Thursday 10 October

The group has been away for almost a week. Today was no exception: another action packed day.

" Yesterday I dipped my toes in the pool of teaching in the primary schools and discovered a hidden talent. I thoroughly enjoyed my time working alongside the teachers and helping the children in particular. Whilst I was there with Tom and Sophie L we did some maths games (the children were better at this than me), some dancing and singing and I  also took a class for Art and Design. I really did enjoy what this visit did for both myself and the children:  the pupils though they learned off of us for me I developed a greater self confidence in myself."

Heather

 "Yesterday was a productive day for myself as well.  I visited St. Peter’s Secondary school again with Miss Brady to take some of the form four pupils for a fitness exercise: the Bleep Test.  Most of the students seemed a little cautious to begin with and didn’t want to volunteer, but once it started they all seemed keen and became rather competitive with each other.  In order to track their fitness rates, we took their pulses before, immediately after, and five minutes after exercise.  We had already taken results from our school back home, but as soon as the Malawian boys started we knew straight away that there would be no comparison: some of the Malawian boys almost tripled the Scottish boys scores, and their fitness levels were incredible, with their pulse almost returning to normal after five minutes. 

Amy

 The Jungle Book

"As always an early start to the morning with mass at half six with breakfast swiftly following at 7am.  Our day was packed with little time free time.  We visited St.John's hospital, in particular the maternity unit where we had the chance to see and even hold the new –borns; we also had the opportunity to visit the paediatric unit.  This was a very emotional start to the day for all.  Later we then visited the school which 27 of the students that you help with School fees attend. We were very impressed with the standard of the school and the behaviour of the pupils.  This was all achieved by 11am.

We arrived home to find 12 eager students from St Peter's Secondary School at our door waiting for their trip with us to the marsh. Even though the journey was long, hot and a little cramped, we eventually made it to the St. Patrick’s Seminary where we were welcomed warmly by the boys that attend the school.  The teachers were taken into the staff room, while the rest of us St. Matthew’s and St. Peter’s students were led to the dining hall to have a kindly prepared lunch with the boys that attend the school.  We were interested to learn about the exchange programme between St. Peter’s Seminary and St. Benedict’s school in Scotland.

Finally the trip to the Safari had begun which to our delight included getting up close and personal with some hippos, 3 herds of elephants and some monkeys too.  Whilst in the warm heart of the African terrain we witnessed gorgeous sunsets, bush fires and plenty of big beasties which no African adventure can do without!

A rather scary ride home when our bus was swarmed by fruit and veg sellers making their way home from a long day at the market and attempting to make one final sale. Arriving home we discovered a power cut which was quickly resolved and dinner was served. 

 As ever, we are writing this well into the night (10pm, its been a tiring day guys) with lots of other planning and packing to be done for the coming days.  Have a nice October break! "

Heather and Amy 

Pictures from Vwasa Marsh