Abingdon Preparatory School

Over the course of the week we met all teachers and children. We had the opportunity to teach and also observe their teaching practices. We never would have thought that one of the most challenging aspects was to make ourselves heard over the rain beating down upon the metal roof of the classroom! The teachers at Jimba Gede do an amazing job with limited resources and often very large classes. They were very appreciative of the posters received through our Poster Appeal campaign and were delighted to see them adorning the classroom walls by the end of the week.

Camera in hand, Natasha took to her new role as film maker very well and captured some lovely moments: including interviews with the children, songs and messages of friendship.  The children took absolute delight in watching themselves on camera as Natasha played back the clips for them. Children of Jimba Gede were very excited to receive letters from the children of Abingdon Prep. Many of our children chose to be a pen pal of a Jimba Gede child and wrote to an individual at the school. The Jimba Gede children showed obvious delight from the letters and pictures sent. They wrote back to their English friends eagerly.

Many wished to send their pen pals a recorded greeting,  drawings or presents of bananas, coconuts and limes.  We accepted all with thanks but the latter we had to leave behind knowing they wouldn't last the journey and might cause a spot of bother at customs in Heathrow. Instead, we took plenty of pictures of them and passed on their message of friendship and kindness to the children at Abingdon Prep.

We very much hope that one day Abingdon Prep will be able to return the warm hospitality shown to us. Children from both schools gain much from such a partnership and I'm sure our link will continue to flourish.