Good Morning Miss

We have heard this probably about 100 times a day (or the Good Afternoon Miss version). Students are so excited to see us and when we say good morning back, they giggle like we are movie stars! What a pick me up! Today was a long day at school and after. First period I went into an 8th grade class and did a lesson on the United Nations - more specifically the Child Rights Act. I had never learned of it before, so I learned a lot! After reviewing the 10 rights of the Preamble, I had the students critical think and decide which one they would remove (the act is almost 60 years old), add or revise and they had to justify their answer. I think it went well and the students were so eager to participate and learn. They even took notes without me asking! Amazing! The rest of the day we observed various classes and wrote down our observations that we will share tomorrow in a round table discussion.

I really like the teacher workroom. I can't remember if I've mentioned this but all teachers have a desk where they can plan for classes and eat lunch. Teachers here teach a variety of subjects and grade levels and time to plan is essential. I like the community that comes from this combined work space. There is laughter and talking and discussion about classes. I usually plan in my room and while I love my teammates and we do meet, I tend to isolate myself in my room and do planning. It might be beneficial to have a more communal meeting place.

After school, Rita took us to a local organization called Indian Institute for Mother and Child. The founder and his wife started off with one room and now have campuses all over India. I believe there are at least 30. Within this facility/campus, there is a doctor and rooms for people to stay while they are being treated for illnesses. We met mother's and children while touring that were staying there. This campus is also a sort of community center for women and children and we were fortunate enough to see some students and their teacher do some traditional dances. They have a weaving room with looms and a sewing room where they make clothing for the residents (orphans) and to sell for money. Across the street is the daycare. Free daycare for the local residents (this is an impoverished area). We say some adorable and very energetic little ones. There was a set of triplet girls that are also residents of the orphanage. Their mother abandoned them because they were girls and would not be able to support her in her old age. This is common in many countries - specifically China would practice infanticide for this very reason. The orphanage is also a service they provide. People can sponsor the children and help pay for all their needs. Lastly we drove to another building that houses orphans as well, but they have various handicaps/disabilities. When we came in they were doing their studies! Wonderful children. Additionally, this organization gets 400 applications a month for internships and volunteers from all over Asia and Europe. We met about 6 medical students that were volunteering for a month and helping out with medical needs as well as decorating/painting walls in the orphanage. They also have started programs in the community such as hygiene awareness. This program is amazing and has grown from that one room facility to an amazing program that gives back.....

Dinner at a local Bengali restaurant (hole in the wall). Delicious food!