Thursday, July
24, 2014
We awoke this morning to dogs barking, and a light
drizzle. On our walk to the local coffee shop we encountered 22 single shoes
and or flip flops. We will count on our way to the bus to see if owners have
been found for these lost soles.
We are hoping to see some progression today with our project to the point that we may be able to start to see somewhat of a final project. Three of the volunteers will go to the school next week to finish up as we are almost out of time.
We are hoping to see some progression today with our project to the point that we may be able to start to see somewhat of a final project. Three of the volunteers will go to the school next week to finish up as we are almost out of time.
Play area
We do get some looks as our clothes are spattered with paint and do not look very clean even though we do have them laundered. We are leaving a suitcase of clothes to be taken to the Tibetan refugee camp as they are needed in some. It seems that the second hand clothes found so easily in others countries have not yet made their way here. The clouds are starting to lift so we are hoping for some sun to dry out the play area so we can continue to work.
There have been some breakthroughs with the children and we would like to think our presence and interaction has helped.
Roshton, who is not vocal at all, is now babbling similar to a 8 month old. He will smile when we come to school and yesterday took our hand and guided us to sit with him. He then turned to us and started to play clapping games with our hands. Although this step seems small, it really is huge in his development. Anita is going to use the iPad to get him to start making beeping car noises or try to vocalize animals sounds through stories on the iPad. We will record this then play it back for him to hear.
When we go into the story room there are usually 7-8 kids in there. The majority are special needs and then some 3 year olds. In this room we interact with the kids using puzzles, story time, music. The kids stay here from about 11:30 till 2:30; a very long time. As soon as one of us goes into the room, they now put up their hands for one on one, as they know they may be doing something on the iPad.
Our ways are gentler which is what we are comfortable with. Bunty can seem very harsh. In retrospect, she comes from a culture where slapping and hitting children is commonplace. If the children fidget at all during song time they get a slap. Canning is also used so from Bunty's perspective, how she relates to the kids is gentle. She does get results. They may take a year to achieve but it happens.
It has proved to be invaluable and Anita, our friend from the U.K. is going to set up individual schedules for each of the children and record their progress. The iPad will be able to open doors in communication that previously has been shut.
Rhonda and Julie are still deciding the best needs for the money donated. The needs at times are not so apparent but the funds will be spread out over a wide and varied area.
Today at the school we were able to put together an abacus of varying sizes from plastic blocks we had found. We also were able to string the bamboo to make a xylophone. We painted our A-frame so swings, tire swings and parallel bars will be able to be cemented in tomorrow. At times it can be very frustrating as progress is slow, forward two steps and then backwards three steps. There are only 2 staff members to go between 4 different areas, schools and programs in Pokhara. It is not the fault of staff here but more management with the heads of office for GVI . We also feel for Lok and Ruth as Saturday there is a group of under 18 years olds coming to Pokhara which they are responsible for.
We could not set the A-frame into concrete due to the weather so we know we will not be able to see the kids enjoy the new areas. There is no such thing as playtime or recess for most of the kids. We are hopeful that we can explain this concept to Bunty tonight.
We left early from the projects due to rain and were completely soaked by the time we arrived home to change for dinner. We cannot see across the lake and the Peace Pagoda is not visible due to rain. Even the hills are obscured by the fog. We have been very lucky with weather as we still have been able to see blue sky daily but this last week has been dreary and wet. It is always amazing how quickly the water is absorbed back into the atmosphere. Our roads have literally become rivers and we are a bit shy about venturing out again. We are expected at Bunty's home for dinner in the next hour and although clean when we leave our homestay, we know we will be wet and muddy once we venture out from the protection of our balcony.
Friendly Gecko Lok