Back to School

Returning to the school it was nice to see all of the kids again and good not to have to go through the difficult process of getting to know everyone's names, ability and personality. This time I was teaching Class 4 (as previously) and Class 1 who I'd never taught before. I was a bit concerned about teaching this class as they were much younger than anyone I'd ever taught before (around sixish, although the eldest was perhaps twelve). This meant that their level of English was very basic - they knew the alphabet and some simple words. They were also known from being the loudest class and being very animated so I was a little apprehensive.

Singing with Class One

Of course they turned out to be a pleasure to teach. They were indeed loud which I quickly had to adjust to, but they were so keen and clearly happy to have a teacher. They really progressed in the time I was with them and I'll always remember the way in which they would ask me whether they should put a 'full stop' in a sort of cute English accent as they'd learnt the word from me. Awwww! They were so keen that as soon as they'd finished the work I'd set, they would march to the front with their books and form a queue to get their work marked. To them a tick, is the ultimate reward. If there was ever a rucus in the line, a threat to not mark their book made them stand to attention and behave.

Class One at the temple

Initially the language barrier seemed like a big obstacle but in many ways it worked to my advantage as it really encouraged me to learn Hindi. In trying to learn Hindi from scratch, I completely understood exactly what kind of words and phrases would also be useful for them to learn. I'd ask the elder Class 4 students how to say a phrase in Hindi (for example 'I am okay') and would learn the phrase. I'd then use this phrase to teach Class 1 the English. That's part of why I am enjoying being away so much as I feel like I'm exchanging so much knowledge. Although I was the teacher, I learnt just as much from the kids as they learnt from me.

Class Four (my Hindi teachers!)

Learning about the area in which I was working was also extemely important to me and one of the other things that I enjoyed most. I found out about the area's demographic, religions, the caste system, the many languages spoken, the issues surrounding work, education and poverty. Trying to understand India's caste system is extremely interesting. At first glance it makes no sense for society to be organised in a way whereby people are boxed into groups which dictate their level of power, respect, profession, wealth and education. It goes against everything that we believe in which teaches us that we are all equal and are entitled to improve out life chances and circumstances. It is so complex, however I'm beginning to understand more about the nature of the system. It is so heavily embedded into everyday life by things such as religion and family that I can't say that it is wrong. Learning more about it, there does also seem to be much logic to it's organisation. Anyway that's something I could speak in much depth about as Lucy and I often do!

Waiting for the flag to be raise on Republic Day

I'm lucky enough to have been staying during the festival season. The Winter season brings relief from the heat and is an ideal time for celebrations and weddings. First there was Diwali (5th November) also known as the Festival of Light. Ironically this coincides with Bonfire night in England and as is not actually that dissimilar apart from the fact they let the children light the fireworks themselves and let them run around holding sparklers without a care in the world. Then there was also a three day harvest festival called Makar Sankrati (14th January) going on outside the walls of the school which consisted of 24 hours a day drumming. Without warning one evening around fifty dancing and drumming villagers came to the school to collect an offering of puffed rice. Lucy and I obliging joined in the dance (although it was more like a sway from side to side to the beat of the drum). We got very confused as to whether we were following them or they were following us! Apparently they carry on with these activities aided by Mahoba juice (the local alcohol) until they get tired.

Performing prayers and giving offerings at Saraswati Puja

Republic Day (26th January) celebrates the day the Indian constitution was formed. A special assembly was held in which the national anthem was sung and the Indian flag was raised after the Prime Minister's speech was given. Saraswati Puja (5th February) was particularly fitting as this celebration pays respects to the Goddess of learning - Saraswati. The children fast in the morning and bring in offerings of fresh fruit which we sat and chopped together. It was nail biting to have to sit and watch a group of ten young children casually using knives (luckily extremely blunt). Just another one of those things that would not happen in England. But then again you wouldn't have an exercise in a maths text book asking kids to work out how many dolls, teddies and guns had been sold. All festivals included the fun of decorating the temple with flowers and the pleasure of everyone wearing new clothes and washing their hair - great to see.

Interesting maths textbook!

Leaving the school was really hard having invested so much of my energy and attention into it for three months. We seriously debated whether or not we should go. We've enjoyed living the simple life alot. It really has its charms - from all of the tasty healthy food, to being outdoors lots, getting lots of sleep - I've just felt so fit and energised. But another consideration was that we would be leaving the school without enough teachers which is so sad and therefore it was a really difficult decision. But our feelings accurately sum up most of the potential teachers who could work there and stayfor a significant amount of time. We would start to miss freedom to roam around outside the school grounds, warm showers, contact with the outside world, choice of food etc. And that's exactly why there aren't enough teachers in the first place. Unfortunately that is one of the realities of working for a NGO in such a remote location.

Sanku (the cook who I basically spent 2 months alone with), Bansi (new co-ordinator and teacher), Lucy and Me

The school is surrounded with issues such as having too few teachers, not having anyone who can be responsible for the everyday running of the school and issues around getting funding and volunteers. I have now experienced these first hand and can see how difficult it is to sustain I truely hope that somehow the good work can continue. I love the school and will always keep thinking of it, I wish it all the best of luck.