Charlie 1 didn't miss out on the opening ceremony action this week as they had a grand unveiling of the new school in Muttimoola.
The school and the whole of Muttimoola had been beautifully decorated and all the villagers were out in force, in their gladrags, to witness the occasion.
Ali helps to unveil the plaque with Amanda and Mr Ranganathen
Mr Ranganathen from Raleigh's project partner CTRD, villagers, the school teacher, PMs, venturers and Raleigh fieldbase staff, all took part in the emotional ceremony. They were given the opportunity to say a few words and made sure to thank the villagers for their hospitality, kindness and excellent catering (and games of cricket) before the tape was cut by PMs David, Kate and Mili. For Ali, it was particularly special as she'd seen the village in the last expedition when the school was simply a shack that leaked when it rained and attracted snakes, so she had seen it come a long way in just a few months. It was also a poignant occasion for David as being a teacher himself, it was a project he had been passionate about from the beginning and had got to spend two phases in the village during 09J.
PM's David, Mili and Kate with Alison, Ali and Mr Ranganathen
The group was treated to celebratory chai and nibbles and also two perfomances from the village children; one group sang and two of the village girls performed a cermonial dance to mark the occasion. There wasn't a dry eye in the house!
The school will also be used as a community centre and a place where adults, as well as children, can be educated and maybe become teachers themselves, so the new building is a massive step to improving this small tribal community's future prosperity.
Villagers congregate outside Charlie 1's new mural
Chloe, Beth, Dan and Ali listen to the speeches
Mr Ranganathen presented each volunteer with a shawl and, in return, Raleigh donated supplies such as posters and pencils for the schoolchildren.
PM Charlotte Ali, who's currently trekking so couldn't make the ceremony, was given special recognition as her work at the village spanned three phases over two expeditions and clearly made a big impact on the villagers.
Well done to all the volunteers who took part in this life-changing project and thanks to CTRD, the masons and the villagers who made it all possible.
Well done to all the volunteers who took part in this life-changing project and thanks to CTRD, the masons and the villagers who made it all possible.
This one's for you Charlie!
To All,
ReplyDeleteWe have followed your hard slog,
as a part of Raleigh's intrepid team,
by reading about it on the blog,
but you my friends have lived the dream.
You have all been proper Charlies,
been Tango'd with no regret,
left your Echoes in the jungle,
where the elephants never forget.
Life is one long adventure,
and the deeper that one delves,
teaches you a little bit about others,
and a lot about yourselves.
When you look back on your achievments,
and think about them at length,
you will realise, even when you had doubts,
you always found an inner strength,
We know you don't need telling,
as this adventure in India ends,
that strangers you met, just weeks ago,
will now all part as friends.
So best wishes from proud parents,
who just want to say,
Congratulations to all involved,
in Raleigh O9J.
chris braggs good to hear your voice on the phone libby was still in bed lol. but i really didnt hear all properly news ect.... got confused got bit worried hope it nothing serious the lines on the phone were so crackly, heard about 1oclock. and your ok something about news but didnt understand so blog me tell me whats happening. love n miss you so does everyone well waiting for blog from you to fill me in we even turned on the telly for the news lol.
ReplyDeleteHi Luke
ReplyDeleteGreat to see that the school is now open - well done everyone you have certainly made a difference.
Looking forward to seeing you soon - hearing your voice again will be the best birthday present ever! Love and hugs Mum xx
To Morten Jacobsen
ReplyDeleteHej Morten. Jeg var lige inden og se på jeres hjemmeside om der var noget nyt fra jeres gruppe. Desværre ikke, men jeg håber jeres adventure tur er gået godt. De var nogle fine billeder og kommentarer fra den officielle åbning af jeres skole projekt og ranger/elefant projekt. Tillykke herfra med det fine resultat, som du også har været med til at skabe.
