Saturday June 16th, 2018
Today was a particularly fun one.
We spent the afternoon helping out with an NAB School for the Blind field trip to a local nature park. The kids were ecstatic to be spending a day away from the school; this was evident as the volume of the yelling and shouting in excitement on the bus nearly deafened Becca and me by the end of the day.
As a group, we boarded a local bus which was an adventure within itself. Loading nearly 40 visually impaired children onto a local bus in India is no small task, however it was beneficial for the children, as it is important for them to get comfortable using public transportation.
Once we arrived at the nature park, everyone enjoyed snacks, soft drinks, and sweets! Some of the younger kids were content chatting amongst themselves and just listening to the river run, while the older children seemed to be a bit more adventurous. It is easy to forget how capable these children are regardless of their visual impairment. There was a rock wall approximately 25ft high which a few students were intent on climbing. I rushed to alert the staff that some of the older students were attempting to climb the wall, sure that the staff would put an end to it. To my surprise, they assured me it would be just fine.
I watched as students who were completely blind, felt for hand and foot grips, summited the rock wall, then worked their way back down. It was a good reminder that the students are exceptional in many regards, and I need to be sure not to misjudge their abilities!
Aside from the vomitous bus ride, resulting in a plethora of soiled clothing, the day was fantastic. This school is constantly reaching to provide these children with a valuable, exciting, and meaningful experience and it shows.
Michael
Today was a particularly fun one.
We spent the afternoon helping out with an NAB School for the Blind field trip to a local nature park. The kids were ecstatic to be spending a day away from the school; this was evident as the volume of the yelling and shouting in excitement on the bus nearly deafened Becca and me by the end of the day.As a group, we boarded a local bus which was an adventure within itself. Loading nearly 40 visually impaired children onto a local bus in India is no small task, however it was beneficial for the children, as it is important for them to get comfortable using public transportation.
I watched as students who were completely blind, felt for hand and foot grips, summited the rock wall, then worked their way back down. It was a good reminder that the students are exceptional in many regards, and I need to be sure not to misjudge their abilities!
Aside from the vomitous bus ride, resulting in a plethora of soiled clothing, the day was fantastic. This school is constantly reaching to provide these children with a valuable, exciting, and meaningful experience and it shows.
Michael
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