Getting to know you …Introducing Vanika Nihalani
Where would you call home?
India but Poland is also close to my heart.
What languages can you speak?
Hindi, English, Polish, I gave a try to learn Spanish but looks like not for me.
What brings you to Warsaw and what was your journey to get here?
Myself and my Husband both are Indian, Poland has been his place of business for the last 25 years, after our wedding I just followed him to Poland. It was not an easy for me, I struggled to settle here, learning the Polish language was the biggest problem, but I can proudly say that I managed pretty well.
Who have you got at school here?
My daughter Gunjan who is in final year of IB and has been at The British School (TBS) since year 1. My son Lucky is in year 7. So I really have a long term relationship with TBS.
Any other children at TBS?
My nephew Kacper who completed IB last year.
Any pets?
We have Fish Aquarium at home quite a big one, where the fish come and go.
How did you get involved in the PTA?
I don’t remember exactly, but I think I joined PTA as the Country representative when my Daughter was in year 6, so that means 7 years, and in that time, I’ve also been class friend role in year 3 and year 4 for my son’s class.
What do you do with the PTA?
Recently I have joined PTA charity team; this is the team which looks easy from afar but believe me, there is a lot of work involved, especially during the run up to Christmas. We work as a team with help from school parents and our students. We work really hard to collect not only money, but also gifts for the underprivileged kids and families.
And of course during October when we have International Fair. I play my Country Representative role with the help of my Indian friends .
Best thing about volunteering with the PTA?
OHHH I love this question! The best thing about volunteering with the PTA is what I have learned through the process, to give and receive help.
What would you say to somebody thinking about volunteering for the PTA?
Come experience and feel more connected with the School.
What’s your favourite thing to do with your family in Warsaw?
Not everyone in my family but for me and my son we like to go out for walk and bike ride, or we love going out to try different food in the city.
Can you tell us a joke?
What happens to a frog's car when it breaks down?
It gets toad away.