 |
Lycée de Tahoun's teachers and staff are gathered around the
Togolese flag at the center of the campus. Most of the teachers are recent
graduates of the University of Benin in Lome, Togo and are currently in
their first teaching position. The teachers' degrees are generally in the
subjects which they teach, including Mathematics, Biology, Physical Science,
Philosophy, French, English, German (courses are generally taught in French),
Social Studies, and Sports. |
| Lycee de Tahoun has 110 students divided into 6 classes (two each at
the equivalent of grades 10, 11, and 12). Many of the students who attend
come from other villages in the vicinity and so have to board near the
school when it is in session. Eleven of the students currently enrolled
are female. In this region of Togo, tradition works against sending girls
to school. The Principal, Mr. Kossi, encourages parents to send both their
sons and their daughers to school. Students, wearing khaki uniforms, are
gathered for an assembly in the picture to the right. |
 |
 |
The Lycee's students follow one of two tracks, designed to prepare
students for national baccalaureate examinations. Students in the Natural
Science track study French, Philosophy, English, Biology, Mathematics,
Physical Sciences, and History/Geography. The Literary track students start
German in tenth grade and study philosophy intensely with somewhat less
emphasis on Math and Science. To finish high school, students must pass
national examination at the end of 11th grade 12th grade. In 1999 about
40% of the students in this school passed their exams, given the Lycee
the highest passing rate in the region. The picture to the right shows
Susan as a visiting teacher during January, 2000, talking about the periodic
table and chemical bonding to a 10th grade class. |
| Student are anxious to expand on the information and ideas presented
in their baccalaureate curriclum. The 12th graders in the picture to the
right were curious about biochemistry, and so Susan talked with them about
this during her recent visit. Despite limited blackboard space, and some
dust, the open air apatame classrooms were pleasantly cool and conducive
to conversation. |
 |
 |
Susan visited the newest Jr. High School in the region in Tado, just
North of Tahoun. Here she is visiting a class with the Principal and English
teacher. In grades 6 through 9 students study French, English, Social Studies,
Biology, Math, and Physical Sciences. To enter high school these students
need to pass a national examination called the "BEPC". |
| One of the highlights of Susan's visit to Lycee de Tahoun was meeting
the teachers for a drink after work for a lively discussion. They asked
many stimulating questions about the USA, and covered such topics as Native
Americans, Bill and Hilary Clinton, "self-made man", HIV, molecular biology,
the internet, television, and the NBA's Chicago Bulls. |
 |
