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"I
came to VKV beacuse of the teacing Programme - the chance to teach
English to Kerala children was a fantastic opportunity for me, given
that I had been a teacher in London for 12 years. It was wonderful
to watch the children grow in confidence and ability; to move from
shy, quiet responses to being certain of themselves and positive
that they could be understood and did have the language tools to
communicate well with a native English speaker. My last lesson with
them was very sad - but I will take their smiles and good wishes
back to England and remember them always. I thank Rajesh for his
incredible optimism and hard work in ensuring the programme was
a success. "
My
learning: - Hindi - I leave with an excellent grounding
in Hindi grammar and a lot of vocabulary to learn! I had a superb
teacher in Subhaji who gave me confidence, encouragement and friendship
through out. I feel able to use what I have learnt back in my job
in the U.K and am certain that I will continue studying and one
day may be even be fluent.
Cooking:-Learning
the art of Keralan cooking and laughter was a great experience and
it was a bonus to discover North Indian recipes from Manesh - both
he+Kurupji taught me well and were excellent teachers.
Mohiniattam:-
Learning a traditional Indian dance form was an unforgettable experience.
The slow but very rigorous training ensured that I understood the
basics, but unfortunately I was unable to progress as I have arthritis
and couldnt cope with the half-squat basic position! It is a very
physically demanding subject, but I thank Dhanya for trying the
impossible.
Kathakali
Mudras n Make up:- Sadly I only studied these for two weeks,
but I enjoyed every minute of every lesson. The teachers have incredible
skill, ability and patience and managed to teach me so much in so
little time. I hope I am able to do the subjects justice at school
in VKV. Seeing them perform in 5 Kathakali plays was a fantastic
bonus to being at VKV. The talent and energy of Pradeep and Kesavan
is wonderful to watch and I leave with vivid memories of the wonderful
performances they gave. It was particularly good to watch Corinne,
a VKV student, perform with such flair, confidence and ability as
well.
The
rest of my life at VKV was enriched by the many members of staff
who gave endless amounts of time, support and energy to make sure
that everything ran well. To all the staff who took time to visit
me after my accident and to those who cared for me (Hari - nurse),
my thanks are immeasurable - Dhanya's dancing in my bed room and
Shaji's walking stick were unforgettable highlights. As is Atma's
wonderful giggle. I will miss many many things and plan one day
to return to study Kathakali (although I need to get fit first).
Thank you Louba for founding such a vibrant important place. It
is a heaven in the troubled world in which we find ourselves living.
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Joanne
Field, U.K, four months in February 2004 |
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cannot possibly express all that has been immensely special and
wonderful about my experience at VKV over these 4 months. I learned
so much, from my teachers, from the fellow students, from the atmosphere
of Kerala and its culture, and also just from being on my own in
a place so unique and different from my home. I felt like staying
at VKV was an ideal way to explore this place and reflect on the
rich cultural environment of Kerala - in my classes and through
events like Kathakali performances and Kolams, I came to learn about
Hindu mythology and doctrines, through the teaching English programme
and in my day to day ativities I got to know the routines of Keralan
life and many local people, and now I feel a part of the communityhere,
and talking with the other students has been so interesting and
fun, and provided me with the comfort of sharing my experiences
and attitudes about cultural differences with people who, for the
most part, know what I'm talking about "
The
food was everything that I hoped it would be and I will miss it
and so many other things around the village that I could not possibly
name. I have treasured every bit of my time here and I know I will
never forget it. |
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Tamar
R Leffert, USA, 4 months January 2004
Tamar with Thomas and Lindsey |
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"And
so it goes, all things must come to an end. I feel very blessed
for the privilege of living and studying here. My gratitude to all
of the staff for making me feel like a member of the family. I am
sad to say good bye to all the people who have become a fixture
of my life for these months. Maximum respect to all my teachers
and Madame Louba Schild for founding this place and to all my fellow
students, thank you for sharing it all with me " |
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| Rufus
Silber, USA 4 months in January 2004 |
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"So
much that could be said! I have loved every bit of this experience.
This place has become like home and the people are now like a giant
family to me. I came here thinking it would be nice to leave with
one new friend and I am leaving with many that I will miss very
much. I love you guys! It has been so great sharing this time with
you. I have laughed so much. I will never forget the hours playing
mafia, Lindsey's pine apple eating abilities, Toma's great accent,
Rachel being told she was going to die by a parrot, Hannah forgetting
her "boy friend's" name, those rickshaw rides with Julie, Rufus'
half sentences, Tamar's laughing at me (or may be with me), Jo's
love for elephants, and Sara's story of being locked out in her
knickers! I will miss you all so so much! You have made this trip.
The staff has been amazing. There couldnt be a better group of staff
members. From Shantamma's kindnes to Hari's singing to Kurup's laugh...You
are all fantastic. You have made my stay so easy and enjoyable.
It's going to be sad when I wake up tomorrow morning and cannot
go ask Rajesh some ridiculous question and have him laugh at me.
It has been hilarious living in the office with him. My classes
were fantastic. I loved singing. My teacher was very nice and we
had a lot of fun, even though I was often singing in the wrong key.
Tabla is still a work in progress as I will be taking home my new
set of drums. I highly reccommend that class... Teaching English
was such a challenge. I'll admit that I wasn't always excited about
it. It was difficult to make the students do school work after they
had already been in the school the entire day. However, on my last
day, one student wrote me a letter that read.."I love you as my
elder sister.. I will always remember you..." and it has made the
entire experience truly magical. I will happily go teach again in
a second, knowing that I have played a positive role in the students
lives.. I am taking so many new memories and skills with me when
I leave tomorrow. I'm so grateful for this experience... |
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Kim
Bock,USA Two months in October 2003 |
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"It
is not just enough to say that I have had a wonderful time here,
although as I think someone else in this book has mentioned, I knew
I would from the beginning, having received such helpful emails...
whats been so good then - my malayalam teacher so patiently putting
up with my appalling attempt at my Malayalam lessons, and the staff
taking me to the hospital when I had a cold. They were so lovely
who at times made me feel guilty and lazy for being so kind and
efficient. the cook - Kurup, I think is the most wonderful I have
even seen, In England this man would be a celebrity, my yoga and
martial art teachers who could tell I hadnt done a day of exercise
since about 1995.. The rickshaw drivers in and around the village
who were godsend and were unfailingly honest and also to the other
students who were lovely. I think VKV attracts only nice people" |
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Kate
Jehan, U.K, one month in July 2003 |
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