My Moldovan teaching experience has been full of firsts. And now I can add to the list my first strike. When we came back from fall break this past Monday, my school voted to participate in a nation-wide teacher’s strike. The motivation behind the strike—the same as it is for most—is lack of money. Teachers are trying to convince the Moldovan government to increase their salary in order to try and keep up with rising costs of fuel and electricity.
As a PC volunteer, I wasn’t allowed to get involved in any way (for two main reasons: 1. PC is apolitical—we stay away from strikes, protests, elections, etc. We’re here to work with people, not take sides in their politics. 2. PC volunteers don’t receive salaries for working in schools. We get our living stipends directly from the PC). But since no kids came to school this week, this meant that I didn’t teach either. So I ended up participating by default.
As a result, my week-long fall vacation has stretched into nearly two (with the possibility of more days off in the near future if the government continues to be unresponsive). It’s been interesting to hear how the current grievances of Moldovan teachers compare to past ones. Two of my fellow English teachers told me that about 10 years ago, there was a period of several consecutive months that they went without a salary because the government simply didn’t have the money to pay them. And when they did get paid, it was the equivalent of 20 American dollars a month. Moldovan teachers get more than that now, but a Moldovan teacher’s entire monthly salary is still less than what I pay my host family per month for food and rent.
I’ve been asked by several Moldovans if we have strikes in America. What comes immediately to mind is that the kind of strikes that make national news in America are ones in which professional athletes are protesting the fact they’re getting $7 million a year instead of $10 million. In all fairness to them, I’m sure they’re also motivated by the rising cost of living. It takes a lot of gas to fill up a Hummer. Yes, we Americans suffer greatly too.
Speaking of media coverage, my school made it onto Moldovan national news! I’d post the video clip on here, but since that would mean publicizing on the Internet not only the town I live in but also the name of the school I work at, I’m going to opt against it (sorry to disappoint you, all you potential stalkers out there). For those of you who actually know me and who are interested in seeing some shots of teachers and classrooms at my school, just email me and I can send you a link to the video.
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5 comments:
Dear Ms. Sawade,
I discovered your blog while trying to broaden my knowledge of Moldova. But your blog is much more than that. Almost a philosophy lesson. I especially enjoyed your "Life in 3 languages". Thank you for the great work you are doing for the future of Moldova and also thanks for sharing your observations with the rest of us. Have a great day.
Katie!! Where are you?! We haven't seen a Katie-post in forever!
I agree, Ms. Sawade. I miss you!
Live it up - consider this an extended holiday break.
Dear Katie,
Hi, I also discovered your blog while searching for customs and etiquette of Moldovan society for Seminary class on culture. Would you mind elaborating on the roles of "relationship" (Equality and Hierarchy, formal or informal ways of relating and Kinship based or Usefulness based). Also, would you mind commenting on "causality" (How do people in Moldovan society explain why things happen? Questions of power? Laws of nature, moral and immoral actions? Karma?)
I sure appreciate your input. I have interviewed a Moldovan man over a period of five interviews, but your sharing through your blog has given me some additional insights. I like to Thank You!
Blessings!
Having only been here for 6 months, I'm not sure how accurately I can answer your questions. But I can tell you what I've observed in my encounters with Moldovans. In terms of "relationship," it really varies depending on the people involved. Family relationships are very important here, and loyalty to family is a prevalent value. In terms of hierarchy, I'd say that, overall, the notion is stronger here. There is more of an emphasis on respect for elders, parental authority, etc. (and students usually aren't encouraged to be indpendent thinkers or to question their teachers at all). But because corruption is widespread here, there isn't the notion of civil service and respect for authority that is more prevalent in America. People are often wary of any type of government figures.
In regards to "casuality," I've observed that people here are very fatalistic. While Americans are known for their "anything is possible" attitude, that notion isn't popular here. People are often cyncial and think that things won't get better (and that they can't do anything to make them beter). They see clearly the problems in their society, but they don't forsee them being resolved anytime soon. Life is hard, and they just do the best they can to make it through.
Like I said, this is a critique of Moldovan culture from an "outsider," so I'm not sure how accurate it is. But I hope you find it helpful!
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