I apologize for not writing another blog entry earlier. We have been very busy here in Mumbai, between celebrating Holi and Purim, and teaching in the slums that I have not had time to sit down and gather all of my thoughts.
I will try and make this short and sweet but detailed.
First I will update you on teaching in the slums. I am enjoying working with the Gabriel Project Mumbai in Kalwa immensely. GPM is the only local Jewish NGO, and I am so impressed with and inspired by their dedication to helping these children.
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| One of our classes |
I am accustomed to slum life now. I use the word accustomed to define the familiarity of the smells, sights, noises, and the
constant reminder of what it means to live in a slum. The slums inspire me each day to make my lesson plan the best that it can be, so that these kids can hopefully one day leave the slums and pursue a better life. These kids are so smart, and have so much respect and appreciation for us. They love to learn and are excited when we share our knowledge. I wish I had their commitment and eagerness to learn growing up, maybe I would have done better in school. I have some class favorites, as all teachers do, but each kid I interact with, I am able to paint an image in my mind forecasting their potential for a bright future. I will be sad to leave the children and I worry about what will happen to them when we leave. Several of them have dropped out in the past due to conflicts with family and being forced to work instead of learn. I hope I will leave a lasting impression on them,, and that they will continue to go to school, because education is their only way out of the slums. People have criticized NGO's here in Mumbai and their lack of effectiveness, but I truly feel we are making a huge difference. Development is a long process and if we inspire a few kids to stay in school, than they will inspire their peers to also attend school. I am proud to be involved in this project, and I want to remain involved for the rest of my life.
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| Children creating a human map |
The past two weeks Emily and I have taught the children the 7 continents, 4 oceans, and animals/facts associated with Antarctica and Australia. They are learning quickly especially the older children. It's difficult teaching a class with varying ages, because all of them are on different stages of development and competency. However, our lessons are catered so that all children can learn at least something about the world. We use a world map each day so the kids can identify the continents and oceans on the map. We also play memory games and sing songs to help them remember the names of places on the map. The concept of teaching them about the world, is so that they can understand that there is life outside of the slums and outside of India, and that there are so many opportunities and things to explore outside of the slums. I hope one day that these kids will be able to travel and see different parts of the world, like I have been so fortunate to do this past year.
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| Shela showing Emily where Africa is on the map |
In addition to teaching in classrooms, we also assist the Gabriel Project interns who are Jewish youth who dedicate several Sundays per month to creating fun, educational programming for the children who live in the slums. The children in the slums are treated like every other child regardless of social class, and are given equal opportunities thanks to GPM. These children, many of them have never seen a shopping mall, an ocean, or anything we as fortunate human beings, take for granted. Something so simple can mean so much to these kids, and I look at things differently now after working in the slums, and appreciate the little things in life. The Jewish community here in Mumbai loves to give back to the community, and I am so proud of them and inspired by their efforts to help a community in need. We also recently made food packages for the poor and for Jewish families in Mumbai, which is one of the practices of the holiday of Purim. One of the Jewish values we have is Tikkun Olam which means repair the world. Living here in Mumbai and being exposed to poverty and social inequalities, has taught me the importance of being proactive in helping others, and understanding the value of humanitarian aid. The Joint Distribution Committee which sent me on this trip, works to sustain Global Jewish life, and provide humanitarian aid to communities in need. JDC and GPM work together to make teaching in the slums possible by recruiting volunteers, and to ensure that the Jewish community here stays strong and committed to representing Jewish life in a country where Hindu is the primary religion.
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| Making food packages with the Mumbai Jewish Community |
We were lucky enough to get a break from teaching in the slums thanks to Holi and Purim. Holi is a festival of colors in India that celebrates the conclusion of Spring. Purim is a Jewish holiday that celebrates the Jews overcoming annihilation in Persia. During these 2 Holidays, We traveled to Goa, India which is a state known for it's beautiful beaches and laid back atmosphere. India is incredibly diverse, from the south to the north. Each state also has it's own language which is amazing to me. We were in paradise in Goa compared to the chaos of Mumbai. Goa was once a Portuguese colony and many Christians live there. We celebrated Holi in Goa's Capital Panaji. It is tradition to throw paint on everyone during Holi, and by the end of the day we were covered with different colors of paint. We also went to the Chabad House in Goa to hear the story of Purim. We also stumbled upon a Jewish house in one of the beaches of Goa. Many Israelis travel to India after the army to relax and live it up for a few months. I am starting to believe one can find Jews and Israelis everywhere.
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| What we looked like after playing Holi |
I am still blown away by the hospitality here. Indians are some of the nicest people I have ever met. They will strike up conversation with you anywhere. Education is very important here in India, and many of my Indian peers are completing their masters degrees and are younger than me. Indians will even invite you into your home for chai and snacks. Recently we were touring a sacred neighborhood in Mumbai, and this woman randomly invited us in her home for Chai and to meet her family. The respect and admiration of foreigners here is incredible. In addition, the fixation with being white, is something many Indians seem to possess. We will get stares, and asked to take pictures with Indians because we are white. Bollywood stars are lighter in skin tone, and there is even cosmetics that try and make you more white here in India. It seems as if white means power and representative of a higher social class in India which is why probably so many Indians treat us like celebrities.
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| Family who invited us for chai and conversation |
India is still a very conservative country and most people here dress quite modestly. Mumbai is considered to be most liberal city in India. Mumbai is the largest metropolitan area in India and everyone wants to live here for the opportunities similar to big cities in the USA like NYC and LA. This poses a population boom problem that the government can't control which leaves many living on the streets and in slums because housing is too expensive and increasing cost. Men and women sit separately in public transportation, and women and men are shunned if shown public affection. In addition, many women live at home with their parents and are not allowed to stay out late at night because society looks down upon women who return home late in suspicion of mischief. One of the things I am still trying to adjust to, is the swastika symbol being displayed everywhere here. The Swastik is seen as a good luck symbol in Hindu. Sadly, Hitler tainted the symbol during the Holocaust, and its difficult for me to see it as meaning something completely different. Mumbai is a city of contradictions and the way of life here is fascinating.
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| Riding in a rickshaw |
I can't believe I only have 2 weeks left here in India. It took a while to adjust and now that I am comfortable and adjusted to Mumbai Life, it's almost time to leave. This experience has been incredible from the food, to riding in rickshaws, to the people, to working in the slums. It will be an experience I will never forget. Until next time.
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