It was a huge stroke of luck that I was able to join CORD and Chinmaya Mission and participate in numerous activities over the last 2 weeks. After travelling with Wijen and Mathy Randhawa from Colombo to Kilinochchi, without any hassle, we were picked up very early in the morning by Motsheswarn who took us to a hotel nearby. For the next few days I was lucky enough to work with this wonderful couple and assist them conduct motivational English workshops. In Kilinochchi we worked with students from 5 schools, however in Jaffna we visited a selection of Primary and Secondary schools and worked with them individually. The workshops did not focus on the intricate details of the English language but rather were aimed at encouraging children to speak English in our presence. We played numerous games and watched English video clips with the students which allowed us to get to know them and practice their English at the same time. I was able to teach them a little about Australia as well as learn details from them about the Tamil Sri Lankan culture. And what a culture that is! I also very happily got to observe some traditional singing and dancing as well as having to show them how bad Australia is at dancing!! I’m so sorry Australia… I think I really let you down on the dancing spectacular! Despite the students taking exams around our visits and commencing holiday they were all extremely eager to come to school and take part in the workshop. This showed me how much potential they have and their extreme willingness to take part. Not only did we motivate them but I felt incredibly motivated myself to do more for these children and live a fulfilling life!
We also visited a village outside of Jaffna in a rural area where CORD has worked to form a micro financing group of women. The people here were so welcoming and friendly and we enjoyed seeing where they live in small huts as well as where the children go to school. I wish next time that I could spend more time in this area and living how the people do here.
Again, at the end of my time in Jaffna I held a few more English lessons for the sponsor children at the Mission. The student’s level of English was very good at a basic level and so I just chose activities to cement this whilst trying to challenge the students who had a more comprehensive level. During the lessons I also had a fun time getting to know the children and see a little insight into their lives. Olga and I also made a visit to a local kids centre and saw what great future high jump Olympians there are there!! We also saw the drawings of what these children aspire to be despite their difficult and unsmooth path. Sri Lanka is lucky to have these children.
Living at CORD:
Living at the CORD premises has been more than comfortable and I have loved getting to know all the staff here especially Motsheswarn and Sutharsan with whom I have had many long chats and lovely dinners. They have answered all my multitude of questions and taught me so much about the Sri Lankan culture. They have made sure I tried all the variety of Sri Lankan sweets and food and helped me learn the foundations of Carom- a Sri Lankan game that I’d never seen before. I was also definitely not expecting to have a Western toilet and shower so that was an added bonus along with the mosquito net and double bed! I will be very sad to leave this place that I have begun to feel so attached to as I’m sure many children and adults alike feel the same.
The Children’s Camp in Kilinochchi:
Yet again I was extremely lucky to accompany the team of staff and volunteers at Chinmaya Mission back to Kilinochchi where we held a children’s camp involving Spiritual lessons, Yoga, Meditation, English workshops and games. English classes were lots of fun and a mix of learning, games and art. Learning food groups was incorporated with drawing the food pyramid so that the children could learn about healthy living. However, despite having the privilege to teach English alongside some of the other local volunteers who had an exceptional level of English, I had the very unique opportunity to get to know the children, staff and mothers one much more intimate level. Between sitting in the kitchen learning Tamil from the incredible mothers who worked tirelessly all day to participating in a yoga/meditation workshop with the children I felt truly lucky. This experience is so special and I was fortunate enough to become a part of it. Sleeping in the school’s classrooms alongside everyone and getting up before light to wash with the children in the nearby well was an experience that doesn’t come along often. Playing games was filled so much laughter and smiles that everyone became infected by it. Bobbing potatoes was a popular games as was popping balloons and running races. Meals were a wonderful opportunity to reflect on what we had done and enjoyed together that day. The vast selection of food was all superb and I don’t think I will ever be able to have that authentic food again as I enter my last 2 weeks in this beautiful country. Eating on lotus leafs we had collected that morning with my right hand was also something no tourist could easily come by. I think the camp was a true success and Swamiji had the children mesmorised for hours as he engaged with them in such a tireless and genuine manner. Learning from Swamiji was also a wonderful opportunity that I do not have access to in Australia and I will never forget some of the lessons he taught me. It is fair to say that everyone at the camp felt maximum happiness and that their memories from the camp will remain with them for a long time following.
CORD, Chinmaya Mission and the amazing people of Jaffna and Kilinochchi who I have met over my time staying with you, thankyou. I have had an absolutely incredible, once in a life time opportunity and I feel so privileged to have experienced this. However, what I will take away with me and treasure are the friendships I have formed and the lessons you have taught me. I hope to see you all again soon
Emma Cook
Teaching children in Kilinochchi
Visiting a village outside of Jaffna
Potato bobbing game
Yoga/ Meditation workshop
Collecting Lotus leaves
