Mindlab Collaborative task: Week 4

Having defined the difference between 'constructivism' and 'constructionism' and then figuring out which category we fell in when we were doing our scratch makey makey activity it became evident that we tended toward the 'constructivism'. Vogotsky's theory is based around construction of one's own knowledge and building on it.
For us we built on our schemata -(prior knowledge) and worked collaboratively together to produce the master-piece, 'Mary Had a Little Lamb'.
In effect working together in our group, both collaboratively and co-operatively enabled a successful authentic learning experience. Seemingly this have proven the combination of collaboration and cooperation went hand-in-glove and for us all it was most engaging and more importantly fun.
Conclusively, we feel the two are inseparable for 21st century learning.

MUMBAI

Namaste everyone!

Our journey is nearly coming to an end, as we all prepare for the long trip home. Our time in Mumbai started with an early morning visit to the Laughing Club, where we participated in a form of yoga lead by an elderly man who had been doing it for 25 years. After this experience we hit the shops, by this time in our trip everyone has got developed some impressive bargaining skills, particularly Jermaine who regularly asks for the Indian price claiming to be a local.

We've all had the chance to sight-see some of Mumbai's attractions such as the world's first and only billion-dollar house, the washing ghats, the Taj Mahal Hotel, a temple that we were unfortunately not allowed to see completely, and some of the less attractive sights like the Diravi slums with 1.4 million people in the space of 1.75 square kilometres. One of the most interesting places that we have visited is Mahatma Ghandi's house, full of facts and models detailing the life and achievements of Ghandi to inspire our group.

The group have been shopping hard both for family and friends back home, and themselves, with a group of five boys managing to spend 40,000 rupees in one go at the Lee shop. The main street near the hotel is again showing the massive contrast that exists in India, with genuine Adidas, Nike and Levis being sold inside the shop, with fakes costing only a fraction of the price sold directly outside the door. Mumbai has shown again the contrast between the different regions of India, with Mumbai and Goa being much more Western than cities such as Delhi and Varanasi.

On a sad note, last night saw the departure of one of our adult team leaders, the much loved Mitch. Mitch left last night to continue his travels into Vietnam and Cambodia with his lady friend Mary. Mitch was farewelled with the Mother House goodbye song, which left him without words and on the verge of tears as he hugged everyone goodbye.

Everyone is now excitedly awaiting the return to family and friends back home, but at the same time sad to be leaving the place we have called home for five weeks, where we have experienced things that we never imagined and grown both as individuals and as a group.

To finish we have Michael's favourite Ghandi quote:
True morality consists not in following the beaten track, but in finding out the true path for ourselves and in fearlessly following it.

Lots of love and see you all soon,
Michael C, Loren H and Sam J
xoxo
(with hindrance and distraction from Joe, and Kieran modelling his new favourite vest)

Namastae everyone,
After arriving at our hotel in Goa on New Years Eve we headed straight for the beach, just in time to celebrate the New Zealand New Years at 4pm. We made ourselves at home at the beach shack which is where we spent most of our time for the next few days. We spent the rest of our New Years Eve swimming, lying in the sun and dancing. It was a perfect way to spend our last day of 2011, entering the New Year with a haka from the boys. New Years Day was much the same with everyone enjoying the beautiful environment and the small escape from the harsh reality of India. On the 2nd we were lucky enough to visit a local spice farm where we got a guided tour of the spice plantation and to climb some coconut trees. Unfortunately there was not enough time to ride the elephants but we were all able to touch and get photos with them. After the spice farm we visited St Francis Xavier's church and a few others in old Goa before heading off to a evening river boat disco. Here we got a taste of Indian music and the Indian party atmosphere. The next two days we were back to the beach, making the most of the relaxation and sun before beginning our train journey back to Mumbai.
By Georgia T and Kerryn O

Calcutta to Goa

Namaste Everyone,
What a busy week it has been. We have been through many trialing and tiresome times but we have finally made it here to Goa.
To start our last day in Calcutta we had our 530am start for the last time. Heading down to Mass as usual followed by our regular breakfast and prayers. We went to our respective homes for the last time which was emotional for some but it was such a great experience everyone felt uplifted to have had made a difference. After work we had to prepare ourselves for the 36 hours we had ahead of us on the train. After our 'last supper' at our favorite Blue Skies Cafe' we were all packed and ready to depart Hotel Emirates. We got to the train station on schedule for the 815pm train only to find out that it was delayed 9 hours. This meant we were in for a rough night staying in 'first class' sleeping on the floor and wooden luggage racks. Just a regular night for many millions of Indians but a huge experience for us. After little sleep the train arrived and everyone caught up on some much needed R&R. The train ride was quite enjoyable with lots of card games, sleeping, eating and just chilling. We arrived in Mumbai to sweltering heat, amazing high rises and sky scrapers. We taxied to the YWCA Hotel for a quick freshen up before heading to Maccas for some well deserved kai! We were then off to our next stop which was the Mumbai Central Bus Station only to find that our bus was non existent. After waiting two hours on the side of a busy Mumbai street, we finally found a bus that would deliver all 34 of us to our next port of call. Our anticipated travel time was extended 5 hours because of a road accident 15km ahead. Bouncing, swerving and speeding through the hills we began to understand why India's road mortality rate is of 22 people an hour. We arrived to the sunny, beautiful and boiling 42 degree heat. It was like entering into a different world. We were so lucky to spend our last day of 2011 in such a beautiful environment which was a nice reward after a long and hard year in Christchurch.

