Dr Thein Lwin our Burmese exchange teacher finally arrived from being stuck in Germany– but only after intervention from Forthview’s MP, Mark Lazarovicz (thank you again Mark!)
He was whisked away from Edinburgh airport in the Lord Provost’s car by Murray, to a special meeting of the Scottish Parliament’s International Development Group, where he, Ms Laing and exiled Burmese Politician Aung Moe Zaw spoke about Forthview’s link with Hlee Bee; Education for Democracy and Burma; Building solidarity with the peoples of Burma, to over 60 people from all over Scotland.
Afterwards, Ms Laing and Mr Wright had a yummy 'Thai' dinner with them all - along other MSPs, friends from BEST and Unison - where we were all able to relax for what seemed like the first time in weeks!
Next day, we were up early, taking Aung San Suu Kyi’s “Freedom Flag” to the City Chambers, where it was raised for the entire world to see, before visiting James Gillespie’s High School with our guests – some of Gillespie’s cupboards are bigger than Hlee Bee classrooms - followed by a deputation to the full committee of Edinburgh City Council.
Here, after prayers from a Buddhist monk, our Burmese guests, Catlin and Ms Laing told Councillors about our links, whilst we sold Councillors and Officials our saffron ribbons. Councillors voted unanimously to build upon Forthview’s and BEST’s links with the peoples’ of Burma and to look at other ways, which to extend them further.
We then walked down the Royal Mile to the Scottish Parliament, where we were joined by our other Burmese teacher friend Nan Lung and met MSP’s; talking to Alex Salmond, Jack McConnell (who went to school with Murray), Wendy Alexander and others.
One, Margaret Smith MSP, when told by Caitlin that she wanted to become an MSP one day, even invited her and a friend to spend a day shadowing her at the Scottish Parliament – what an excitement!
Back at Forthview we had a full school assembly, where we all met Dr Thein Lwin and he gave Primary 6 and 7 pupils their beautiful cards from Hlee Bee, which Murray had brought back for us from Thailand, before jumping in taxis to another event at the Scottish Story Telling Centre.
Here Scottish Pen (which campaigns for the release of wrongfully imprisoned writers) and BEST were putting on a special event ‘Freedom Writ Large’ where Sarah Boyack MSP read out a special message of support to Scottish Pen and BEST from Prime Minister, Gordon Brown.
Sophie, Jamie-Lee and Lewis read their poems and stories about Burma, in between readings from famous Burmese authors, including Aung San Suu Kyi, read by Mrs Laing, Murray and our other new BEST friends. Jenni from Scottish Pen wants to publish Lewis's poem about Aung San Suu Kyi in a book - he'll be famous!
Beginning to get tired now, we were back to Forthview for our International Families’ Evening. Over 100 parents, pupils, teachers and friends ate fantastic Burmese, Indian and Chinese food – with cheese and ham sandwiches and yummy Polish cake as well.
Ms Laing showed everyone a presentation about our link with Hlee Bee. Chris and Auntie Grace (Chris’s Mum) showed us the amazing etchings of “Our Lives” which he and Primary 6 and 7 have been making all week.
One last meeting and we were finally off home to bed.... well almost.... we had to write this blog first, to let all our friends around the world, share in our special day!
Vicki and Caitlin's latest idea is to make and sell wordsearches. They are selling in school for 5pm and if you get it all right, you win a wee prize. Profits (pretty marginal as everyone is winning!) to Hle Bee. No end to their enterprising ideas.
What an amazing picture of P6/7 at Edinburgh Headquarters with The Lord Provost, George Grubb in front of the famous portrait of Aung San Suu Kyi with all their ribbons in a monk's alms bowls.
Forthview children love this flag. In fact Sophie made it in beads. I'll show you that tomorrow. Edinburgh councillors have flown this flag since the Council meeting on 25 October 07 to support the people of Burma. Today was Dr Thein Lwin's last day in Edinburgh.
What an exciting day P6/7 have had. We all went to City of Edinburgh Council's HQ to see the Aung San Suu Kyi portrait and to meet the new Director of Children and Families, Mrs Gillian Tee. The children told her all about Forthview's link with Hle Bee and about the plight of the people and the monks of Burma. Today Aung San Suu Kyi has been imprisoned for a total of 12 years.
Today, Tamara, Thomas and Kagan enjoyed a visit to the office of the Lord Provost of Edinburgh. They told him how Forthview learnt about the people of Burma and about their friends in Hle Bee School, Mae Sot. We showed the Lord Provost the card that Tom Nin Aing from Burma sent Kagan.
