These are the impressions from Erin Obi (Transitioning Post –Secondary Students with Intellectual Disabilities. (TPSID)

We visited the Gandhi House on a cold December morning.  We were greeted outside the house by Mr. George Payne.  We received a warm welcome and a very detailed tour of the new premises.  My students and I felt welcome and received.
The overall experience was incredible.  My students were asked open ended questions that made them critically think and problem solve.  The content was on their “level” as well as pushed them to think outside the box and beyond their prior knowledge.
George unified us with team building activities, the kids participated in, and learned from.   The students shared both their thoughts and feelings.
It was around a table of food, where George explained the meaning of Gandhi’s life long journey, hardships and inspiration.  He made Gandhi real and relatable to the students.
We shared in a family style meal, where we continued to talk and imagine a Rochester, NY where children are not afraid to walk in their neighborhoods and gun shots are rarely heard.
We ended the morning with some centering meditation exercises.  The students learned a lot about themselves and the complexity of clearing one’s mind.
I am thankful for the opportunity to work with such an empathetic, educated, simple man.  George gave my students an opportunity to explore an element of critical thinking they seldom experience.  The subject matter taught with such passion and simplicity was a perfect match for my students.
We intend to go back to the Gandhi House in June, for the end of the year.  It was a bonding, uplifting experience for all in attendance.