In Year Two, we have been exploring the importance of symbols and the affect they can have on people. Just as the symbol of a giant, golden ‘M’ can evoke either a deep hunger or a deep disgust in one’s belly, symbols can carry a lot of meaning and emotion for different people. We looked at how each country has a flag that can evoke a sense of pride and belonging in a group of citizens, which has been particularly evident during the FIFA World Cup these last couple of weeks. This being our starting-off point, we then explored different religious symbols and their meanings.
On Thursday the 19th of June, Year 2 students piled onto the big bus to take the long trek across town to Arusha Vineyard Church in Chekereni. The students enthusiastically pointed out different religious symbols found amongst the hustle and bustle of Arusha city as the bus made its way to the church. We were greeted with friendly faces, (one of which was Miss Owens’ Dad!), and a much different building than most students expected. With most of the sides of the church having no walls, it was an open and welcoming feeling, with lots of space to run around in! We saw the rooms where the kids’ church meets, where church members play their instruments, where they take ‘communion’ and many other cool and interesting sights! They even gave us yummy juice and mandazis to eat! By the end of the trip… after learning, asking questions, eating and running around in the front garden, we had had a great time and were ready for an afternoon nap! … At least the teachers were!
Braeburn International School Arusha 