Lilavatibai Podar High School, Mumbai & Jan Van Brabant College, Helmond. Exchange Report 2015
Introduction The ongoing cultural exchange program between Jan Van Brabant, Helmond & Lilavatibai Podar High School, Mumbai completed its second year with much enthusiasm and excitement. The Dutch delegation consisting of 15 students and two teachers (Ms.Nicole Verhoeve & Mr.Hans Vasse) visited Mumbai in December, 2014. The Indian delegation consisting of 14 students and two teachers (Ms.Vandana Kabra & Ms.Megha Tandon) visited Netherlands in May, 2015. The projects undertaken by the schools aimed at facilitating student interaction, understanding & appreciating each other s culture, broaden their horizon and International perspective. The EUMIND COURT PROJECT initiated by Ms.Nicole Verhoeve involved the children working together in a fictional court case of an international crime posing a hazard to the environment. The main focus of the project was on cooperative learning and enhancing the communication skills of the students. The students also participated in a host of activities based on local art, dance, food, games and architecture of the two countries. This helped them understand the different aspects and diversity of the two countries.
The Court Project The Subject of the project was an ecological disaster. There were teams that consisted of the prosecution, defendants, witnesses, victims and the accused. The story of the entire project was developed by the students via an online blog. The whole project helped the students to interact and work together which enabled them to understand and respect each others views. The Dutch and Indian students working together on the Court Project
The court project was then enacted by the students during the exchange visit to the Netherlands which was a culmination of the efforts put in by the Dutch and Indian Students. The Court In Session at Jan Van Brabant, Helmond
Student Testimonies The court was in session on Monday morning with everyone excited and set to answer the questions and win. The court session was a fun learning experience for all of us. We learnt more about how cases are solved in a court and how even the tiniest of details can turn the entire case around. We came up with funny testimonies and could not stop smiling when someone went up to the stand. The court session gave us a taste of what it is like to be a lawyer. -Pallavi Verma (Student L.P.H.S) This project helped me improve my English speaking as well as writing skills. I had a great time exchanging my ideas and views with the students from India. I also understood the working of a court and how the proceedings take place. I really enjoyed working on the story of the project. Although a fictional one it made me aware of the ecological hazards that occur. -Toos (Student Jan Van Brabant)
Student Testimonies If I have to describe the Eumind court project in a few words, I would have to say that it felt like an episode of Boston Legal right in front of my eyes, only without the breaks in between. Working on a mock trial from two different continents is an amazing feat to achieve. Not only did it provide me with an opportunity to showcase my oratory skills, but it also reinforced the values of teamwork and contribution in me. Standing in front of a jury and defending a client is something I have never done before but this project allowed me to step into someone else s shoes and play a role. It was a new concept and with the guidance of our very capable teachers we managed to put up a decent show and also learnt a lot in the process -Vidisha Singh (L.P.H.S)
Cultural Activities During the visit to Jan Van Brabant College in May,2015 the students conducted and participated in a number of cultural activities. The subjects varied from architecture, dance, cuisine, sports and textile art. Architecture The Indian students explained and shared information about the major architectural marvels found in different parts of India. The primary objective of the presentation was to invole and promote student interaction. Sports: The students introduced a very simple game know as 'Kho-Kho'to the Dutch students. They specifically chose this game as the rules are simple to understand yet it needs a perfect balance of team work and alertness to play the game.
Indian Dance Forms The importance of the various aspects of Bharatnatyam dance like basic hand gestures and facial expresstions were explained to the students.the basic mudras (hand gestures) and basic steps were taught to the Dutch students which was followed by a short perfomance by the Indian & dutch students. Indian Cuisine The children explained about the. multiple cuisines found in different parts of India. They held a demonstration of Indian Chaat' as it is a relatively simple yet lip smacking snack.
Indian Textile Art & Dutch stippelwerk An activity was conducted on Block Printing an art form from Rajasthan. The students were given a hands on experience to make their own table mats to explore their creativity and get a feel of Indian art. The Indian students learnt the dutch art of Stippelwerk with students creating colourful caps for themselves
The Exchange Program was thus a very enriching and fruitful experience for both the students and teachers. The entire exchange program was extremely well planned giving sufficient time to the students to bond with their host families and also experience school life in the two countries thereby fulfilling the main objective of the Exchange.
The essence of the entire exchange program can be summed up by this poem written by an Exchange Student. EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE I came to Holland a while ago with pockets full of euros and eyes full of dreams Now that it s almost time To wrap up all those memories And pack them tight I sit to think of this place called Holland Thinking of Holland I think of wonderful treats Of marshmallows and whipped cream Of bread covered in chocolate sprinkles And about a hundred kinds of waffles I think of weather that Cant seem to make up its mind Should I rain? Or do I feel sunny today? Nah, I can t decide I think I ll do both
I think of wooden shoes Used as anything from Keychains and magnets to golf sticks and pen holders But not as actual shoes And I think of Anne Frank A little girl who was too young for what she experienced in life And who s story I was finally able to see With my very own eyes And lastly and most importantly, Thinking of Holland Isee a wonderful family Who took me in A girl who can barely balance on a cycle And handled me with great patience and care I see a little girl trying her best to connect When she doesn t know English and I am no good with Dutch I see twin sisters
As different inside as they are alike on the outside Trying their best to give me the experience of my life And I see their parents Who never once gave me cause to miss my own. -Jeannie (Student L.P.H.S)