Expansion was the key word in 2006. Thanks to your generous love and support we have had a wonderful year in Ramana's Garden. We are all happy and healthy, and have had the privilege to expand our family with the addition of seven beautiful new children.
Sinky, age 4 Pinky, age 5 Ankit, age 6 Raju, age 7
Ankita, age 8 Kulkeet, age 11 Himanee, age 12
Thanks to donations from our friends we have been able to expand and improve our home this year. We have three new classrooms which allow all classes to be taught indoors away from the wind and rain during monsoon season. There is also a large room, perfect for the bi-weekly dance lessons. We have built a library from which the children and teachers can borrow books in both English and Hindi. Last but not least our longest serving staff family have finally got their long awaited brick house after living in a tent for 10 years.
Our school is also expanding, extending now to 6th class with specialist teachers teaching their specialty subject in each class from 3rd up to 6th class. This way the children are able to explore every subject in depth and benefit from the expertise of their teachers.
Prabhavati was able to expand her world funding tour as she travelled the "Yellow Brick Road” to the wonderful land of Oz. The Australians stole her heart and filled her pockets. We were able to expand our invitations to youth from around the world, to include Australia for the first time. It was an exciting time for one and all when twenty students came over from Preshil School, Australia and painted the village pink (at least our school). LeapNow followed close behind with three large groups, once again sharing their service and joy with our children.
Our Ramana's Gallery Café dream has been realized. Delicacies from around the world are flowing out of our kitchen to the delight of our customers. The kids love every aspect of running their café from baking and cooking to serving. Some days they earn more in tips than we do in the till!
Every Saturday the Children's Dance Troop perform at the prestigious Ananda Himalaya Spa Resort (which just happens to be rated the 5th best hotel in Asia), where they inspire and delight the audience with their talent and skill. They were also invited for a special evening of singing Christmas carols at the Ananda. They sang so beautifully that several guests later made the effort to come all the way to Ramana's Garden to visit the children.
