The happiest people don’t necessarily have the best of everything.
They just make the best of everything.
Anon
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New York,
New York!
New York—October 8th 2006
Chidren’s Hope India (Inc), presented Tania and One! International with their annual “Making a Difference Award” saying “...a small courageous organization that is doing hands on work with slum dwellers in Mumbai.” “[Tania,], you are an inspiration to all of us, the dedication with which you pursue your goals and make things happen is a lesson that we all need to learn. We all dream of making a difference with our lives, you are actually living that dream and making a huge difference in the lives of so many children and their families.”
The gala was attended by over 600 people and was quite “posh”.
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Narnia and the Annual Program
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Throughout November, the children worked hard (and the volunteers and staff even harder!) to prepare for our Annual Program on December 1st.
The itinerary almost doubled this year, so we were hoping that we weren’t biting off more than we could chew.
Ari and new volunteers Sarah and Rachel Pennell took on the huge project of writing and directing the Narnia play (a movie that the children LOVE!). They made amazing props and the children worked hard at learning their English lines. It was our first attempt at an English play and far exceeded expectations.
Ajeet and Sandeep worked hard on their Hindi plays for each group. The children really embraced the plays and for the first year ever, were really acting their roles—facial expressions and all.
Ari, Sarah and Rachel also taught each group an English song. Our top group conquered the Beatles and the bottom group ‘Ring around the Rosie”!
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Sushma and Mahendra were in charge of songs, and as always they were beautiful. The children are learning the songs faster and faster.
Vinita once again partnered with Vinod to choreograph. Dancing is always the children’s favourite. The older boys and girls couldn’t agree on a song, so they had to do one each!
The children’s confidence and pride shines through their every action, and is fantastic to watch. They love being on stage and the same joy spreads through their proud parents and the whole audience!
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Sports Day, Movies, and School Houses
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Teachers Sushma and Sandeep took on the task of organizing a sports day for One!—a first. They worked very hard, learned a lot, and more than succeeded.
For three hours one day toward the end of October, the children did sport-like activities—fun and serious.
Some of the activities were sprinting, potato sack racing, a throwing game, pop each other’s balloon, and so much more…
Before the day began, we divided the school into four Houses (think Harry Potter’s Gryfindor, Slytherin, etc.) and this was the first time the children competed for their house.
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They competed in Tug-o-War, Dodge Ball (boys) and Throw Ball (girls). Boy did the competition get tough but it was good to see the teams rooting for each other and the competition being nothing but friendly!
Everyone won that day because the whole school—staff, volunteers and students were filled with nothing but smiles!
Teachers Ajeet and Mahendra were responsible for our movie comprehension day. They planned three levels of questions for the movie Stuart Little. The children watched the movie and then discussed the questions in a group afterward. It was great to see the children’s high level of comprehension and discussion.
All teachers were proud of their accomplishments—Congrats!!
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