Day One

Marking Out

Despite two key orders (poles and materials) being delivered to the wrong school, we are pleased to report that our first day was successful overall, with far more achieved than expected. The reward - an early finish time and big swim!

The day commenced with Monday morning full school devotion and assembly, which included formal raising of the flag and singing of the national anthem. Jacqui was quite relieved to not be asked to deliver her pre-prepared speech!

Jacqui's team turn the first sods!

Our request for 5 strong village men was more than fulfilled. By the end of the day we had almost a full rugby team of muscles digging holes, moving rocks and soil and joking around with the team working alongside them. The village chief instructed the young men to undertake the work as part of their community contribution to their village, in return for them having access to the school sports field for rugby practice. It meant that all the holes were dug and we are almost ready to pour concrete which is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon.

Riley joins the hole digging gang!

Most of the kids settled in well and participated in either construction or kindergarten activities. Kylee had a tough day with Sam feeling unwell, and Sarah wanting to be with her for the day. Kylee and the team of children were able to get a great insight into pre-school routines. Of interest was the variety of local lunchbox contents including cold “hot chips”! 

With the help of the older kids in the team, tyres were washed and prepared for painting in school colours. Geoff and Riley took the van out to gather more tyres and paint in readiness for tomorrow.

Washing tyres is a family affair

From this ..........

.....to this in a few hours.