School plan by stowaways

Press, 25 February 1986, Page 6

School plan by stowaways

PA Auckland The African stowaways, Andrew Mhando, aged 21, and Sudi Said, aged 16, who have been given a year’s breathing space, want to spend it at school. The pair have been granted 12 months visitors’ permits. Both are aiming for the special English unit at Mount Roskill Grammar School. Mr Mhando will go to night classes to learn physics and mathematics in preparation for an electrician’s certificate. Both had gained a lot of confidence in the last few months, said a refugee resettlement co-ordinator, Mrs Jan Laurent But they withdraw at the sight of the press.

Sudi Said, especially, was shy, and hated having his photograph taken. He would not talk if he could avoid it Mr Mhando said: “I just want to study hard. I want to get my driver’s licence this year, and in winter play soccer and indoor basketball.” He makes friends easily and is always busy, often mowing lawns for “pocket money.” Sudi Said goes swimming and plays soccer, but does not mix easily. “They are both completely alone,” she said. Attempts to verify their identities in Kenya and Tanzania had been fruitless.