Party time!

The time had arrived…it was party time for all children at Catja and Fanatenane! Both orphanages were treated to a special three-course xmas meal on behalf of Ripple Fish as a gesture of friendship and support for all their hard work and efforts this past year in caring for so many children. Food, drinks, cake and party items were all prepared in advance ready for the big day, and children dressed in their best party clothes looking forward to the festivities!

On behalf of Ripple Group, Tina Smith prepared a special speech for each orphanage to explain the link between Ripple Group, Alexandra House in Mauritius and the two orphanages; a chance to reiterate the importance of this friendship and why we want to help. The mere mention of a “special surprise” arriving on xmas morning on behalf of Alexandra House and Ripple Group was enough to cause cheers of laughter and happiness in the crowds! In return, both Fanatenane and Catja had individually prepared a special show by way of a huge thank you to all the kids in Maurtius for thinking of them at xmas.

Fanatenane prepared a special Nativity of sorts; children made their own party hats, stood side by side on a stage near the xmas tree singing, dancing, reading poems and playing the guitar! It was beautiful to watch and children went to a lot of effort to show their appreciation.

 Catja too prepared a wonderful show! The garden was transformed into an arena of entertainment; xmas tinsel around the tree, balbals, music and karaoke, and a Journalist from TV Plus! The journalist was interested to hear about our activities on the day and the link between the children in Mauritius; in discussion special reference was made to Alexandra House for all of their kind work and efforts into making xmas special for the children here in Mananjary. The journalist watched and filmed as the children prepared special dances and songs for us, played in their new tent all the way from Mauritius and learnt how to play snakes and ladders! A special moment for all was when everyone gathered around the big xmas tree in the garden, linked arms and danced in circles around the tree singing “silent night!” (in English).

Dancing and singing continued into the afternoon; children of all ages performed perfectly choreographed displays of entertainment and we were all so impressed by not only their talents but by their endeavour to please and make the day enjoyable for all!