Welcome Assembly

Today we made our first visit as a group to Namadzi CDSS.  It was a day of introductions and exchanging cultures and we were overwhelmed by the warm welcome we received.  We met first with the Headteacher Mr Nyambalo and then were introduced to all the staff.  The morning was spent in an outdoor assembly where we all introduced ourselves to the students and Sam and Anna were also asked to share a few words.  Pupils from both schools then exchanged aspects of culture through song, dance and poetry.  The students from Namadzi had composed songs and and written poetry to welcome us.  We also sang a song to the assembly(a capella as our luggage has still not arrived!) Jem recited a burns poem which was received very well and we also demonstrated a ‘Strip the Willow,’ to the school.  The students from Namadzi then performed two traditional dances and we all joined in on the second one which was great fun!

After the assembly we were taken on a tour of the village.  We went to the primary school, visited the police station and health centre and then went back up to school through the market at Namadzi.  When we came back to school, we spent time speaking with staff and students. It was great to have this opportunity and the pupils from both school enjoyed getting to know each other better.  We then participated in a formal function with the school parents association and four of the group village head men.  The staff had prepared us lunch and we all ate together.

A really great day was had by all!