Rachael O’Rourke (England) Volunteer 2005-06
Teaching at Fabindia School has been an eye-opening experience. I’ve learnt so much about what it takes to be a teacher, what it is to live in a wholly different culture and seen some extremes of human behaviour. 

Since I have arrived in India, I have been staring and pointing in childlike amazement at the coloured cows, rickshaws, heat, slums, sewer-smells, temples, beggar-children, food, marching, swastikas, moustaches, noises, clothes... Of course the initial wonder wanes, but the lasting impression that I will have is of the unbelievable generosity I’ve encountered here, with the vast and delicious meals, often from the people who can barely afford it.

Karin Magnusson (Sweden) Volunteer 2005-06
“I’ve had a great time at Fabindia. Almost six months has past since I first arrived to the school and I’ve enjoyed every second of it. Of course there have also been some difficulties; I never knew teaching could be so demanding or frustrating. On the other hand I never could have imagined how incredibly rewarding it can be. To see a student’s face break out in a giant smile just because you’ve praised their work or see that they’ve actually understood what you’ve tried to teach them for the last weeks.

Teaching was a totally new experience for me and the students at Fabindia made it a very positive one. The students are the ones who made it easy to get up even in the cold mornings in December since you knew that you would always meet warm smiles on the school bus.”

 Venessa Redditt (Canada) Volunteer 2004
“The children were an absolute joy.  Their love and energy seemed boundless.  Even on the hottest days, they entered the school like gusts of fresh air, sparkling and eager to absorb their lessons.  With limitless imagination, boys and girls shared their hopes of becoming doctors, teachers, advocates, politicians, police. 

The girls studied devotedly and dreamed constantly.  They poured over library books and begged for extras to read on Sunday.  Many thrived on math and science, not at all shy about learning alongside male peers.  Others delighted in making coloured drawings, taking special pride in their art.  A favorite pastime was exploring the world map and pondering borders, people and places beyond their village.

Girls stood in assemblies to read poems, do theater and tell jokes.  They sand and danced, their faces lifted in confidence and enthusiasm, in contrast to the bowed heads often seen in town.  Pre-adolescent girls adamantly demanded equal standards in the community, at work and in relationships.  IN heated discussions, some girls even rejected marriage if it would hold them back.  They showed an understanding of the limits placed on them by a male-dominated culture and spoke of their right to make choices.”

Steven Champa (USA) Volunteer 2003
“The Fabindia School is lucky to have such devoted and knowledgeable teachers.  They welcomed me into the classrooms and were open to teaching suggestions.  This was my first experience teaching English and at times I struggled, but with the help of the Fabindia staff I learned how to explain complicated topics. I found that while teaching can be difficult it is also satisfying.  I want to thank the teachers and the Principals for accepting me into the school and for their kindness.

Mornings were my favorite time of day, when I greeted with “Good morning, Sir” by all the students. I especially enjoyed morning assembly, when the students sing the national anthem.  It is a beautiful song and sounded good every morning. The drama performed by class 8 about the dangers of knowing a few words of English was one of my favorites. It still makes me laugh when I remember it.”

Anna Masters and Charlotte Parker Volunteers 2002
“To start every day, every child calls, "Hello Didi, Good Morning!"  Every day therefore begins in a happy way.  First impressions of the Fabindia School, all of them positive:  beautiful, peaceful surroundings; infinitely enthusiastic children.  Never before had we heard the word "Didi" repeated again and again. 

In Annual Day, Sports Day and Workshops, all children were singing, dancing and looking so happy.  Since we arrived in beautiful Bali, children and teachers have made us so welcome that here it feels like home.  On our first day here we already knew we were lucky to have our chance to stay in this lovely place.  Thank you for having us.”