One of the problems faced by any inner city school the world over, is always playground space, and the availability of some grass. My campus at Tu Xoung here in the centre of Ho Chi Minh experiences these problems. Our playground space for just over 300 students is limited to a hard court area, slightly bigger than the size of two tennis courts. We have no grass. The hard court area is mythically divided into 3 areas. On one side we have a playground area purpose built on a rubber surface. On the other side is a very small football pitch, as the boys in particular are football fanatics. In the middle, which is still hard court is a space for parents and visitors to walk through amongst hard court games and a few students twirling hoops, kicking balls and generally playing. Some times I’m sure the parents coming and going into the school take their lives into their own hands, a bit like snipers alley by ball fire. The parents and care givers of the preschool children come and go during the mornings collecting their children. Our school does have a huge open foyer area, under cover or course for the children to use. While the library is open most of the time, the foyer area has a large mat, cushions and books. Playground times are rostered, so that only 2 year levels are on break and lunch times together, allowing playground access for about 80 students per time. Of course 80 years ones and twos occupy far less space that 80 year five and six students. I snapped these pics while doing a morning duty, while some classes were coming down to play. That’s our next problem, building area and space. Our building is 3 floors and a basement which houses our canteen and swimming pool. My room is on the second floor. Despite the fact that I have to walk up and down the stairs a minimum 4 or 5 times a day, I’m no fitter. Despite the fact that the boys in particular career and run around outside playing football, in now rather hot temperatures for at least 15 minutes every break time, I’m also no closer to joining in.
2 comments:
And I think of all the green grass and court areas we have at our school for 320 students, and realise how fortunate they are: Two tennis courts, one basketball court, two rugby sized fields and assorted other paved areas and wooden decks ....
Yes Marg. We take it all for granted.
How about 4 Square or Top Dog for a small enclosed area?
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