sized school!) from the ages of 3 to 18.
The Indians are certainly very proud of their
education. We were also fortunate enough to
visit the local government-run school in
Vechoor, and so could see the massive
differences between the private and state
systems. Although the fundamentals of
education are similar, the teaching standards
and working conditions are completely
different. The local school was obviously much
poorer, yet the children did appear a lot
happier. Even in the children's obvious poverty,
they all took immense pride in their
appearance, were all extremely keen to learn,
and all were tremendously grateful for the
education they received. The state school
usually had 60 students per classroom
compared to around 30 in the private school;
the younger years sat and worked on the
concrete floors as opposed to playing on
computers in the private system.
I
n the days that followed, the house
was really beginning to look like a
house. The last few days felt strange.
It became normal to go to the work site
every day to carry bricks and trays of
sand, and by the end we had all
become really attached to the houses we were
building and everything about the place.
Everybody was full of mixed emotions on
leaving the sites for the last time. It was a
great feeling knowing that we had changed the
lives of some of the local families, and seeing
the houses start to take shape was amazing.
The last days were spent in the Spice Hills,
where we were able to have a tour of the hills
whilst riding elephants! It was a wonderful
experience, especially at the end where we
were able to clean them with coconut shells,
before being blasted with water from their
trunks. It was certainly a memorable way to
end the trip.
Everybody had an absolutely fantastic time. It
was great to give back something meaningful,
whilst also experiencing one of the friendliest
cultures in the world. Thanks must certainly
go to Anu and Mummy Matthew for being such
brilliant hosts. The two weeks I spent in
Kerala are certainly ones that I know I will
never forget.
Maudie Barclay's
perspective
I will always remember that terrifying bus
ride as we arrived at PhilipKutty's farm in
the breaking hours of dawn, and the first
trip in the long wooden boat through the
water lilies to the welcoming smiles of
Anu and Mummy Matthew.
Our days on the two building sites were
strenuous but rewarding. There was the
opportunity to converse and laugh with
the locals, which cannot be equalled
when experiencing a new country. On the
building sites we were fortunate enough to
be a part of a community with a common
goal. The fact that we were labouring
made charity a less patronising concept.
The families never tired of rewarding our
efforts with 'Chai' and tiny sweet bananas.
It was this kindness of spirit which I will
remember above all.
It was a truly peaceful place. I keep in
contact with the family and would love
one day to see them in their new home,
and perhaps help with another project.
The project was a life-changing experience
which will always hold fond memories for
me and the rest of the group. I felt
privileged to be part of something so
special.
Aluredian
33