Early morning excitement and apprehension of the day ahead. We were collected at 0915 and taken to the charity headquarters where we were given an orientation. We met the slum centre representative 'Kulvinder' and then we were off to the slum. Our appointed slum centre is in South East Delhi on the main Mahatma Gandi Ring Road. (Named Jeevan Nagar)
When we arrived we were greeted by a crowd of young children and a couple of adults and as we walked into the school we were showered with rose petals......everybody wanted to shake hands. OMG
So we entered the school or slum centre as it is known. Its a place where the doctor sees patients, the community use the computers and a small room about the size of average kitchen which is the classroom. In the morning the boys attend between 10-12 and the girls between 2-3. They age from about 7 to 14 years.
We had two chairs at the front of the class and the children sat in rows facing us. It was at this point it dawned on me (and Alison) we were now in the hot seats. I was just about the most scared I have ever been facing these children all with the look of 'teach me something now'. So we went with the introductions by us all then some questions and answers. We were making it up as we went along, we weren't told that this afternoon was our big debut and no planning was done of resources. So in stepped Mrs G with the primary sing along me blagging I knew the words to 'wheels on the bus' or '5 little monkeys jumping on the bed'.
Give me a pub fight or other grieve rather than this, please. We invented the write on the board game and draw smiley faces game and Alison then came in with the Mr Wiggle and Mr Waggle song (with Actions) I stood at the back blagging it again.
At 1200 the class up and left....just like that all off to primary school across the road. We had lunch (a banana). A long chat with a number of older college and university students about their education and life in India. They were very interested in life in England.
At 1400, enter the girls class, we were feeling very confident now and went through the introductions and a few songs. At 1430 we were taken back to the charity and big high fives with all the students. Everybody was out saying goodbye.
In summary I am now scared shitless. Tomorrow we have planned a fishy story and arts and crafts around the story and Mrs G has been inventing fishy songs. I have been cutting up paper fish. I am sure by the end of this experience I will have calmed down a bit.
On another note I have a India SIM card and I now able to text and phone and extremely cheap rates. If you want the number let me know.
I had another look at the bike tonight but still cant get it running so spoke to Paul at the charity who is going to help with a mechanic. Went searching with Polly tonight and in a couple of shack shops close to the apartment we found a phone charger for Polly's phone, found a stitching shop to mend my torn trousers, had Chai and bought eggs,veg, bread and Maggi noodles (all those Global Enduro friends will appreciate this). Fried egg sandwich for tea and stir fry noodle and veg. Less than 50p each.
2230 and catching up on the blog whilst is still planning, just like being at home except warmer. Oh and the monsoons arrived today but hasn't made much of an impact on the heat.
Goodnight all sleep tight, the mosquitoes are biting, bloody things.
When we arrived we were greeted by a crowd of young children and a couple of adults and as we walked into the school we were showered with rose petals......everybody wanted to shake hands. OMG
So we entered the school or slum centre as it is known. Its a place where the doctor sees patients, the community use the computers and a small room about the size of average kitchen which is the classroom. In the morning the boys attend between 10-12 and the girls between 2-3. They age from about 7 to 14 years.
We had two chairs at the front of the class and the children sat in rows facing us. It was at this point it dawned on me (and Alison) we were now in the hot seats. I was just about the most scared I have ever been facing these children all with the look of 'teach me something now'. So we went with the introductions by us all then some questions and answers. We were making it up as we went along, we weren't told that this afternoon was our big debut and no planning was done of resources. So in stepped Mrs G with the primary sing along me blagging I knew the words to 'wheels on the bus' or '5 little monkeys jumping on the bed'.
Give me a pub fight or other grieve rather than this, please. We invented the write on the board game and draw smiley faces game and Alison then came in with the Mr Wiggle and Mr Waggle song (with Actions) I stood at the back blagging it again.
At 1200 the class up and left....just like that all off to primary school across the road. We had lunch (a banana). A long chat with a number of older college and university students about their education and life in India. They were very interested in life in England.
At 1400, enter the girls class, we were feeling very confident now and went through the introductions and a few songs. At 1430 we were taken back to the charity and big high fives with all the students. Everybody was out saying goodbye.
In summary I am now scared shitless. Tomorrow we have planned a fishy story and arts and crafts around the story and Mrs G has been inventing fishy songs. I have been cutting up paper fish. I am sure by the end of this experience I will have calmed down a bit.
On another note I have a India SIM card and I now able to text and phone and extremely cheap rates. If you want the number let me know.
I had another look at the bike tonight but still cant get it running so spoke to Paul at the charity who is going to help with a mechanic. Went searching with Polly tonight and in a couple of shack shops close to the apartment we found a phone charger for Polly's phone, found a stitching shop to mend my torn trousers, had Chai and bought eggs,veg, bread and Maggi noodles (all those Global Enduro friends will appreciate this). Fried egg sandwich for tea and stir fry noodle and veg. Less than 50p each.
2230 and catching up on the blog whilst is still planning, just like being at home except warmer. Oh and the monsoons arrived today but hasn't made much of an impact on the heat.
Goodnight all sleep tight, the mosquitoes are biting, bloody things.
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