Howard - Neloor - 25/10/16

The pre-school at Neloor was so remote that Ramesh our driver had to ask the way several times from passers-by! After an hour, again along some very bumpy dirt tracks, we finally arrived to enthusiastic reception. The pre-school was next door to the junior school, and again the whole site was surrounded by barbed wire fencing. We spent the morning with the class of 21 children (aged 3-4) and two teachers. The school consisted of a single room with a damage roof which leaked badly when it rained and the floor could be ankle-deep in water. In this situation the children are moved off site to a neighbouring building, courtesy of an agricultural firm. I was getting into the swing of things as regards the routine of introductions, group singing, dancing and colouring. Once again I took a group (in rotation) outside in the small yard for some running and ball games. The children really liked this and at times were screaming with laughter! For me it was very hot!

 Whilst the school had tables and chairs, there didn’t appear to be any toilets. At lunchtime the children left, some were collected by parents, but most wandered off along dirt tracks into the scrubland in many different directions. Afterwards, Maureen and I took the opportunity to wander around the village and I was struck by the poverty that existed. I felt very emotional about how they had nothing, yet had so much warmth and friendship to give.