Picnic to Rail Museum, India Gate!

A chilly morning, a lazy one for most of us and we would've preferred to sit inside our blankets. But the enthusiasm among the children was enough to beat the chill. Yes, it was their long awaited picnic to the Rail Museum, India Gate, and children park. The bus had arrived, the children were ready well before time, and then began our trip from sector 12 to 17 and then to the first destination, Rail Museum. Some started singing songs, others started making noise, some inquisitive about the places we were planning to visit.

Our first destination was a perfect start. Trains everywhere, colorful, old and big! Some started posing on trains and others tried to inspect them! The youngest of them all, Bhandari who's only 2 years old, stood in the driver's cabin for a perfect click! A joy ride on a toy train soon followed, which was enjoyed by everyone, including the volunteers.

Soon we moved towards our next destination, India Gate. Most of them had heard about it from friends, now it was their turn to salute it. It was time for lunch, with India gate in the background. Their patience had been tested for a long time now and they rushed towards children's park. The rides were extremely fascinating, and one could see long queues for every ride. There was competition to be on rides, and one could see children stealthily joining the queues way ahead of their turn. And in no time, it was time for the picnic to conclude.

Smiles and happiness all around, it was a treat to watch. A big family of 69 kids and 12 volunteers, it was definitely one of the best outings ever, for EVERYONE! :)

- Manish Paul

Christmas Celebrations 2010

Christmas celebrations this time at Jaagriti were a bit different. Along with the volunteers we had people from around Dwarka and a couple of volunteers from Rotaract club of NSIT Regency who came to ensure that this Christmas becomes one of the most memorable one for the kids. The children awaited their advent with great enthusiasm and excitement. They decorated their classroom and also a small Christmas tree to make sure that Santa makes a visit to their place. Santa, the father of the local Church in Dwarka and rest all came in a mini-bus. As soon as they got down they were greeted with applause and a loud "Merry Christmas".

The children had made drawings of Santa, Christmas tree, bells and snowman, which they showcased on their arrival and convinced everyone about their fabulous aesthetic skills. The visitors too had come with full preparations. They sang Carols, interacted with the kids and distributed cakes to everyone around. The Father discussed with the young buds about the significance of Christmas and did take something back from them- a promise to keep smiling and laughing always.

However, the show was stolen by Santa all alone. He shook hands with kids, gifted them toffees and grooved to the songs sung by them. It was a very rejuvenating experience for one and all present there. We thank all of them for spending their precious time with us and appreciating our efforts and look forward for their presence next time too. The children are still in an awe of the celebrations and the smile on their face has only got widened.

- Shryans

Diwali Celebrations!

Diwali celebrations at Jaagriti..Rangoli Competition..Diya Decoration Competition...Drawing Competition..Sweets, Games and lots of fun.. :)

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