I'm off to Zanzibar this afternoon for Zanzibar Fashion Week. Heading there with 2 guys; Blake - who is the co-owner of the Australian Fashion Label Willow and James - the IT manager at St Judes. We have a bit of an itinerary planned and will be attending a couple of "fashion" parties over the next few days. Who knows what is install for me! I've got 2 nights in Stonetown selling SEW bags and running a stall, 1 night in Nungwi and 2 nights in Matemwe. Matemwe is meant to have some of the best diving spots in the world so whilst working on my tan I'll be getting down and at one with nature. Should be a good recovery, as I feel the next few days are going to be pretty boozy. Not sure what to expect from a Zanzibar Fashion Festival.. stay tuned for no doubt funny stories.
This week saw me attend St Judes. If you haven't heard of the amazing Gemma Rice (now Sisia), google this incredible women and read her story on the impact she has had on education within Arusha. I only attended one of the campuses, as there are 3, and had lunch there with the marketing manager, Emily. 5 years ago St Judes had 18 volunteers, they now have a maximum of 50 volunteers working for them who are all experts in their field. All volunteers live on campus, receive a weekly wage and must stay for a minimum of 1 year. Emily, who I met, has been there for nearly 2 years now. They are all incredibly skilled in their fields which has had an enormous impact on the success and growth of St Judes. Next year will see their first lot of children graduate from year 11. As these children are extremely poor, it's worrying to know where they go to from here. What happens after year 11? all of them can't afford schooling, let a alone university.
Instead of having 180 kids in a class, classes at St Judes are made up of 28 students. They have a computer lab, basketball court & playing equipment. All teachers and head of staff are Tanzanian; only the volunteers are international. All kids get picked up on the St Judes bus every day and are fed lunch. Those from year 5 onwards can board on campus where they receive 3 meals a day, as opposed to the 1 meal a day at home that their parents can afford.
As tradition goes, I was asked to jump up on stage in front of 500 children and introduce myself. Those beady and inquisitive eyes staring back at me sent me into a state of nervousness. Children can sometimes be so intimidating. Calmly I introduced myself and thanked them all for having me. I then received, in harmony, a very very LOUD thankyou back from them all! It sent goosebumps over my body. Assembly was gorgeous! Lots of singing, dancing, clapping and percussion. It was full of music & laughter. The principle was so soft and kind. Their school song, sung in both Swahili and English, had dance moves to it. Made me look at the seriousness of PLC and how it can DEFINITELY be revised. Why does it have to be so serious? These children were singing their school song with such passion and love... Dancing away! The way it should be! Let the personality shine through!
The visit was inspiring, moving and eye opening day. Gemma has written a book, and whilst I haven't read it, I've heard its a must!
I must run! I am off to see the Mummas to pick up 50 SEW bags to sell this weekend, pack for Zanzibar and then meet James at 12 to jump on the plane. Party and dinner tonight with Blake and James in Zanzibar WOOHOO!
Stay tuned for stories post fashion week come Wednesday!
Love to you all xx
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