Tutoring the Little Buds_5

Last time we started with the alphabets and following the chronology we were supposed to continue with the same but since we had our exams in recently we couldn’t late their classes for two weeks. Now that we are back, we found ourselves at the end of the semester. So naturally there was no point in continuing with the alphabets as we had planned. So we changed our plan and decided to make this last session of the semester a fun one for them. Our supervisor suggested we conduct a diya (earthen lamp) decorating activity for them and give them some handmade gifts for Diwali – the festival of light.

We made paper miniatures of the traditional Diwali lamp called an aakash-kandil and also some paper baskets. We bought some toffees decided to put some in each of the paper baskets. After all the preparations were done, we were ready for our final session with the little buds for this semester.

Today when they arrived they all greeted us in an unusual manner. They seemed to recollect with we had taught them about good manners and they all wished us with a flattering smiles. My spirits at that moment were in the seventh heaven! I was so happy to see that.  We then teamed up and made a huge circle, I and Asmita distributed the diyas and decorating material to all of them and then returned to our students. I told them how they were first supposed to apply the glue first and then the tiny decorating beads and glitters. They were very comfortable with doing repetitive work so once I told them what was to be done they happily regurgitated the steps to get their work done. To me, they looked like small, cute and intelligent oompa loompas who were elegantly putting the decoration, all in a festive mood! After diya-decoration and the consequent hand-wash was done, they were in for a treat. We made them see a small animated video on the importance of Diwali and the gave them the paper lamps and baskets full of toffees. They really had nothing to do with the lamps or Diwali their target was obviously the basket full of sweets. Everybody was laughing and giggling and enjoying the time we were spending together.

Soon after that they left, and left with me were their memories. I recalled all the sessions were had undertaken hitherto and was so happy to have made them feel special and important. Not once did we let them realise the pity of the economic background they belonged to.  They were happy and so were we. Although I knew I wouldn’t be meeting them for almost a month, I knew they would return; and I was ready to wait until then.