Squatter Settlement

Today was a very long and full day! Had a delicious breakfast of baked oatmeal and papaya. Then I went with Brittany, Natalie, and Yan Chun to a Squatter Settlement. Let me explain- everyone in Fiji is given land. But for most, the land is given to them on their own islands and very remote locations. A lot of people leave the land they are given and travel to the city to find work, but it's super expensive to live in the city and have actual land. So people make these villages (or settlements) on unclaimed land to live on. These are called Squatter Settlements. The government is typically aware of these locations, but often times let them be, but sometimes the people are forced out. The Ministry of Health told us of this one over by one of the universities and helped us make contact. We went there today so Yan Chun (a very financially smart guy from Singapore). He asked a lot of questions about what they sell, how much, where do they sell, and stuff like that. He hopes to set up a workshop to teach them better marketing strategies and other finance stuff. It's really cool, and hopefully will be very helpful. This particular settlement makes and sells Tapa cloth (very common around here, but it's AMAZING stuff- very intricate hand-made and painted cloth that takes forever to make) and a very old (but hilarious) man that makes small wooden canoe/sailboat models by hand. They were BEAUTIFUL. If they would fit in a suitcase, I would bring one home for everyone I knew. Anyways, hopefully we can help them with their marketing stuff. We also have a garden project we're hoping to start there and get them good soil to grow fruits and vegetables for themselves and to sell. And we're also wanting to start English lessons (a few spoke English, but not many)- this will also help with their businesses and marketing methods. The people were so nice, but so very poor. It's amazing how little they live on, but how happy they were. The kids attacked me when I took out my camera and wanted to see every picture I took on the camera. They loved it. We spent a few hours there and left telling them we would be back over the next few weeks to get things started. 

We walked along the coast for awhile until we found our bus stop (again, not the gorgeous beaches, but actually kind of a trashy bit of beach, but the ocean nonetheless). We rode the bus back to our side of town and walked home and had lunch. Then we went to Hilton Special School (disability and deaf school) and was promptly mauled by the kids. THEY REMEMBERED MY NAME. It was so sweet! We hung up some door decorations on the teachers' doors (reading helps us grow, water, hygiene, sanitation, and motivational quotes, etc.). Then I was introduced to the Headmaster (principal) of the school, Nanci. She was really excited when Brittany told her I taught PE. She launched in to how she wanted me to teach PE classes there and had this huge and very time consuming plan... I told her that I wouldn't have time to do all she wanted (I'm only here a month! And there are several other projects that I want to help with), so I told her I would teach a class with all the kids twice a week from 12-1. It's all a bit stressful and I'm feeling overwhelmed a little with everything I have to plan- I was not at all expecting or really wanting to do my own projects, but the need is here and it's something I can do. So I have to start planning some lessons, and of course I don't have any of my lesson plans or school notes with me, but oh well. I will try to come up with something :) It's really only 7 classes. So not that big of a deal, but there is some accompanying paper work that I have to do with it for HELP. YAY PAPERWORK. Good times.

I'm really quite enjoying myself. I'm busier and have more work than I thought (not that I thought I would just come here to lay on the beach) but I guess I didn't really know what to expect anyways. We're having enchiladas for dinner here in a bit. Well.....as best of enchiladas as one can make in Fiji (we seriously couldn't find the right sauce anywhere!). Prayers would be much appreciated that I remember things I learned in school about adapted PE lessons. I've facebooked my fellow classmates, and I hope they respond, but if not, pray that I have an excellent memory! Vinaka! (Thanks!)

Moce and much love,

Sarah

PS Here are a few pictures from the Squatter Settlement