As I sit writing this, I look out onto the azure blue of the
Indian Ocean , surrounded by white sand and
palm trees. 21 of the 24 in the group have gone out on a dhow trip to snorkel
on the reef. Whilst I have spent the last half hour gazing out to sea, having
the most amazing relaxing aroma therapy massage. What idyllic ways for us to
spend the last day of our trip.
The only way to describe our trip to Tanzania is
‘brilliant’ and that really doesn’t do it justice. Each one of us will take
wonderful memories of a visit packed with lots of different experiences.
On our way out as we sat in Manchester airport, I asked many students
what they were looking forward to most of all – ‘Safari’ was the almost
universal reply.
Yesterday whilst paddling in the sea I asked a number of
students what had actually been the highlight of the trip – ‘working with the
students at Bethsaida
and Saidi’s school for street kids’ was the response. A poignant moment for me
because this is exactly what I would have hoped for – Yes, a safari is an
exciting experience, who wouldn’t feel that adrenalin rush when a big male lion
steps out in front of your vehicle and lays down so close that you can hear him
breathing?
It is typical however that this group of students have
appreciated the human contact and built friendships with the girls and children
they have met to the extent that this has become the most meaningful part of the
whole visit.
All the students have been fantastic, coping with the physical
and emotional challenges with such maturity and sensitivity. Supporting each
other when some found it tough. They have made all the staff feel so proud to
have spent time with them.
I want to say a really big ‘Asante
sana ’ to all
the students and to the staff team, all of us have worked together to ensure
that this was a meaningful and successful visit.
It has been one of those profound life learning experiences
that just don’t happen in classrooms, for some it has made them think about how
they can appreciate their own privileged lifestyle, some have expressed the
hope that they may get an opportunity to come and work here in the future.
For me this has been the most significant and appropriate
end to my career at Ullswater
Community College
Lesley Turney
