Diary - Sunday, September 14, 2008

Well, it's just before noon here in Jambiani and I'm very happy to report that Pat and I and our two new teachers, Barry and Claire Prong have arrived safe and sound after a long (two day) but smooth journey back to this Spice Island of Zanzibar. It didn't take us much time to get back into the swing of things here and we have been very busy getting all systems back online including some plumbing and electrical refurbishment and the removal and replacement of the old Makuti roof on the volunteer practitioner's accommodation. Of course, Pat, Barry and Claire have been involved in preparing the curriculum for this upcoming semester and I am getting the clinic ready for it's reopening on the 22nd. This year promises to be full on as we slowly integrate the front end "Barraza" into our daily routine and introduce the more practical aspects of the training to our diploma students. We have a new class starting this year as well and from all reports, they are going to be a great bunch of keen and very dedicated students. Some of them already have quite a bit of experience within the tourism sector so this should really help the class in general.

I recently received a short blog from Claire Low who you may remember came to us from Scotland and spent three months teaching with Anita in the Institute. Claire was a great person to be around and her constant positive attitude permeated all aspects of the project here. Here are some words from Claire:

When I emailed my friends (at the beginning of my stay in Jambiani, when there was still electricity!), to say that I would be stretching my week's holiday in Zanzibar to a few months, one replied that she hadn't realised the island actually existed outside escapist storybooks. A strange thought, but there were days when Jambiani life did seem otherworldly...

I wake up to sea breezes and Alastair's scrumptious fruit salad (looking out for new mystical-looking fruits), enjoyed with Caite, Anita and Alastair. Then over to the school and a morning catch-up with Pat who's already busy counselling students or firing off emails for projects far and wide. The Diploma class have arrived and are busy coming up with more questions about the English language to distract me from the day's planned lesson! Having been a primary teacher in England I assumed that I'd seen enthusiastic students, but the dedication to learning that these adults show was a continuous happy surprise, especially when outside pressures and commitments called on them. Lessons pass all too quickly as I try and guide them through the difficult transition between passable English to advanced. Then a computer class in which some students learn how to save a Word document, while others perfect their knowledge of Excel! After lunch the Intermediate class discover the difference between "I am going" and "I go" while discussing their favourite hobbies. Supporting each other is the name of the game here, and no student is ever left without a whispering clue from their classmate (in English of course!). Schools out and the rest of the day is spent devouring Anita's Swahili flashcards, golden walks along the beach to village friends, a relaxing swim, or discussing life, the universe and everything with Caite and Anita. These chats continue through a beautiful dinner with Alastair and Pat, and long into the night (unless it's a movie night of course, in which case popcorn is prepared and cushions plumped!). And so another day ends, and as I tuck in my mosquito net I reflect on the little moments that make up the memories that will last a lifetime.

I reply to my friend's email with a web link to HABS and a suggestion that she stop "escaping" into books and start exploring the amazing life that can be lived outside them.

Thanks so much for that Claire and we all wish you luck in your future studies. It would be wonderful to welcome you back one day.

Once again, we are enduring some water supply problems in Jambiani and it's looking like we'll need to buy water again shortly. It all boils down to a supply system that is no longer adequate for this community which has grown extensively since the initial system was constructed. We sure hope this gets fixed soon as it will really impact us once the school and "Barraza" is up and running at full capacity. We'll keep you posted as things progress on this issue.

We are also happy to announce the arrival of Candice Nesrallah onsite. Candice is one of those trusting souls who literally is willing to dive into the unknown, somehow trusting that the universe will guide her in a constructive and positive direction. Originally from Ottawa, she is a fully qualified RMT but also has good experience in the hospitality sector. Initially when Candice contacted us it seemed like our paths would not cross but changes in her schedule gave her an opportunity to come to Jambiani. Her positive attitude and playful nature is contagious and I'm sure the time she spends with us will be of great benefit to those fortunate folks she comes into contact with. Keribu Candice. :-)

Our next two volunteers for the clinic will be arriving in early October. Heather and Angela are both massage therapists and hail from Canada as well so we are really looking forward to their arrival and to meeting them.

Well I think that's about it for now. You can be sure we'll have a lot of new developments to report on as this new year unfolds and we are very optimistic and excited about the shape of things to come. Wish us luck please and in the meantime, all good to you from the entire HABS team here in the "Jam".

Lots of love,
Alastair and Pat