Catherine (India)

In September 2019, I spent 3 weeks volunteering at Lotus Academy, an hour from Kalimpong. I lived at the school with the Principal and his family. Lotus is a Primary School, located on the hillside with Nursery children up to Year 7. Sundar, the Headmaster, is an inspirational man with a passion for children’s learning. I am a Primary school teacher and the teachers at Lotus were interested to hear how we taught in the UK, so it was a very rewarding opportunity to share my knowledge

I taught all age groups and it was challenging to set appropriate work for each class but gratifying and exciting when the children joined in enthusiastically.  I was not there to try and change their way of teaching, but make suggestions and open their eyes to different methods.  The teachers were so friendly, working with me in the classes and inviting me to their houses for tea. It was lovely meeting their families and seeing their homes.  Every day seemed to be different. There was a litter pick-up day with the army, dance competitions and an annual football match against two rival colleges. I was included in special celebrations and prayer days.

Everyone I met in West Bengal was warm, kind and friendly. I felt very safe teaching in the area despite being the only foreigner around but the phone network was excellent so I could message other volunteers. The teachers work so hard and have a genuine desire to educate the future generation.  They benefit so much from volunteers speaking English, singing songs and playing games and for some of the younger children it will be the first Western face they have ever seen.

Volunteering in this part of the world is a wonderful experience and a beautiful place to visit in the foothills of the Himalayas.