What will the kids be learning?

The school program during 40 Days/40 Nights exists to serve the school age children of the missionary personnel new to the Sub-Saharan Africa region. The main focus is to orient and ease the adjustment of the children to their new culture using an academic program. Children will continue with their own math and phonics programs, but the other subjects will be taught by 40/40 staff.

It is a deep desire to see that the kids will learn to love Africa, appreciate its beauty, understand its history, respect its culture, and relate to the national hosts in a positive manner. The underlying goal in all the school activities is to help the students to achieve the above. Academic subjects are woven into the acculturation process in a natural and beneficial way.

Science Program

The science program focuses on the environment of the SSA region. Its purpose is to introduce to their new country, giving them an overview of the plants, animals, insects, and physical environment. Children will also learn basic first aid, preventive health measures, common illnesses in Africa, as well as safety precautions with fire, water, lanterns, etc.

Social Studies Program

The children will study the geography and history of Africa. They will learn about ancient African history, maps, time zones, and create a project relating to their host county. Older students will keep abreast of current events happening in Africa.

Language Arts Program

Children will study African myths, folktales and fables. They will write daily and grammar will be taught in the context of their writing. Independent reading will be done daily as well as the teacher reading aloud. Great use will be made of good books, both fiction and non-fiction in teaching all subjects.

In addition to the above, children have a cultural learning time each day. They will learn to be observant in their new culture and use that skill to help in their adaptation and adjustment. They will learn about money, how to bargain, food, art, clothing, toys and games, education, homes and family life in various African cultures. There will be several field trips for both cultural observations and pure fun.

Life in Lusaka

We go to school during the week while our parents go out and do their DFA's and then sit in their classes in the afternoon. We do school in the morning and then play in the afternoon, make crafts, or go on a field trip. We especially like the field trips!

Twister is always fun!

Walker

Birthdays are fun! Aunt Janet always makes sure people have a great desert on their special day. Happy Birthday, Justin!

KB trying some sugarcane.

Bible time

Andrew, Justin, and Zach

Zach, KB, Luke, Tyler, and Justin went to the movies on their free afternoon.

Boys being boys!

Crocodile Farm

The Crocodile Farm field trip was a lot of fun. We went on a tour of the place seeing a lot of snakes and crocodiles. There were two pools so we got to swim. Most of us played miniture golf even though the turf was torn in places. We took our lunch and ate under some rondovals. There was even a trampoline that we got to jump on. This is one of my favorite field trips.

This is a harmless brown house snake. Our tour guide let us hold him for a little while.

We even got to touch this small croc.

Gavin with a turtle on his head.

Here are just some of the crocs. we were able to see up close. There are some bigger than these!

KB with a turtle on her head.

We went on a tour to see some of the different kinds of snakes in Zambia/Africa.

Justin and Gavin just hanging out!

Steve and Zach holding a python.

Taxidermist

We went to visit a taxidermist while we were in Lusaka too. We learned a lot about the different kinds of animals and how the taxidermist either mounts them or makes something special out of the skin. The process is longer than I thought it would be. We got to see some really cool mounts and skins!

This is the older group of mk's.

These fellows were brave enough to get up close to these ostriches and touch them.

This is a croc. that they were working on.

This is a buffalo they were working on and you can see some other animals in the background.

Brandon

Mike Borman showing the kids a zebra skin.

The taxidermist and his family own 3 Zebras. It was fun to see these up close!

This is the younger group of mk's.

Visiting in a Zambians Home

This is the group that went to Pastor Mbewe's home for the afternoon. We had a lot of fun seeing his home, playing games, eating some food, and learning more about African life.

We learned several new African games.

Tyler taking a turn at this game.

Here is a pic. of some of the food we ate, groundnuts and polony.

This is the house that some of us went to. The other part of the group went next door to someone else's house.

Bambo Mbewe told us stories and riddles.

Water Park Fun

During each session of 40/40 we try to take the kids to Adventure City, a local water park. There are 2 big slides and then several smaller ones. There are several pools to swim in as well. There is even a jungle monkeys for small kids to play in. It is kind of like a Discovery Zone in the states. The kids always enjoy this water park. You can look at the pictures and see why.

Brandon

KB kicking the soccer ball with a little kid.

Some of the girls taking a little break from the slides.

Madison

Fun, Fun, Fun!

Tyler

Bush Camp Fun!

After spending the first part of 4040 in Lusaka we then travel to Petauke for bush camp. The kids still do school and have field trips during this phase as well. Most kids enjoy this part the best because there is so much room to run and play and most kids like to camp anyway.

Preschooler fun!

Being around the fire at night and telling stories was especially fun.

Tiger the camp dog.

Zephan and Walker

Bambo Apton Mwanza taught us how to make a fire.

Rya with her nanny, Nellia.

Camp

Evie and Emily

Nathan with his nanny, Jane.

Evie