Happy New Year to you all!
Love Hamish S and Hannah P :)

Christmas and the day after

Namaste Everyone
Our time in Kolkata is fast coming to an end – we attended early morning Mass on Christmas day and unlike breakfasts at home on Christmas morning, we had our modest chai tea, banana and this time a sweet bun before heading off to our homes.
The patients in each of the homes were dressed in new clothes for the Christmas day, and as a special treat each received a small bag containing various food items of bhujia – (nuts & savoury bits), sweet cake & lollies).
In our home – Prem Dan – (a men & separate women’s section) we washed and cleaned and wiped down the mattresses as usual; only this time we made up beds with new floral linen. (What a treat! These were possibly donated) Such a small act but ever so pleasing for the patients.
The decorated day-rooms and nativity scenes in each home brought with it a sense of shared unity and happiness for the residents of these homes. Their smiling faces from such simple pleasures – and their modest and humble manner is a lesson many of us can learn from.
Working on Christmas day in the big picture of things makes it all worthwhile.
Returning to our hotel saw us all preparing for our much anticipated “Christmas Party” at the Fair Lawn Hotel just around the road in Sudder street.
There was much excitement as the girls were literally wrapped in their sari’s. we had two Indian ladies helping with this job – Amidst the metres of brilliantly coloured fabric and SAFETY PINS, a stunning group of girls in their magnificent saris was the end result.
Not to be outdone, the boys were also busy outfitting themselves in all manner of Indian attire. What a handsome group!
Our meeting on the hotel balcony to await ‘Father Christmas’ was an absolute picture – soooo breath-takingly colourful - truly a visual symphony!
It was like a Paparazzi fest – camera’s flashing no end.
Fathe r Christmas assisted by Mother Christmas gave everyone a secret Santa present – all sorts of presents were received and ripped open revealing; scarves, Indian trinkets, watches and other such pleasures.
THEN ‘THE PARTY’ – our colourful procession weaved our way from our hotel down the street and along the narrow lane then up another two streets to our destination – The Fair Lawn.
What a welcome sight – a dazzling array of coloured lights – glittering and flashing, a superb display of flowers meticulously arranged – Simply glitz and glam. What an atmosphere!
We were made to feel most welcome and were entertained with Christmas carols followed by a Magic show – After this we made our way into the dining room – What a sight! – A mass of streamers overhead and our tables littered with every kind of party toy! There were party hats, blow-out whistles, Christmas crackers, masks and noise making toys galore. If you are imagining this !!! well it’s all true – the temptation turned to fruition. We went crazy – blowing roll-out whistles, pulling crackers, rattling, shaking and full on party noise making with all the toys- Talk about ‘Noise Pollution!’ But – what fun. We sang our lungs out and enjoyed all the night had to offer – including being waited on by white-gloved waiters – a fantastic night.
We consumed the night completely and in the end made our way home happy with the night’s events.
Today we have had the day off – although some people did wake early and went on to work in some of the Mother Teresa homes. For the majority however it has been an R&R day.
Tomorrow we will resume our 5 am start and Wednesday will be our final work day in our designated homes.
A few more Haiku for you
Dinner last night
Whistles, crackers, noise
White-gloved waiters, turbaned heads
Christmas as Fair Lawn

Titagar Leprosy visit
Sardines in a can
Pushing, shoving, holding on
Train-ride to TitagarBernie

Stigma safeguards change
Skewed perception deters hope
Time and faith gives chance Mitch

Where touch is needed
Yet touch is so redundant
Touch deeply – one knows Mitch

Lepers lie twisted
And socially rejected
But so strong in faith Chris Vincent

We are all safe and well and have had you all in our thoughts during this festive season.
As usual our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bernie
You will soon be receiving another blog entry from another two students.

Christmas Eve

Namaste from Calcutta
It’s that time of year again and despite the seemingly disinterested locals many of us look forward with excitement to Christmas 2011. We plan to dress in traditional Indian attire after a morning of volunteer work and dine at the Fairlawn Hotel.
The winter here is pleasant with low twenties as the average high. Thankfully this ensures that the neatly swept litter piles in the gutters maintain a low radius odour. The morning walk to the motherhouse also gives us opportunity to witness the gearing up of the Muslim community we stay near – raw carcasses hang from butchers, street sweepers fight a losing battle, taxis and rickshaws negotiate tight corners using horns rather than indicators and shopkeepers call for attention. In the morning the sun appears so dim and discoloured through the haze that it is mistaken for the moon.
Yet Calcutta is a far cleaner, industrialized and more modern city than Varanasi and what we saw of Delhi. There is much anticipation however for the supposedly picturesque Goa paired with the warmer temperatures promised. BBC weather informed us of the 35°C heat in Mumbai yesterday.
Our thoughts are with you as you again recover from more serious aftershocks – we have been assured all is well.
Shub Krismas
Merry Christmas
By Michael H and Kieran H