Rina and Louise made the cakes and cookies; Louise popped and bagged the corn. Tilla made a large cake for the teachers attending the function and I organized the juice and large bottles of water.
The men set out the refreshments
Louise, Margaret (Head teacher) and Rina in front of the treat parcels
The Grade 7 learners and their teachers
On Saturday 17 August we ladies with our husbands met Kwett at the recreation club and set up the treats in the large hall. The children duly filed in and stood in rows while Kwett gave an encouraging speech about making the best of this important exam which could launch them into high school and onto bigger things in the future.
Kwett addresses the Grade 7 learners
The head teacher, Margaret responded to Kwett's speech and asked for a volunteer pupil to thank the Mzungus. A young girl stepped forward and thanked us so profoundly which caused us all to tear up!
A learner responded and thanked the Mzungus for treating them to a school leavers' function
Louise created beautiful personal bookmarks which she and Kwett distributed
Then it was time to hand out the treats. Grant and Richard poured the juice, while Rina and Louise handed out the parcels and eats. The children then retired to a little room beyond the hall where Kwett had set up a movie: Madagascar
Teachers and learners enjoying the movie
We served the teachers with slices of Tilla's delicious cake and a cup of juice whereby they joined the children in watching the movie.
Rina, Louise and I relaxing on the front step of the hall while the teachers and learners watched a movie inside
Afterwards, we ladies sat on the front step and enjoyed a soda while the men found a pub nearby where a South African rugby match was being viewed on television. Shortly after 4pm the movie had finished and we packed up our belongings and came home.
I hope you're all having a wonderful weekend.
What a lovely gesture and story to share. Thank you so much.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great event for the children and for the participating adults -- it was always a "feel good" time when we had similar events at the schools where I taught! Thanks for sharing, Jo! Hope you have a lovely weekend!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful tradition and inspiration for the leavers. It looked like a fun day!
ReplyDeleteI love the way you all get involved in the community.
ReplyDeleteIt is so wonderful that all of you ladies and men, made such a wonderful school leavers day for the Grade 7 students. I think it is very beautiful the way everyone chips in to encourage the students for the national exams. I don't even think we have such a thing where I live anymore. but even when we did, it was never such a big deal. I guess people took it for granted that life would be okay for most of us. I pray these students have a wonderful future ahead of them. I like the card/bookmark that Louise made for them all.
ReplyDeleteLove your new header. This was a great day at the school and once again you are doing a great job at helping the people of Mwadui. The kids all look so nice and well dressed. I wish them all the best for their future.
ReplyDeleteHi Jo
ReplyDeleteThat wa a very special day and it looks as if everyone enjoyed it. Have a great weekend.
Jo, what a wonderful day for the children. I am sure they are excited about entering high school too. The treats sound yummy! You and your friends are doing a great thing by helping out. Have a happy day!
ReplyDeleteIt is so rewarding working with children. The environmental program I run is mainly for children and it is wonderful to watch their faces during a talk. Love the plover below this Jo.
ReplyDelete