Years 10 and 11 Myanmar Trip Update: Day 4

Final day of trip included finishing our service, learning about Burmese culture and reflections on Myanmar

Our last full day in Myanmar was a little more relaxing yet just as enjoyable than the rest. The students started the day learning about Burmese people, by talking to students studying at a local English school. The students found that they had more in common with their counterparts than they thought.

After a quick stop for lunch, the students tried their hand at creating lacquerware which is harder than it looks. Although there was some frustration everyone managed to create at least one piece.

The beginning of our evening involved a stunning sunset over the pagodas. This was followed by a bonfire, pizza and reflections on a sand bank in the middle of the Irrawaddy river. 

Jonathan Fisher
Year 10 Teacher

Today marked our final full day in Bagan and our activity group finished their service work in the village. We had an early start and got straight into finishing our section of the village school fence. After over two hours of working in the heat and dust, we had a break: another remarkable feast courtesy of our generous hosts. In the afternoon, we were able to complete a large section of fencing and prepare the groundwork for a lot more. The sense of achievement was palpable as pupils enthusiastically played educational English language games with the highly excited children; however, it wasn't long before we had to say our final goodbyes. The relationships that Dover Court students had forged with the local school children meant that there were some sad faces as we left the island. A few well deserved ice-creams helped lighten the mood before we headed to a remote stretch of beach on the Irrawaddy river for our last evening in Myanmar. Departing from the boat, we were greeted by a candlelit path leading to a huge bonfire. Students reflected on the many lessons and questions this unique experience had offered them and spent their last couple of hours playing and dancing in the moonlight. 

Jonathan Cotterill
Year 10 Teacher