Old Mutare, Hartzell Central Primary School, was where I was assigned (with Dorothy, seen here) to work with the home economics teacher.
The home economics room was up the road, behind the red-roofed building that was part of Hartzell Secondary School.
We were in the classroom with Isabel Chipfiko, who had come to Hartzell in January, her 8th teaching assignment but first time teaching home ec.
Isabel was a very quick student, picking up all the basic stitches and reading patterns by the end of the first week.
The home economics class schedule shows I had each group of students at most once a week for an hour or two. It was actually less than that, as many students had exams while we were there.
Tuesday morning, my first group of seventh grade girls (7A), having forgotten to take the pictures of the 5th graders earlier.
The other 4 girls from 7A - some clearly already knew the basics while a few others really struggled.
Wednesday, my second group of seventh grade girls (7B), some of whom were already fairly proficient.
The other girls from 7B, the far left one suddenly shy.
Monday, a group of fifth graders (5B) - very lively and more uniformly quick than other groups.
The others from 5B - apparently word had gotten out that I don't bite!
Tuesday, the second time with this group of 7th graders (7A), so they were able to move on to new stitches.
The other four from 7A, practicing their double crochet stitch.
While these young men talking with Christopher in the computer lab were not part of my "official" assignment, the young man standing on right (Joseph in grade 6B) asked for a lesson from me and picked it up VERY quickly.
Wednesday, I had a second class with these 6th graders (6D). They too learned a few more stitches.
Two others from 6D, making good progress.
Tinotenda (which means "Thank you") Charlotte Nyahumbi; Grade 7A. She was the main spokesperson for this group of 4 girls who chatted with me while I added rows to the afghan blocks.
Chantelle Cassandra Makwesera; Grade 7A. She'd recently transferred from another school and hence was still wearing a different school uniform.
Audrey Tinashe (which means "God with us") Mudehwe; Grade 7C. These 7th graders had exams last week, so had not had a chance to start crocheting.
Edel (pronounced "Adele") Nomsa (which means "Grace") Ngwenya; Grade 7C.
Friday was my second class with these fifth graders (5A), so they helped finish off the blocks.
These hard workers from 5A didn't want to stop for their lunch break!
These crocheted blocks are ready to piece into a rainbow laprobe. Only some joining was completed, so the rest is an exercise for Isabel to lead!