Day 8 - Farewell Kapalamula

Neither Mary nor I were looking forward to our last day at Kapalamula Primary School.  We had been told that there was to be farewell celebration including dancing, singing, gymnastics and a special lunch.  The Head Teacher had asked us to come a bit later to school so we got all packed up and paid the bill at CWO.  Each day, one of the lovely fellows had cleaned the car of all the red dust, so we gave him a few kwacha as a thanks.

At school, the arrangements were in order but we were taken to the local garage for a Fanta. I think it was to get us out the way!  We returned to find the learners under a tree and all the visiting guests (those from the Education Department, all the Village Chiefs, School Management Committee and the PTA) seated on one of the verandas of a classroom (on well used and very popular plastic lawn chairs!).  For the next half and hour or so we watched the most magical dancing and entertainment by the kids.

From the celebrations we then headed to another classroom for a 'mean lunch'.  All the guests, as well as the staff, were given a delcious lunch and then listened to loads of speeches (the people of Malawi LOVE their speeche!).  We also gave our final gifts to the school and were presented by some lovely gifts in return (wood, chitenzas and a traditional game).

Afterwards, it was time for a multitude of photos before we got in the car to drive away. In a tradtional African fashion, the women sang out loud as we walked to the car. It was very moving to say the least.  Blubber eyes Anderson was crying as we left.  We look forward to welcoming Daytone and Eluby to the UK in the autumn.