Improvising: the word of the day!
Geplaatst op 06 maart 2020 om 16:15 uur
Day three has ended, and it was again an amazing day. Of course Gerrit and I had planned the day in advance, and worked out a number of activities, reflection methods and theories. However, when we started the day, we quickly discovered that we needed to change our programme and improvise. I will try to explain why.
Yesterday evening, when Gerrit and I were evaluating the second day, we talked about the proactiveness and response of the trainees. When we ask a question in the whole group, often the same two or three trainees answer. The rest remains silent. This is also very much embedded in the culture, but we wanted to try to also get some response from the rest of the group. We thought of alternative ways how to get the rest of the group to speak (for example give turns and ask a person individually for an answer), and decided to put that into practice on day three.
So day three started, and one student thought it was a good idea to first look back in the first two days and discuss what they have learned so far. One student gave a brilliant and thorough summary, and one other student added some information to this. After this, we touched upon the topic that a lot of trainees do not speak in public. They said that this is because they do not have the confidence, and that we basically need to make them answer (so for example by giving them turns, just like we thought). They find it hard to speak up in groups. This is when we decided to change the programme, at least for the morning, and I suggested we do an exercise to present yourself. Every trainee had to stand up, stand in front of the entire group, and present himself in about one minute. They all did this, and it went very, very good! Some were very nervous, some already had a natural way of presenting themselves, and some who behave well in a group now had difficulties to be alone in front of the group. But they all did it, and both Gerrit and I were very proud of them (and they of themselves).
After a small break, we did a group exercise. The idea behind the exercise was to work as a team, and come to a solution then. They worked in two groups, and competed against each other. The only thing that they had to make sure, was that everyone in the group would participate. Well, they surely work as a group! I complimented them afterwards, because the group feeling is so strong here. They literally take each group member by the hand when they have to discuss something and come up with a plan or idea, and each group member can give input and is heard. This is of course also an important element of the Nepali culture, and I told them that this makes them stronger and they should never loose this. Of course they have to develop as individuals, but they need each other as well. (When I gave them this compliment, I all of a sudden became emotional. I think that was because I find this togetherness to beautiful in this culture, and I wish we would have it a bit more in our Western society.)
Then it was time for dal bhat again: lunch! After lunch, everybody felt a bit sleepy. So Gerrit first made them play a game of tic tac toe outside, with material found outside. Lots of fun of course, and no more sleepy people!
After this, we went back inside and did a couple more exercises revolving around group dynamics. We made them build a bridge of trust, and we did an exercise in convincing the other and in the end the entire group. Great to see that the trainees really grow over the days, and the skills and ways of behaving change as well. As long as we see that, I think we are doing a good job.
Today Dolma and Pema Tsewang had bought cookies and chocolates to go with the tea in the afternoon. The first two days we had chapati with aloo (potato), but that was quite spicy and Gerrit cannot handle a lot of spicy food. So, sweet and hospitable as Nepali people are, they arranged for the cookies and chocolates today so that he did not have to eat the spicy potato. Amazing, and so, so nice!
Tomorrow day 4, and we expect things to really 'happen' then, hahaha! I am sure it will be a good day again, because in the end everything that happens is okay and good. Right?
For now it is time to go to bed (it is 20.49 at the moment), and get a good night sleep. The days start early here, and the nights start early as well ;-).
Tomorrow another blog! Wish us luck with the training.
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