10 students from Puducherry spent two weeks in Lyon, experiencing France’s tradition and customs
Clad in bright traditional clothes, 10 children sat on the floor at the Intercultural Network for Development and Peace (INDP) office in Puducherry on Sunday, ready to share their exciting journey to Lyon city in France.
From July 7, the children, who came from poor families, along with two INDP coordinators journeyed into a new world to experience different culture and tradition for nearly two weeks. “We were taken to Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière in Lyon. It was built in the 19th Century and has a golden statue of virgin Mary,” said Selvaragavam, a Class VIII student of Vidya Bhavan Higher Secondary School in Puducherry.
The students were hosted by Quartier Vitalite, a Government-run socio-cultural organisation. INDP has entered into a tie up with Quartier Vitalite for the cultural exchange programme.
12-year-old Sherin said that they were taken to a village where houses were built from pebbles. “We were taught to swim in a large lake. We were taken to the zoo and for horse rides. We tasted French cuisine. I enjoyed swimming the best,” she said.
M. Renish, a Class VIII student of Sri Ramakrishna Vidyalaya Higher Secondary School, eagerly joined the conversation to say how every citizen in Lyon followed traffic rules, adhering to the speed limit and driving without honking. “I would like to see the same in Puducherry too,” he quipped.“ We performed folk dance, showed them our games and sports and prepared traditional food for them. They taught us to swim, play their sport and shared their experiences with us. It was interesting to see the way tables and benches are arranged in the classrooms. They impart knowledge even through games and complete courses very early compared to us. This was the most memorable trip that we would cherish,” added 13 year old V.Keerthana.
It was 16-year-old Eveline Marie and 14-year-old Fathima.A, who trained these children for a month at the INDP to showcase their talents. Shanthi, president of Base for Rural Women, and Dominique Didace, Trustee, INDP, accompanied the children.
Augustin Brutus Jaykumar, founder Director of INDP, said that the students shared knowledge and ideas with the French students on topics such as family, village, society, country, community, language and culture.
The 10 children are now determined to stick together and start an association to spread their experience.
Article Source: The Hindu