Monday, April 16, 2012

Takshashila School Call me "Sandi mam"

I am grateful to have the chance to volunteer as an English teacher two days a week at Takshashila School, a private Nepali school. Many of the students (120) at the school are sponsored by Little Sisters Fund. www.littlesistersfund.org
Without a sponsor, these bright, capable girls might not have a chance to attend school. When I first came into their classroom, they were shy and most lacked confidence to speak and express opinions even though their level of English is quite good. I've planned lessons that encouraged them to retell stories and to role play Nepali stories and Aesop fables. Last week the girls created their own stories with lessons to role play before the class. They brought tears and smiles to my eyes.
One particular group told a story of a mother, son and daughter. The daughter wanted to go to school, but the mother would only allow the son to attend school. The mother said"You must learn to work hard because that is what you will do in your husband's home." The son was lazy and only wanted to play with his friends while the daughter (busy scrubbing and washing clothes) begged her mother to let her study. The mother only beat the girl harder.



Usha and I kept glancing at each other as the girls were acting this story. Maybe you can guess the ending.....the son ran away and the mother realized her daughter was smart and so sent her to school so she could learn and take care of her mother in her old age! Out of the mouths of babes.

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