An update from Pat – June 2014

The past few weeks have been sad and happy times. Our Graduation Ceremony for the Year 2’s took place on June 13th with the Regional Commissioner as our Guest of Honour. Our school song this year was livened up with “The Cups”, our new yogurt container drummers from Year 1 who surprised everyone with their skills. Tom Jones, one of our volunteers, is also a professional drummer, and he taught them in five days to drum a routine along to our school song “Utafanakiwa” – “You will succeed”. It was truly inspiring. Thanks Tom.

The graduates are now out in the world of work. Good luck to all of you. Now you get to follow your dreams.

Betiana and Rodrigo who were with us since September have returned to South America – we miss you very much. Maaike came to us from the University of Groningen, Netherlands opened up the students’ eyes on Sustainable Tourism and Destination Marketing as well as helping Kenn to teach them to swim. She also gave them a lesson in Salsa dancing. Karamba!

Kenn is on holidays at the moment visiting family and friends. He will be with us for another year at least and has become our Social Director with the volunteers as well as being an amazing teacher.

With us for the summer short courses is Stephanie, who has been working in Jambiani for the past couple of years. Knowing the village and the institute as well as being their English teacher has made the transition easy.

Jacquie and Adam and Tom have also just left to return to Australia. You are truly wonderful people and we know that you will be back to share your skills and goodness with us again.

We are all so lucky to have competent professionals in their field. Dinners have been amazing. We still talk about those incredible pizzas; among the other delicious meals.

The new Year 2 students have been split into two groups. One group is at the institute for their Work Experience and the other group is now at hotels and tourism-related companies putting their knowledge and skill to work. This is the exciting part of the program where they get to learn and see what they still need to do to be the best. It is always exciting to see them when they return to school as they have learned so many new things.

Happy summer days to everyone – as we go into our wintertime.

Pat