Project CrayonsDate: 25/4/2012

The classes I have done for Project Crayons have been unlike anything I have done before. This is because the 40 or so girls I am teaching there range in age from 6 to 17 representing huge differences in interest, capabilities, and attention span. But, I'm always up for a challenge, and so I head to the girls hostel facility, Udaan Ghar. My first trip to Udaan Ghar takes me to the outskirts of a residential district and down a wide dirt path. At the end of the path stand four or five row houses, each with big gated doors in front. I duck through one of the gates, and am led into the house, into a smallish living room, and am surrounded by girls. There are girls laying and sitting on a daise, others on the floor occupied with games or engrossed with the TV, and still others walking in and out of the room. This is the girls' spring break, and they are enjoying a movie and breakfast. Like most spring breaks for children in hostel home dorm situations such as Udaan Ghar, the children can go home and visit their families. Unfortunately, only about a third of the girls of Udaan Ghar were allowed to visit home this break; those still here have home lives that were deemed too dangerous for a visit. A sobering thought. Two cooks occupy the living room with the preparations for the days' meals. Roasting chilis fill the air with a smoke that makes my eyes water, making vision even more of a challenge after coming from the sun's glare outside into this darkened interior. While trying to adjust, I note that some of the girls, especially the young ones, are interested in my presence; the older ones, just like in the U. S., try hard to be cool and aloof, but I catch quick glances in my direction. After rebuffing offers of food, I ask to be led to the training room. And 40 or so girls follow. Up the stairs we go to a spacious second floor room that is empty. It quickly fills. I did not count on not having the girls in age groups, but no matter. I make the best of it and the hour goes by quickly. Their energy is great and their giggles are infectious. I am looking forward to the next class already. For more information on the excellent work Project Crayons does, please go to: http://www.projectcrayonsindia.org/projects.html

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