Finally, I have managed to update this blog as I now have my ‘lappy-tappy’ courtesy of the boyfriend. It will be backtracked at a later date as so much as been going on, not necessary good.
We are now entering our 6th week or as the 4F slags (our room crew) would say 27 days left on the countdown calendar. This week we are due to start rehearsing the street play. This was due to start in our 3rd week, however as there has been a lot of drama created in our house itself, it had been postponed and even talk of it being cancelled, but united; we expressed our commitment to do it even with the time constraints. The purpose of the play is to increase awareness of environmental issues to the community. As the previous group performed so well in their play and in Hindi, there are high expectations for us.
We are now entering our 6th week or as the 4F slags (our room crew) would say 27 days left on the countdown calendar. This week we are due to start rehearsing the street play. This was due to start in our 3rd week, however as there has been a lot of drama created in our house itself, it had been postponed and even talk of it being cancelled, but united; we expressed our commitment to do it even with the time constraints. The purpose of the play is to increase awareness of environmental issues to the community. As the previous group performed so well in their play and in Hindi, there are high expectations for us.
A few weeks ago the local community were keeping their distance from us as there had been trouble in our camp (a rape case-local taxi driver and a stupid drunk volunteer) but interaction has somewhat increased in the last week. Our school, including us were invited to a traditional Pahari (the caste) wedding. This was unlike any Indian wedding I have ever attended as the bride wasn’t actually present. We have also been invited to another community function by one of the girls in our women’s group (will keep you posted on this one). Also effort has been made at school to interact with our teachers to find out more about the children and the community. It has also been noticed that methods used by the head teacher to discipline children are disturbing and unnerving; however we are yet to bring this up in conversation. It is difficult for us to judge her on this, as this is something which is culturally embedded, however a recent amendment to an education bill has made this sort of discipline illegal, however habits take a lot longer to change.
The progress the children are making is evident but time isn’t on our side as school closes for the monsoon season next week for a month. What has concerned us is that the children struggle to read basic Hindi, therefore we find ourselves teaching them concepts such as days of the week in both Hindi and in English (which may not be so bad).
The progress the children are making is evident but time isn’t on our side as school closes for the monsoon season next week for a month. What has concerned us is that the children struggle to read basic Hindi, therefore we find ourselves teaching them concepts such as days of the week in both Hindi and in English (which may not be so bad).
We have also pledged to paint and decorate our school during the Monsoon season. Initially our plans for this were rejected as this was not our ‘special project’ but we said we fund this ourselves. We are determined to do this as we know that it will encourage the children to learn and the beautification we do, will be education orientated. At least we will leave a physical difference on our school.
In our camp, plenty has been happening. Most recently we have had a magnificent and very well planned ‘Stars in their Eyes Show’ which showcased many people’s voices as well as the ability to use eye liner as a colouring pencil (a very drunk Amy Winehouse was the winner), followed by a party (usual Friday night antics). I’m sure there will be many to follow as we do have 4 weeks left!
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