Last week I was fortunate enough to spend a week teaching in the primary school in Hosakersunda. The school is small with two teachers, one of whom is only part time. There are 18 children who range in ages from 6 to 11. Our brief was to teach English which is seen by the Karnataka state government as an important enabler here in India as it opens the door to further education and therefore potential upward mobility. It was clear at the outset that the Head teacher was supportive of our involvement and we were given a free rein to structure lessons and activities as we chose.
We all had a fabulous time with every venturer and every PM’s in Alpha 1 taking a turn in the classroom. Monnie and Charlie did a great job teaching about Spring. Matt got the older children in class to tackle Speedy Tables and Shrikanth, Kerala and Graham worked wonders getting the children to do origami. We sang plenty of songs accompanied by makeshift bamboo instruments and the clear favorite was definitely Old MacDonald Had a Farm.
One of the highlights of the week was the games activities organized by Will. These were so popular that we decided to put on a sports day for the children on Easter Saturday. The children arrived full of beans and ready to undertake all the obstacles the team had set up. Unfortunately, true to form for sports day, the heavens opened and we got absolutely soaked to the skin. This did not deter the children who carried on with the races despite the rain. Eventually, soaking wet and shivering, we had to stop as the rain became truly torrential – however a lot of fun was had by all.
We finished our stay in school by presenting all the children with a certificate congratulating them on their achievements in English.
message for will murray!
ReplyDeletehi Will! great to see your photos on here - and read your report - i'm glad to see you 'taking charge' and 'rallying the troops' as usual! although it looks a bit wet in some of the photos, hope you're managing to keep your footing! i'm off to Japan in 4 days now, in the middle of packing as we speak. see you soon, can't wait to hear all about it, Helen xx
We are all looking forward to speaking to Fi sometime in the next few hours to wish her a happy birthday! It will be the first time we have spoken to her and exactly half way through her journey - we are all intrigued by the camper van! your expedition sounds just great - hope you enjoy the last section of it - love from Lel and David xx
hey poo! was sooo good to chat to you today, i miss you!! mum just got back and said sarah came by last week and picked up your mobile for you and is taking it with her to give to you - so you don't need to buy a SIM out there! hope the bbq and party is fun, v jelly, its pouring it down over here...love you so muchxoxoxoox
ReplyDeleteLieve Tess, Lisette just posted you a comment, adressed to Poo. So I dont know if that will reach you. She told you in there that Sarah collected your phone and charger and will take it with her for you.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry I missed your call, but was in Holland for omas birthday, can you send her a card or letter , adress is:
vijverweg 30
Bloemendaal 2061 GZ , Bloemendaal.
Hope you have a fun B.B.Q. and good luck and fun in the elephant place. Love and miss you loads, Big kisses XXX Mummy
Hi Kerala
ReplyDeleteThe village looks amazing and the children so tiny and sweet. Poor little tykes in all that rain. Callum just came back from tennis with rather the same amount of wetness but probably a bit colder.
I assume you did the swan with the origami - amazing how simple skills can be really useful at the right time and place.
I can't wait to hear from you at changeover.
