Volunteer Experience Sharing

Teaching students have always been my passion as I personally feel enlightened on teaching someone. This is particularly because I am quite fed up from the system of education that prevails in INDIA, where we are asked to tell students to cramp the writings and not understand its relevance, its importance and very importantly, as to whether is it really needed for us to learn this? Because of these reasons only, I had only bookish knowledge till I cleared 10+2, after which I got to learn life in detail, and got to understand as to how things work in our country and many other things. At JAAGRITI, I got a chance to experiment my theory that says that many things can be learned outside books as used to happen in Ancient INDIA in VEDIC time. Fortunately, working here, it worked out. The kind of response that I received from students made me delighted and I got to learn a lot from them.

Many a times they made me feel that I need to grow up as a human being as I am not even aware about my surroundings, the trees, the kind of effort that goes in making my one day and, thus, I need to work on it to become a good human altogether. This is quite relevant as after having finished the workshops, I have started running in morning hours for about 3-4 Km(s) daily to strengthen my body from inside. Also, I have started to study about plants and their various species available around us especially medicinal plants, so that if I get to do another workshop in future, I will have a rich resource of knowledge to share with these children. Thus, this experience that I had here, made me a new kind of personality all together.

Working with people of different thoughts, different interests, and having different ideologies for life is always difficult. This I realized while working in a group. This experience made me realize the fact as to why companies must be conducting GD’s and Group activities as part of their selection procedure, because, this is a great way to judge a person’s flexibility with different people around him/her. Also working in a group made me realize one more interesting fact that working without a leader is very difficult. Because none of the group member was termed a leader and we had to work out things and content beforehand by mutual interaction, some points or activities remained a part of conflict even on the day of delivery of the workshop. Thus, in many ways these workshops were a tutor of human psychology to me. In all this was a brilliant effort on part of the organisers of the workshop to provide students with something new, and a rich experience that I will personally remember for my life time.

- Aman Gupta, NSIT

Volunteer Experience by Pranjal

It all started with just a casual talk with one of my friends, who volunteers for Jaagriti. She asked me to come along someday, so I did. What I saw was a bunch of adorable and confused children, sitting on the floor, right under the nose of sun. These were not 5-6 children, they were more than 25. Just think about yourself, after a week full of college work and jobs, we just want to sit at home and relax. But these children, some of them go to school and they come for classes even after school and there they are on a Sunday morning, studying again. Never have I seen such dedicated and determined set of children.
I took up Science and General Knowledge, because when I was a kid, my main interest was only in these subjects, I was hooked. Now even after about 10 years, these subjects remain the most interesting to me. I vouched to come thrice a week for an hour or two. My first class had about 20 children, most of them aged more than 10 years and my first topic was Pandit JawaharLal Nehru and these children were listening so intently to every word I said. That was when I knew that I can take this further. So after a week full of boring Gandhis, came India. It was like magic, they wanted to know more and more about india. We did not have maps in the room, but I made them understand about neighboring countries through a very badly drawn Indian Map. Don't worry, we have one now. A good big one.
These children just need a little inspiration to move forward, so Jas and I decided to ask them to make drawings of everything they want to be in future or anything they think of. Come now to the site and you'd see a room full of drawings rather than a dull grey room. One of the children, Usha made solar system only keeping in mind how I drew it on board. Such is the imagination they have. You tell them about something, and it inscribes in their minds instantly. I hope children remain as good as they are and continue to grow. As for me, I have found my calling. All thanks to them!
- Pranjal

Volunteer Speaks!

I always feel “Education” can change the society and can uplift the underprivileged.

I had this thought in mind for my association with Jaagriti. I shared this with my college mates and got very good response. Even after their busy schedule they found time for working for this cause.

Special thanks to Angad Singh Malhan and Abhijeet Agarwal for co-ordinating everything.

