Finally got the internet back

Pakistan looses power for several hours at a time. Consequently, the computer is unavailable for these periods and to add insult to injury the connecting box burnt out at the house due to the power surges. The option of accessing a Internet Cafe is also not available. So in case anyone thought that I may have gotten lost in the Himalayns, no such luck.

We have been constantly on the move, preparing and conducting a two day workshop for the Primary Grade Teachers. I have to say that I am so proud of successful it was. Initially, the teachers began with us with a mixture of 'Who are these people' and 'What do they want'. I am so happy and pleased to report that by the time we left them after two days , they had had so much fun and had gained trust and an open mind to continue on learning different ways of teaching.

There is so much to be done. The goals are enormous, I wish I had more time here to help achieve them. I do have some ideas that the Waldorf Community can help this project.

I would be more that happy to speak to anyone who may want to get involved.

Well it is 6a.m. here and I think I will try and get some sleep.

Thanks again for visiting, and I do promise that I will get some pictures up. I also very much appreciate your comments, they have been so supportive, thank you.

Take care

love

Deborah

Good evening everyone:

What a wonderful time Nazli and I have just had. We spent a couple of days in the Himalayas! I think it has to be the most beautiful place on earth! We went as far as it was safe in the North West Frontier Province. So, beautiful!! In the evenings we were preparing for our upcoming staff training. The days were full of exploring, so exciting. The Himalayas is the home of the Snowleopard and I was focused completely on trying to see one. However, I had no luck with this venture but was surrounded by some very friendly monkeys. We had appropriate food for them, consequently we became their new best friends. They were really quite sweet.
Well, time for High Tea, then shopping, then working! Such a hard life, but someone has to do it.
Take care everyone, thanks for visitng!

love
Deborah

Eureka!

Kindergarten in Green Earth School, Pakistan

The night I spent a week in Duba!

Greetings!

We just returned from visiting some of the schools that Nazli has been put in charge of. There are a total of 3,200 children attending several schools in a number of villages! They began in 1977 and are primarily dedicated to the education of girls in rural areas. Can you imagine, the goal is to bring the Waldorf style to all of these children! One step at a time. We are meeting with the 'trainers and Grade One teachers for 2 days next week. We are told that a major difficulty will be in trying to soften the rigid philosophy of sitting working and learning from textbooks and all academics through memorization.
It has been a very long day and we are now meeting with the 2 assistants that Nazli has brought on to assist. So cheers for now, still working on how to upload some amazing pictures. I have no doubt that at some point in the future, this challenge will be met (hopefully!)
love
Deborah

A very different world...

The challenges of technology have been met and I am now able to access a computer! It has been an amazing few days since I have arrived! It is a very different world here. At times it feels that I am seeing life from two or three hundred years ago. Other times it feels very familiar. Before arriving I knew I would see a country nothing like I have seen before.
However, little could have prepared me for the horrendous poverty. The majority of adults I have met cannot read or write. Children begin work as soon as possible in the poorest areas. I am told around 8 years of age.
We went today to see the only other Waldorf School in Pakistan. It took a little over an hours drive through tiny villages. The main way of travel here is by donkey. People are walking around looking very busy but I have no idea where they are going. The only employment, it appears is on very large farms that have half million dollar homes on them. The contrasts are extreme.
The school we went to was amazing. The children looked very happy and very curious about me and Canada. It has been operating for approximately 3 years, purely on donations. The teachers receive about $100 a month salary. Many times they are worried that they cannot met the payroll but to this point something has always happened to help them. There is a community in Germany that has taken them under their wing and helps by fundraising for them.
It is hopeful that Nazli who is starting a school and Green Earth school will be able to assist each other along the way. If anyone out there would like more info on the school it is called 'Green Earth Roshni School' http://www.roshni.org.pk/ They also have a Camphill that has helped so many people. It truly is an organization that runs on a shoestring and helps so many people.
The project that I am helping with is coming along well. We are busy with organizing so many areas, meeting with people and arranging an information night. It is all very exciting and worthwhile.
Nazli's family currently operates many schools for children who would otherwise not be attending school. Two days ago, I attended a large family gathering and the announcement was made that she had been appointed to be in charge of these schools! She is very excited and has many ideas for them. We are arranging some training next week for Kindergarten, Grade One and Two teachers. As you, I'm sure, can appreciate, it does feel very overwhelming to me, but I can also say I am loving it!
I have some wonderful pictures and video to share (as soon as I meet the challenge of how to upload them).
Many thanks for your interest in my adventure.
Take care and Happy New Year
love
Deborah