Good Evening - welcome to Update of the second day of our Elizabeth Moir Youth Leadership Programme - a day which brought us more scorching sunshine, followed by torrential rain and the inevitable emergence of the friendly local leech population.
However the day started off with a nice warm up, some exercises to loosen up stiff muscles and to get the heart rate going, as well as some team games to maximise the rather competitive (albeit completely friendly) spirit of the students of Elizabeth Moir!
Today's main adventure activity was the abseil off Sandun Ella Waterfall, a 80ft decent from one of the most beautiful vantage points in and around Kithulgala - to say that a few of the kids were nervous was an understatement, but all of them, even a rather nervous teacher (no names!) did it - with some overcoming some major physical challenges, and others really testing themselves emotionally and psychologically - well done to all of them, they did an amazing job of supporting and encouraging each other.
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| Full Safety Brief |
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| Zainab very relieved she's almost at the bottom! |
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| Looking Good Dude! |
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| Last few meters to our natural infinity pool |
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| Caught in the waterfall |
The rain came just as wel were sending down the last of the students and the teachers, so good timing, and the hike down saw everyone in really high spirits - its safe to say i have never heard so much laughter from students and teachers than than this group from Elizabeth Moir - infectious, and the way that some of them helped Nafla on the walk up and down from the waterfall, was really admirable.
Every school enjoys a social on their last night with Borderland,s and tonight was no exception - campfire, marshmallows, some music, improv disco lights and some great dancing! The inevitable "Gangam Style" (will this ever be replaced by new novelty song - perhaps we hope not?!). Thanks to the students who brought their own instruments to camp with them - always good to hear some live acoustic music at Borderlands.
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| Wasim enjoying his 49th marshmallow! |
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| Hanging Out in the Long House |
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| Yohann on the gee-tar! |
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| Gwang Hoon - Sweet Guitar Sounds |
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| Doing the Conga! | | | | |
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| Did I Miss the Mandolin Session Emily...? |
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| Mr PVT - Styling it the Gangam Way |
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| Shazana Styling it up in her own Unique Way |
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| The Long House - Best Party in Town! |
Bed for the students was 11pm, and all quiet in Kithulgala, so finishing this up now so that I can get up to say a proper goodbye tomorrow morning. I think I speak for everyone at Borderlands when I say that we only wish we had longer to get to know these kids, who have really shone bright, and have been so incredibly lovely to have with us. They embraced everything with high spirits and good grace and a sense of gratitude which was great to feel and hear - we really hope to have Elizabeth Moir back with us again next year, as they've been a really amazing bunch, and I hope you guys leave with lasting memories and when you're back in the busy, dusty city tomorrow that you'll have a wistful feeling for the sound of the river and the feel of a hard floor! :)
Meantime good luck to everyone with the upcoming exams and I hope that those few days break gave you a new perspective on things!
Til next year!
Incidentally apologies for the small size of the images - internet is slow tonight so I had to resize them small so I could upload them - a DVD of the programme will be made - 20 students have signed up for a copy, along with original copies of all the images taken on the programme - for any parents who would like a copy please let Mr Van Twest know and he will add you to the list - the cost is Rs1000 and it will be given to the kids on the day of the post-session in a few week's time. Thanks! Gwen.
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