I experienced something wonderful today and I really wanted to share it. Today was my last day with my adult learners from the BLN (Business Learning Network), as my exams start this week and I am leaving for DC shortly. Our last lesson for this semester culminated in their first “test” daunting, yes. The majority of these students have never written a test of any kind before. I arrived at 9.45 am as usual, to see most of the students already sitting down and revising their notes before the test. It was incredible to see their determination and enthusiasm towards the course. Even some of the students who missed last week’s lesson (due to fetching their grants), still studied and wanted to write the test. One young girl got 100% for her test, she had dropped out of school a few years ago,  so I hope that this has given her encouragement to continue to study.
 
It was sad to say goodbye to these wonderful people, who I have got to know and share so many memorable moments with. At the end of class, a woman stood up and thanked me on behalf of the class, and they presented me with a handmade card, signed by all the students. It was something I will cherish and always remember. I brought platters of snacks and sandwiches after the lesson, which we shared over some chats and laughs at the end of class. 
 
As I left the metal container, from which we work each week, I felt sad, but happy that they will be in  very capable hands for the next 2 months, as Jean Fairhead, who manages the Izikoll Wazi Community Centre, will continue with  the literacy class until I return from America.
 
I have learnt so much from this experience; it is hard for me to really describe in words the feeling I have. There is so much potential in each and every one of us no matter what our age, and all it needs is to be tapped into.
 
I hope they realize the impact they too have left on me.