Today was one of the most memorable days of the project.  We were all filled with very mixed emotions of excitement, sadness and nerves as we prepared to put on a show to remember to conclude our time at Kirilewella School and say our Goodbyes. 

We arrived at the school with all the girls on the team dressed in beautiful saris.  We were all in an assortment of colours and patterns and the audience at the school seemed delighted we were dressed in traditional Sri Lankan dress.  This had been quite a feat for Lalli’s family in the morning dressing each of us, as we all just watched astonished as the different fabrics were wound round us; a method we all attempted to remember but will most likely have forgotten!

The show was a fantastic success with all our attempts at Sinhala dancing and singing, as well as singing some English songs.  I think the children put us to shame with the coherence and sophistication of their routines.  The children had mastered the English nursery rhymes we had taught them over our time at the school and they had a selection of costumes that were vibrant and striking, making the whole occasion very colourful.  

It was lovely to see all our friends from the village had come along to the school.  When I look back to the opening ceremony in July where we were all just new faces, it now feels very special to have built a strong relationship with the community over the summer. It wasn’t until the cultural show was at an end that we fully appreciated the impact of our departure.  It was a very emotional Goodbye but I am certain we will all stay in contact as Kirilewella has made such a huge, lasting impression on us with their unfailing hospitality, generosity and kindness.