Day 17: Goodbye to Gehandu

Blog by Mr Hills and Mr Stobbs. It was an emotional last day at Gehandu school after a busy and hugely fulfilling week.

Following a later than anticipated departure and Joshua's (the bus driver) eclectic mix of music we arrived with a spring in our step and an eagerness to make the most of the day. Three final excellent lessons were taught before preparations began in earnest for the farewell ceremony combining cultural elements from both schools. In addition, there was added gravitas with guests of honour from the local community.

Interspersed between a number of heartfelt speeches there were performances of local dances, plays, songs and even some rapping. These were performed by various year groups culminating in the Radley boys joining the final dance with the Year 4 students, who will graduate in November. Radley returned the favour and offered a smorgasbord of culture. As well as an acapella, there was a well-received Monty Python skit, a musical standup and a rap of questionable quality! As the ceremony ended, there was the poignant planting of three new trees that will serve as a lasting symbol of the 2016 cohort. These were planted by Josh Bowesman-Jones and Jack Elvin.

After a healthy lunch in the staff room with all those who have been involved with the week, it was time to say goodbye. Inevitably, as a result of the close ties that have been forged over the course of the week, this took quite some time. Demand for pictures was high, which came as a welcome relief for a couple of members of the team! Eventually, the bus headed out down the drive for one last time on this trip. This was carried out to a fitting rendition of 'Jerusalem'. We were joined by some of the staff from Gehandu who then accompanied us to Mbulu market.

Overall, the sentiments of the occasion are now beautifully portrayed in the mural that adorns the side of the science block. It demonstrates the close ties between Radley and Gehandu including elements from both schools motos and crests as well as the names of the pen pals from 2016.