SPREADING SEEDS OF EDUCATION AMONG THE LESS FORTUNATE CHILDREN

        "When you find a dream inside your heart, don't ever let it go. For dreams are tiny seeds from which beautiful tomorrows grow"...                      
        A dream which inspired me walk an extra mile, a dream which kept me on my toes, a dream which never failed to increase my gusto, a dream which made me slog day in and day out and a dream which became my obsession...
        And that DREAM was to add a meaning to the lives of the less fortunate children.
        Children are the purest and most innocent of all of God's creations. They open their eyes in a completely new and surprising world where they learn from their mistakes and continue the learning process till the very last breath.
        All this while, they mould their attitude, behaviour, thought-process and discretion based on what they see, hear and experience from thier immediate surroundings. The mind of a child is very vulnerable. We are aware of the predicament of the children in our country who have no other option but to kill the most precious phase of their lives. Their financial conditions and physical inability does not allow them to savour the flavour of life. What future will these kids have? We never come to know about the hidden potential trapped in them since they never get the chance to escape the daily drudgeries of life. It is often observed that children who are not able to receive an education due to their adverse circumstances are often the ones who show great affinity towards learning. If they are only provided with a small boost-up, they will certainly excel in some way or the other, making optimum use of their available opportunity.
        My project is : Treasure Them!
        A child is the most valuable element for every parent. A child has immense courage and strength to overcome the impediments of life if he is provided with the much-needed motivation and push. My project: TREASURE THEM is an innotive solution which is giving the less fortunate children and orphans, a fresh lease of life. This project is dedicated to the enrichment and upliftment of the less fortunate children.
        Under the canopy of "Treasure Them", we ignited the spark of education among the orphans. We organized workshops, a painting competition, a medical camp and various activities for these children. With the help of inspirational presentations and videos, stories, narrations and participatory exercises, we encouraged the children to lead a dignified life, a life away from the social rejection. We inspired them to dream and work hard to fulfill those dreams. We cited the examples of a plethora of personalities who reached the heights of glory in the face of pathetic circumstances. The tremendous response and enthusiasm of these children thrilled us. This reminds of the beautiful lines, "To live for others is the most fertile pleasure in this world"...
        Health always plays a vital role in every man's life. Keeping this mind, a medical camp was also held for these children. We provided them with iron and multi-vitamin tablets. It was really disheartening to see the deteriorated health of the children. I hope the treatment and pros and cons which they received during this camp help them to become hale & hearty!
        The painting competition witnessed the emergence of some budding painters. The theme of the painting competition was "Dream Big". The wonderful paintings and spectacular imagination of the children was enough to leave us spell-bound. The aim of this event was to hone their skills and talents. A tiny tot named Shahnawaz painted a fantastic picture of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam as he dreamt of becoming the President Of India. If only Dr. Kalam could see! The event has boosted their self-dignity, sense of achievement and sense of satisfaction.
        At this juncture, I cannot fail to remember the Baba Amte's words, "Give them a Chance not Charity." However severe his/her disability may be, each person has uniquely invaluable gifts and capabilities to give to the world. We must make an attempt to overcome any disability, however great it may seem. We shall strive to help these children to overcome the social prejudice, taboos and ignorance. As important as physical cure, if not more, is the restoration of a person's sense of self-respect and dignity. To achieve this, the way forward is not charity but empowerment.
        The children participated in all the activities with rapt attention and passion. It was a display that will remain indelibly imprinted on the minds of those who witnessed it, thanks to my parents, Sarfaraz Ahmad and Afshan Ahmad, Fr. Ivan Lobo and Mrs. Anita Thombre who made it possible. I look forward to continue this work and bring smiles on the faces of these children. . . .

Thanks!

AN INCIDENT THAT CHANGED LIFE!

           

             I would like to throw light upon an incident, not a big moment, perhaps. Yet small moments sometimes last a very long time. And a few words though they mean a little at that time to people who say them, can have enormous power. "This is good writing". Words like that can echo.

             As an eighth grader, I was terribly insecure and an introvert. I had few friends and no self-confidence. Then one day in October 2008, my high school teacher, Mrs. Edwina Moses, gave the class a test on writing-skills. The students had to write an essay on ‘'All that glitters is not gold'’.

             I wrote my essay and turned it in. Today, I cannot recall anything special about that essay I wrote and what marks Mrs. Mosses gave me. What I remember, what I will never forget, are the four words Mrs. Moses wrote in the margin of the paper: ‘THIS IS GOOD WRITING’!

             FOUR WORDS. THEY CHANGED MY LIFE!

             Until I read those words, I had no idea of who I was or what was I going to be. After reading her note, I went home and wrote a short story, something which I dreamed of doing but never believed I could do.

             Over the remaining years in school, I wrote many articles and always brought them to school for Mrs. Moses to evaluate. She was very exactin but very honest and very encouraging. She was just what I needed.

             Later, I started writing for The Hitavada's Twinkle Star, and other magazines and emerged victorious in many essay-writing contests. My confidence grew, my horizons broadened. And I started on a life of fulfillment.

                          My teacher had cast an incredibly long shadow!