Our welcome and first day in Mifdal's high school and English students

3/15/13

What a great welcome for the first day at IBN Khaldoon High School in El Jadida.  We were met at the entrance by the principal, his assistant principal and some staff members.  After a photo op and some introductions, we went to Mifdal’s classroom.  Because of our visit, we actually used the computer lab as our classroom all week so we could share presentations and technology. 

When the students arrived, they immediately greeted us warmly in the Moroccan way.  Moroccans express their warm, genuine hospitality by shaking hands, looking into your eyes and greeting you in Arabic or French.   The best part, the Moroccan part, is after the handshake, one puts his/her hand over their heart as a sincere gesture.  The students prepared a special welcome including the traditional dates and milk.  The room was prepared with lots of student work for us to see (in English).  Also one beautifully student sang the Adele song Skyfall for us.

Highlights from the first day with students included learning and teaching about holidays and traditions.  The students explained about their traditions, culture and holidays and we taught them about our, such as Halloween, Easter, Thanksgiving, etc.  In another class students explained what it means to be a global citizen.  This was the culmination of what was obviously a great unit taught by Mifdal.  Students prepared presentations and discussed such issues as poverty, war, tolerance and women’s rights.  I was so impressed with the students and Mifdal.