Moments after I arrived on the beautiful little island of Vorovoro in Fiji, I find myself in a world of sulu’s (fabric wrapped around as a skirt, worn by both men and women), savusavu (welcoming ceremony), meke (traditional dance) and kava (ceremonial drink).
I’m here to be part of the ‘Tribewanted’ Project and I’ll be living with the local people of the Mali district on this tiny stretch of paradise in the Pacific ocean.
Before I even have time to look around the island, we all jump into a small boat and are taken one island further. Here, we get to visit the Mali District School.
OVERVIEW
Meeting the Children
The kids seems happy to welcome us with their National Anthem and grab us by the hand to show us their work in two small, but beautifully decorated classrooms.
A Colourful Parade
In honour of World Teachers Day, the kids are all dressed up in traditional Fijian clothing (well… most of them, or Batman somehow got involved in Fijian history without the rest of the world knowing about it) and they soon gather to parade in front of us:
We’re all the same!
Before I went travelling, I was a primary school teacher myself, so I find it quite interesting to see what kids in Fiji are up to at school. And you know what? Nothing is really that much different than in ‘our’ world.
Their textbooks might not look as fancy and they don’t have brand new computers, but the kids act the same, regardless…
A girl is nervous when reading a poem out loud…
…and giggles when a friend makes a mistake
The young ones yawn every once in a while…
…because sitting still all morning is something you learn over time
A boy get into an argument with his neighbour…
…about who’s feet are supposed to be where on the floor
Ah, it seems that kids just stay kids, wherever they are in the world.
Or not?
The Real Truth about Kids in Fiji
Well, perhaps there is one thing different between ‘their’ kids and ‘our’ kids.
I think it’s pretty safe to state that Fijian children are the best singers ánd dancers in the world.
A big Vina’a Va’a Levu (thank you very much) to the staff of the Mali District School to invite us on this special day. And a special thanks to the kids, who let me know that you don’t really need that much to be a smart, caring and perfectly happy kid!
Did you visit a school in another country? How amazing where the kids there?
