Today we set out our most ambitious educational program yet. Collin first gave a talk on germ theory of disease and biological cells in general. Even though this is advanced material, we figured we'd try it out on these kids who had not ceased to impress us thus far. Of course we kept it at a simple level, using a demonstration where six Pratit members formed a circle to simulate the selectively permeable cell membrane. We had two of the children be germs, which the circle/membrane would not let penetrate the cell, and we had two children be the "food" which the cells did let inside. We emphasized that germs did get into cells in many cases, causing a variety of diseases. We then transitioned into the importance of hand hygiene- so that these bacteria would be washed away from our skin and reduce the possibility of it entering our body to cause havoc. The students seemed receptive as ever. For a break, we went outside to play duck duck goose and Indian chief. When we came back in we showed them "1h2O" a silent 20 minute version of the critically acclaimed film "One Water" that showcased the importance of preserving clean sources of water. We quizzed the children on both the movie and the importance of water in their own lives. Finally we showed them a first aid kit and demonstrated to them them different situations in their own lives when it would be useful. We presented this comprehensive first aid kit to the schoolhouse for use in the future. At this point, Mr. Matthew Asada (Penn '02), American Consul for Political and Economic Affairs in Kolkata had just arrived. With him there, we also presented a Rs 10,000 donation to the school that would go towards renovating the school floors, the roof, providing learning supplies, and paying teachers salaries. We then proceeded to take a tour of the slums where our students lived. This experience was mind blowing for all parties for both us and Asada. The scene was right out of "Born into Brothels" or "Slumdog Millionaire" with a maze of squadder settlements housing 500 people in tight quarters that I could barely go into without feeling extremely claustrophobic. To think they live and survive in such conditions is unreal. The most poignant moment of the day was when we went into one of the girls' homes and saw the green flosser we gave out to each of the children on the first day hanging beside her mirror. It was the lone colorful piece in that dark, downtrodden room, hanging idly on a nail but clearly our lesson made an impression on the girl.
Going back to Asada, it was pretty incredible to have a Penn alumni in Kolkata in such a high position of power so interested in our work and willingly giving us advice on how to improve our program and spread our word on campus. Let's hope both the University and the Consulate can support our programs beyond this first visit.
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