Lol Mum xx
Hi Kirsty
ReplyDeleteBrilliant to speak to you today, especially to hear that you are so happy and having a wonderful time. Sorry I was rushing around when you called but was running late for a dentist's appointment - anyway it didn't spoil the call. It would be great if you do get a chance to call Mum tomorrow, she was working in the garden when you tried to get through today. Its a real shame that you won't be able to be in Courchevel next week but I promise we'll send you a postcard - hopefully a picture of some snow will cool you down a little, sounds very hot there and I guess it will get hotter as monsoon approaches. Hopefully have a quick word tomorrow... in the meantime all my love. Miss you lots... Padre xxx
Hi Will Great to hear from you and glad you're still loving it. Hope the feet recover in time for the big trek. Thank goodness it happened at Fieldbase not on the trek. Take care of them and take some antibiotics for the rest of the time in India just in case! We have kept all the photos of you for you to see. They really are brilliant. Glad that the camera is still working Must be a first for you! Beautiful day here today cold frosty and sunny. A wise decision extending your trip there is no sign of an early summer here yet! We need to sort out extended insurance for you but will let you know. Also a reminder Mormor's 80th birthday 13 May can you give her a call on that day? Stick it in your diary! I think it's great you're going to travel on it's a once in a lifetime opportunity and well worth it. Just remember to be v careful after Raleigh with food and hygiene! (Mum talk now) Anyway good luck with the trek keep well and as always all our love hugs from all of us Mum dad caro dada, mont osk and mills xxxxx
ReplyDeleteHi Graham,
ReplyDeleteHope your having fun, I also hope you didnt get too competive in the school sports day...remember Japan Mr Putin (I am dissapointed that we dont get to see a similar photo this time. I guess Nick wasnt around to look like a body guard :oP
message for josephine,
ReplyDeletehelllooooo my lovely. looks like your havin a blast! you must be sooooo fit after all that trekking, cycling and kayaking. i wish you could reply to these message, got loads of questions to ask you, spose will have to wait till you get to oz and your more accessible! i've started a running programme to try and get fit. done three weeks so far . actually quite enjoyin it! i'm home for easter, just got a week off unfortunately. we went on a family walk on monday and got stalked by 100's of sheep, was well funny! goin out for dinner wiv josie tonight, to pizza express mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. soz am i makin you jealous ( i doubt it!) doin another family day out tommoz, not too sure where we're goin yet ( its forecast for heavy rain, booooo) george wants to say hi: meowow meowow meow meow. did you get that?!?! he's been sooooooo cute this week, i miss him more and more every time i have to leave him. soz waffling a bit now. love you lots and lots.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Hello Charles
ReplyDeleteSo good to speak to you after so long and fab to know you are having such an incredible time.We are off to Zermatt hideously early on SAturday,am wondering if you had anything to do with flight times to pay us back for going without you!Your letter was a good read and gave a good account of highs and lows.I think you will enjoy re reading it on your return!Hope Dad managed to get hold of you today cos I know he really wanted to have a chat.Will write soon.
lots of love Mum xxxx
message for Alice Tyler
ReplyDeleteHello my darling I think you must be back at fieldbase by now. The latest photos of the village school look wonderful such a lot of fun. We too have been caught in the rain, today Daddy and I walked from Tegs Nose to the forrest and we could hear this noise like rapid water, while we were wondering where it was coming from we suddenly saw it coming for us. Not ruuning water but a hail storm, Finn was not at all impressed and put his head down and looked very sad. I was ready to give in but Dad kept us going but I shall be more careful to check the weather before I step out with him again.
How has this 2nd project gone I can hardly belive you are 2/3rd though. sometimes it feels like ages since we left you at Heathrow, and others it seems to be flying by. i hope you enjoy your rest before you start on your next project. Enjoy your rest time and all the fun and be ready to start again. Love you lots and lots Mummy xxxxxxxxxxxx
Hi Graham,
ReplyDeleteI know a letter will not reach you now but hopefully this will. The school looks fun and your toilets look lovely. I didnt know you could do origami - you will have to teach me when you get back. I hope you didnt make any small children cry during the sports day by tripping them up so you could beat them at an egg and spoon race.
Me and Mark had a murder mystery party over easter which was really fun (our friend James came as a girl). Then we saw Gran and Grandad on Sunday for lots of Gran cakes and hot cross buns :-)
I am thinking of going skiing at the snowdome for my birthday so you will have to come and get chilly. You have easter eggs and birthday prezzies waiting for you here :-)
Hope the elephants behave themselves and dont fall in the ditches (or poop in them).
Love
Big Sis xx
charles, :) :) :) :)
ReplyDeletei just got back from my sicily trip yesterday and am very tired so am watching my super sweet 16!!!!
i am missing you LOADS and LOADS and LOADS and read all of your letters. today, we finally got your first bit of your diary and that is good because mum said that you were upset because you thought it was lost :)
i am soooooooo excited about skiiing because i have my new RED ski jacket.
i love you lot and lot and lots and hope you are having sooo much fun(it looks like you are:))
lots of love
blondie xxxx (and Mo)
love you CHAZ and am missing you more than i would miss chocolate!!!!