LAST DAY CELEBRATION

At last it was time for the celebration on my last day in Boma school. Many children had stayed in and around the classroom where the celebration was to take place and I was delighted to see them. 

Children who stayed at school to watch the celebrations.

I could hear loud music as I followed the Head Teacher across the dry, dusty playground towards the classroom where we found all the staff assembled.

All the staff had cooked and brought in food for the party.

Ennes, a friendly and vibrant young Malawian teacher was holding a microphone and dancing as I entered the room. On the blackboard they had written in chalk: 

There was dancing which I am not very good at but I tried very hard. Luckily no one laughed! 

Dancing with Ennes.

Then I was asked to sit at a table with the Head Teacher, Deputy Head and Assistant Head. Before we ate, a teacher led us in prayer. Religion is not a bolt on for people from Malawi. It is not something that happens on Sunday but a part of everyday life. Prayers here are said in a natural and often spontaneous way and people regularly give thanks to the Father for many things. Traditional Malawian food was served and this time I knew not to talk too much while we ate...ha ha! Shortly after this two village chiefs arrived and sat down to share the food with us. 

Then it was time for speeches:

The Head Teacher Mr Foster Amose

Mr Amose thanked me for coming and said that he and all the staff were very proud of me.

One of the village chiefs giving a speech confirming the link between Boma and Sissinghurst.

Then the chief of the village was invited to give a speech. Finally, I was asked to give a speech. I knew I would be asked to but I had decided not to panic or prepare on paper but to speak from the heart.

Ennes asked some teachers to dance as an expression of joy and thanks for my visit to Boma school and then I was asked to go with five ladies to receive my present which was in the Head's office. 

I was suspicious which made the teachers laugh and we set off across the playground to the office. Once there they explained that they had made me a traditional outfit worn by Malawian women. It was lovely as you will see but skin tight! After some tugging and pulling the outfit was finally on and we walked back towards the classroom. The children who had stayed laughed, clapped hands and walked with me across the playground.

A small group of men who were fixing some broken desks stood with their mouths open as I walked past which was very funny.
Finally it was time for gifts. Boma School teachers came up one by one and presented me with a vegetable basket, two cooking bowls, a selection of cooking spoons, two serving spoons a sieve to prepare sima, a traditional shopping basket and broom to sweep with. 

After this I presented the Head Teacher with presents from Sissinghurst school. Everyone was very excited and grateful for their gifts. 
I had a wonderful trip to see Boma School and learnt a lot along the way. I hope to see our partnership develop over this coming year and look forward to Mr Amose coming to visit us next year in June.