My first impression - E.S. Tibet print story

February 03, 2012

Educational Support Tibet, India

My overnight bus from Delhi arrived in Dharamsala quite late, according to the timetable, and by the time my motorbike lift from one of the school's staff got me to Upper Sukker it was already breakfast time. I was immediately struck by how quickly and politely the students made a place for me at the table, and made me welcome, asking about my journey and where I was from.

I have spent a lot of time trying to teach young people who are not particularly motivated to learn, or who have very real problems with learning the English language, not all of their own making, it has to be said. But from the very beginning, I was struck by just how motivated and dedicated to their studies the young people who are lucky enough to have gained a place at E.S. Tibet are. That&s not to say that they lead a monkish existence; they certainly know how to enjoy themselves, at the slightest opportunity starting an ad hoc basketball practice session or letting fly on the disco dance floor up at McLeod Ganj at the weekend.

My fellow volunteer teachers have also turned out to be a delight to work with, all from quite different backgrounds, but sharing a dedication to helping the students get the most possible out of their short time at the school.

One of our roles, outside formal lesson time, is to encourage the continued use of the English language throughout the day, and this, I soon found, leads to some fascinating conversations - and at times some quite hilarious ones.

I'm sure my two months here at ES Tibet will fly by, and it seems a shame that it's not possible for me to have committed myself to staying for longer: it would be good to see the development of the students' skills over a longer timeframe. But that's just not possible, so I must make the most of the short time that I am here.

E.S. Tibet, with its mission to help improve the lives and prospects of young people from Tibet, is a small but excellent organisation, and I wish it and its students, past, present and future, every success.

By Julie

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