Saturday after the morning lecture the group went to the Balabhanu school of WTT. It is located on the western side of Visakhapatnam directly in front of a hill, so that it is close to nature unobstructed by buildings. To arrive there it took about 40 minutes for our two busses. About 200 m before the school the road was congested and so the busses just stopped there and we walked over to the school.
Two rows of pupils were standing there already to greet us. We went around the three floors of the school buildings, looked into the classrooms were curious children were looking at us – and in some classes they were reciting texts or singing songs. I remember well how, 14 years ago, my two sons were totally astonished about the discipline of the pupils there… There are classes from 1st to 10th standard plus pre-school. The school is run by the WTT and recognised by the government. It is offering the normal school curriculum besides spiritual education. The classes contain also a number of pupils from poor families where the costs are sponsored by contributions of WTT members.
Sri Kumar, the founder chairman of the Balabhanu school
Statue of Master CVV inthe courtyard of the school
Later, we received tea and sweets while the team of teachers was presented. Then Sri Kumar spoke some words about the activities conducted there. It is always very inspiring to see these youngsters growing up in a conducive environment. Many of the previous pupils have now gained good professions and posts in responsible positions and are supporting the school as well.
On the way back, we stopped at a slum area and went to a place with a very simple construction of a hall. There, for many years a Mithila school for the poor had been conducted and is now continued elsewhere. The hall will soon be replaced by a bigger building with activities for adults – job training and also support for destitute elderly people. A great amount of energies is being conducted. Some of the co-workers presented works of the tailoring program and Sri Sati Babu explained to us the different activities conducted there.
Later, we returned to the Retreat Centre.