Crossing the bridge before we reach it.

We are motivated by the fascination bestowed on us by the students of Hope. The Lower Kindergarten & Upper Kindergarten display an eager to please attitude & a penchant for learning that propels them forward everyday. Hearing them recite their rhymes, with actions, is a treat. Their enthusiasm reflects the whole school’s zeal.

Feeling a bit like two off-kilter Cinderellas, we carefully slipped our feet into the rather large shoes of the teachers we so often infuriated. Standing in front of the board, grasping pieces of chalk, we willed the fairy Godmother to pop in with a few words of sound teaching advice or perhaps a miracle. However, it came in a different way than we had expected, taking the form of rows of chipper, expectant faces, which melted our anxiety into a puddle at our feet. It took us all of two minutes to relax completely into our comfort zone. I don't think we would, as a class, have achieved this friendly atmosphere had the students been the epitome of obedience and perfection. Instead, a lovable group of mischievous youngsters chatting animatedly reflected back aspects of us, dispelling our worries. That is not to say, in any way, that the task at hand was anything less than exasperating.

The biggest obstacle that stares us down is linguistic communication. Social studies, which is a package deal that accommodates history, geography and civics demands a broad perspective of the English language. To overcome the language barrier, a natural situation formed itself in class. We encourage the students to speak in all languages if they have a doubt or wish to express themselves. Then, we translate it into English. Though the students keep urging us to speak in English (more at horrification at our broken Kannada, we think, than anything else), our utmost desire is to grant the gift of comprehension, that exhilaration that follows when you grasp a concept.

We are proud to say that today, we initiated our 'ByteSize Technology' project. The students discussed basic computing components as well the layout of an e-mail. After doses of our theory, we plan to bring in the practical aspect by Monday.

“Hope is the thing with feathers, that perches in the soul, and sings the tune without words, and never stops at all.”
-Emily Dickinson

Building the bridge as you walk on it.

The teachers of the Hope Foundation school are enthusiastic in imparting their knowledge and their devotion to the students is evident in their subtle gestures of affection which, coupled together, makes it a privilege to be under their keen tutelage.

Eradicating poverty is extensively promoted and the most effectual solution is education. Applying the power of education to the adroit youth would provide them with the means to develop into much deserved positions of success. We also stumbled upon the productiveness of brainstorming. Along with Shilpa, another volunteer, we established a neat schedule to fit in all the contribution we could muster up. We are thrust into a world that is increasingly filling up with dependability on technology, and as the generation shifts into the technological era, we decided to ensure no child is left behind.

Thus tomorrow onward we plan to introduce the "ByteSize Technology" project in which we've contrived a structure which gradually allows students to acquaint themselves with the vast realm of cyberspace before diving in and exploring the wonders of technology. They will advance from learning the basics of Microsoft Word to composing and sending an email. Equipped with the faculty of communication, we can enable the children to present themselves truly as the generation of the future.
We hope to declare this project a success and expand it to other schools, opening up a whole new dimension of communication to inspire a network of students cognizant of their surroundings.

Hope is the dream of a soul awake. 
-French Proverb 

 

Bridging the gap of ignorance

Perspective.

Everything appears different when put to perspective.
The most obvious whites may appear black when observed through the lens of another world.
The people are the same. The circumstances are varied.

We were given the rare opportunity to borrow someone else's camera today. Figuratively speaking, of course. Peering through the lens of those not as blessed as us, we realized that exposure is the key to a perfect picture. As cliche as this sounds, without awareness, there is no change. By establishing the Apple brand as a household name, Steve Jobs generated enough hype around each new product, to ensure its success despite the competitive market that technology resides in. Similarly, we hope to amass interest in the wonderful work of the Hope Foundation.

We were relieved to receive such warmth garnered by the students of the Hope Foundation. A chorus of eager greetings and innocent smiles composed a most beautiful picture. We hope to teach them whatever we can, and learn much, much more.



Everything that is done in the world is done by hope. 

- Martin Luther King Jr.