Fan's GMMCS encounter:

On my arrival at the GMMC School, the pictures finally came alive inside my being, having only seen photographs of the premises previously. The size of the grounds and buildings felt smaller than I imagined yet more "whole". There was an immediate sense of cohesion, care and potential for this heart-born initiative. The classrooms are decently laid out and equipped, though this can always be improved, right now it is sufficient to embrace all the basics. The playing fields are a little uneven and definitely prone to ankle sprains but the roller arriving very soon will sort that out. We went past the "Local Rolla Man" several times and respecting the typically slow India fashion, it is surely coming to completion. A football pitch is awaiting its grass to grow properly before being used and it is massive! A lot of fun times ahead for sure. The grounds for the community centre are untouched for now and a lot of work still needs to be done to complete it. The school is surrounded by fields and there's a really airy and spacious feel to the place. My first impressions were all positives and after spending a couple of days there, they grew into a tangible vibrant experience; I was witnessing the growing of young trees of hope, real efforts have been made and are being made, and the benefits are already showing.

The village is remotely situated, several hours away from the main cities and the introduction of the school provides a real chance for the children of now and the future born in this area to flourish for their families, the community and most importantly for their individual selves. School should offer the opportunity to evolve or at least examine and understand the reasons why and the way things are done. From the little I could pick up during my time there, things seem to still be much anchored in tradition to pass on from father to son, mother to daughter, elders to younglings but this - !*without*! - questioning. For now. This is evident in the way most classes seem to unfold. Individual creativity/input or the word "Why" is rarely called upon unless the answer is "textbook". It is just assumed that the elders know best and the young know nothing or nothing that an elder would not know. It is not that this pattern *must* change, it just will - because that is what will naturally happen. It is only a matter of time. What would be good however when this wind of change comes to pass, that the best is kept and the worst is lost. In an ideal world, India can still be the emergent model which takes us beyond where we have already been and beyond where in some areas we seem to be failing.

Digressing…

There were very encouraging signs of communication in English between the children, and George & myself in English. I even attempted to teach 7th Standard class a little French. (Not my idea!) They picked it up with combination of sounds and visual interpretations of the words and laughter also helped. Some of the students are so well behaved it spooked me a little, in two years of teaching I never came across such discipline! It shows the winds of change have not yet reached as far as thought and also reflects the "respect for the elder" stronghold imbued within everyone. The latter is from a personal standpoint - refreshing, from a reflective one - uncanny.

A few games sessions later and I quickly realised the language of fun and play is universal. The deepest connections the students and I could make happened during those games sessions. George and I gave the after school club a football coaching session. The benefits of splitting the group into two to focus on the basics of the game turned into a 10 minutes final kick about that was the most football looking like game George had witnessed so far! The progress was swift and the sense of a new understanding in the students' psyche was priceless. They really just wanted to play cricket but it was clear that it was only because they felt safer in a game which they all knew how to play. And arguably there is more enjoyment in a game you know how to play. How though, did you get to that stage in the first place?

Big words have to go to the Principal of the School. He is truly a real blessing to this initiative. He has extensive experience in education and GMMCS is very lucky to have him on board. His heart is into this school like his spirit is devoted to the "right way" from a source that is divine-led. He shines out such positive energy. The few conversations we had were full of wisdom, gentleness and strength in depth and for as long as he is in charge the school can relax and be excited at its prospects of success.

I would have liked to make more of a connection with the teachers but time was limited and who knows perhaps I will be back and get a chance then. From what I have seen the school is mainly recruiting locally at the moment and the wages are not as attractive as to have the opportunity to attract a greater pool of potential to choose from. One of the challenges I witnessed was the potential downfall hiding behind teachers' worries about their reputation with regards to a student's academic failings. Whilst I understand it on one level I also think it is a great opportunity to breach beyond the old tendency that is, to judge any child who does not have a natural tendency and interest in academic matters as a burden and an individual who has less to contribute to the school. I see it as quite the opposite, these very challenges encourage the teaching ethos and methods to be reviewed and modelled on what the needs of the students are at this moment in time.

Perhaps this is the chance to look at the essence of teaching and learning again. It is true that at times parents do not place enough or in some cases any emphasis on their child's education and therefore leaking their sense of non-importance to school matters to their child. This results in a child not doing their homework for example. It does happen and it is a hard one to deal with. My compassion towards this particular incident is definitely twofold. I guess the danger is to add any more bricks to a foundation that does not have a solid base to start with. Where is the base? My heart says within the student…

A word on George, well it is clear that he's very well liked at the school. The students love him and this somewhat differently cultured teacher to them is a refreshing and energising influence. Not only with regards to the students, the school as a whole and all members of staff as well. George organised a meal amusingly entitled "The Gora Gathering" and all teachers, members of staff, family and partners were invited. We prepared and cooked the food at the school. Despite our attempts to just "do it ourselves", trying to pass on the message that for once the school staff could just sit, relax and enjoy, it just would not happen! Even the principal was peeling and chopping away! Their sense of duty and their willingness to serve is so strong. This is their "Prasad", their blessing.

When I look at their faces, they are blessed by nature, beautiful people, they live on hardly anything at all but the smile and shine on their faces shows so much, a seeming depth of existence that really touched me and inspired me to be in return more serving to my fellow human beings.

What next? Well a lot more is still to come. Starting with the introduction of Broadband internet access at the school! This is very much needed and will be vital. There is a sense that e-business is a booming industry in India as well but not only that, the sheer vastness of information suddenly accessible and available to the school will make massive waves and if structured successfully will reap fast benefits. The development and sourcing of equipment at the school will need to be ongoing. The community centre must take shape sooner rather than later. The salaries must reflect today's standards and more and more input from a wider cultural spectrum will be beneficial so long as respect for what is valued at the heart of India and the local area remains.

Oh and I want my George back so maybe someone else is willing to go out there and give a little of themselves too? :-D (errr …wish granted in somewhat bizarre circumstances, since I first wrote the piece a while ago... George is now back here with me in England and I have no doubt he will be back for another stint at the school, with or without me, sometime in the near futureJ)

I left feeling that if at all possible I will come back because it was an inspiring place to be and because I would love to see it develop and transform into new colours having recycled the old. I will try my best from afar to be involved too. This trip touched my heart and mind very much. I thank everyone involved in making it possible for me and I also send my deepest love and respect for all the people involved with the GMMCS project.

Until next time

Much love

Fan x:-)