The Alberta Teachers’ Association

KELSEY MCLEAN AND KENYAN FRIENDS

Ever since I attended a session on Project Overseas at my annual teachers’ convention, I’ve wanted to participate. Unfortunately at that time, I was a second-year teacher and ineligible. Imagine my elation, therefore, when I was selected to participate in Kenya’s Me to We Project for teachers with under five years of teaching experience.

Upon arriving in Kenya, my colleagues and I immediately saw the difficulties that teachers in Kenya face every day. Teachers were on strike due to salary disputes, so our schedule was changed. As we toured Emori Joi, the school where we’d work, it was clear how dedicated staff and local participants of Me to We provide life-changing opportunities through education. Although teachers were on strike, there was still an emphasis on day-to-day education, as some students were still attending school to prepare for exams and teachers were helping them review.

I am grateful for this enriching Alberta Teachers’ Association professional development opportunity and can’t wait to share my experiences with my students. 

Kelsey McLean is a fourth year secondary English teacher at Fort Vermilion Public School.