Blogging dry patch...I'm back!

As I am sure you have noticed I have not blogged for a while - hard to believe but close to 4 months - sorry! I am still looking for August and September as I seem to have lost them... and when I looked at my diary today to discover that it is officially November I can add October to the list of missing items!

They say time files when you are having fun (and when you get older J) The last few months have had many moments of fun and also have meant the start of our school year. Even after 3 years I am not sure I am used to this starting the year in August thing. That is usually, or should I say for the 25 years I spent at school in South Africa was how it worked. I am sure at some point it will kick in soon.

This was my 3rd start of year onboard the Africa Mercy and I could not have wished for a better team of teachers! After the ruff start last year (short staffed and staffing leaving suddenly) is has been such an exciting process. We have a full staff of 12 full time teachers all full committed and pulling in the same direction and also another 4 part time teachers who are teaching within the Nursery and teaching Music to our students.

I have often sat back and watched been in awe of how each person on my team has been hand picked for this season within the Academy. Only God could have done this – to think that each person here comes only because they have been called and they pay to work! Even though that has been my life for the last 3 years I am still in awe of the quality and commitment of the people who I am honored to serve with.

450 people
35 different nations
One ship
One purpose
- to Jesus’ hands and feet to the forgotten poor of West Africa – all volunteering their time and paying for the privilege of serving.

There are often days when I loose sight of the ‘big picture’ of Mercy Ships as I focus on the lives of our students, but then I walk the 2 flights of steps down to the hospital and meet the people whose lives are changed forever by what the surgeons and nurses are doing!

Then there are the days that I hear a student talking to another student about what they have learnt in class that day and even more special the times I hear the prayers of our kindergartens as they pray for the patients so that they can be healed and that they can know that Jesus loves them. I would not want to be another place! IT is on those days that I remember my 'big picture' is the 47 students and 15 teaching staff God has asked me to serve!

It is truly a privilege and an honor to be a very small part of what God is doing!

The Mercy Ships Academy

For a glimps of my life teaching onboard the Africa Mercy in the Mercy Ships Academy...

Written by Megan Petock
Edited by Nancy Predaina
Photos by PJ Accetturo and Esther Biney

Every morning, high school senior Emma Cole gets to school by taking a short walk down the hallways of the Africa Mercy. “It takes me two minutes to walk to school. My cabin is literally thirty yards away from the Academy,” she said.

For three years, Emma has attended the Mercy Ships Academy, a distinct educational experience provided for children living on the Africa Mercy. The Mercy Ships Academy was established over 25 years ago in response to the educational needs of children living onboard the Mercy Ships fleet of hospital ships. Educating children from pre-school to grade 12, there are currently 47 students from 18 countries enrolled in Academy classes.

“It’s quite a vast spread of nationalities, which can be challenging, but it’s something I love about the Academy,” said Principal Nikki Aldum. “There are differences amongst the students, but they’re accepted. As a staff, we look for the strengths of each nation and try to celebrate and incorporate them into our curriculum every year.”

On the Africa Mercy, a typical school day begins at 8:00 AM and ends at 3:20 PM. Parents of students in elementary school pick up their children at noon for lunch and return them to their teachers an hour later for afternoon classes. Classes on the Africa Mercy average 4 to 8 students, allowing more time for individualized attention.

“The Academy is very different than traditional school,” said Emma Cole. “One of the biggest differences is being in a class with only two or three students, in comparison to twenty or thirty. I believe having the one-on-one time with teachers really enhances our learning,” she concluded.
The diversity among the student body and the limitations of living on a ship create a unique and exciting set of challenges. Daily, teachers must utilize their creativity in the classroom. Flexibility is necessary for students, parents, and teachers. Ben Calvert, the physical education specialist, has enjoyed the challenge.

“Running a Physical Education Program on the ship is very unique. You have to be creative because there are very small spaces and small classes. But the captain and deck officers have been very helpful with finding spaces and equipment. It’s fun because it’s not ‘run of the mill,’” explained Calvert.

Academy Principal Nikki Aldum, previously a teacher on the Africa Mercy, understands this distinct dynamic. “It’s very different teaching onboard here, versus teaching at home. The smaller classes add a different dynamic, and it’s not necessarily a comparable dynamic. You have to be a little bit on the adventurous side to work here,” she said.

Teacher Christina Orman, who joined the Africa Mercy in August, was drawn to the varied educational environment. “I was looking to teach in a Christian environment that was diverse and different. When I heard about Mercy Ships, I knew I wanted to teach on the Africa Mercy,” said Orman.

Today, the Academy has a staff of 15 teachers, who come from five countries. With the start of the new school year, the staff is looking toward the future, continuing to find ways to improve the educational experience of the students. Currently, the Academy is being accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International and the Middle State Schools. Aldum hopes the accreditation process will be completed by April 2011.

“Being accredited validates the courses we offer, making it easier for students to transition in and out of the school. Accountability all over the world is increasing in the field of education. Through this process, we are proving that we measure up to international standards,” explained Aldum. With the start of the new school year, Aldum has challenged the teachers and students with a specific goal for the Academy: “My heart’s desire is that God is glorified in all we do. It’s a part of our vision and mission statement and our goal for the year,” she said.

As Emma Cole begins her last year of high school, she is grateful for the positive impact the Academy has had on her life.

“Attending the Academy changes the lives of the students onboard,” said Cole. “If I had stayed in a mainstream school in England, I would not have the solid foundations of Christianity that I do now. The opportunities I’ve been given here have given me a great groundwork for the future. It’s been an amazing experience.”