16 Welcome to Our World

Welcome to Our World written by Diana Freeman illustrated by Robin Vanit Hof

Sanjay came with his family from far away to live in a new country. When he got ready to go to his new school, he felt strange in his school clothes. Shoes and socks felt really different. At his old school, in his own country, he had worn sandals.

"It's time to go," said Mum quietly, and her voice was different now. She held Sanjay's hand very tightly. He thought that his Mum could be feeling strange, too. They walked together along the street to the school gates. There were lots of other children coming to school with their friends. They were all looking hard at Sanjay and his mother.

At the classroom door, the teacher was waiting for them. "Come in, Sanjay," she said. "My name is Mrs Morris. We have a place ready for you." She smiled at Mum and said, "You can stay for a while if you like." But Mum just smiled back and said, "I'll meet you after school, Sanjay." She gave his hand a squeeze, and then she waved and left.

Sanjay sat with the other children. Everything felt new and different. He couldn't smile. He couldn't speak. He still felt strange, but everyone else looked happy. The teacher said to the class, "We have a new student today. His name is Sanjay. He's from India. Let's all say welcome to Sanjay." "Welcome, Sanjay," said the children.

The teacher played some music and the class sang, "It's a small world after all." Sanjay felt himself starting to smile. He knew that song! He started to sing quietly with the children. He knew all the words. Everyone smiled at him and kept on singing.