Swati, the school, the bathroom

January/February 2012

The lovely family: my Hindu teacher and friend, Swati, with her husband, Amit, and son, Arnav

Swati's students hard at work

Entrance to the one-classroom school in the basement of Narayana Kunj Hotel

Dinner time. The kids get a free meal every evening after class.

Swati and Arnav dressed up for Maha Shivaratri

Meeting Swati's mom at her home in "downtown" Rishikesh.

Arnav, Swati's mom, Swati's aunt, and Swati.
In Swati's mom's bedroom/living room/dining room.

Alleyway/"frontlawn" of Swati's mom's home.

Entrance area of the home, doorways to the 2 bedrooms.

 Early May, a couple months later, with Papa

The public toilets down the alley where Swati's parents used to have to go.

Other side

And inside

Again

Full view

Alley between home and toilets

Early stages of bathroom construction in Swati's mom's home. 

Papa and the family

Shower area, separate from toilet

Giving the walls a fresh coat of paint as the renovations proceed.

Kitchen relocated to the bedroom/living room/dining room during renovations.
(Had to move the kitchen's location to make bathroom due to plumbing.)

 Late May, 2012

Back at school, kids playing/learning with their new games.

Class is always preceded by prayers and chants.

Laptop had previously been donated. We added the scanner and projector.

And books :)

Kids eagerly awaiting class at the gates

More learning and fun with blocks...

And cards!

The girls...

And the boys

Kitchen relocated and freshly tiled.

Shower (bucket shower, of course) area almost done.

Toilet area almost done.

Swati's mom invites us over for a delicious thali to thank us.

The proud parents and daughter.
(Her father looks serious here, but was an incredibly sweet and jolly man.)

Saying goodbye to my friends... till next time!
(Where Swati lives with her in-laws)