Aspire-annual-report2017-18-forwebsite

Kamendra Reang is one of the teachers in GITS. He has
been working here for the last couple of months and has
commendable rapport with his students. Being a Reang himself,
Kamendra has the distinct advantage of understanding children
better. “Most of these children—especially children in the lower
grades—are only familiar with Kau Bru (Reang language), which
makes it difficult for some teachers to converse with them,” he
tells us and adds, “children in higher grades, on the other hand,
have started picking up Hindi, Bengali, and even English.”
The people of the Reang community,
especially women, laud the efforts of the
Great India Talent School, as it gives their
children access to education and takes care
of other necessities, such as textbooks,
notebooks, and school lunch
Tusaram Reang, a student of Grade III, for instance, is now
well-versed with Hindi. In the classroom, Tusaram helps
their Bengali teacher, Ruparani Dutta, with his translating
prowess. At home, he helps his mother understand Hindi
movies. “I don’t understand or speak Hindi,” his mother
says, “but Tusaram has picked it up very quickly. I think
even his younger siblings, Mapia and Masiti will learn it very
soon.”
The people of the Reang community, especially women,
laud the efforts of the Great India Talent School as it gives
their children access to education and also takes care of
other school requirements, such as textbooks, notebooks,
and school lunch. Their appreciation is reflected in the form
of community service, with many women coming to the
school on a regular basis to help serve food to the children
and look after them. Tusaram’s mother is one of the many
women who come to school on a regular basis to help. “I like
to come here and help because all these children are like my
own. While they are having lunch, I tell them not to hurry…
I assure them that even if they get late, I will drop them
home,” she says assuringly.
Tusaram
aspires to become a doctor
The Great India Talent School
comes as a blessing for hundreds
of Tusarams and Rosmis as well
as their families
As the residential complex is under construction,
children have to walk a few kilometres to reach
the school. Rosmirung Apeto, a student of Grade II
says, “while it is not tiring to walk to school in the
morning, the afternoon sun can make the walk back
home difficult. At times, we are so tired that we
have to take a break half-way.”
Rosmi, as her teachers and friends fondly call her,
wants to become a teacher. “She is so naughty
and she gives us a tough time, but if we ask her
to look after the class, she ensures that discipline
prevails,” the Headmistress, Sangeeta Nath says,
acknowledging the fact that Rosmi will make a good
teacher. The naughtiest child in her class is also the
teacher’s favourite. She stands out regardless of
whether it is in the classroom or at the playground.
Tusaram aspires to become a doctor as there is
no doctor in his village. “We don’t have a doctor
around, so when someone in the family is not well,
my mother resorts to traditional medicine,” he
expresses concern. The 8-year-old is aware of the
fact that traditional medicine is not the best option.
“These herbs aren’t always effective. It would have
been better if there was a doctor around,” he adds
hopefully.
The GITS comes as a blessing for hundreds of
Tusarams and Rosmis as well as their families.
The Reang refugees are full of praise and gratitude
for the school as it gives their children an equal
opportunity to get into the mainstream.
In upholding their right to education, the Great
India Talent School seeks to ensure that these
children do not have to forfeit their dreams and
aspirations. The aim is to give them the courage to
pursue these, so that they can ensure a better life
for themselves, their families, and the community.
Rosmi
wants to become a teacher
ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18
ASPIRE - 85
ASPIRE - 86 ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18