The Last Few Days

WEDNESDAY – SCHOOL ACTIVITIES – A TIME OF LAUGHTER

Wednesday was a wonderful day, one of the best.  The students, Tom, Heather and Sophie delivered the numeracy activities which were very successful, although the students had to use all their skills to engage the children due to the young children’s language.  At the early stages the young children are taught in their own language Timbuka and English.  The children  loved using the chalk boards.  Tom stole the show when he put on his kilt and did a twirl; laughter filled the class.  Many children came out to try on the kilt, but the star turn was the teacher dancing the Highland Fling.

In S7, Number Bingo using the chalk boards was a hit.  The class also worked in groups to prevent a collaborative poster demonstrating Malawi.  We were all struck by how tight the classroom was for moving around.  The children were all very engaged in the activity, chatting, laughing and co operating.  Tom, Heather and Sophie were excellent at leading the activities.

At Lunyangwa Girls’ School we took photos of the desks funded by St. Mark’s Primary.  The children are very proud of them.  Three children sit on a bench.  Our Scottish singing went down well with the girls, particularly the song Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes.  Our highlight was when the teacher brought out the drum and the girls surrounded her.  They started dancing and singing to the beat of the drum.  All the girls have a natural rhythm.  Time to leave but as we were heading up the hill out of the school a teacher came running to request a visit to her class because the girls had been waiting eagerly in anticipation to see us.  The students I think felt like film stars. In this class, the girls had prepared a special clapping song – wonderful.  Once again trying on Tom’s kilt went down a treat.

In the afternoon the students jaunted off to participate in the football and netball matches at the Secondary school while I went to St. Peter’s to lead the teachers’ workshop on numeracy.

THURSDAY – VWASA MARSH

This was an extremely tiring and very hot day.  With some of the Malawian Students we went to Vwasa Marsh.  There was much chattering in the bus.  At Vwasa we saw elephants, impala, water buffalo and hippo.  I loved the experience of crossing the river by going over the sandbank.  A truly memorable experience.  On the way back home I kept yawning because I was tired.  However my friend Playmax beside me would ask if I was hungry. I had to smile because it is amazing how one action can mean different things, depending on your culture.  It was a late night arriving back in Mzuzu.  AH, another black out.  Another candlelit dinner.

FRIDAY – FAREWELL

The 6.30a.m Mass was celebrated in English today – a kind gesture from Father Philip, our host.  Megan read at Mass which was a nice touch. After breakfast we all attended the  Secondary Farewell Assembly. I am sure I speak for all the group when I say it is an honour to represent our friends from home…you are all really helping the lives of the people here.

Time for shopping now.  Tom and I felt like 2 candidates from the Apprentice. Our task was to purchase plastic plates and cooking pots with an hour.  Our kind taxi driver assisted us at the Tanzanian Market and we also visited the Chinese Supermarket. We learned there were different types of pots; some for the cooker and others for the fire.  Tom was the keeper of the finances and we managed to haggle a good price for the pots. We were both delighted, our numeracy skills were tip top. Not only did we manage to achieve our target we also had time to source and purchase some acrylic paints for the boys at Nkhata Bay.  Our successful shopping trip really demonstrated the application of many of the skills acquired in school.

Later, I attended the afternoon assembly at St. Peter’s Primary, outside in the blazing sun.  I presented a football and 2 cases of materials consisting of stationery, boards, pencils, crayons and toys eg. Skipping ropes.  Some of the toys and craft materials will be allocated to the Girl Guides which takes place after school. I showed the children and staff the lovely blue bags Mr January, the tailor, made for the chalk boards. These will now be put on a hook in one of the classrooms for staff to borrow.  Mr Ghambie reminded the staff and children of the funds given for further development from St. Mary’s Primary.   There was much singing and dancing. Once again I reflect on how much at home we take for granted and how much we have.  It is good to share.

Next stop was the party at the Women’s Development Centre.  I read out Abby’s letter to to the children and presented her gift to them.  We were all very touched.  Games time was fun. Once again it is good to hear the children laughing.  The student distributed the gifts from home which the children loved.  Lucy, one of the widows gave me the recipe for the Maize cake.  I will give Caledonia Primary a copy of the recipe.  The uniforms we have ordered from the donations received will widows work for several weeks and assist the needy children. 

After our farewells, we set off to Nkhata Bay for a well earned rest.  Time for all of us to relax and reflect on the roller coaster week we have had.