Me along with Pulkit Ahuja, Pallavi Luthra, Swati Bhateja, Sakshi Mishra, Ashish Arora, Jeet(from Amity) met Anchit and Peeyush at NSIT, Dwarka.

Anchit and Peeyush explained us the whole structure of Jaagriti and also the role that we can take up. We took up our individual roles – mainly taking personality development classes for the children; Pallavi, Sakshi and Swati also taking dance classes for the girls.

We were to take care of the Sector 17 project run by Jaagriti.

The very first day when I reach the school, I had several questions in mind – as to how the children would be, how are they gone a take up the classes, are they novice and we need to teach them from the beginning, etc, etc.

Anchit introduced us to the children and the way they greeted us is simply great. Even an Englishman would wonder; the children said “Hello Bhaiya and Didi”. I felt I am going to enjoy here.

The first day we taught the children basic mathematics and then played games with them. The education of these children was really be taken well care of by Jaagriti and its volunteers as they children already knew the basic mathematics, English, Hindi and also drawing.

The girls were really interested in dancing and they are learning to dance on a song “Ainvayi Ainvayi Lut Gaya”. Meanwhile we have also completed our 4 week course structure of Drawing and colouring; and are about to start with some craft sessions.

As Pallavi, Swati and Sakshi commutes from long distances to reach Dwarka, whenever they are late, the girls always keeps on asking us “Bhaiya, aaj didi log nahi aayengi kya;humari dance classes nahi hongi kya”. This shows the real urge and keenness of the girls to learn.

We also keep on taking regular sessions on “Moral Education” and “Hygiene issues”.

There are two things that keep on fascinating me though-out my journey of around one and a half months with Jaagriti is – First, the student’s urge in learning new things and asking questions to clarify their doubts. Second, the respect they show us, it really makes us feel proud that we are able to impart the right moral educations to the students, which our country desperately needs in this fast changing world.

Thanks to all whose names I have mentioned above and also to Jaagriti for carrying out such a wonderful work. God bless you all.

Thanks,

Vivek Agarwal

My First Day at Jaagriti- Prerna

My first day at Jaagriti added a new meaning to the word ‘happiness’ in my dictionary.

I knew it would be a great feeling to share my knowledge with others, but when it actually happened, it was a totally new experience. To think that I made some children smile that day made me happy. To think that this very small contribution that I make was going to make a difference in someone’s life made me happy. I felt as if I had entered a new world, out my regular schedule of going to college, completing assignments, going out with friends, etc. Here, I met children who were so eager to learn new things. They welcomed me so nicely that I had no problem mixing with them.

Putting it straight, I think it was awesome. I went there as a music teacher. And yes, I want to thank Manish and Sidhant, who came there to guide me through my first class. I was a bit nervous in the beginning, but the children were so friendly and enthusiastic that my nervousness did not last for more than 2 minutes! We talked about their likes and dislikes and I was glad to hear that many of them liked studying. I insisted them on singing any song that they knew. They hesitated at first, but in the end, almost everyone had performed something or the other. Anita gave us two dance performances, Sangeeta cracked a joke where as others like Sugni, Rekha, Ravi, Rahul, Priyanka, Noor Jahan sang nice songs. I started liking everyone instantly. I think, Ankit who was the youngest there, was also the naughtiest!!! Of course they didn’t spare us after all this. Sidhant, Manish and I had to sing ‘Twinkle twinkle little star’ for them! It was really fun.

Then I started teaching them about the little music that I know. There were some who could sing a bit and there were others who couldn’t but the spirit with which everyone was singing was commendable. In the end, I clicked their photograph as well. That was my first day.

After all these descriptions, I still can’t describe the self satisfaction that I got that day. I think it’s not just about teaching them. It’s about learning something from them as well. We don’t realize how lucky we are. Our parents gave us the opportunity and the resources so that we can study and grow in life. I think that is what Jaagriti is doing for these children. Hats off to everyone working for Jaagriti. I am really happy I did my little bit to help. But this is just the beginning. There is a long way to go.