Jeg glæder mig virkelig til at se dig igen og høre mere om din tur og oplevelser. Jeg håber ikke du bliver for nedtrykt når du kommer hjem. Har er meget mørkt og gråt og vi har set solen ca. 2 dage siden 1. november!!! Mor og jeg (og Anders) arbejder hårdt på at få huset gjort klar til at I alle kommer hjem samt gøre det muligt for os at fungere i huset. Der har været meget frem og tilbage med ekstra flytning fra jordhulen til Holte eller fra Holte til sommerhuset m.v., så vi har stort set ikke sidet ned de sidste 2 uger. Det er også derfor vi ikke har fået skrevet så meget til dig og det hjælper heller ikke at internettet her i huset ikke virker så godt og er meget langsomt. Så det må du også være forberedt på. Der er desværre også lidt dårlige nyheder, idet Dina er blevet syg og skal på hospitalet. Hun skal opereres og vi regner naturligvis med at alt bliver godt igen. Vi skal i den forbindelse have farfar på besøg, idet han har lidt svært med at huske bl.a. at tage hans medicin, så han ankommer på onsdag morgen og bliver her et par dage. Derfor kan det godt være at hele huset er lidt kaos på onsdag, når du også ankommer, men vi tager blot en dag ad gangen og så skal det hele nok gå fint. Anders har været i Rom til bl.a. Christmas Ball her i weekenden. En time før han skulle med flyet hjem ringede han og bad om at måtte bliver der til imorgen. Vi har så først fået en ny billet til på tirsdag, men det var naturligvis også fint med ham. Han følte, at han ikke havde nået at tale med alle hans venner og har naturligvis fået lidt "hjemve" efter at have set dem alle igen.
Jeg håber, du nyder dine sidste dage i Indien (i denne omgang) samt at du får en god tur hjem. Husk at undersøge, om du skal foretage check-in eller printe boarding kort ud hos Easyjet, hvis du får mulighed for at komme til en computer (og printer) inden du flyver hjem.
1000000000000000000 kys og kram. Far
Hello James G.
ReplyDeleteJust sending you my last blog to India. Well done to you and all your new friends. You have achieved so much. This is something that you will all look back on with great pride. Many many thanks to all the Raleigh India staff for the wonderful time that you have had,We have really loved seeing all of the photos and messages that have kept us up to date with all the news.
Looking forward to seeing you at Heathrow. Your request has been granted for the journey home!
Lots and lots of love Mx
Georgie Page
ReplyDeleteHope you are having a great end to the trip. Listen out at about 5am tomorrow morning as we fly over you on the way home. Hope you all get a good flight home. See you soon with a coffee! Love Dad XXX
Hi all, its Charlie who was on phase 1 at Muttilmoola. I am so glad to see that the school is finished and it looks very different from when I was there so congratulations to all that were part of this magnificant project. Ali, do you have any more pictures of the school? because I would really love to see how the exterior of the school looked, cheers
ReplyDeleteWhat an achievement!!The school looks so good and I do hope that it will make a big difference for the Village - it sounds as 'tho you've all built a new village hall. You're probably packing up now and there are two little dogs in Putney who can't wait to see you and the cat and,of course, M and D.
ReplyDeleteLove you loads Mum
The Raleigh blog has over the last 10 weeks provided avidly awaited and welcome news about the adventurers. Thank you Raleigh!
ReplyDeleteHello HOLLY
ReplyDeleteHave a safe journey home - can't wait to see you,
Love mum X
Hi Holly
ReplyDeleteSafe journey home,Hol.
Love
Dad xxx
Hi to ALL the venturers and the Raleigh support team, what a journey, what a life changing experience for you all and for family and friends back home sharing in the adventure!
ReplyDeleteMay you all have a safe journey home and thank you for all you have done, not least the invaluable projects with the local communities who I am sure will have many memories of what you achieved.
Well done...
Mum Oakes x
Hi Matt! Congratulations on the school!! It looks fantastic. And you're done! Which is crazy, and so impressive! Hope you have a great end to it all. Dunno what you're plans are now but just wanted to say you're brilliant and wonderful. Hope this reaches you! Kate xxx
ReplyDelete