Starting the day off right, the group came downstairs to a wonderful breakfast consisting of an Indian-style french toast (fried bread) with imported honey from Nepal and steamed plantains. Based on the lack of leftovers I'd say it was a successful meal made by Lal. After breakfast we all gathered around the living room and prepared for another day at St. Peter's High Secondary School. We were told today would be a "debate", or heated discussion. The main topics were family values and the influence of parents on children's lives.
When we finally got to the school we were greeted by the students all sitting in two rows of chairs, arranged in a circle. The second half to be filled by us. After introducing ourselves and giving details about our lives we sat down and began the debate. We were suprised at how up front the Indian students were, asking us questions regarding the high divorce rate in America and whether or not Obama is leading the country in the right direction. We were put to the test, but didn't fail to question them right back. One popular disscussion topic was whether or not the students approve of their parents ability to choose their bride or groom. I personally enjoyed Lucy Parkin's question on whether or not students are educated on being ecologically friendly and how India can become a more "green" country as a whole. One student replied with the point that the high population contibutes to copiuos amounts of trash on the sidewalks. Another added that although the government tries to regulate the amount of waste on the streets, it is difficult to stay ecologically friendly with the high population of India.
After the debate, we showed the students how to do the Hokey-Pokey. Initially, we felt like this would be awkward, but it turned out to be loads of fun. We also taught them how to sing "You are my Sunshine" and in return, they taught us a popular Malayalam folk song. After the hard debate questions everyone seemed willing to be a little silly while dancing. When we finished jumping around we were given free time to talk to each other. The students were eager to learn about us in a casual setting, asking us how we liked Kerla and what we did back in Oregon. This was a really nice way to get to know students and allowed us to ask them personal questions that weren't addressed during the debate.
Back at the house we ate a nice lunch of Indian noodles and an array of sauces to accompany the dish. Now we're all getting ready to head down to the clinic and finish painting. Once our work is done, Daisy has planned for us to visit Changanacherry. There we'll visit a historical port and get some ice cream. Twill be fun, lol!
Xoxo,
Clur n Mrk.
When we finally got to the school we were greeted by the students all sitting in two rows of chairs, arranged in a circle. The second half to be filled by us. After introducing ourselves and giving details about our lives we sat down and began the debate. We were suprised at how up front the Indian students were, asking us questions regarding the high divorce rate in America and whether or not Obama is leading the country in the right direction. We were put to the test, but didn't fail to question them right back. One popular disscussion topic was whether or not the students approve of their parents ability to choose their bride or groom. I personally enjoyed Lucy Parkin's question on whether or not students are educated on being ecologically friendly and how India can become a more "green" country as a whole. One student replied with the point that the high population contibutes to copiuos amounts of trash on the sidewalks. Another added that although the government tries to regulate the amount of waste on the streets, it is difficult to stay ecologically friendly with the high population of India.
After the debate, we showed the students how to do the Hokey-Pokey. Initially, we felt like this would be awkward, but it turned out to be loads of fun. We also taught them how to sing "You are my Sunshine" and in return, they taught us a popular Malayalam folk song. After the hard debate questions everyone seemed willing to be a little silly while dancing. When we finished jumping around we were given free time to talk to each other. The students were eager to learn about us in a casual setting, asking us how we liked Kerla and what we did back in Oregon. This was a really nice way to get to know students and allowed us to ask them personal questions that weren't addressed during the debate.
Back at the house we ate a nice lunch of Indian noodles and an array of sauces to accompany the dish. Now we're all getting ready to head down to the clinic and finish painting. Once our work is done, Daisy has planned for us to visit Changanacherry. There we'll visit a historical port and get some ice cream. Twill be fun, lol!
Xoxo,
Clur n Mrk.
Great update Clur and Mrk :)
ReplyDeleteLovely to see more photos of you interacting with the students…don't you all look smart in your skirts...Looking forward to seeing the saris that you have had made...
Keep the blogs coming…dad and I love reading the updates each day…
Be good …love mum Parkin x