India - Day 11, Narlai elementary school visit

This morning we are up early. Some ladies have gone for a hike up the hill to take in the view from the top and to see the large marble elephant statue. This statue is so large it can be seen from many miles off in the distance.  Others enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool and some have an early morning yoga session on the lawn.   One of the handsome young hotel staff bring us coffee, tea and juice to be enjoyed poolside. What a great way to start the day!
Bags packed, checked out of our rooms we head off for a walk through the village of Narlai to visit the local elementary school.  The walk through town is quite entertaining.  Village life is very simple and time seems to stand still here.  Children and women greet us with warm friendly smiles, animals stare at us as we walk by and we make way for a farmer leading his oxen and cart out to the fields.  We dodge mud, water puddles and excrement on the narrow road way.  Their sewer system is very primitive and I suppose it works well when there is a good rainfall.  Today it's dry and hot so the smell is in the air is quite pungent.

The children at the school are delighted to see us.  The teacher arrives and instructs a young boy to ring the bell to call everyone to class. The last straggles rush in and the children form a line from oldest to youngest then take their place seated on the floor in front of the teacher. Time for morning prayer and they add in a few songs for our benefit.  Pencils are passed out to those in attendance and bags of goodies and school supplies are presented to the teacher on behalf of the ladies from Canada.. He is grateful for the gifts and we know they are goning to be put to good use. The students at this school come from the village and surrounding rural areas. They are quite poor and are fortunate to have this school to attend.  The government supplies them with uniforms and 1 hot meal is cooked for them daily. It is mandatory for all children to attend school up to grade 7.  The lucky ones can afford private schools and have the opportunity to continue their education in higher grades and college. These children will be lucky to complete 7th grade.  Their English is minimal but they are happy that we have come to visit them and they greet us with warm smiles. Life in the countryside is very different and we all have a strong appreciation for the benefits of living in our country.