“Brainy Stars International Holistic Montessori”, recently visited the “Neighborhood” as it is part of the School syllabus. This Visit was not only fun but it was also very valuable learning experiences for young children. The neighbour holds a special status in Islam. Islam encourages Muslims to treat their neighbors in a gentle way that reflects the true and genuine spirit of Islam as exemplified in its tolerant aspect especially with people of other faiths.
Remember the “good old days” when people sat on their front porches discussing the latest news and politics? Today’s families tend to be busier and connect through social media, making those front porch talks almost a thing of the past. Yet the need to feel connected hasn’t changed. A strong sense of community is like an anchor, giving a deep sense of security to children and families. Happy is the man who has good neighbours. Fortunately, we are one of them. Brainy kids were excited to visit our neighbours and get to know them.
First, we visited Mr. Babu Ananad, a retired mechanical engineer and his better half Mrs. Saroja Anand, a homemaker. They stay opposite to our school building. On reaching there, Kids were welcomed by this lovely couple. They introduced themselves and greeted all the kids. They put on quite a demonstration.
They were celebrating Dasara and hence displayed magnificent dolls in their house. Kids were overjoyed by seeing the fascinating and eye-catching arrangements of different dolls and artworks. After all the kids were seated, Mrs. Sarooja Anand explained each single artwork, which she had done by herself out of waste materials. The kids got to know about how she made beautiful crafts out of waste Maggie packets, Sabina packets, plastic covers, Hospital drips bottles, bottle caps etc. It was all very beautiful and attractive. As a token of appreciation, our Brainy kids gifted the host couple with flower bouquet, sweets and a handmade card. The couple was deeply moved by this gesture from our Brainy kids. Before leaving, each kid received a packet of powered sweet form Mrs. Sarooja Anand. Brainy Kids thanked them for their hospitality and took few photographs and bid good-bye to them.
Next, we went to meet another neighbor, who stays right next to our school building. The house belonged to Mr. Surendra, a Civil engineer and Mrs. Geeta Surendra. Mrs. Geeta Surendra happily opened the door and called the kids inside. Our kids greeted the lady with a smile and gifted her with flowers, sweets and handmade card. She was so overwhelmed and happy for receiving all these beautiful gifts on Dasara. She gave all these kids chocolates and appreciated them very much as they were so well behaved and friendly. She told she will pray for these lovely kids and wished them all the success. Brainy Kids thanked Mrs. Geeta Surendra and left with a smile.
Later in the afternoon, we went to meet Mr. Mahadev, a retired central government employee, another neighbour who stays at the left end corner of our lane. His daughter in law, Mrs. Kavita.K, a homemaker was very friendly and came all the way outside to greet our Brainy Kids. Mr. Mahadev interacted with kids and gave them chocolates. Our kids gifted Mr. Mahadev with handmade card, flowers and sweets. After receiving the card, Mr. Mahadev read out the wording of handmade card aloud and even made kids repeat after him. They too were very happy with our kids and wished Brainy kids all the success. Brainy Kids bid good-bye and cherished the time spent with our lovely neighours.
Media reports often depict the world as a scary, hostile place – not really the view we want our children to take. Getting to know the people in our community creates a healthier, more balanced perspective. Neighbors are almost always people who are just people – human and imperfect, but generally trustworthy, generous, and very much worth knowing.
