Nasa’s learns that 1+1=2, literally.

Day five. We have an appointment with a tutor.

I persuaded Baaskaa to have his level of education evaluated. At first he didn’t like the idea, until I convinced him that knowing is better then not knowing. Once we know, we can act.

Nasa on the other hand couldn’t wait.

During the past year Nasa had mentioned several times that she wanted to continue to learn how to read and write, but we never had the opportunity to teach her. Odgerel, her foster mom, tried for a short while, but was discouraged by Nasa’s non-linear learning curve. Some things she picked up quickly, others just wouldn’t stick.

Nasa, now almost 16 years old, has never visited a school, simply because people around her, who were in charge for her, didn’t seem to care if she was illiterate. It is my conviction that Nasa was told time and again that she is incapable of doing anything, including learning. In the end she believed what people told her and gave up trying. It was my sole intention to prove her wrong, to show her that she can accomplish something, when I sent her to the felt workshop last October.

In contrast Baaskaa had taught himself by looking at billboards and comparing letters. Once he was old enough he started visiting the library, where he began to learn in a more structured environment.

Selenge had made an appointment with a tutor, who ran a small classroom, attended by several children of different grades, like an old fashioned country school. Some were tutored in specific subjects, others were taught entirely new subjects. The tutor had experience with late bloomers like Nasa and wasn’t fazed by the task. When we introduced the kids to her, she embraced them and chatted immediately, which helped them lose their shyness.

Of course Baaskaa pretended to be slightly indifferent, but when we discussed school that evening, he admitted that he was excited. Baaskaa loves to learn; he is curious and sucks up knowledge like a sponge.

Luckily part of the donations we got through Leigh and Five Foot Five Productions were backpacks! The kids bought notebooks and pencils and after dinner they packed their bags, sharing the school supplies. It was heartbreaking to witness that! Preparation for their first day at school!

In Germany we get a Schultute on our first day of school. It’s a cone shaped, decorated carton, filled with nick-knacks and candies. I think it is supposed to ease the first day of structure and discipline, and to diffuse the tension and anxiety of having to leave childhood behind. (Never mind that I couldn’t wait!) But I would have loved to celebrate their first day of school with a Schultute, even so they weren’t the slightest bit anxious!

Yes, that's me on the left with my Bambi Schultute!