If you'd like to visit Gemanfushi School, you probably have a long way to go. Here is where it is:



As described in the billblog of October 21, on 10-10-10 I was with a workgroup that was linked via Skype with Swaroop Saresh, a science teacher at Gemanafushi School, Republic of Maldives.

Swaroop sent his report to members of our work group and posted his information to an online forum HERE.

Noteworthy is that the Gemanafushi School 10-10-10 event took all day long and that it affected most of the community. It involved extensive preparations, teams working to gather tons(!) of plastic and metals from the beaches and a rally involving, remarkably, 50% of the community. There were speeches, a march, and a display of people forming the the numerals, 350 10-10-10 -- photographed from the air. There was a tree-planting finale. After the events of the day, Swaroop headed to his computer to join with us in Seattle USA and Victoria Canada.

In Swaroop's report there is this powerful event:

"Everyone took oath to join their hands to conserve the atmosphere by reducing carbon emission and signed a canvas to show their fortitude."

The average elevation of Gemanafushi Island is a mere foot and a half above sea level. Unless global carbon emissions are reduced and virtually eliminated, Gemanafushi and the Republic of Maldives will be swamped with violent storms and a rising sea level. It will cease to exist.

I pledge to work to the fullest that I am able toward the elimination of carbon emissions. Gemanafushi School inspires and motivates me.

Photos of the events of the day sent by Swaroop are in a display here HERE, and are used with Swaroop's permission. Do take a good look at them. (Simply click on a thumbnail to enlarge it.)

Students, Teachers and Principal of Gemanafushi School, thank you. You are a positive example for the world.