Touring Iraq

It is early March now, and I have been here in Iraq for just over three months. I've really only been here in Baghdad for about half that time, with one short vacation to Qatar and several in-country trips for work. For those people who know how much I love to travel, you can imagine what a deal this is for me.
Here is a map of Iraq so you can see where I've been:



The latest trip was to three provinces in the South, to conduct teacher training and do some consulting. I worked with English teachers at university, secondary, and primary school levels, training them in updated teaching techniques and taught them ways to move to a communicative style of teaching. In addition, I visited several high schools, including one rowdy boys' school, a gifted/talented school, and a school for "brilliant" girls (a step below g/t). I also met with many education officials, to discuss education in Iraq, the schools, English teaching, their needs, and how we can help.

Occasionally, I become famous for a few minutes and there is an article on the Embassy website about me: http://iraq.usembassy.gov/index.html

The most interesting part of this work is interacting with the teachers. First of all, I get to see first-hand the people I am working with and the impact I'm making. Ok, ok, it's idealistic and fluffy, but I feel like I'm making a small difference in the lives of the teachers and in the long run, for the students as well.

My job is basically as a teacher-trainer. I work with English teachers who tell me they are stuck 30 years in the past, with old books, old methods, and old English! Many of them have never met an American, have little opportunity to interact with native speakers, and do not know much about American culture (other than what they see on TV, including Oprah and Dr Phil!) I also introduce the soldiers who are part of my security team, and have them interact with the teachers or students. I guess it's my little contribution to cross-cultural understanding.













This little boy said he wanted to be a soldier:





So, I conduct training sessions in which I teach them to use small groups, hands-on activities, practice with language in different ways, and try to use time and space more effectively. The teachers all participate, although they are hesitant at first when they hear some of my crazy ideas. These pictures show them doing many different activities: a puzzle, charades, story writing, and working in groups.

























In addition to training the teachers, I also visit schools to meet teachers and students, share ideas, and to get a perspective on what the conditions are like for teachers here. There is a wide variety, but for the most part, schools are crowded, classes are enormous, books are out of date (like 1970s) or in short supply, if there are computers they may not work and usually are not online, and there are very limited materials. Sports facilities? A dirt field.



In order to get out and visit these places, I take a helicopter or small plane to the city. Along the way, there are interesting views of desert, farmland, marshes, oil refineries, and rivers (Tigris and Euphrates).








To get from bases to the schools, I ride in military vehicles with a team of soldiers. We draw a lot of attention, but the locals are becoming more familiar with the sight of Humvees or MRAPs driving through the streets. I am still getting used to the idea of wearing a bulletproof vest and helmet (my tiara doesn't fit well with the helmet!)








While many of my colleagues are "stuck" here on the Embassy compound in Baghdad, I have been fortunate enough to get out and see life in Iraq. Here are pictures taken from the helicopter, looking down at the landscape, as well as from the three cities I visited recently: Nasiriyah, Basra, and Diwaniyah.






















Next up, vacation! I'll be in the US for about two and a half weeks, and hope to catch up with many of you then.