Schools

Pictures: Class 7 & School Kitchen

SCHOOLS

Yesterday we visited the local school in the village, where children from 1 to 5 standard go. We were towed along with much excitement at 9 o'clock, but the teacher hadn't arrived, so the kids took us on the grand tour. The school is a low building in disrepair, divided into two for 1 to 3 standard and 4 to5. The school kitchen is an open bit on the end of the school, accessible only from outside, where lunch is made. We were told to come and see the 'garden', and were proudly shown a tiny mudpatch behind the school, which they look after carefully. A few marigolds, some plants from orange pips and something vine-like that we couldn't pronounce were sprouting there.

Teacher arrived at 9.15 - late because the bus was late - and didn't seem to mind finding us there. She might have known we were coming - a very efficient bush telegraph system operates here - and obviously had no worries about the kids misbehaving in her absence. Behaviour here is amazing.

We watched them set up for lessons. This involved spreading mats on the floor, which became work areas. She explained that they are working to a new method in the curriculum (no, it isn't just us!) which is flash cards for the younger ones and exercise books for the older ones. They showed us their English reading books, which had stories like we had in the 50's, but with Indian context. ( Snakes!) Will try to attach pictures.

Today we went in the school bus to Anaikulum where the bit older children go. Squashed together in the bus, it is quite an exciting trip. We saw egrets, ibis, glossy goats, ox carts with oxen with painted horns (for Pongal, possibly) and lots of standing water (mozzies?!). The bus lurched along, as we prayed it wouldn't tip us into any water, goodness knows what lives in there! Anyway we arrived safely and were led excitedly in. We met two lovely girls from England, Maya and Venetia, in their gap year. They were half Indian and were volunteering for a while, staying at King's World Trust.

The headmaster roared up on his motor bike and greeted us warmly. We were taken to his office and shown the progress reports, then taken from class to class. Each 'classroom' is very run down, divided by board partitions, and teaching is very much the 'stand and deliver' method. The kids seem to work hard, and the school is swept and yard brushed conscientiously by the children when they arrive before lessons begin. We invited to assembly - open air prayers - before the classroom visits. A child appeared with with bottles of mango drink (+ straws..) and a packet of biscuits, just for us, while we waited for our auto to take us to King's World.

I met the Director, Mr. Naamani in 2004, and we were warmly welcomed to the palatial establishment. It is very posh, run on the 'Robin Hood' principle. 60% pay, which covers for 40% who can't. Capital costs are from funding, running costs from fees. Trouble is, for the poor kids, it takes them right out of their home environment, so will they ever fit back in?

However, it lovely to see Mr. Naamani again and to have a conversation easy English instead of part or all sign language. We also were brought elegantly served coffee and biscuits. Two treats in one morning! Naamani also helped us unravel the mysteries of the rail timetable, so maybe we will move on after all!

Back to our auto - driver asleep in the back, jumped awake. Took us to Valioor to bank, then found us a pharmacy where we managed to sign for and get stuff to ward off the biters - heaven!

Back here to lunch (on the table 10 minutes, said Christy) then little siesta (very hot today) then attempt to do blog, but power keeps cutting out. Am writing, but whether I will be able to post it up, who knows?

Big day out with staff tomorrow!