Trip to MGVS and Kaplani High School

The day started with a fabulous walk up the hills to the MGVS office – perched high between the Himalayas and Shivaliks mountains. Nothing like a good dose of mountain air and a view of the snow capped peaks to get you ready for the day! Surender and his co-workers welcomed us into the warmth of their tiny dwelling and we sat round the wood burning stove and we had a short morning service in Hindi and English.

We set off in the jeeps (11 people in one of them – plus supplies for the school!) and after negotiating the rather frequent hair pin bends that are part and parcel of Himalayan living we arrived at the Kaplani High School.

The children, all of whom come from very poor families were mid-lesson, so we had a chance to observe them hard at work before they came out to sit with us. Highlights of the day included the children dancing and singing traditional village songs for us and Cathy reciprocating by performing an Irish jig as we all sang “Belle of Belfast City’! Another eye-opening, incredible and humbling day for all of us.