Day 6: Further updates from Ballanta and JTR

Ballanta : Interesting start to the day as we discover 4 of our us are feeling under the weather. Having checked they were okay and after a quiet breakfast, the rest of us we head off to Balanta where some of us had to teach new people who have had to migrate over instruments. We carried on with lots of jazz in the piano room where I had the pleasure of meeting more people with bags of talent. It’s amazing how quickly people pick up different scales and melodies - one person even managed to move on to some improvisation. Only one concert to finish the day today, but this time with the addition of Revekka on the bass. Not quite Lil Weatt’s prowess but a great performance nonetheless. Of course Gabe had to get mobbed by the girls again to round off the night. We’re all wishing the best for our less fortunate friends and hoping they get well soon. written by George

JTR: Today was day six of our Sierra Leone trip and although it was amazing it did a few hiccups. These started this morning among finding 4 of us had an eventful night, and were feeling pretty sick. This meant that it would be less of us teaching at JTRR, although this didn’t hold us back. Our lessons all went well though, and as always the kids were very sweet and excited to see us. The walk to Balanta was boiling today, although it’s always interesting to see the exciting streets of Freetown. Back at our hotel we heard that those who have been poorly were feeling much better, which we are all relieved about. We finished at Papaya for another serving of rice, and now we’re heading to bed as are very tired. Written by Theo

One of Mr Bowen's pupils retelling part of the story he was teaching them.

Drama Lessons with Mrs Deans