Many of the kids, young and old, are involved in a lot of additional activities to enrich their lives. I witnessed an environment that allowed the kids to develop their interests and have some fun on their free time. As volunteers, we are a part of this process. Sometimes we participate in it or show up and watch to lend our support.
Every day between 4 and 6pm the children have free time. Sometimes I would find myself pushing little ones on the swings. One day I was helping a young girl learn how to ride a bike. Other times I would sit and visit with one of the older girls that just needed someone to talk to. They enjoy hearing about my life as I like to hear about theirs.On Mondays and Wednesdays organized sport activities are offered and many of the older kids participate in these. It includes badmitton, Kabidy (a game the girls play that I still don't understand), and soccer.
On Tuesday, yoga is offered and it is fascinating to watch how limber so many of these kids are. They take it very seriously and do their best. Boys and girls participate in this and it is a popular activity. A lot of the kids that participate in this also are in dance.
Thursdays are dedicated to dance and I have to say, this is by far my most favorite activity to spectate. The talent and dedication is inspiring to watch. Rising Star participates in a program called Life Dance. It is a dance program that brings coaches to impoverished areas of the world and provides instruction. They have had a few choreographers come teach and inspire them. Famous choreographers, Stacey Tookey (from the Canadian version of So You Think You Can Dance) and Shaun Parry (from Promethien Sparks) were here earlier in the year and taught them a dance that was set to and sung by David Archuleta and some of the children. The song is "Someone Out There" that they perform too. A part of the dance is a form of method acting. The kids were assigned, when visiting their homes to mimic the way a leprosy affected person in their life moves. The message of the song is that there is always someone out there to help with the burden of this disease. It is a very moving piece and touched my heart each time I got to watch them practice and perform it. This is the dance.
David has been contributing to the fundraising efforts for Rising Star and also was here serving as a volunteer. He is idolized by all of the children. They sing his songs and talk about his visit often. In between coaches coming to share their talent, these kids faithfully practice what they have learned together. They have to try out to be on the dance team. Throughout the year they perform at Marriott Hotel in Chennai for the guests.
While we were there some try outs were occurring for the choir. Pam Gates, one of the directors, was organizing and taking this on. She has her work cut out for her. Most of the children sing very monotone. I don't know if it is because they are singing in English or if it is how they sing here. Choir practice takes place during that free time. I know piano lessons are available to some kids too.
Every weekday for an hour, just like in America, LDS Seminary is held for those that are at high school age, interested. It is a good sized group. I attended once along with some other volunteers. We were asked to all share our testimonies. It was kind of a neat experience. Against the backdrop of an intense rain shower we shared our thoughts and poured our hearts out to these young people. I remember telling them how powerful having faith is and how it can get you through trials you come up against in life. I told them that this is the time to really study and ponder what you learn so you can figure out what you believe and stand by it. I could feel the spirit in that open air dining hall as we all sat on the floor. Most of all, I could feel the presence of children of God seeking the truth for themselves and choosing to do this on their own without parents prodding them along. It was refreshing to see as many of our American teens tend to complain about attending seminary. Majority of these kids show up without even being baptized for the soul reason of wanting to feel the spirit for themselves. Rising Star is a patchwork of many religions and are accepting of them all.
Birthdays are celebrated. On the actual day of their birthday the child gets to dress up instead of wearing the school uniform. They get a gift on their special day. Many times you will see them sharing their candy they got in their gift with their friends. Monthly, the birthday kids are sung to in the dining hall and a big cake is shared. The kids look forward to this. 
On Thursday before we left to go home, our Scorpion group had filled up over a thousand water balloons after we finished construction that day. We couldn't resist and managed to get in a water fight doing that task. For us it was round two when we got to do it with the kids. It was a lot of fun. I took a lot of video and through my view finder it was pure joy to see these kids go crazy and soak all of the volunteers. The balloons went fast and quickly buckets were found and the contents dumped over unsuspecting victims. Some were ambushed from the above balconies.
As you can probably tell, it is not all work and no play here. The environment on campus is to provide a well rounded life. Many of these children's past lives have not allowed play to be a part of it. Many would be out begging to put food on the table or helping parents that can't do for themselves due to stigma and deformity. Many come from domestic abuse situations. Many have been treated awful for the simple reason that leprosy is in their family. Although they miss their parents; the life here gives them the best chance of a brighter future. This is why their parents have signed them up and only get to see them the first Saturday of each month. By doing this unselfish act they will not contract leprosy. They will learn English. They will expand their computer skills and find out what their gifts are. They will have dental and health care. They will develop friendships, some for life. They will have the opportunity to play, have their tummies full and learn. If they are able to afford to stay here, they will graduate and go on to lead successful lives.
The mission of this organization is to serve the child, medically treat the leprosy affected (many of these being the family members of these children), educate and encourage independence in the colonies through the micro loan program. None of this is possible without child sponsors and donations to this organization. Our family will be sponsoring a couple of the girls in the Tamilarasi house. It is a monthly donation of $30. Each kid needs four sponsors to keep them in school and lodged ($30x 4 =$120). I have watched many of these kids write letters to their sponsors with help from the sponsorship coordinator. It is part of their writing program. The children adore their sponsors and know them by name and talk about them. Pictures are exchanged and they are so grateful for the support. They consider their sponsors as part of their family. This is a fabulous link telling about all that is done and experienced at Rising Star. 
After witnessing this program in action, I believe in its mission. There is a lot of good going on between our country and India through the efforts of Becky Douglas and the many people that contribute and help to make it succeed. I am proud to be a part of it and thankful for those that contributed in different ways to be a part of this experience with me and Quincy. Change is happening. Sometimes big ones, but mostly small. Those add up over time. The worth of each child, no matter what country, is great.
No comments:
Post a Comment