Razena Matriculation Islamic School

This morning we left the hotel around 8am. We arrived to the Razena school and were warmly greeted by their principle and eager students. After introductions and a short debriefing regarding the days activities, we were led into the courtyard to witness their morning assembly. After being welcomed we were led to the classrooms of our choice. Sara and I chose to attend the 5th grade English classroom. Unlike yesterday, each student was seated at a desk. The desks were set up so that 2 children sat at one, but none the less, they were not sitting on the floor. The 5th grade class had 39 students, and was about half the size of my high school classrooms. Of the 39 students all were female, and only 6 students were unveiled, these six students being Christians. The only air flow was from fans in the ceiling, and their windows were adorned with bars. Sara, Miles (Vidya's husband), and I were seated in the back and were able to observe their class. They opened their English books and began reading the story of Emperor Akbar and the Crows. Many of you are probably not familiar with Emperor Akbar because he is an Indian Emperor, but the lesson was entirely in English and the students responded well with the instructor. In this class, the students answer the questions in unison, and if called upon, must stand before they give their answer. The instructor explained to the children that while they speak may Tamil and Hindi, English is used for cross-culture communication, they referred to English as a "link-language."

Throughout the lesson, as the instructor read, the children followed each word with their finger, much like we would see in an American classroom. Nearly all students from Razena go on to college. Only 1/3 of the students are Non-Muslim.
After sitting through class, we headed down to watch some of our girls play basketball, yes basketball, against the Razena boys b-ball team. We took a beating, 14-4 at the end of the first half... they decided they had had enough :) We then got to watch a national Indian game, that is much like wrestling but there is running involved. It was SO fun to watch! Halfway through our visit we had a coffee break, and it was the best coffee I've ever had... sorry Starbucks. Then about seven 12th grade students came down and gave us each an amazing henna arm cuff. Reshma was the name of the girl who designed my intricate henna. She is a senior, 16 years old, has never left Chennai, and wants to become an engineer.
After the henna, we were brought upstairs to learn dance routines that we will be performing with the students tomorrow! It felt so good to be back up on stage again, and their dancing is AWESOME!
We then got to sit in on their prayer. All veiled girls in front, a noticeable divide, and then the boys in the back. Their prayer consisted of the chanting, bowing, and foreheads to the floor. It was stunning to witness, and not many Westerners are granted this private viewing.

After class we decided to stop at a local park. The park is a popular Indian hangout spot, equipped with it's very own temple, garden, and plenty of shaded areas. The sun has been out all of today and it is HOT. On top of all that, Ive officially been discovered by mosquitoes who apparently think I am the best... aka, 3 bites on my feet and one on my arm. Thank goodness for my Malaria pills :) Today's visit to the school was drastically different from yesterdays. There was order, rules, and the children were well disciplined. Unlike the children yesterday, these children do not see college as an option or a hope, but as without a doubt their future. For these kids it's not even a question, they are going to college.