Photo Journal/ Weekly Photo Challenge: Foreign – Teaching in Bahrain

October 27, 2012

The theme for this week’s photo challenge is Foreign as hosted by The Daily Post at WordPress. The first thought that came to my mind when I learned about the theme was the time I was in Bahrain when my being a ‘foreigner’ was distinctly sensed and felt. This was part of the professional development courses that Bahraini teachers were required to attend for a period of two weeks.

I taught the course module Survival and Development in a Global Environment – a two-week course on how teachers can become more effective 21st century educators. It was a demanding module – made even more difficult with the language, cultural, and age barrier between me and my students. I would say that this was one of the most challenging teaching journeys I have ever experienced so far – but also one of the most intensely rewarding. After two weeks, I would like to think that I was able to connect beautifully with my students who are experienced and capable teachers – some have even been in the service for over 30 years, it was a privilege to have worked with them. The entire process of exchanging learning points and discussing polemical issues with them is one I shall never forget and would always treasure.

A visit to DocGelo’s post for the challenge also reminded me to greet our Muslim brothers and sisters a very Happy Hari Raya Haji – a day which marks the end of the pilgrimage to Mecca. This post of mine, I thought, is also quite fitting for today’s celebration. Enjoy your long weekend!

Foreign in Bahrain

“You cannot teach a man anything, you can only help him find it within himself.”
― Galileo

“No man can reveal to you aught but that which already lies half asleep in the dawning of your knowledge.
The teacher who walks in the shadow of the temple, among his followers, gives not of his wisdom but rather of his faith and his lovingness.
If he is indeed wise he does not bid you enter the house of his wisdom, but rather leads you to the threshold of your own mind.”
― Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet

“I never teach my pupils, I only attempt to provide the conditions in which they can learn.”
― Albert Einstein

14236_1248122316072_3310015_n — My Colleagues from Singapore as we prepare to teach at Bahrain Teachers College.

“Teaching is only demonstrating that it is possible. Learning is making it possible for yourself.”
― Paulo Coelho, The Pilgrimage

Digital Camera — With a few of my female students – the angle is not too good but it shows quite distinctly my being ‘foreign’ in this beautiful country.

“My words itch at your ears till you understand them”
― Walt Whitman, Song of Myself

“I’m not a teacher: only a fellow traveler of whom you asked the way. I pointed ahead – ahead of myself as well as you.”
― George Bernard Shaw

IMG_5509 copy — With my colleagues from Singapore as we go out and see a few of the sights during the weekend.

“What is a teacher? I’ll tell you: it isn’t someone who teaches something, but someone who inspires the student to give of her best in order to discover what she already knows.”
― Paulo Coelho, The Witch of Portobello

caricature — A totally-unexpected gift from my teacher-students in Bahrain. They had this beautifully framed. Was deeply touched upon receiving this.

“There are two kinds of teachers: the kind that fill you with so much quail shot that you can’t move, and the kind that just gives you a little prod behind and you jump to the skies.”
― Robert Frost