Is it possible to do two shore tours in one day?

[Tara Jane]

I have posted on several threads here about taking things to the school in Mare. The school which has 39 or 49 I have forgotten kids is right as you leave the wharf. The children will be hanging by the fence calling out to you with their gorgeous big smiles. Please take whatever you can as they are in great need. Mare has only recently been opened up to cruise ships, we were on the 2nd cruise ship to go there back in April 2012. We returned this year and were amazed at the progress to the area in the 2 years. We took pencils, papers, books, erasers, textas, puzzle books, sharpeners, coloured and regular black lead pencils, crayons, just about anything you can think of that little kids would like, also some of those reward stickers. We did get the ok from the teachers prior to handing anything direct to the kids - stranger danger and all we didn't want to do the wrong thing. Don't be shy, because a smile is all you need and after all their primary language is French. the kids sang songs to us in French and English. wish I was able to put photos on here but I am a big time computer dummie. I just hope everyone would spend $20 at a reject, $2 store its only the cost of a couple of drinks on board and what a huge difference it would make to the kids lives.

Also on Mare don't miss the pig pens, a bit sad but that's how they live, and opposite that is a lovely water hole that the youngsters were swinging on a rope and jumping into. There is a bare stone church with no windows and dirt floor. A great photo can be taken through the empty window of the ship. This is to the left as you leave the wharf, the little market stalls and bus to the beach are to the right as you leave the wharf.

Also the toilets near the church are brand spanking new and spotlessly clean, with hand sanitizer as well. Hopefully those using them through the day respect and keep them as clean. I love Mare, my favourite island as it has not yet become too commercialised.

There may well be another school that someone else has mentioned but this is the one we have given goods to, it is the primary school. If you happen to go when the kids are inside the school office is to the right of the school yard, just take the goodies there.

Edited July 13, 2014 by Tara Jane

[MicCanberra]

I have posted on several threads here about taking things to the school in Mare. The school which has 39 or 49 I have forgotten kids is right as you leave the wharf. The children will be hanging by the fence calling out to you with their gorgeous big smiles. Please take whatever you can as they are in great need. Mare has only recently been opened up to cruise ships, we were on the 2nd cruise ship to go there back in April 2012. We returned this year and were amazed at the progress to the area in the 2 years. We took pencils, papers, books, erasers, textas, puzzle books, sharpeners, coloured and regular black lead pencils, crayons, just about anything you can think of that little kids would like, also some of those reward stickers. We did get the ok from the teachers prior to handing anything direct to the kids - stranger danger and all we didn't want to do the wrong thing. Don't be shy, because a smile is all you need and after all their primary language is French. the kids sang songs to us in French and English. wish I was able to put photos on here but I am a big time computer dummie. I just hope everyone would spend $20 at a reject, $2 store its only the cost of a couple of drinks on board and what a huge difference it would make to the kids lives.

Also on Mare don't miss the pig pens, a bit sad but that's how they live, and opposite that is a lovely water hole that the youngsters were swinging on a rope and jumping into. There is a bare stone church with no windows and dirt floor. A great photo can be taken through the empty window of the ship. This is to the left as you leave the wharf, the little market stalls and bus to the beach are to the right as you leave the wharf.

Also the toilets near the church are brand spanking new and spotlessly clean, with hand sanitizer as well. Hopefully those using them through the day respect and keep them as clean. I love Mare, my favourite island as it has not yet become too commercialised.

There may well be another school that someone else has mentioned but this is the one we have given goods to, it is the primary school. If you happen to go when the kids are inside the school office is to the right of the school yard, just take the goodies there.

Thanks for posting this info, I am sure Matchbox girl will appreciate it.:D

[fankhauser24]

Thanks Tara Jane, you are a wealth of information!:D

[Matchboxgirl]

Thank you Tara Jane, my friend and I are putting together some supplies. We are traveling with a 5 year old who just started school this year and we both thought it would be nice for her to help donate.

Thank you again for the great info

[MicCanberra]

Thank you Tara Jane, my friend and I are putting together some supplies. We are traveling with a 5 year old who just started school this year and we both thought it would be nice for her to help donate.

Thank you again for the great info

 

That is such a nice thought and a great way for the five year old to appreciate what she has and learn that gift giving can be just as good for the person giving as for the receiver.:D

[Tara Jane]

That's fantastic Matchboxgirl a wonderful thing for the little 5 year old to be part of. I am so looking forward to going back to Mare. I have been collecting goodies whenever I see something suitable to put away for my stash. On mystery island sometimes there is a group of kindergarten children singing for the cruise passengers. They do have a box for donations of any items or cash.

[MicCanberra]

That's fantastic Matchboxgirl a wonderful thing for the little 5 year old to be part of. I am so looking forward to going back to Mare. I have been collecting goodies whenever I see something suitable to put away for my stash. On mystery island sometimes there is a group of kindergarten children singing for the cruise passengers. They do have a box for donations of any items or cash.

 

That is nice as well. I am sure these islanders do not get a lot of school supplies if not for the tourists.:D