The Indo-German Exchange Programme is the one that not only unites two school groups but also it is friendship and fraternity between two countries. Such programmes are an effective way to build bridges of understanding among students from different countries. We learn to appreciate in the field of science and technology. This kind of exchange makes students citizens of the world.
K.R.Mangalam World School, Vikaspuri got the opportunity to host the Delegation of 15 students and 3 teachers from Saaleschule, a school in East Germany in October 2015 as a part of Indo-German Exchange Program under the aegis of Max Mueller Bhavan, New Delhi and Robert Bosch Organisation.
The gracious Indian host families received their German guests with lots of warmth on 12 October at the airport. The German of students were accompanied by their teachers, Melanie Oelke (Geography/Biology), Anne Bobikiewicz (German/history), René Langner (specialist on filmmaking).
The following day after our guests had relaxed received a warm welcome from Ms. Meenu Kanwar, our school principal, coordinators, staff members and other students. The traditional lighting of lamp followed with garlands, vermillion, sweets and performance by the school band made it all the more special for them. An Ice-Breaking session was conducted by Ms. Hema and Ms. Lekha for the students and teachers in order to bring them closer and they understand each other in a better way.
The entire two weeks schedule was well formulated with activities related to the project work and facilitated an experiential learning about the Indian culture.
The group embarked on a joyful journey of experiencing food and different colors of Indian. They were enthused to start the day with Yoga and Meditation. This helped them regain their body flexibility and was all set to take lessons in Hindi, Indian cooking and spirituality. The potter’s wheel was a great attraction as they observed how the potter moulds the clay into creative artifacts and also laid their hands into learning the nuances of pottery.
The students also enjoyed using Paper-Recycling Machine using the waste paper and paper Mache products and were a part of Cycle Rally shouting slogans to spread awareness about waste management as a planned activity of Bosch Project.
Jashn-e-InDeutsch, a colorful representation of two different cultures among many different cultures of India was showcased where Indian and German students performed a song and dance together.
Children demonstrated exemplary spirit and were a part of the Indian system and got accustomed to the Indian traditions within no time. They let their taste buds experience and relish the Indian delicacies with much taste and fun. Their shopping bags picked up colorful Indian ethnic dresses with matching accessories from the local market. The shopping spree went on and on, checking shops from one mall to another and ended with mini India in their luggage. We take immense pride in being a part of the Indo-German exchange Programme.
This Programme was a milestone in our personal and professional journey of knowing each other’s country and people. This report cannot be concluded without mentioning the unstinted support and involvement of our Indian host families and students for taking that extra step to acclimatize themselves with a new culture. We wish this relationship between India Germany to grow from strength to strength with each passing year.
Ms. Hema Shandilya (TGT-German)
