Handover
Yesterday was the last day to get all our work done at the Mbidi School. Mission complete!
After the last coats of paint and varnish had been applied, the last nail had been hammered and the last door hinges had been screwed in, the team left the school, ready for the handover ceremony tomorrow. The students earlier that day had cleaned up the school grounds by way of burning all the shavings and other pieces of waste around the school—not something the Rotary group was accustomed to seeing around a schoolyard. The school area was really smoky for about 10 minutes while the fires were at their peaks.
Paul and Doreen had brought over 800 toothbrushes and toothpaste tubes that we distributed to each of the classes along with presenting the importance of dental hygiene.
The District Manager of Education came to Annie’s Lodge last night to speak with us about the challenges Zomba faces in terms of educating its youth, and the progress the city has been making over the last few years. He was a very good presenter, and did not avoid any of the difficult questions we had asked him. The facts and statistics he presented on the reality of the education system in Zomba district were disheartening (for example, every grade has an annual 5% drop out rate, and only 31% of the graduating class of primary school are selected to carry on in secondary education because of the lack of secondary schools) but it was good to hear that they are recognizing the issues and putting effort into improving the situation.
The handover ceremony this morning went well. Dignitaries such as local chiefs and government figures made appearances. Sports teams from another school walked 5km to Mbidi to compete in soccer and netball. Netball is much like basketball without dribbling (and a couple of rules that your humble blogger was unable to understand). The school spirit was palpable, as the students would run onto the field on every goal cheering and chanting on their team. We donated sports jerseys to the members of all 4 teams, and prizes for both at the end of their matches. We also gave the teachers of Mbidi gift bags.
The students wrote us 3 heartfelt poems and presented them. They gave me the sheets of paper that they had written their poems on:
Nice Journey
Nice Journey Chris
Nice Journey Shirley
Hardworking spirit is what you have taught us
Then nice journey
Nice Journey Tom
Nice Journey Michael
Dedication is your friend
Then nice Journey
Nice Journey Frances
Nice Journey Rhonda
Your presence changed environment Brian
Then nice Journey
Andrew, Brian, Paul, Al, Jeff, Doreen, & Paul Jones
Cannot go without our thanks
NICE JOURNEY ALL!
Remember us When in Canada
It’s not the beginning
And it’s not the ending
I mean what you have done
Remember us when in Canada
Two blocks now to enjoy
That’s your products
Remember us when in Canada
Greet everyone in Canada
As it is as far as heaven
That we cannot reach
Remember us when in Canada
You really changed the environment
The environment of Mbidi
Remember us when in Canada
Weather Focus at Mbidi
When I look at every one
I see smile faces
Thus weather focus at Mbidi
When I look far right
A new, beautiful block stands
Comprises library, staff room and head teacher’s office
Thus weather focus here
New block, smile faces
All are saying something
Thus weather focus here at Mbidi
The Rotary team also got up infront of everyone and put on a show. The creative minds of Jeff and Paul came up with a song for the children that we sang in a round. It goes to the beat of Row, Row, Row Your Boat. It was a hit!
Ro-ro-rotary
Working as a team,
We bring our tools,
We build a school,
Fulfilling children’s dreams.
Congratulations to all on completing your mission! I am really enjoying reading all about your journey. The photos are wonderful! Thank you.