Zanzibar Friday 9am, 2am NYC
Skuli ya Kairo GIVE School
My friends pitched the idea of visiting a local school. With me, to be honest, I didn't get it at first. I do feel that when you visit, particularly a school anywhere, there is intent, such as bringing supplies with you, having some type of cash to donate (which you have to watch for, due to corrupt individuals who may work at the school and not apply the monetary donation to the needs of the school, but to their pockets) as well as, what can YOU apply that will help further this school. I do feel that my exposure and experiences with having had traveled enough, and being surrounded by friends from different countries, you pay attention to details that are told you, however, it is something that I do suggest for most, to SEE for themselves and not just go based on word of mouth.
I was nervous about visiting the school, I have to admit, as looking at our surroundings and where we were located, there were parts that could use some assistance in bettering their lives, according to my understanding of "bettering" a persons life, or societies thoughts, per se. However, there were some folks who were content and happy with the way they lived so, who are we to come from outside, and assume they need more or anything at all?
I have been to places where I have visited schools, and the staff have blatantly asked for money for them, and not towards what could be improved at the location where children spend most of their day. Yes, I have to say, most teachers around the world, are underpaid. But those who have a passion for seeing young minds grow, not only come out of their own pockets for supplies, but boast about how they make due with what they have, and how they can improve their students lives, with just a little more help with additional items.
We visited the Kairo GIVE school. This school was solely built off of donations and volunteer work from the GIVE organization. They take 6 months of their time to spend in the village, continuing to build the school, with in between breaks taking place locally within Zanzibar. It's almost like a volunteer vacation LOL. I liked the concept, especially since the funding for the project, actually went to the school and not the governments pockets. We later also learned that prior to this school being built, the students would have have to walk to the nearest school, which happened to be 3-4 miles away, on their primary school feet. No buses, car ride, or even money for a taxi.
We later found out, after this school was solely built off of donations, the government is now in control of the school, so it is technically a public school.
We met with a few staff, which included the Head Mistress, a couple teachers and of course, the cutest faces ever!
We chatted with the staff, which I managed to record, gaining further insight into their lives and the lives of their students, and the benefits that have been presented to the students in the region.
Zanzibar 12pm, 5 pm NYC
Private Pool time
We returned to the resort and decided to just take the final day to just sit and relax. Thanks to my bff, she was shown where there was another pool on the property that was sort of a private pool. Not as much activity by it like the main pool. It's hot, quite, and perfect for a photoshoot or a book to read, with music playing.
As time rolls by, a few other people come to the pool and we suddenly look up to notice, we have a bottle of wine being delivered to us. No, we didn't request it :-). Just a nice gesture, and right on time because, I was running out of my own Barcardi to sip on.
(I do not own the rights to this music, playing in the background)
Zanzibar 8:30pm, 1pm NYC
Surprise Private Dinner on the beach
We proceeded to our usual spot for dinner, late, because we knew we had more time to eat, so we took our casual time to come to dinner. Once we arrived, we were escorted to sit somewhere else. Well well well! I did mention to the girls that I wanted to have a final dinner on the beach if possible, before we left, only for this special dinner to have been offered to us as a nice gesture! BOY OH BOY was is it a shock and and just a final "wish" I wanted fulfilled. :-)
Our dinner consisted of a 4 course meal, with menus specially printed for each of us.
What's funny is earlier in the day, when we moved to the chairs that faced the beach, we watched the staff put the set up together and just kept looking at it in awe. Just real flowers, leaves, vines, and kept saying "whoever is eating there tonight is lucky". It turned out to be us LOL.
Maasai Compound
Once our big dinner was finished, we went freshened up little, and proceeded to head out for our final night with our friends, to a nearby club, called Waikiki. They made a scene at the door, like it was super packed at this outdoor spot only for it to be, the total opposite. A very nice beachfront, outdoor club, it was filled with many European tourists and...the Maasai! The girls even noticed one that they made friends with earlier in the day. When he realized they recognized him, he was shocked, because, he was not in his traditional garb.
Sam |
Upon approach, we realize we were on a compound, where everyone looked alike. It was a Maasai compound, with a fully stocked bar, dance floor, disco lights, live DJ, and plenty Maasai tribesmen with a few stragglers who had also just left Waikiki. I was wondering why we didn't come here to begin with! We had a shot of, I have no clue what, I believe some type of local cognac, took in the sights, and danced a little, when we were not being surrounded closely by the Masaai LOL. Fun and awkward at the same time. It's part of there way of interacting.
It was an awesome close to our 7 day adventure. Hugs were embraced that night and with a little sadness after making new friends who live so far away, we have gladly been welcomed back with open arms! A different kind of welcome.
If your interested in visiting Africa or any other parts of the world, and want to get booked (payment plan options available), along with further information, e-mail me at ChristinaCtravels@gmail.com
An independent travel agent for TropicalTravel.net - We don't only book to the Caribbean
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