In this modern competitive society, where not many seem to have time for anything else except for them, today I am proud to present a group of youth who believe otherwise.
Inspiration doesn’t always have to come from celebrities nor from great people in history. It can also be from anyone who is trying to make a difference. There is nothing like being inspired by simple people like you and me, people we can relate to, who put in their time towards a better society.
College days are phases in own life where most occupy themselves with their own studies, friends, fun etc. Yet, a group of amazing students devote their free time to render their service for the less fortunate people of the society. Coming across two remarkable students of Delhi University, who are part of Shiksha Rath programme prompt me to share their experiences which I believe can be an encouragement not only for them but also for our youngsters here in Nagaland.
Shiksha Rath, an after-school education programme for under-privileged children is a project of Touch India Trust which is a non-profitable charity. The programme started in September 2010 and believes in providing opportunities for wholistic growth for each child living in the Outram Lines slum in North Delhi. The most appealing part of the programme is the unique role played by the Delhi University students who fully owns the project and work as part-time intern after their classes. Shiksha Rath focus on imparting creative skills through drawing, games, singing, story-telling and drama apart from teaching the regular school subjects like English, Hindi and Mathematics. The Volunteers of Shiksha Rath are divided into three groups - Monday, Wednesday and Friday. They teach on these days for about an hour and half apart from having regular play sessions, competitions, and programme where they teach the kids about values, manners and concentrate on certain skills as well.
Not many young boys would vision themselves teaching slum kids in a public park but this youngster has a different outlook of life. Arien Jamir, a Law student of Delhi University and a home boy from Dimapur is a part of Shiksha Rath. He volunteers and helps in co-ordinating the events, programmes and is the Assistant-in-Charge of the Wednesday groups.
“I’ve always wanted to do social work, but laziness got in the way most of the time. Fortunately, life got a bit boring with everything that the world is after and its norms and ways (mainly studies). So I decided to join, and it has certainly added a lot more meaning to life now. The intention was sort of a soul-searching, take as much as it was, to do something good,” cited Arien on his decision to be a part of this charity.
With the conviction of developing the spirit of service, hard work and enquiry and also to discover and understand the true conditions of the underprivileged people around by finding out realistically steps to help the slum kids, Joycee Vunghoihkim took up the responsibility of co-ordinating Shiksha Rath after its main founder had to suddenly leave for unknown reason. A resident of Churachandpur, Manipur and an English Graduate of Delhi University, Joycee is an intern with the Touch India Trust. When asked to talk on any life changing experiences for the slum kids through Shiksha Rath, Joycee disclose “I am sure, just as all of us interns have stories to share, the children too would have their share of stories, but I would not like to speak on their behalf. I know our contribution is very small and there is a long way to go. Yes, some of them have increased attentiveness and concentration span. They also have improved in their writing skills. But like I said, we have made a very small contribution this year and there are miles to go before we can achieve our dreams.”
Further, the main co-ordinator of Shiksha Rath, Joycee reveals “We have big dreams at Shiksha-Rath. Our aim is not just to give a few extra-classes to these children but to truly empower them and make a difference for their whole lives as well as the lives of their families. Many NGOs do lots of charity work among slum dwellers in the areas of medicine, education and even employment generation. But we have noticed that in spite of all the help, the slum continues to remain as a slum and structurally, there is no difference made to the community living there. Our dream is that one day these families and community that presently lives in the slum will one day live in houses. As slum dwellers, they live in a city, but they are not part of the city, but our dream is that they will one day become part of the city, as other residents. But how is that possible? Our idea is to work with the children, to empower them through education. Our strategy is to tutor these children and prepare them for entrance exams in private English-medium schools. And once they pass the entrance then support them to study in these new Schools. Here they will get the same opportunities as other middle-class children and they can become scientists, engineers, doctors, pilots, politicians etc. This will not only give these children a future, but through them change the destiny of their families. This is the dream! Last year, we only explored the possibilities and found out that the dream can be achieved. Now, we want to take this project to the next level and aim for at least 10 children to get into private schools in 2012.”
Which country or State does not want to develop and progress? One major factor for social change can be brought through empowerment of the younger generation, and the little steps undertaken by Shiksha Rath are fine examples for those who believe in a better society. But like any other charity organisation, they too struggle in their endeavor. With their dream of making this program into a bigger vision, Joycee urge the people concern to support them in all possible ways.
