SJCSZ - Last class turning 60 - Let's hear about your experiences

Dear SJCS Zanzibar Last class students  (Proposal below by Joanita and Aspi)

Many of us left Zanzibar very soon after the Revolution but many stayed months, even years after.

We all knew what life was like before that event, but very little is known about life after the Revolution.
It would be very helpful for many of us if members of this forum would write about their experiences at that time. ( We all have had various experiences which we could share for good memories)

Of course, if recalling these events would bring up painful memories that you would rather keep suppressed then don't participate. We will understand. But, my sense is that it's been 46 years now, and one has to honour the call of history and truth, or be forever subject to the agenda of those who choose to rewrite history. So let's hear from you people. Every little titbits would be welcome. Thanks.


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Jo

Thanks for the birthday wishes. Yes we were the first class to go to Form 1 after the revolution, and yes some of did not/could not continue on, because of the changed entrance exam results 4 months after the first ones. I left Zanzibar for boarding school at St Stanislaus, in Bandra at the end of May, so I was in Form 1 for only a few months. Never thought I would hear from or about most of the folks, but thanks to your great idea of putting this forum together and the first reunion, which has brought our scattered St Joseph Convent School family together again. 

Grig

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JO Writes ....
To think that 60 years ago, this class was the beginning of the end of SJCSZ that we knew and loved.

As this last class is turning 60,  it would be helpful if they would share, as Aspi requested, their experiences over those historic four years in school.
As Aspi wrote, perhaps folks could talk about it in general terms without naming names - and we will have some record of those times for posterity - how that revolution changed what ZNZ was and what we had. We need to start recording those experiences before seniorities takes its toll.

I know that Astrid and Ashley turned 60 last year...

Happy 60th to all - and please send in your memories

Alidina Nargis
Antao Charles
Barretto Tecla
DeCosta Joyce - Sept. 30
DeSilva Myrna
Dos Remedios Avito - Jan 27
Fernandes Diana
Fernandes Trevor
Fernandes Antidio
Ghalib Al Said Barghash - Jan 16
Gujaria Madhu
Gonsalves Leslie - Jan 16
Joseph Raju
Karume Ali
Karume Amani
Maitra Amita - Aug 15
Mendes Ashley - June 8
Miranda Paulina
Monteira Emilia
Parado Steve
Pereira Grig - Jan. 4
Pereira Daphne - Oct 15
Rosario Bessa
Rosario Dominic
Royer Donald
Vaz John
Vaz Paul - July 2
Wong Fi Ha
Azad
Praful Metha
Alex Caldeira - mar 7
Hassan
Abdul Sood
Darryl DeSouza
Saladin
Punjawani Jimmy - Nov. 8
Hassanali Amirali
DeSouza. Rhoda
Fernandes Astrid - Oct. 7
Ralph Fernandes - Jan 11
Juliette Lobo - Mar 11

Paradise Zanzibar Lives Forever.
Benito writes - Our school days in Zanzibar were very special and we all 'one big family' can and will never forget those great days. For me in brief. During the Eve and on Revolution day, I was with a group of divers on Pemba Island enjoying Spear-fishing (killing fish like crazy). We were guests of Tete & Macrand Patel's relatives and on Revolution day we speared unlimited fish. Hearing of the trouble in Zanzibar, we were advised not to go out diving and I worried about my parents made my way back by one of the local Dhows which landed in Ras Nungwe two days after the Revolution. I made my way back to town by the local bus.
Fortunately my dad and mum were safe as our close family friend Seyeed Kharusi went on his motorbike to our home in Mnazi Moja and told them to drive to town immediately which they did making their way to my Grandparents home. To me I could say was my luck not being on the island as on Sunday's I go for the early Sunday mass and soon after off for my diving. On route were the revolutionary forces making their way to town so - The Good Lord looked after me and here I am dodging life on several occasions - am now on borrowed time which I am greateful. I was not on the island on the day and have little experience of the sadness many suffered.

All told, I have unlimited experiences soon after and interesting stories to share but was not long enough on the island and I did not belong to the Young 60's school but all I can say ... after the Revolution not knowing what was in store for all of us, many of us ventured into the open world all separated from each other facing new challenges in life and it is very pleasing to say  that though we all scattered, we made good lives for our families confirming life has been great all the way. Yes, none of us would have left Paradise Zanzibar, an island most peaceful where the word Stress never existed. We all enjoyed a happy life full of fun from sport, dancing, picnics, socialising, evening outing at our GI or meeting at the Water Front, visiting each other any time. It was a dream life so we can say, though with some hardships and some sadness some of our folks suffered unfortunately during the revolution, in general all has done well and up to now we are all proud to be part of Zanzibar where to me it stands out as 'The World's best Island and if I could afford it, I would spend 3 to 4 months every year in Zanzibar. (Now only a dream for I would have to win the LOTTO to make this a dream come true). Our love and sentiments for our spice island will never die.

For the brave who stayed back on the Island, I proudly can say many have done extremely well and they all enjoy a good healthy friendly peaceful lifestyle on the island, so Zanzibar rules OK.

Good memories and closeness of all our SJCS members has come to life over the past 6 years when JO brought us all together at our great SJCS Reunion held in Toronto Canada. Since than we all keep in touch, love to meet, communicate with one another and share our social activities with each other either by photogaphs or Internet communications. This is how close we are and must remain this way.

P.S. Folks from this special class named above, please provide your input to share with the rest of us. You can write by using the Comments section below for your  posting or email Joanita Gonsalves on:-
jo birkmeyer jbirkmeyer08@yahoo.com

If you want to have many laughs of my good bad and naughty experiences before and after, I would be pleased to send you but may need censorship!!!

ALL POSTINGS WILL BE ADDED TO A NEW BLOG CREATED FOR THIS PROJECT IN DUE COURSE SHOULD YOU FOLKS SHOW INTEREST. WE CAN ADD PHOTOPGRAPHS TOO AND EVEN YOUR VOICE IF YOU WISH.

Thnaks.