Day 10 - Independence

Our plan for the last day was to check the status of the floors for Grades 3 and 6, the door that the carpenter was making for grade 6 and the mural. We also planned to have a wrap-up meeting with the principal to share our list of potential projects for next year which we developed over the two weeks we've been here. We also wanted to show a picture slideshow to each of the classrooms and say goodbye.

On arrival, we noticed that the mason was still working on Grade 3 and the touch ups for Grade 6. The mural was completed and stunning. The carpenter, however, was delayed, due to wood being too wet to make the doors. He assured us however, he would be able to do it that evening.

Mr. Thasleem, the IT teacher, had found and commented on our blog and subsequently decided to create a separate blog for the school. As part of a future plan to teach basic IT skills to Grade 11, Mr. Thasleem brought one of the donated laptops to show the students how to use the internet. Instead, he showed them our blog. Not understanding exactly the purpose of this in terms of learning how to log onto the internet, we decided to explain our blog to the Grade 11 class. Then, we began to visit class by class and present a slideshow of all of the pictures we had taken over the two weeks. The kids were happy to see themselves and their friends on a computer screen. At the end of the slidshow for Grade 7, one boy came to us and said to me, using his best English, "Please I want a building". It was really moving as 1. he spoke English, and 2. his request was most appropriate- his classroom is a 'temporary' one, that is, outside in the sand. Some students even brought little gifts for us. This was very touching since they have almost no money to spare.

Many of the teachers followed us around with our laptop and took pictures of us in the last few moments of our day. The principal also organized some refreshments for us and the other teachers. Mr. Farzan gave a little speech to thank us for our visit and they presented us with some Sri Lankan souvenirs. Very clearly, they were very happy with our visit and the work we were able to do during our short visit. We invited the teachers to think about next year and submit their requests to the principal so that we have a starting point for our teacher meeting in 2011.

All in all, we had a great day. It was nice to be able to say proper goodbyes to everyone. We are looking forward to next year.