The day started with a delightful breakfast at the hotel, where we gathered bright and early, filled with anticipation for the day ahead. After savoring our meal, we made our way to the school for the highly anticipated celebration. As we walked into the schoolyard, we were greeted by a sea of excited faces from the local community members. The air was thick with joy and anticipation, a palpable energy that made it clear how much this day meant to everyone involved. We were ushered into seats positioned right in front of the stage, allowing us an unobstructed view of the ceremony as it began promptly. The atmosphere was festive, with decorations adorning the brand-new sports court, symbolizing the unity and pride of the community.
As the ceremony commenced, the first speaker was a local pastor who delivered an inspiring speech that resonated deeply with everyone present. He spoke passionately about the transformative power of education, emphasizing how this new school would serve as a beacon of hope and opportunity for both current and future students. His words painted a vivid picture of the possibilities that education could unlock, encouraging the community to rally around this vital institution. Following him, one of the dedicated teachers at the school took to the podium. He recounted the journey that led to the establishment of the school, sharing heartfelt anecdotes about the challenges they faced and the unwavering support they received from organizations like Engineers Without Borders and Rotary. His speech highlighted the collaborative efforts and the profound impact that these partnerships had on the success of the project, reinforcing the idea that this school was not just a building but a symbol of collective dreams and aspirations.
After the speeches, the atmosphere shifted to one of eager anticipation as it was time for the most significant moment of the celebration: the ribbon cuttings! Various esteemed members of the local community, along with representatives from EWB and Rotary, were invited to participate in this ceremonial act. As they took turns cutting the ribbons that adorned the entrance of the school and the various classrooms, the crowd erupted into applause. This was an emotional moment for many community members, as it symbolized the culmination of a decade-long pursuit of a dream—a dream that had finally become a reality. The joy and pride on their faces were a testament to the hard work and dedication that had gone into making this project possible.
Once the ribbon cutting concluded, the local community members expressed their gratitude by presenting meaningful gifts to the project lead, Sam Wolseth, and the chapter president, Matt Wessale. These gifts were tokens of appreciation that represented the deep bond formed between the community and the organizations that supported them. Special gifts were also given to Rotary, commemorating their invaluable contribution to the project. In a spirit of reciprocity, Matt then presented gifts that the organizations had brought for the school and community members. These included basketballs and nets for the sports court, bilingual books intended to enrich the educational experience of the students, and beautifully crafted quilts to provide warmth to community members in need. Each gift was received with smiles and gratitude, highlighting the spirit of giving and collaboration that permeated the day.
After the festivities wrapped up, the community graciously prepared a delicious lunch for us, allowing us to engage in meaningful conversations with local elders, teachers, and other contributors to the project. The teachers took great pride in showing us around the newly completed school, guiding our EWB members through the classrooms, and illustrating how their construction designs had come to life in a way that would serve the community for years to come. It was a heartwarming experience to witness the joy and pride of the educators as they shared their vision for the future of the students who would walk through these doors. Overall, the celebration was a deeply emotional day filled with joy, gratitude, and hope. We felt incredibly elated to have been included in the festivities and were eager to see how this school would positively impact future generations, nurturing young minds and fostering a love for learning.
Following the celebrations, we returned to our hotel, where we took the time to debrief and reflect on the day’s events. We shared our thoughts and feelings, allowing the significance of the experience to sink in, before heading out for a celebratory dinner. On our way home, we took the opportunity to soak in the last sights of Nebaj, appreciating the beauty of the landscape and the warmth of the community before our morning departure to our next destination. The memories of this day, filled with hope and unity, would stay with us as we continued our journey, inspiring us to carry forward the spirit of collaboration and support that had been so evident throughout the celebration.
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