The Hilton Special School

We have had a blast these past few weeks meeting our wide variety of partners and developing different project ideas for this summer, but we had one unanimous favorite this week. The Hilton Special School. I'll let the volunteers do the talking! Here are a few inserts from Cecily and Heidi. 

 "This past week I have been able to volunteer at a school for disadvantaged children. All the children at Hilton School either have physical disabilities or are hearing impaired. I've only been to the school five times so far and the children have already taught me so much about themselves and about life.  I am proud to say I now know how to sign the Fijian Alphabet and count in Fijian sign! These are some of the happiest children I have ever been around. I've learned that being happy is a choice. Last Friday during the sports hour, I watched these children run around playing games without a care in the world. They didn't even seem to notice their disabilities. Most of the children limp when they run – but they run anyways. They aren't embarrassed and they never complain about their limitations. Instead, these children have a permanent smile cemented on their faces. I am simply amazed at how happy these children are,despite being trapped in their disabled bodies. On top of their positive outlooks, these children always look out for one another. They push their friends in wheelchairs, pick up books and pencils that drop to the ground, and hold other children’s hands as they guide them to their respective classrooms. Despite limitations these children live and breathe kindness."

 "The students and the teachers at the school are truly incredible. The teachers have so much patience for these children and love and care for them like their own. Despite their disabilities, the way that the students interact with each other can only be described by one word. FAMILY. They learn together, pray together, play together, encourage each other, help each other, and love each other. I love watching the children push other disabled students around in their wheelchair, and cheer for each other when one gets a math problem correct. I have already learned so much from these children and can't wait to see what else I will learn. I had the opportunity to substitute teach a class of 6 students at a 2nd grade academic level. It was the most challenging, yet most rewarding day I have had yet since I have been in Fiji. Just from this one experience, I learned to discipline children, have patience with children, new teaching methods, and I have found a new love for children. I also have a whole new respect for special needs teachers. There is so much of a need at Hilton School. I can't wait to continue to serve these wonderful people and be apart of their family."