So as you heard, I've been sick with a "travel bug", "climate shock", or known in the rest of the world as "Delhi Belly"... no worries though - "Doctor" Maneesh is treating me with some pretty effective teas and herb drinks. Tastes really bad, and I've applied for permanent residence in the loo, but I have faith that in the Himalayas, trust the locals.
First day at school today for Kristen and I. The school is situated in the village, taking place in various tea-rooms, old shops, and little rooms. One class even takes place on the porch of someone's house. Pooja and Maneesh are looking for funding to build a new school next year, so that they can spend what they currently are on rent, on the kids.
The school currently has 6 grades: pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, and grades 1-4. Every year they will add a grade, and so the school will expand. Pooja has plans to build a large school complex with a playground, and even living quarters for the volunteers. There are currently 6 teachers employed, and Pauline (a retired teacher from England) is the other volunteer at the moment. Volunteers are expected to help with the classes, but are also involved in teaching kids, playing games, substituting for teachers, and helping out with larger activities, such as morning "hokey-pokey" and field-games.
The school model is not quite perfected, but in their defense, the school has only been open for 2 years now, and having started with only a handful of kids, now has expanded to 85 kids (average 15 per grade).
Kristen took to the kids straight away, and was teaching them sing-along-songs today, and even teaching the 2 grade 4s English and Drawing. She's brilliant with them. As I mentioned, I'm on leave for the next few days, until my stomach decides to stop sulking and join in the party :)
First day at school today for Kristen and I. The school is situated in the village, taking place in various tea-rooms, old shops, and little rooms. One class even takes place on the porch of someone's house. Pooja and Maneesh are looking for funding to build a new school next year, so that they can spend what they currently are on rent, on the kids.
The school currently has 6 grades: pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, and grades 1-4. Every year they will add a grade, and so the school will expand. Pooja has plans to build a large school complex with a playground, and even living quarters for the volunteers. There are currently 6 teachers employed, and Pauline (a retired teacher from England) is the other volunteer at the moment. Volunteers are expected to help with the classes, but are also involved in teaching kids, playing games, substituting for teachers, and helping out with larger activities, such as morning "hokey-pokey" and field-games.
The school model is not quite perfected, but in their defense, the school has only been open for 2 years now, and having started with only a handful of kids, now has expanded to 85 kids (average 15 per grade).
Kristen took to the kids straight away, and was teaching them sing-along-songs today, and even teaching the 2 grade 4s English and Drawing. She's brilliant with them. As I mentioned, I'm on leave for the next few days, until my stomach decides to stop sulking and join in the party :)
So sorry you're still feeling badly. Kristen has a wonderful knack with kids, she is uninhibited and just fits right in with them. You guys are inspiring.
ReplyDeleteSorry you're down "in the dumps" Leen! ;-)
ReplyDeleteHope you get better quick.
The school sounds cool. Pictures?