Once we checked into our hotel, we got in a van and drove out to the first village. On the way, we passed fields and small businesses selling household staples. There was one "school" that was a 3 story building with a bare-bones structure. On all three levels were students sitting in groups, all in matching uniforms. This was the most literal school without walls one could imagine.
Sounds of singing rung out as we approached Sandipur. I had no idea how many people would be there to greet us, and I would estimate it was more than 200. We were greeted by children placing flowers in our hands and wreaths around our necks. There was a table for the guests of honor in the front of the school yard, and we were then anointed with red powder on our forehead, and more brightly colorful blooms.
Speeches were made, and our group members who are talented with children taught nursery rhymes to the kids. One quick thinking member of our group had brought 500 balloons and when we tried to pass some out, we were mobbed. Order reestablished, we proceeded to move on to the recognition of the scholarship recipients. Those are the students in the top photo.
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