AGE WAS NO BAR FOR MRS VINODINI PAI TO LEARN ENGLISH SPEAKING
Mrs. Vinodini Pai was 73 years old woman. She retired from the Government of Maharashtra. She used to work as an assistant in the excise department. She was matriculated. Her husband passed away recently. She was going through depression. Life was extremely tough for her at that moment. She had two sons, a daughter, and five grandchildren.
One day a fair-looking handsome gentleman enters into the Maxam Mind’s Kharghar branch.
He introduced himself as Mr. Pai and was from Kharghar itself. Mr. Pai asked, ‘Do you teach spoken English?’
I said, ‘Yes sir, we do. We teach spoken English.’
Mr. Pai asked, ‘Do you have any age criteria?’
I replied, “There is no such thing as age criteria for learning spoken English. But the person should be able to understand what we teach. Age should be 10 years and above. The person should have interest, passion, and intention to learn. That is more important than age.”
Mr. Pai asked, ‘My mother is 73 years old. She was a career woman. She had a wish to speak in English throughout her life. Because of her job and family responsibilities she could not learn English speaking. Now she has time. She wishes to speak in English with all her grandchildren. As a son, I would like to help her. Could you teach her spoken English at age of 73?’
‘Of course sir we teach. It is our job to teach and we will do that.’ I replied.
Mr. Pai enrolled his mother Mrs. Vinodini Pai for learning spoken English. Mrs. Vinodini Pai began her classes to attend. In the beginning, I taught her how to do the self-introduction, how to frame short and simple sentences. I started developing her vocabulary. I conducted some speaking practice sessions, activities, games, and role-plays. She was regular to the sessions and she was enjoying her sessions. She was able to understand what I was teaching her. She could grasp everything about English speaking. I gave some tips to speak and practice at home.
Gradually she was improving her English language skills. After a couple of weeks of sessions, she was able to speak simple and short sentences in English. She started speaking with her grandchildren at home.
“Sir, next month my three grandchildren are coming to India from the US. I am going to speak with them only in English.” She said this with excitement. I said, ‘That would be a great surprise for them?’
Within 2-3 months Mrs. Vinodini Pai improved her English speaking skills. She developed her confidence and fluency in the English language. After completion of the course, she felt happy and proud of herself.
‘Sir, it was my childhood dream to speak in English. Because of my job and family responsibilities I was always busy. I never got a chance to learn English. Because of you today I could achieve my dream of speaking in English. Thank you, Sir and God bless you.’
I said, ‘Thank you, Mrs. Pai. It is my pleasure to teach you.’
