Team AGC headed back to the community ready for a busy week in the school and on the project site, all to make ready for the opening ceremony. We soon settled back into where we are camping and also our kitchen arrangements. The team split into two groups, one to head up to the school and one to help the builders on the nearly finished teacher accommodation.
Teaching at Mbita
The teaching on the whole, as I’m sure the rest of the group will agree, is the most rewarding way to spend the day. The children are so excited and eager to learn, it makes the day go very fast.
Once it gets to around 2 o’clock we all head out onto the games field just outside the school gates to play football or to just talk with the children.
Opening Ceremony at Mbita
However, on Thursday it was a very busy day, it was the opening ceremony. We all got ready for the day, dressed in our best clothes in preparation for the celebrations. The ceremony started at around 11am and it entailed an assortment of dances and speeches.
The festivities also included a short dance that the team from Abbey Gate College had made to the Shakira song (Waka Waka) which was greatly enjoyed, although for some reason it came out in Spanish! After we had danced, we received an abundance of gifts including a traditional mahiya, a necklace and key rings. Afterwards an amazing feast of beef, chicken, pap and rice was served.
The day truly highlighted the union and friendship of our two communities and was a wonderful day.
Katie
The Last Expedition of 2024
This is the last blog for all the expeditions for this year.
This opening ceremony had been organised meticulously by Nelisiwe, the Head of Mbita Primary School. There was a marque for visiting dignitaries which there were many; the Chief and representatives from the Chiefs inner council, representatives from the Ministry of Education and two MPs. Considering how remote and inaccessible this community is, it is a testament as to how important the partnership between Abbey Gate College and Mlindzini is and also how exceptional and impactful the project has been. The ceremony went on for 5 hours! The whole day ended with a fantastic feast, all prepared by parents of students at Mbita Primary School.
It is a pleasure and an honour to be part of all of this. Thank you.
Jenny
