We began our volunteer work Tues at Gaucharan, Govt. Jr. High. It’s a bumpy uphill hour and a half jeep ride away, accross small waterfalls and views overlooking green hills, valleys and rice fields. We arrived to school around (:30 and were assigned a class to observe. I walked into class and asked “wheres the teacher?” they told me “you’re the teacher!” I laughed “No really, where is he?” they said “no really, the teacher is you.” And so it was! Same story for the rest of the group, the teachers were either not present or more than willing to hand over their class.
Simone worked with the youngins (6-8). They practiced basic english sentances and songs (hokey pokey/head shoulers knees and toes) and played a game of duck duck goose!
The 11-14 crowd was taught by Erin and Ole. They worked on geography and sciences and gave a talk on atmosphere and climate. An adorable child volunteered to perform a Nepali dance for ole. She also sang “Barbie Girl” by Aqua…
Bri and Kat ruled the 3rd and 4th graders who as Bri put it “Radiated life and energy”. They went over saftey and rules. Bri worked tirelessly with the kids on pronunciation in a way that had them roaring with laughter (and getting a hang of their “th” and “ch” sounds).
Brianna and Jake had the 13-17 year olds. Their subjects were math, english and criminal justice. When we inquired about the squeels of delight escaping from the room, jake explained they were playing “english basketball”-for every correct sentance read a student got a chance to shoot and score for their team.
Mariah and I had two classes ages 12-17. We started off with a solid game of chemistry and physics “Jeopardy”. Then I took them on a frolic through the crop fields to do sketches of the vegetation and poems describing the view (inspired much singing of “the hills are alive”, I’ve been channeling Maria ever since).
We all taught our classes “this little light of mine” and “you are my sunshine”. We may orchestrate a mini-school wide concert on our last day (tomorrow). We’re buying some art supplies and a new soccer ball to donate the kids. We loved this experience, learned a lot about ourselves and our teaching style, and had our patience tested (on more than one occasion).
We’ve also been exploring the markets and shops of Gangtok town. We realized why everyone is so fit here walking up the steep path/hill into town. The first thought when we got into town was “we are not in Kansas (or India) anymore” The streets are clean and garbage free. We tried crossing the street at a busy intersection and a traffic police asked us to please use the sky-bridge (!!!) So safe/orderly.
We leave for the trek this Sun…SO FREAKING EXCITED!
-Cobes