- Prerna

My First Day with Jaagriti

First day at the Jaagriti site (Dwarka sec-17) was such an exhilarating experience. At first it was a little confusing whether the children would accept me as a new member of the Jaagriti volunteer team or not but as we reached there they came running to us, swarming about greeting us with "Good Morning". They made basic house-shapes that day and showed keen interest in learning art. It was their never-ending excitement to learn something new that kept us going and we didn't even realize how hours passed by.

Nothing can be compared to the joy of helping these children shape a better future out of their lives. Their incessant vigour and zeal to try out new things is going to take them places for sure. I would always be in touch with all of these children. Thanks to Jaagriti that gave me an opportunity to lend a helping hand.

Cheers to the children and Jaagriti!!

- Sona

New Year Celebrations

This New Year we wished to be actively involved in doing something for the underprivileged children and not just in giving a donation. One of our team members knew Jasraman so we contacted her to know more about what she's been working on. It is then that we realized that Jaagriti was doing exactly what we were looking for. Without wasting any further time we decided that we will visit the kids on 1st Jan 2010.

It was a chilly morning of 1st January 2010 and we were five friends united for a common cause, arranging material for the workshop we had planned at the project site.

As it was our first time experience with these kids we thought that we will teach them a vocational skill: how to make paper (newspaper) bags. While on our way to the project site we were wondering as to how these kids will respond to what we had planned to teach them and how much effort will they need to learn it? But when we reached the site and saw these young kids bubbling with energy, all our doubts evaporated.

The volunteers helped us seat the kids in 3 large circles and two of our friends lead the kids into learning how to make paper bags. Everybody got so much involved in the activity that time seemed to fly and suddenly "sheets of newspaper" were transformed into paper bags! Everybody had a smile on their face but with a marked difference...The kids had the "smile of achievement" and we, “smile of satisfaction".

Later, the story teller amongst us weaved a web of fascinating stories for the kids and I captured their smiles in my camera.

By the time the stories got over, the atmosphere was set for distributing the gifts and awards. The hard work and efforts of the kids had paid its dividend. The kids got goodies for their sincerity and diligence.

In the end, we were surprised by the keenness and grasping speed shown by the kids. Not only did they learn how to make paper bags but the neatness with which they made the paper bags was phenomenal. It was evident that they were a bunch of bright kids looking for the right opportunity to come out of their cocoon and transform into a butterfly.

We are impressed by the efforts of Jaagriti and congratulate you on your efforts. It is indeed a noble cause and we stand with you in the cause of making a meaningful difference.

We would like to thank Jasraman, Anchit and Ankit for all their efforts...

Overall, it was an enriching experience and a meaningful start to a New Year!

- Ravi

Jaagriti team..

Long pending but it finally happened, the get together of Project Jaagriti team. The rain did try its best to restrict us from coming together but we all finally managed to reach the destination. It was great fun, brainstorming on new ideas, playing fun games, laughing to deadly PJs by Vivek, Kshitijand Jasraman and the photo session by Manish and Abhishek. We all wished that we could have stayed longer but we had to leave, with a promise to be back again with a bigger team and to celebrate new achievements, with a movie and lunch next time!

Anurag shares his experience...

My association with Jaagriti is recent. But I must say that Anchit and team have managed to not only impress me, but also motivate me in this very short period of time. Why is that?

All of us "middle class, working" young men / women keep saying that the country is going to the dogs, there is so much poverty and nothing is being done. But none of us does anything.

Like Anchit mentioned in my first Jaagriti meeting, "Raaste mein bheekh maangte huye chote bacche ko dekhoge, to ek minute ke liye taras aayega. Phir 3 minute baad bhool jaoge".

I respect the Jaagriti team for actually moving over from the "just feeling bad" stage to "actively doing something" stage. Also, the idea of helping the impacted children transition from a temporary education system to the formal education system of schools is commendable.


Keep up the good work team. And I am glad to be part of the team.

