GAP is a
non-profit organisation based in England which finds
overseas placements for young volunteers. These
volunteers are people who have just finished their
secondary education and have decided to take a break from
study (hence the "gap" year) prior to going to
university. The length of time for a GAP stay is either
three months or seven months. Sam Edwards and Simon Darker were assigned to Delana Methodist School for the first seven months of 2000. Unfortunately due to the political problems of May 2000, they were recalled home in June. They did not want to leave as they felt quite safe here in Levuka. In their time here they tried to set the GAP record for kava drinking (especially Simon) and future Gappers have given up trying to emulate them (but with little success). Last year Simon returned here for a holiday with his parents and his girlfriend, Louise.
James Forward and Alex Pattie spent the first seven months of 2001 at Delana Methodist School. In their time here, they perfected the art of "scrounging" free meals. Mind you, when they did decide to cook, they were dab hands. James' chilli con carne and Alex's rice pudding were worth climbing the 199 steps to their bure. We were pleased to meet both their parents who visited them during their time here.
David Bolton and Ben Chambers were at Delana for the last three months of 2001. As they found out, their time here was too short. Nevertheless they did use some of their time to do some interior decorating in their bure. If you meet either of them, you might like to ask them how they succeeded in remodelling their toilet!
Sam Wilkin and Ian Murchie were at Delana for the first seven months of 2002. Their most notable achievement was being part of a meke (a traditional Fijian dance). It is not easy to perform a meke as there are numerous moves. They were excellent and future Gappers will have a lot to live up to if they decide to learn a meke.
Joe Berry was at St John's College, Cawaci (about 6 kilometres north of Levuka) for the first seven months of 2002. This is a new placement for GAP volunteers on the island of Ovalau. If you are talking to Joe, ask him about his "taxi ride" in the local Police vehicle!
In June 2002, James Forward returned to Levuka with two friends to renew old friendships and enjoy more of the Fijian hospitality that he became accustomed to when he was here twleve months ago. He also took the opportunity to catch up with Sam and Ian (the current GAP volunteers) and compare experiences. Great to see you back, James.
Sam Carlon and David Baillie were at Delana for the last three months of 2002. Their time was short but they still managed to fill in their time. David represented Levuka at the Inter District Soccer championships in Ba - another first for a GAP volunteer. If you see David, call him "Tooks" and watch him blush. For more information: (+679) 3440777,
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