ARRIVING IN A VILLAGE

One of teachers from the village frequently phoned me to warn that I should come earlier as the sea waves were bigger in the evening.

The coordinator from Arakkha Foundation came along with me to the village at around 12 noon. As soon as the boat generator started to run, I could feel the breeze blowing through my face. I saw many fishing boats and was very happy to see new people from a different township. The village is located in Rakhine State at the coast line bordering with Bangladesh.

When we arrived at the first stop, we were happily greeted by two people. The villagers were waiting for us and were very hospitable and smiley. Thus, I was even more excited to see them! We then continued to our destination – another village - by bike. The road was very rough and dusty, covered with stones and sands, and we had a bumpy ride all along to the village.

Some of the villagers were waiting for us in a small house (later, I knew it’s the only tea shop in the village). The coordinator introduced me to the villagers and explained why I came here. We discussed where I should stay and we directly went to the house.

The Arakkha Foundation coordinator is a really good activist for community development. The villagers thanked her for helping them have a big lake in which there is enough drinking water for this year. They said before they had to climb up the mountain to find drinking water, but now they are always thankful for her every time they go to the lake.

In the evening we had dinner with lots of crabs and prawns. Afterwards, we went around the village and saw how beautiful it is. Similar with my village, I found a football pitch where I can use the Internet. As there is no electric, I can clearly see the moon and stars at night and the villagers sleep early. In the morning, they told us that they were awake for the whole night as they heard the Muslims were coming to kill them. However, I did not know then and had a very good sleep.


Aung Free
NEH Local Teacher Trainee


Related Posts:
Arriving in Kyauk Phyu, Rakhine State
Arriving on an Island
Meeting with Locals
First Day of Class
Our First NEH Curriculum Class
Daily Bus Journeys to Work

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