Petite Savanne Primary School (4/22/13)

On Monday, our group went to a primary school (grades K thru 6) in the town of Petite Savanne. I noticed instantly that the children at Petite Savanne were very respectful of their teachers by addressing them by “sir” or “miss”.  We introduced ourselves and talked about pharmacy and where we came from.  Many of the children wanted to work in healthcare when they grew up, and even some wanted to be pharmacists! We taught them the importance of asking a trusted adult when they wanted medication or candy because both can look very similar. They loved the medication vs. candy game that we played with them. We also brought stickers, jump ropes and chalk for the children to play with during their lunchtime. The children loved eating lunch and playing with us. I don’t remember being so keen to strangers when I was younger, but they invited me right over to sit next to them in their 2^nd grade desk (I was surprised I even fit!). Possibly it’s just the culture these children are raised in. With eager minds and playful smiles, they wanted us to join in their games of tag and skip. The classrooms were much different than the ones in New York. No doors and open windows for the cool breeze to flow in and the smell of nature in the air. There was a mutual bonding and sadness as we departed, but thankful we could brighten the hearts and minds of the children of Petite Savanne.

Aimee Whiteman