Inspiration doesn’t always have to come from celebrities nor from great people in history. It can also be from anyone who is trying to make a difference. There is nothing like being inspired by simple people like you and me, people we can relate to, who put in their time towards a better society.
College days are phases in own life where most occupy themselves with their own studies, friends, fun etc. Yet, a group of amazing students devote their free time to render their service for the less fortunate people of the society. Coming across two remarkable students of Delhi University, who are part of Shiksha Rath programme prompt me to share their experiences which I believe can be an encouragement not only for them but also for our youngsters here in Nagaland.
Shiksha Rath, an after-school education programme for under-privileged children is a project of Touch India Trust which is a non-profitable charity. The programme started in September 2010 and believes in providing opportunities for wholistic growth for each child living in the Outram Lines slum in North Delhi. The most appealing part of the programme is the unique role played by the Delhi University students who fully owns the project and work as part-time intern after their classes. Shiksha Rath focus on imparting creative skills through drawing, games, singing, story-telling and drama apart from teaching the regular school subjects like English, Hindi and Mathematics. The Volunteers of Shiksha Rath are divided into three groups - Monday, Wednesday and Friday. They teach on these days for about an hour and half apart from having regular play sessions, competitions, and programme where they teach the kids about values, manners and concentrate on certain skills as well.
Not many young boys would vision themselves teaching slum kids in a public park but this youngster has a different outlook of life. Arien Jamir, a Law student of Delhi University and a home boy from Dimapur is a part of Shiksha Rath. He volunteers and helps in co-ordinating the events, programmes and is the Assistant-in-Charge of the Wednesday groups.
“I’ve always wanted to do social work, but laziness got in the way most of the time. Fortunately, life got a bit boring with everything that the world is after and its norms and ways (mainly studies). So I decided to join, and it has certainly added a lot more meaning to life now. The intention was sort of a soul-searching, take as much as it was, to do something good,” cited Arien on his decision to be a part of this charity.
With the conviction of developing the spirit of service, hard work and enquiry and also to discover and understand the true conditions of the underprivileged people around by finding out realistically steps to help the slum kids, Joycee Vunghoihkim took up the responsibility of co-ordinating Shiksha Rath after its main founder had to suddenly leave for unknown reason. A resident of Churachandpur, Manipur and an English Graduate of Delhi University, Joycee is an intern with the Touch India Trust. When asked to talk on any life changing experiences for the slum kids through Shiksha Rath, Joycee disclose “I am sure, just as all of us interns have stories to share, the children too would have their share of stories, but I would not like to speak on their behalf. I know our contribution is very small and there is a long way to go. Yes, some of them have increased attentiveness and concentration span. They also have improved in their writing skills. But like I said, we have made a very small contribution this year and there are miles to go before we can achieve our dreams.”
Further, the main co-ordinator of Shiksha Rath, Joycee reveals “We have big dreams at Shiksha-Rath. Our aim is not just to give a few extra-classes to these children but to truly empower them and make a difference for their whole lives as well as the lives of their families. Many NGOs do lots of charity work among slum dwellers in the areas of medicine, education and even employment generation. But we have noticed that in spite of all the help, the slum continues to remain as a slum and structurally, there is no difference made to the community living there. Our dream is that one day these families and community that presently lives in the slum will one day live in houses. As slum dwellers, they live in a city, but they are not part of the city, but our dream is that they will one day become part of the city, as other residents. But how is that possible? Our idea is to work with the children, to empower them through education. Our strategy is to tutor these children and prepare them for entrance exams in private English-medium schools. And once they pass the entrance then support them to study in these new Schools. Here they will get the same opportunities as other middle-class children and they can become scientists, engineers, doctors, pilots, politicians etc. This will not only give these children a future, but through them change the destiny of their families. This is the dream! Last year, we only explored the possibilities and found out that the dream can be achieved. Now, we want to take this project to the next level and aim for at least 10 children to get into private schools in 2012.”
Which country or State does not want to develop and progress? One major factor for social change can be brought through empowerment of the younger generation, and the little steps undertaken by Shiksha Rath are fine examples for those who believe in a better society. But like any other charity organisation, they too struggle in their endeavor. With their dream of making this program into a bigger vision, Joycee urge the people concern to support them in all possible ways.
To support and know more Shiksha Rath and their programmes, people can write to them at - thetent.newdelhi@gmail.com or find them at Facebook under the name- Shiksha Rath.
