Paalaguttapalle and online learnings
"Please share the English words quickly anna," little Shashank sent me a voice note on WhatsApp. I replied quickly. Usually, I take time before sharing the words. I take time to think about the words that could strike meaning to each child. Once it is done, I share the list of words with the enthusiastic Shashank who takes care of allocating it to four other kids, click the photos when they finish the task and to send it to me with its original Telugu meaning. Sometimes, children forget to write their names in the small essay writing exercises we try and I get back to them to know who wrote what just to keep in my memory. We tried essay writing and casual English conversations to generate an interest in learning while the daily practice of sharing them new words was suggested by the nine-year-old Shashank (Shashi as I fondly call him) as I tried hands at teaching basic English to five children in Paalaguttapalle village, Chittur (AP) via WhatsApp medium.
Aparna Krishnan was my window to this wonderful village. If you are someone who learned sustainable development in school/college days and look forward to visiting a self-sustainable village, Paalaguttapalle can satiate your hunger. Over the years, I keenly followed Aparna and her activities in the village. Aparna is a social servant who is deeply rooted in Gandhian values. She sees wisdom in villagers, customs, practices and their livelihood. A conversation to identify children for our 'Bhavana project' suddenly took me to be a part of Paalaguttapalle teaching initiative jointly carried out by Lakshmi (Aparna's good friend) and Aparna. They added me in their group discussions. I was initially a little bit apprehensive about my linguistic skills. But Aparna and Lakshmi, as well as my past (present?) experiences with Each one Teach one told me to not worry and I decided to follow the process and to take this learning opportunity as a chance experience.
There are five children. Pinki alias Vijayalakshmi alias Viji, Keerthana, Shashank, Himapriya (Priya) and Vaishnavi (Vaishu). I spend around 40 minutes with them on weekly days. We study stories using Storyweaver.org, a website with a good collection of stories curated for children. The process is that each child would read out 2/3 pages from each story and would attempt to translate in their mother tongue (Telugu). My role is more like that of a moderator.
I have been living in Hyderabad for six years and been learning titbits of Telugu and Hindi organically. However, teaching activity is more demanding process. I relied on the aspect of observation, picked up the words used by children and communicated to them using the words that are more relatable to them. I did not make sense to them all the time, but most of the time when I did, it made them feel happy and excited. I saw their desire to learn the English language grow naturally.
Each one Teach one, my past journalism job, interest in cinema and my love for stimulating conversations helped me generate an interest in learning Telugu (oral) and Telangana culture in general. I never endorsed the idea of living an outsider's life in places I stay. I attempt to gel with people and to explore that particular place which is more of an organic process that I take part naturally.
Paalaguttapalle is home now! I could sense the affection shown by Anita Akka (Keerthana's mom) and Aparna Di. I am Anita Akka's thammudu (little brother) and Aparna Di's loyal volunteer. Lakshmi Di is happy that I am taking care of children. I don't claim myself to be a good teacher. I am more of a listener. I try to exchange what I learn and I listen to children with my limited knowledge. I feel nice when children engage in writing activities. I see passion and desire in their writings. I know that things would be nicer if there is someone who is more equipped in Telugu to take care of our children. I tried to bring one but it did not materialise and I returned to teaching. Voluntary activities require time, desire and dedication from the 'provider.' A meagre assurance or promise may not work here because this is a routine process and the secret to progress is the sincerity of your action. We are happy that we made improvements, aren't we?
PS: # To know more about Paalaguttapalle and Aparna, visit, http://paalaguttapalle.blogspot.com/.
# Check out the wonderful initiative of Paalaguttapalle bags at http://paalaguttapalle.com/.
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