Friday…. Farewell Meke

“Normally, Friday wouldn’t be a school day,” the grade 7 teacher Mr. Solo had noted to me yesterday, “but the kids want to come back and dance for you.”

School was officially done yesterday. Today is just for fun, but of course we have come to teach, so they let us teach morning classes. I read, “The Blind Men and the Elephant” story and we discuss the importance of seeing the big picture.

“Life is like that elephant,” I tell them, “and we can’t see the whole if we are only focused on one spot.”

Hmmmm, I think I’ve just summed up our GC4P mission……Teachers traveling to teach and learn the “big picture”.

“I like that story,”  comments one student

“Good story, Madam,” agrees another.

Now for some afternoon fun.

I take out the assorted beads left over from another lesson, and let them string necklaces and bracelets for themselves as they get ready for their dances, or “meke”.

Before we’re finished, even the boys are embellished with anklets, bracelets, and necklaces. I make an anklet for myself in solidarity with our new look.

During recess, the principal Mr Ilisoni, and staff invite us to our final snack session. Mr Ilisoni reads from a prepared speech which he graciously furnishes me with per my request, afterwards. 

“…your lesson presentations, we children and teachers find them enjoyable. It creates an atmosphere of a true teaching and learning situation. The materials [and] teaching aids are so unique and lovely that the children could grasp the concepts of activities so easily”

“Though you have been away from home for some time, you have missed your families, children, grandchildren, friends and relatives, I thank you for taking your time to reach out your programme to some very remote areas as voluntary worker[s].”

“Pass our regards back home, and may God bless you.”

Sniff……nuff said.

Then the meke begins, as the village mothers tie sulus, straighten headdresses, and cue the dancers. Again, some things are the same the world over. 

We are treated to a joyful presentation, as the village parents laugh and clap, and sing along with the kids. Any missteps bring much more hilarity from the moms, dads, aunts, uncles and cousins watching along with us.

Laughter is one of the things I will remember most about Fiji.

BULA!!!!