I realized I never did a post about the annual trip to Tuti Island for the boys at the centre's, the staff and their families. I wrote a little ditty for the folks that fund the centre's to post on their website. Here is what I wrote for them:
In spite of powerful winds and not being allowed in the water by the police, the annual all day trip to Tuti Island for the boys, staff, and their families (from both the Gerif and Omdurman centre’s) was a great success. All twenty-four of the boys came along, and there were about seventy-five total people total. There was plenty of time for relaxing and chatting (for the adults) and for football and other shenanigans for the kids. One of the teachers on staff who is well over six feet tall with a personality to match led a number of games for the group. Some included singing, most included looking a little silly, and all were met with a great deal of laughter from everyone around. Such a great time, in fact, that we drew a curious crowd from the other folks who were at the beach. There was a sand sculpture contest, many sprinting races (everyone needed to prove that they were the fastest), dominoes, sculpting figurines out of the clay, and a plate of delicious food for all. (That many of the wonderful ladies spent all or the greater part of their day cooking for everyone.) The highlight of the day, of course, was the directors getting to honor and award the boys for their excellent performances in school. It was wonderful to see the boys so proud of their accomplishments and to see the smiles on the faces of the staff as each boy was applauded and called up. What a joy it is to see these boys realize their potential. In a final bit of celebration the boys took turns hitting a piñata they had made earlier that week as part of their summer conference. Perhaps the first piñata in Sudan? Not sure, but certainly the first piñata experience for these boys and the staff. It was a “hit” to say the least.
In spite of powerful winds and not being allowed in the water by the police, the annual all day trip to Tuti Island for the boys, staff, and their families (from both the Gerif and Omdurman centre’s) was a great success. All twenty-four of the boys came along, and there were about seventy-five total people total. There was plenty of time for relaxing and chatting (for the adults) and for football and other shenanigans for the kids. One of the teachers on staff who is well over six feet tall with a personality to match led a number of games for the group. Some included singing, most included looking a little silly, and all were met with a great deal of laughter from everyone around. Such a great time, in fact, that we drew a curious crowd from the other folks who were at the beach. There was a sand sculpture contest, many sprinting races (everyone needed to prove that they were the fastest), dominoes, sculpting figurines out of the clay, and a plate of delicious food for all. (That many of the wonderful ladies spent all or the greater part of their day cooking for everyone.) The highlight of the day, of course, was the directors getting to honor and award the boys for their excellent performances in school. It was wonderful to see the boys so proud of their accomplishments and to see the smiles on the faces of the staff as each boy was applauded and called up. What a joy it is to see these boys realize their potential. In a final bit of celebration the boys took turns hitting a piñata they had made earlier that week as part of their summer conference. Perhaps the first piñata in Sudan? Not sure, but certainly the first piñata experience for these boys and the staff. It was a “hit” to say the least.
No comments:
Post a Comment