Fiji...

Sa Bula Vinaka (that's a warm Hello in Fijian)!

Summer and I are finally returning to Fiji, and on our first day there we will be visiting the Ba School for Special Education. When I was there, there were only about 25 children and now there are approximately 55 children (the ages are from 4 to approximately 16). The abilities of the students are diverse, including children with Down's, and many of the higher functioning children regularly assist the other children. We called and asked Sai, the principal of the school, to please let us know of all their needs and he responded with the email below. Along with the general donation we are hoping to bring a specific donation for each student, whether that be a book or interactive toy, etc.

Along with family, people in our neighborhood, and Ammon's network of friends, we wanted to extend an invitation to each of you to participate. In many regards, Fiji does not have access to many of the specialized toys and instructional tools that our children have here in the States. And those specialized items that they do have access to are very expensive. We have been letting everyone know that they don't have to buy anything new (although that would be great), but simply identify any of these items they might have already or that can be acquired at a great discount. We are also hopeful to provide the school with a cash donation as part of this trip. If you're wanting to donate sport related items the only basketball court is at the church, so we would recommend focusing more on other sports such as volleyball, softball, T-ball, and especially soccer.

All cash and other donations need to be received by Saturday July 3 (we are leaving on July 7). Please don't hesitate to call or email us with any questions or additional ideas you might have. You can drop items off at our house, or just give us call and we'll gladly come to your house.

Thank you everyone! We can't wait to share these gifts with these special children an ocean away and have everyone be a part of this!

Here is a portion of Sai's email:

"With reference to the Donation that you will make to the school.... we would appreciate if you bring and give anything that suits the learning capabilities of children and students with special needs.....

Our number stands at 55 with diverse disabilities as of today and 8 teaching staffs with 1 Clerk/ Typist and 1 Driver/ Handyman.

A suggestion for the items that you could bring along would be:
1. Educational Toys
2. Story Books at an Early Stage or Beginners Level
3. Teaching Aides
4. Writing Materials
5. Laptop (1 could do- any second hand: if its available)
6. A digital Camera - for the school activities and proof of child's learning in and out of the class......Photos printed out and be displayed on the School Information Board
7. Video CD's or DVD's (educational Movies: since they have a program for Creative and Expressive Skills sessions every Friday)
8. Any other relevant stuffs for Sports would be lovely......
9. Last but not the least request if you could donate a Cell Phone to be used for the School Calls (Any Second Hand would do).....and could you Please buy Hard Drive from US to store all information about the school......(Our computer is over loaded and its really expensive here in Fiji) - 2 Hard Drive would do.....

I know that you are aware that some of the things that I have requested for are expensive in Fiji.....

Am really sorry Brian for all I have request on behalf of the school,that all the things that you going to donate to the school will be recorded and all donations will be made in the presence of all staffs and children of Ba School for Special Education.......

With those few things mentioned above I hope that you will consider the needs for children with special needs at Ba School for Special Education.

Thank You so much for offering your great help and assistance to us.....

May the Good Lord shower his blessings to you and your family......

Vinaka Vakalevu and Kind Regards

SAI"