wish to make you all jealous J but I am off now to have a quick dip in the hotel pool and another banana and coconut smoothy before work starts in earnest tomorrow.

View from my office of work and my backyard pool (I wish!)