Anurag Dutta

Jaagriti Team grows to 11

Hi

It started with just 2 volunteers initially and now the team has grown to 11 Volunteers from different backgrounds..engineers, students, MBA graduates, professionals etc.

We had our first meeting yesterday at NSIT in Dwarka to discuss various issues and future plans at Project Jaagriti.

Following topics were discussed:

1. Education Program
2. Participation at RBS Event
3. Making use of Right To Information Act at Jaagriti
4. Feasibility of Livelihood Generation Program at Jaagriti (Paper Bag Making)
5. Fund Raising

Volunteers have come up to take responsibilities for each of the activities depending on their interest and time available to them.

Volunteers: Anchit, Abhishek, Sukriti, Richa, Kshitij, Anurag, Pritika, Anu, Anjali, Paulami and Sahil.

Discussions were done and many activities have been planned under each head. I am sure things will run in a much more organized way now and you will get to hear more good news from PROJECT JAAGRITI in the future.

Thanks

JAAGRITI VIDEO

EXPERIENCING JAAGRITI

This article has been written by Abhishek Kukreja (Jaagriti Volunteer).....

One morning when I was in college busy in my own world, I got a call from an unknown number. On answering the call I heard a young voice offering me a chance to join an initiative to teach poor & underprivileged kids on weekends; he asked me for my e-mail id so he could send me details of this project –JAAGRITI. While speaking to him, I first thought of refusing as my exams were around the corner but than I realized that it was now or ever. Life would always be busy. So by the end of the call I had made up my mind to go ahead and enlist.

Initially I was excited about the project because I always liked teaching and somehow I believed that I could be a better teacher than any of the people whom I had seen doing this job. So with all this excitement I reached for the first day of action and what I experienced next almost threw me off my feet. Over thirty five kids shouting & grabbing me from all sides and I realized this was not going to be easy & it certainly wasn’t.

In my next couple of meetings with Anchit & Kunal(founders of JAAGRITI) we discussed various plans about what & how to teach these kids. Our idea was simple - to provide them an atmosphere where they learn, create, think, stay healthy & evolve. We were quite cautious as one thing was sure these kids were highly motivated to learn and any mistake could lead to a drop in this motivation. In the midst of all this planning I had a spark of realization which compelled me to respect, rather praise, the education system in India, something that I have been criticizing all my life. I mean it was proving so difficult for us to structure a basic course for these young minds- A,B,C,D;1,2,3 , etc- and somebody has put together the whole education system in India which benefits millions of kids every year- the whole idea seemed mind boggling!!! Learning subjects from all disciplines of life ranging from science to arts, I wondered what could have motivated them to design an education system of this kind. And it was than that I comprehended that all the exams we gave were not important, I mean it was not about getting marks, what was important was what we learnt when we studied for those exams. We were given an opportunity, in our formative years to groom ourselves, so that we become fruitful for others, even as we progressed. Kids are POTENTIAL. They are the seeds we sow today the fruits of which will be reaped by society tomorrow. Human beings are such that if their thinking is nurtured then they can be very constructive, but if ignored, they could walk on the path leading to our destruction. Let us not allow these poor kids to bring such devastation. Let us give them an opportunity to showcase their ability too.

After just a few days since I have become a part of project JAAGRITI I see that it’s not only the kids who have learnt something but it’s also us who have learnt a lot- perhaps more than those kids. Someone has very aptly said “true learning comes only when you teach”. This project will result not only in our student’s awakening but our own JAAGRITI too.

Volunteer Opportunities @ JAAGRITI

Hi Guys

PROJECT JAAGRITI is about to move to another location in Dwarka Sector 10 where similar efforts and support is required to teach the children of construction workers.

We need Volunteers who can take up 2 hour classes on the weekend. All those interested please contact me asap at 9818115226 or mail me at anchitgoel@gmail.com

Thanks

" Be the change you want to see in this WORLD "