A number of VSO volunteers attached to government ministries are thereby invited to join the annual Christmas party. The pattern appears to be:- a tent is erected within the grounds of the office place, or a large venue hired; individual meals are pre-ordered, official guests line a top table and open proceedings with prayers and speeches, karaoke is booked, later the bar opens and finally the dance floor is occupied. A dress code of "elegantly casual" is ordered, interpreted by the younger women to mean dressing in the manner of film/pop culture. ( The working dress code for Georgetown is very formal and smart)
Parties for children abound:- run by schools, church groups, charities and the like.
I was invited to one at a special school, hosted Radio's Needy Children's Fund. As a third of the country's population live in the Georgetown area, (population 250,000) the party made TV news and a camera crew was there to film. Everybody sand along to We Wish You a Merry Christmas and other well known favourites. Miss Guyana Universe spoke words of encouragement. The proceedings were blessed by a young pastor. Santa and Mrs Claus sweated in their red and white fur costumes. A teacher and pupils performed a silly dance routine. Each child received a boxed game and a school bag. The headteacher, on behalf of the staff and pupils, received a fridge freezer for the school kitchen. Everyone was happy with what they were given.
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| Pupils are captivated by performances at the party. |
It all sounds so very different, but I will get a better picture when you retell in person. Enjoy the experiences Janice-you ARE impacting on children's lives. Happy Christmas xxxxxxxxx
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