Diary - Monday, November 26, 2007 

Well, it’s official, we have completed the grand opening of the Jambiani Tourism Training Institute and we can report that it was a very big success despite the fact that we had torrential rain throughout the entire event. We had intended to carry out most of the formalities outside but with the rain we were forced to move inside and to the upper accommodation level of the school. This proved to be more intimate and in the end a very nice venue for the ceremony.

We had several dignitaries present including Mama Shadya Karume, the First Lady of Zanzibar. We also had representatives from the EU, the Commission for Tourism, Acra, our partner NGO from Italy and of course various governmental officials such as the Regional and District Commissioners for this region of Zanzibar.

I can say that we were very flattered by the compliments we received from Her Excellency Mama Shadya and by her indication that we were very well liked and respected on Zanzibar and that our projects are appreciated and supported by the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar.

So with this event, I can say that we (HABS) have fulfilled our original mandate to provide free health care and education to the people who are in most need here on Zanzibar. We will now continue to refine our programs and to make sure that they can be sustained not only for the present time but for many more years to come.

This will likely be the last update until the New Year as our web genius Kent will be away on holidays during the ensuing few weeks. I’m hoping we’ll have some anecdotes from our present volunteers to include in the next update and of course more pictures of Owens “deck” project as it will be completed by then.

I’d like to once again take this opportunity to thank all of you who read this for your ongoing interest and support. Without you we would never have made it this far. As always, donations are always appreciated and certainly with the addition of the school our day to day costs have increased. As you may know, with our charitable status, we are able to issue receipts for income tax purposes so if you’re looking for a good cause where 99.9% of any monies donated are poured directly into the program please consider The Hands Across Borders Society as worthy of your consideration.

In closing, all of us here in “The Jam” would like to take this opportunity to wish you a most amazing, joy-full holiday season. We hope your time spent with family and friends is relaxing and positive and that the New Year brings only good your way.

Til the next time, much love to you all.
Alastair and Pat and the entire Jambiani “Crew”.

Mama Shadya Karume	Some of the guests in attendance
A very proud Mama Pat	There was even entertainment
One of the Diploma students addresses the audience