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Teaching In The Himalayas

My volunteering period formally begins in October 2024, but I've gotten a taste of Ashram and school life during my two-week "trial period" in May. It seems there's never a dull moment, and my experiences have been certainly enriching. Simultaneously fun and challenging, I've learned how to interact with the students and taken note of what adjustments I can make the next time.

View from the door of the school

I'm awoken by the sound of someone practicing the flute in the neighbouring dormitory, a sound much more pleasant than my boring alarm. As I walk from my room to the school, I can see students getting ready for their day of learning. I see students in their golden-yellow, maroon, and bluish-grey uniforms making their way towards the school, talking and laughing with each other. I hear the cheerful laughter of the smaller children running around and playing with each other. It's a very pleasant environment which brings a bright smile to my face.

Classes begin around 10:20 after the morning assembly and there is a total of 7 periods in a school day, each lasting 40 or 45 minutes. I didn't teach full-time. In fact, the most classes I've had in a day is four. I was given the opportunity to experiment with different age groups. Being with the younger ones requires lots of energy and a firm hand (I don't mean that literally, just that we must set clear boundaries and adhere to them). This was a challenge for me, especially the first time, but the children are simply being children and are very sweet. It's an interesting experience to see them explore and find interest in the smallest things. Interacting with the older students was a bit easier for me.