Caroline, the 6th Language in Group teacher returns from India!

How can it be over already?

I have just waved goodbye to most of the children for the last time as they got on the bus for school. It’s only the three 9th standard girls left here- they have the day off to study for an exam, which they’ve been doing all morning as well as secretly giving me little gifts of pictures and newspaper cut-outs every time I pass them. My hair is filled with flowers, and my bag with thank you notes and pictures from everyone. This is much harder than I ever could have imagined. It is impossible not to get close to these children. We have spent so many hours together, in English classes, homework time and playing games or just chatting. Every single one of them is lovely in their own way, and I feel so lucky to have had the chance to get to know them properly.
I’ve been the only volunteer at SPPD for most of my stay. Some days stretched on as if forever, and there were times when I felt like a real outsider, like at mealtimes when I was sat alone at the ‘guest’ table watching them all talk and laugh on the other side of the room. Language will always be a barrier here, and some parts of the culture are different and confusing. But every day, I was amazed at the kindness and friendliness of all the staff members and the children. Whatever was happening, they always had a smile ready for me, were eager to help however they could, and patiently listened as I stuttered through whatever new Tamil phrase I was trying to learn.
Without really noticing it, I got used to it all. Life became a lovely routine and the lessons punctuated each evening with a burst of energy. Very quickly, I saw what a big difference these English classes are really making. In terms of language, it is easy to see the difference between SPPD children and their classmates and even local adults. Barely anyone in the area speaks English as well as the children in SPPD. But also, through English, the children are continually gaining self confidence. They practice hard and make speeches and presentations during festivals and celebrations. They look forward to meeting each new volunteer, and eagerly share their own culture and learn about others. I feel honoured to have been a part of this project, and I hope that my time here has helped some of the children in some way. It has certainly helped me, and I have learnt an enormous amount both about teaching and about living.
On Saturday we had a brilliant farewell party. I was showered with flower petals and glitter, and after some formal thank you addresses and fantastic dance performances from the children, we all let our hair down and danced around the room to all the latest Tamil hits. SPPD definitely knows how to throw a good party, and it was a great way to finish an incredible few months in such a beautiful place.
SPPD is an excellent NGO doing an enormous amount of good in a place that really needs it, and I am happy to have had the chance to join them even for such a short time. I have made some really special friends here, and I am already planning my next visit.