Teaching English in Sefrou
While French is still the most prominent second or third language (depending on whether a Amazigh dialect is one's native tongue), English is gaining popularity quickly and Morocco has recognized it's importance as an "international language." This morning the Global LAB students taught English classes to local students from the Sefrou region (just half an hour outside of Fes). This program was established to serve those students who wish to have additional English training but cannot afford the often expensive lessons at a private institution. The Global LAB students offered these Moroccan students the opportunity to hear and speak with a native English speaker in addition to having some quality cross-cultural exchanges.
Tessa, Catherine, Coley, and Ella taught the lower level classes about U.S. holidays (both secular/national and religious), while Ben, Jenny, Isabella and Abby engaged in discussions about urban, suburban, and rural life in the U.S./Canada with the upper level students. I was very impressed with the Global LAB students' teaching skills! We also learned more about the lives of Moroccan teenagers in Sefrou.
Tomorrow morning the group will continue to learn more about the artisan trades of Fes with a workshop on woodcarving - a delightful decorative element of most traditional Moroccan houses and buildings.
