VISITORS (PART 2): MEN AT WORK

Now just in case you saw our last blog entry and thought, "Hey! What's the story with these slackers? All they did was play!", we thought we better put some photos in to show that it wasn't all about the firecrackers and porcupines.

This photo was taken when we Aussies met with a group of community leaders.

Here, Prince & Ernie pass the time of day at the village well. This photo was taken when Dave & Ernie were visiting a tsunami housing project in Koralawella.

Smile! Ernest the dentist hands out toothbrushes at a Montessori. This Montessori is in another tsunami housing project area and has been in operation for about a year. The teacher-in-charge told us that the kids had very poor hygiene before they started at the school, but they had been able to turn that around. Ernie gave a lesson on how to brush teeth properly and each child was presented with a toothbrush and a balloon.

Ah, my natural environment! Here the kids do an art and craft activity that helps to develop dexterity and fine motor skills. They tear up pieces of coloured tissue paper and roll it into small balls. They are each given a picture (hand drawn by the teacher) and they must use their fingers to put glue on the picture and then stick the coloured tissue balls on. The action of rolling the paper is similar to the action used when they roll rice in their fingers for eating, so this activity is also good for developing this important skill.

One of these things is not like the others! Dave makes some friends in the class room.

So it's back to school for Ernie. Today Ernie learnt how to colour in and how to make a flower from craft materials. Although he did not get a gold star, the teacher says that if he is a good boy he can come back another day.

Dave was particularly taken by these signs recruiting for the army. I wonder whether this straight-to-the-point, blunt-as-a-butter-knife approach might work for our defence force!?!