RASHDOO SCHOOL - Rashdoo Atoll
Rasdhoo is a very small Island very close to the Tourist Resort of Kuramathi. I needed to get books to the School. As luck would have it when I was running Maldive Travel I had a group of 32 people all interconnected with each other. Grannies, children, sons, daughters and even two Nannies! They were to fly on three different flights but all landing the same day. I became very involved with the family when arranging for the holiday and for me what was extra special was the enormous interest they showed in the local people, their customs and background.
They were very happy to take all the books as between them they had ample space. Their condition was that they could visit the school, present the books, and their children which ranged from 4 - 14 could be included. All this big family went over to Rashdoo . Presented the books to the headmaster. They all (especially the children) got on so well with a promise to keep in touch and send books from their various schools. I did suggest to the family that perhaps the older ones could start up a pen friend relationship. I think the pictures tell it all!
They were very happy to take all the books as between them they had ample space. Their condition was that they could visit the school, present the books, and their children which ranged from 4 - 14 could be included. All this big family went over to Rashdoo . Presented the books to the headmaster. They all (especially the children) got on so well with a promise to keep in touch and send books from their various schools. I did suggest to the family that perhaps the older ones could start up a pen friend relationship. I think the pictures tell it all!
VELIDHOO - NOONU ATOLL
I was asked by a good friend of mine in the UK, if i could send some children's books to the island Velidhoo on Noonu Atoll.
Twice a year I had collected enough kids books, mostly through the lectures i was giving to schools throughout UK and sometimes i was giving two a day as the interest was enormous. My books would take 6 weeks to reach Male. I waited untill my shipment of books had arrived there.
Twice a year I had collected enough kids books, mostly through the lectures i was giving to schools throughout UK and sometimes i was giving two a day as the interest was enormous. My books would take 6 weeks to reach Male. I waited untill my shipment of books had arrived there.
I boarded a vessel of my good friend Adam Hussan in Male at 9 pm. A starlit night calm seas and as always I slept on deck on a screw pine mat and gently was lulled to sleep under the stars. Woke around 8 o'clock with the warm sun on my back, the most beautiful day.
Went below to change into a national dres. By 12 o'clock we came along Velidu's jetty.
The headmaster and Island Chief welcomed me. It was very hot and at a slow pace we walked to the school. I was turning into the Pied Piper with young children giggling behind me as I was introduced to all the teachers and children. Later that after noon I met with the parents some couldn't believe me to be real with again lots of giggles!
I always bring footballs to the schools that receive my books so it was decision time, which child would be the first to kick the new Chelsea Football? I live very close to Stanford bridge so I support Chelsea Football team! A very small lad in the front row had a big plaster on his leg! I called him up asking if he could kick like "Beckham" and was his leg strong enough? It was and his kick was quite brilliant!
Went below to change into a national dres. By 12 o'clock we came along Velidu's jetty.
The headmaster and Island Chief welcomed me. It was very hot and at a slow pace we walked to the school. I was turning into the Pied Piper with young children giggling behind me as I was introduced to all the teachers and children. Later that after noon I met with the parents some couldn't believe me to be real with again lots of giggles!
I always bring footballs to the schools that receive my books so it was decision time, which child would be the first to kick the new Chelsea Football? I live very close to Stanford bridge so I support Chelsea Football team! A very small lad in the front row had a big plaster on his leg! I called him up asking if he could kick like "Beckham" and was his leg strong enough? It was and his kick was quite brilliant!
I visited all the classrooms, saw my library and became quite over come at the little they have available to them compared to children in England, makes me very weepy! I end with the few words sent to me by Aishath Hafeez Headmistress of Noonu Atoll Education Centre 02/03/1999:
"Being a non-Muslim, you are the only person in the entire world who supports a developing Muslim country, and the people for it. For that I am grateful and request that you lend a hand to improve my students reading skills and knowledge"
