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Diary - Friday, October 12, 2007Well greetings once again from the “Jam”. It has been quite a long time since our last update but I have to say we have been so occupied and focused on this school project I really haven’t had too much time to just sit and put ideas to keyboard. This past month has maybe been one of our most intense since we first arrived on Zanzibar back in 1997 and for a variety of reasons. Of course we are into the very final “push” to get the school ready for our opening which will be Monday, 15th of October. We will be having a very formal opening around the 27th with several dignitaries including the First Lady of Zanzibar expected to be in attendance. This is a pretty huge milestone for us and especially for Pat who has been completely immersed in this project from day one. It has been a huge stress for her and for all of us to ensure that all aspects of this construction have been carried out in the best way possible. So what’s left to complete? We have wood floors and stairs on the second floor that need sanding and finishing, there are a few more windows and shutters to install, exterior landscaping to lay out and kitchen equipment to order and install and of course lot’s of touch up painting and fine tuning. As much as that seems like a lot of work, it pales in comparison to all that has preceded it so we are pretty excited that we are this close to completion now. We sometimes do wonder what we are doing when the stress levels reach critical levels but in the end, we know how valuable this addition to our work will be to this community. I’m hoping Pat will add something to the next update, detailing the types of programs we are offering and what our overall objectives are. Below, are a few pictures of the school level of what is now referred to as the Jambiani Tourism Training Institute (JTTI).
I’d like to take this moment to introduce you to our latest volunteers: Sebastian Evans and Noah Mitchell come to us from Victoria BC. As part of their GAP year, they will be helping Pat out in the school teaching various subjects including ESL and Food Safe. They are very easy going lads and seem to be fitting into the Jambiani scene with little effort. They expect to be with us until the end of December so we are looking forward to getting to know them even better over the ensuing weeks.
Next month we are very much looking forward to welcoming our very close friends Owen and Doris Seeton from Victoria and also Barb Hunter from Fernie, BC who is making her second debut here in Jambiani as a massage therapist. Owen and Doris have been active supporters of HABS for many years now and it will be such a treat to show them the project first hand. Of course Doris is herself a very talented practitioner with a number of disciplines under her belt and Owen is a very fine craftsman/carpenter so I’m sure we’ll be able to keep them pleasantly occupied during their 6 week stay with us. It will be great having Barb with us again too as she just oozes positive energy and is an excellent RMT as well. I’m certain the interval between our next update and this one will be shorter and we will definitely have more “School” news and pictures from the grand opening. As always, we hope all of you who are reading this are well and happy. We appreciate your interest and support and we look forward to keeping you up to date with the evolution of this new project, The Jambiani Tourism Training Institute. Take care and all good your way.
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As
you'll see, we have accomplished a lot since our last update and
everything is really starting to come together... finally!!!!
Whew!!!!
Geri
LeBeau pictured here with our interpreter Hassan “Chai”
hails from Edmonton and is providing acupuncture treatments in
the clinic until the end of this month. Geri is an excellent practitioner
and a lot of fun to be around so we’ll sure miss her presence
when she leaves for home in November.
