First impressions

Jambo everyone!
So today we had our first proper experience of the centre in action. To say it was overwhelming is a massive understatement.

Some of the smiling faces that greeted us to the school

In the morning we walked from the house down into Bombalulu, and we received the most awesome greeting. A sea of little blue shirts came running full throttle towards us from the school. I’ve never seen children look so happy and excited. Masses of little smiling faces began jumping around and cuddling us. Our hands were grabbed and we were enthusiastically marched to the school. It was an amazing introduction the Olives Rehabilitation Centre.

One of the classrooms, a far cry from the conditions of home

We had all discussed the age groups that we would be teaching and were sent of the appropriate classroom to observe the lesson. When I say classroom however, I mean the 2mX3m enclosed room that is part of a larger mud building, which felt as though it were a 200o oven. The children clapped to welcome me into the class and their teacher quickly disappeared - I assumed he was returning so found a seat amongst the children. I was clearly a complete fascination to them all and was initially met with a mass of children staring at the unusual creature in their presence. Next thing the children simultaneously broke into song, singing all the songs that they knew in English – it was incredible; we just danced and sang for what seemed like hours.

Musical students

To say it was hot and sweaty is again, a massive understatement. The children began talking to me and shared how much they all love their school and learning, but also that they too found the class very uncomfortable in the intense heat of the building. The teacher has still not returned and when I enquired, it was discovered that he had to teach two classes at the same time.

These people are so big hearted but so overworked (though they would never complain). It is wonderful to think that we will not only be helping the children of the centre, but also their teachers. So today was a truly inspiring and incredible introduction to Olives.

Keep following, and we’ll keep you updated!

- Morven Neil

Morven Neil with some of her students

First impressions