OUTSTANDING WELCOME !
Lines of the younger students, waving and wanting to shake hands, plus the school band, were the first signs of the excellent welcome we received this morning at the J.N. Petit Technical High School in Pune City. It caters for 1600 boys aged 4 - 18. The school is very successful in sport and thus was attracted to being twinned into the Pune Games.
Costume-clad older students then greeted us, followed by a procession through the School Hall full of applauding students in blue uniforms. When we were all seated on the stage, we were welcomed formally and entertained with music and action songs. David (Team Leader) made a suitable response speech of thanks.
Then it was our turn so we taught the assembled students a familiar Kiribati welcoming song "Ongo te bwana" which includes all those present by imitating the actions. More dancing and greetings and sharing followed.
We ended as in Kiribati with three formal claps followed by "Tekeraoi !" (Good luck !)
Light refreshments, signing the visitors' book, more mutual entertainment ended with us saying "Tiabo" and driving off. This was a great experience for us and we hope we made a favourable impression on the school staff and students.
Last Modified on 16/10/2008 21:11