While I was doing my 'A' Levels, our grammar school was running a scheme whereby two pupils went together once a week into people's houses to interact with the children and mothers. The families were Pakistani, and had not long been in the UK. The fathers were out at work (usually for London Transport) but the mums and pre-school little ones were rather isolated at home and could speak no English. The aim was to chat (my forte!) and do a bit of language tuition (ditto!), and just be friendly and encouraging, helping them to integrate.

It was utter bliss. The ladies were absolutely lovely, and let us try on shalwar and kameez, and loads of bangles. My friend Susan (all my friends seemed to be called Susan!) was very, very fat, and I was skeletally thin, so we must have looked right dollies, like Laurel and Hardy in drag.

We took a plastic toy farm, and made up stories about all the animals, and sang little songs. Susan played the melodeon, and I took my Hohner harmonica. There didn't seem to be much furniture, so we all sat on the floor.
Then we were served samosas and other spicy snacks. Brilliant!