Comments on: Two Weeks In the Land of Motorcycle-Riding Monks http://blogs.haverford.edu/tibet/2008/06/14/two-weeks-in-the-land-of-motorcycle-riding-monks/ Just another News.haverford.edu weblog Sun, 28 Sep 2008 15:12:49 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 By: Michele Karmartsang http://blogs.haverford.edu/tibet/2008/06/14/two-weeks-in-the-land-of-motorcycle-riding-monks/#comment-29 Michele Karmartsang Sun, 22 Jun 2008 05:00:36 +0000 http://blogs.haverford.edu/tibet/?p=8#comment-29 I’d say any exposure to a native English speaker is a bonus for them, since everyone is now required to learn English, even in the smallest schools. They are learning English mainly from teachers who may have excellent reading skills, but little speaking skills. When we were there in 2004, all our nieces and nephews were learning English in school, but were completely not understandable when speaking. I wish we had been able to stay longer than 4 weeks and I hadn’t been so altitude-addled; I may have been able to work with them some more.

]]> By: Justin DB http://blogs.haverford.edu/tibet/2008/06/14/two-weeks-in-the-land-of-motorcycle-riding-monks/#comment-19 Justin DB Wed, 18 Jun 2008 21:58:13 +0000 http://blogs.haverford.edu/tibet/?p=8#comment-19 1. I definitely think that little kids can be a lot of fun. I am envious of your beautiful surroundings.

2. I guess it depends on what these kids want and what you want for them. I’m not taking it further than that, but I think that’s the long and short of it.

3. How’s the yak butter tea?

]]> By: Julie Lyonn Lieberman http://blogs.haverford.edu/tibet/2008/06/14/two-weeks-in-the-land-of-motorcycle-riding-monks/#comment-12 Julie Lyonn Lieberman Tue, 17 Jun 2008 23:28:39 +0000 http://blogs.haverford.edu/tibet/?p=8#comment-12 Hi Chris. It’s so wonderful to get a taste of your current life experience. You are actually giving a great gift to these children. The Chinese took over their land and can all read and write English and therefore get the best jobs. The Tibetans get squeezed out of all opportunities. Teaching these children to read and write English gives them an opportunity for mobility in their lives. I sponsored a Tibetan monk from age 9 to 23 who was forced to live in a community in India. The Tibetans are such an amazing culture. What an incredible opportunity you are having. I’m sending you lots of hugs and admiration! love, Julie

]]> By: Olga Weiss http://blogs.haverford.edu/tibet/2008/06/14/two-weeks-in-the-land-of-motorcycle-riding-monks/#comment-11 Olga Weiss Mon, 16 Jun 2008 04:59:11 +0000 http://blogs.haverford.edu/tibet/?p=8#comment-11 Hello Chris,

As usual, you are very perceptive, and I sense your frustration. I don’t think there are any good answers. At the same time you have a great opportunity. You are a window on the world for these children. Let your lessons reflect their need. Make pretend a la Sesame Street…Where is Carmen (? I can’t remember her last name, but she represents learning about geography)…etc. what a challenge!

About the tea….having more than one cup of tea is a cultural imperative….just drink and say thank you!

Love you….and love the blog……xxxs GMO

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