Schools, Hospitals, and Organic Farms

Despite the monsoon season, our weekend adventure to schools, hospitals, and organic farms was pretty warm and rainless. I thought that Humboldt would have to compete with the precipitation, but we haven't have to brave through a downpour yet. It has rained, but there has been the comfort of a conveniently placed hostel over our heads. 

Schools Visiting  Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement schools was one of the first legs of our weekend journey. We got tours of the classrooms and got to play with the students. They teach the young-ins not only academic skills, but more practical ones such as food etiquette and religious rituals useful at home.  It was nice to hang out with youthful students, as a break from the hostel was very much needed. They were so lively- carefree is the way to be!

Right next to the school, basically on campus, was the organic farm. We were able to witness multi-cropping practices and how they were grown. It was awesome- the farmers sell the plants in local markets with a lower price so people can afford it so as not to rely on the mono-crops or genetically modified foods that are becoming more widespread in India. We were able to taste some passion fruit and play with fruits that have seeds that bleed bright orange paints. Face paint galore!

Tribal School Next we visited a tribal school near one of the rivers in Karnataka. I didn't have a chance to take pictures because there was so much going on, but some of the other Iowa students have got some. Just imagine the standard picture of small adorable tribal children surrounding the college student. It was hard to help it though, they are basically the cutest things ever and we were contemplating taking them home with us.
When we got into one of the main halls the silliness commenced and whenever we performed a dance move they would follow. The Maracarena, Irish dance, and stomping wildly were among the favorites of the tribal students. Meeting some of the India's younger generation was refreshing and they took to the game "red hands" very nicely ;).

All in all, it was such a great experience to learn about a different way of schooling.
The tribal students are not used to being indoors so there are small building with large opening to let light and birds in (think gazebo). From what we have heard, it is important that the school structure doesn't change the tribal cultures, so they base a curriculum around the students' needs. 

Boating and the Ayurveda Hospital After a long day we stopped at the banks of the Kabini River to look at local flora and fauna as the sun was going down. The most exciting event was the coracle ride- the coracles were made out of some sort of hides (maybe?) and had a rounded saucer shape. They comfortably fit five people in them and the man who owned them spun us around with out warning like the tea cup ride at Disneyland :) The man who gave us a ride usually uses the coracles for fishing, so we were thankful for treating us. After all of us had a turn we made our merry way to Kenchanahalli which housed a tribal Ayurveda hospital. We learned about different ayurvedic practices and medicines. The practices involve a more hands on approach then Western medicine and a ton of oils.

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Organic Animal Farm  
Sunday we visited an organic animal farm. 
One of my favorite visits of India thus far.

                                                   (Flora should especially like this)

This farm had turkeys that followed us, a monkey, dogs that were actually friendly, cows, and ADORABLE goats.

Because I'm bored, here's a mini-documentation of the stalking turkeys...

As seen from the photos above even the other animals were perplexed by the turkeys

 












There is a holiday/break from school because of the end of Ramadan. Tomorrow is the Ganesha festival, so the two day holiday fest starts now!

Enjoy the day.