Children's Programme, Day One - March 14, 2009

Today's educational programme with the children got off to a wonderful start. We were a bit concerned at first that we would not have enough Tamil speakers, but as usual, it worked out. The actual programme turned out slightly differently from what we had planned, but overall we all felt that it was successful.

After arriving at Ramavaram, it took us some time to figure out exactly where to gather the children. We tried the side of the road, but it became difficult with passing buffaloes and cars. So we decided that we should cross the water and go into the field. Some of us, especially some of the girls, were slightly reluctant, but in the end everyone rolled up their pants and waded straight through the stream.

All of the children were collected into a circle, where we worked on learning names. Soon they were separated into 5 smaller groups, with one Sangam India member per group. Each child was given a paper with pictures to color - the Indian flag, a house, a flower, and an apple. The children were taught the importance of sharing the crayons that were provided, and of returning everything at the end of the activity. Everyone from the ages of 2 to 12 involved with the activity, and seemed to enjoy it. Each group leader explained the importance of each item and conducted a discussion in the small groups.

After a brief break, we had a learning session on handwashing. One of the children came to the front of the group to show what he had learned the last time we held a handwashing lesson. With plenty of interaction and audience participation, Malar conducted an excellent lesson.

Overall, I think that today was an excellent chance for us to see that given the proper circumstances, our group can really make a difference in this community. The children are very responsive, and even more importantly, the parents were actively involved in our activities. The sight of fathers sitting with their children, drawing and coloring, was a truly heartwarming one. We hope to take our lessons and curricula to the next level soon, and maintain a good education scheme.

In addition to the children's programme, Ritika, Sindhura and Rifa conducted a brief survey of about 15 houses, regarding occupational status, health status, and educational status in those households. The results will be published after information has been gathered from all the houses.

As usual, we had a few medical cases which we have requested to come to the hospital. Also, there seems to be a small epidemic of conjunctivitis among the children. We will take a doctor with us in the next few days and try and treat this as best we can.

We are all looking forward to next week's program, which we think will be great. We are in need of Tamil-speaking volunteers, especially men. If you are interested in coming out, please email us or give us a call, we'd love to have you.

See the rest of the photos from the trip.