I remmy well some long time ago, teaching children from the estates as part of my 'puny" service to the poor and destitute. What I do many call it noble. I call it the answer to my existence.
There was this eleven year-old girl; parents both drunkard and she looking totally ragged out would come to a dilapidated shelter in the middle of a grassless brown pasture. The shelter looked like it had gone thru' a storm and had survived. On weekends, a teacher from a nearby school is always present at this little shelter to teach and guide children who have difficulties with their school work. I was asked to assist. I complied.
This little girl, whom I got to know was rather different and a bit difficult. She, coming from a broken home and not knowing proper manners or any form of chivalry, and there I was on this particular day to help her cope with her little stammering English and Maths.
She was an eager beaver indeed, vibrant as I saw it but something was amiss in her. She gave me a difficult time teaching and this got me angry with my ego busted as well. So, I decided to take a different approach to see if at all I can get to know why she is acting strangely and behaving rather "sapless"
This episode took place in tamil, so I shall translate. In Tamil, "padee" could mean read or learn.
Me : Are you here to study or to fool around? (rough tone)
Little girl : "Padeeke" (to study, and answered lethargically)
Me : I don't see that in you.
The little girl looked up at me startled. She frowned and lay one arm on the old broken table and with the other flipped a few pages from her Science book.
Me again : So, do you want me to teach you or not.
She nodded her head with yesses.
Me : OK, then start reading. I want to hear you read loud. "Padee."
Little girl : "Padee, padee.." everyday "padee padee".. How can I study? Since yesterday I have not eaten anything. Yesterday also no breakfast, today also no breakfast. Aiyooo..uncle, how to "padee"...I am so hungry.
(this was exactly what she told me. My heart stopped and it aches me till now)
No kid let alone a 11 year old had ever made me cry out loud silently.
And there I was to teach her! huh!
And this the month of Ramadan....
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