I woke up, feeling refreshed and energized today. We had a mission today. We visited Neerja Mordi School which had a school for the underprivileged girls too. When we reached Neerja Mordi, the vice principal welcomed us warmly and gave us a brief introduction of the school. What shocked us was the school population of 3000! That was almost 3 times the size of our school.
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| Introduction by the Vice Principal |
The school has a variety of activities for the students such as cricket lessons, art classes and yoga. One unique feature of the school is the invitation of people who are skilled and famous in the trade to teach and share their successes with the students. This is such a wonderful thing as the students will learn from the greatest and aspire to be like them. Sigh! If only we can do that in our school...
Next , we were split into groups to go into different classes. We were so excited as we can make new friends. They welcomed us warmly into their classrooms. We interacted with them and gained a lot of insight into the culture and education system in India. One example will be the sky high school fees they pay every year. We feel so blessed that the Singapore's government subsidized education heavily to ensure that all Singaporeans have a shot at education. After a short 1 hour, we bid goodbye to our new found friends, not before exchanging emails and giving them a small gift from Singapore.
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| Interaction |
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| Interaction |
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| Interaction |
Next, we went to the most fulfilling mission of our India trip. Nishay School for the underprivileged girls. The mission of the school is to allow underprivileged girls an opportunity to get an education as
the culture in India still have an bias over boys. But the school do not
want the girls to be spoilt, thus giving them the basic amenities for
education.When we reached the entrance of the school, I could see the girls smiling brightly at us. Once we reached the school, there was a student waiting to do the traditional Indian welcome.
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| Traditional Indian welcome |
After this, we sprang into action. We began teaching them origami and balloon sculpting. Although the environment was not possible for us to do what we planned, we adjusted accordingly and did a great job! Our hearts melted when we saw the happy faces. They were easily satisfied with the little things in life. It made us ashamed of ourselves who insisted that our parents buy us the latest Iphone. This made us more appreciative of what we have in Singapore. After awhile, we bid goodbye to hem unwillingly.
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| @ Work |
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| @ Work |
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| @ Work |
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| @ Work |
After the school visit, we went on a cultural tour of Jaipur. We were
impressed by the technology of the past which is still applicable to the
present. We also went to the palaces such as Amer Fort and Lake Palace
to have a feel of the rich architecture and culture which went behind
the building of this monuments. We were awed by them.
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| Lake Palace |
Next stop, the favorite past time of Singaporean, shopping! we went for shopping along the streets of Jaipur. It was a great
experience as we got to shop for clothings and accessories. It was a
great experience and we love bargaining! Now we understand why people
say that shopping is the favorite pastime of Singaporeans.
After shopping, we went to Choki Dhani Village for a traditional
Rajasthan dinner. It was an eye-opener as the plates and bowls were made
of leaves. The food was unique and very spicy but we were not used to
the food. It was definitely challenging for us.
Our days in India are coming to an end. We have to make the best out of the remaining days. Till then.
Student leaders of CHR India Trip 2012
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