A very special Christmas at Auxilium

After two weeks in India and volunteering at the Auxilium School we find ourselves approaching mid-term exams and the mayhem which is Christmas. I still feel strange thinking about Christmas in the boiling heat of the afternoon sun whilst England is grinding to a halt with snow, alas approaching it is.

It's so much fun doing Christmas arts and crafts (I have become the artist in residence)...I have been very busy preparing cut-out Christmas trees, snowmen (concept alien to Indian children) and Father Christmas himself....all the kids have loved getting involved painting and decorating the school and always look so proud to see their designs hanging.

Mid-term exams are a big deal...it's a very serious business and I believe it is times like this when you realise how valuable our presence is, we provide an opportunity for a different style of revision/tuition.

Although the schedule was different it was really nice having extra time to spend with the students and get to know them better. It really cemented the relationships that I started to form. I just love them! For me, whose standard is erratic at attending tuition it makes a welcome change that the word on the street that Nadra Mam's tuition rocks. Oh yes they are positively flocking.

Exams rattled along at a steady pace, no one seemed too upset with their performance, so the focus shifted to the Christmas presentation. I was given the task of teaching and rehearsing the Christmas carols. I took this very seriously (being a thespian and all). Although my wish for formations and harmonies didn't quite materialize it was a great day, all the students had a fabulous time, dancing (a mix of Barbie girl (?) and traditional Indian dances) and singing but the best part was that each class did their own version of secret Santa called Christmas Friend. Not to miss out I gave each one of my students stickers and a pen lovingly tied with their name attached...no mean feat considering there are 37 of them. They showed their gifts off with glee and seemed happy that there was only 2 mid-term exams to go and then I expect a very welcome rest before next term.

I for one can't wait.

A very special Christmas at Auxilium