As the two safari trucks pulled through the school gates, we were greeted by an animated scene of running, skipping, and jumping - not too dissimilar from the dancing we held each morning on site. The difference this time was the blue and brown school uniforms worn by the school children. The teethy grins and big eyes all pushed for a position at the front of the queue. No smile was wider than that of the teacher who had been speaking with Zuhra in anticipation of our visit; for she knew about the day we had ahead of us. The bridge inauguration being pulled forward by a day to by the state dignitaries, meant we had an extra day free to do some STEM outreach in Rwanda. 

The children were all shown around the back to the playground as we sorted our donations into boxes and conversed with the teaching staff. As we travelled through the corridor to greet the children, a wave of music hit us like an avalanche. My sunglasses immediately pulled to cover my eyes as the hairs on my arm stood on end. The volume of noise was as great as their beautiful choral voices singing in unison. "Welcome, welcome our visitors" was the opening number, followed shortly by "the coconut song" with matching actions, that we were obviously expected to replicate.

Next, the top performers from the year six class were shuffled to the front,  this time out of uniform, as they wore traditional outfits and performed a traditional African dance for us; arms pumping in unison as they adorned peace baskets on the heads. Ladies first, gents second. The boys came in bare feet and stamped their feet with speed as they raised alternating arms. My sunglasses remained low, over my eyes. My hands were raised high, above my head, to applaud vigorously.

Next, it was our turn to explain why we were here. As we asked who had seen the new bridge, all hands were held up, with half of the children having used it for their daily commute that morning. We then stood up, one at a time, to explain who we were and why we were there. Everyone spoke so beautifully. Syd mentioned how much he was looking forward to reading the responses to the letters sent by his children. Eden explained about how rewarding he found an engineering career. I thanked them for all they had taught me about community spirit and strength. 

To round up our part of the discussion, we handed over our donations, balls, pens, sanitary products for the girls, balls, lego and twister. I took the balls straight to they net in the playground and started playing the most chaotic game of volley ball ever witnessed. There weren't really any rules, but this was made up for by the mountain of enthusiasm and energy. The teacher came over to encourage them to try a more structured activity; perhaps some colouring in the classroom. So we joined them to do some bridge pictures in bright colours. They were indistinguishable from the pictures by the English children we had sent previously. I went back outside to sit on the slope and take it all in. The children stood over me, grinning, a couple were stroking my hair - straight hair being a novelty here. I roared. 

Eden was next to me and the children were asking him for his glasses, I assumed they were being goofy at first, but soon realised optometry was also a novelty here. A poignant moment like so many we have had here. The vivid colours and laughter of the children playing twister were seen more clearly by some than by others. 

Not a moment later, there was a clatter as those playing twister clearly had too many legs in the air. Laughter ensued. Jamie went to open the box of lego and they were on him like vultures. Each grabbing one brick and running off to inspect it. Hopefully they learn in time the pieces fit together! 

The teacher handed us the responses they had written to our letters from our families and schools back home. They were written very neatly, in English, with photographs in standard format. Each containing unique facts and anecdotes from those studying at the school. Some had big brothers, some loved maths and some had 4 pet goats. The differences outweighed the similarities tenfold. 

I can't wait to share the letters with my nieces. I stole one last hug from my little friend Grace before we were swept into our safari trucks, and made way for one last bridge visit. Some children were walking along the side of the road as we drove away, and we realised they had stayed past school hours to see us. The others went back to class and got some undisturbed education for the afternoon. The teacher thanked us passionately as she shared how some of the children had to camp overnight in the school this spring, due to heavy rain and risk of drowning. Something that will not have to happen again. Work in the office will feel very strange next week...

-Grace