Written by Susan Dawson
'Tomorrow we'll have a celebration' they told me. It was to be my last day with the teachers of Sunrise school, and I was pleased that I might have a more formal time to say goodbye and thank you. I had no idea that 'celebration' meant a musical and dramatic extravaganza.
The classrooms were cleaned, the dividing screen and desks removed, and the benches set out in rows. The deputy head gave a little welcoming speech to everyone, and then there were some Sudanese songs performed on the Oud and drums. The older children had stayed after school, and they too performed songs - some in English, others in Arabic.
There were poems recited, more speeches, prayers, worship songs and more Sudanese songs, as well as plenty of sweets and biscuits to eat. The children performed a piece of drama depicting the potentially different outcomes in life for those who study hard and those who don't. They might either become doctors and lawyers, or get drawn into a life of crime and end up with a prison sentence!
Susan among the refugee teachers and pupils in North Africa.
It was a joyous occasion, and so wonderful to see them enjoying the songs and music of their homeland. I thanked them for inviting me into their school for two weeks, and for looking after me so well. I gave them all certificates for completing the training course, which they seemed very proud of.
They in turn presented me with a beaded necklace in the colours of the Sudanese flag so that I would not forget them. I don't think I ever will, but that necklace will be a constant reminder to pray for these teachers and children.
Please pray for them too.