Not yet a lawyer, but Vivek Patel is already a human benefactor

There were two pivotal factors that induced 28-year old Vivek Patel to join the AIREP programme. The first was philanthropic — generosity runs in his family. And secondly, the man was a 'social worker' well before the AIREP movement was initiated.

Patel is studying for a law degree and simultaneously trying to remedy the social injustice that he sees around him.

A second year LLB student, he spends the greater half of his Sundays helping the children of Paldi Kankraj village arm themselves with education, with the promise of a better life. A VolunTeacher with AIREP, he's been at it diligently for a good 18 months - which is ample proof that his association with the movement is more than just a fancy.

"My father had a drip irrigation business, from where he eventually evolved into a sort of activist for farmers. He volunteered at a Kisan Sanstha, where he used to teach them how to use new techniques and equipment. But besides those, he helped resolve their financial and other issues, provided timely advice and played mentor whenever needed," says Patel, who's trying to follow in his father's footsteps by giving back to society.

The young man reveals he was in the habit of teaching even before he spotted the AIREP advertisement in DNA. "I used to teach children living in hutments. But when I saw the ad in DNA, I realised this would be a well-organised set-up, where making a difference would be easier. I joined and am very happy now that I did," he smiles.

From 9 am to 12 noon every Sunday, Patel provides students of class 5 to 9 from the village additional coaching to supplement their learning in school. "What the children are taught in school is grossly inadequate, as compared to what they need to know at their age. We often come across children as old as 11 who don't even know basic addition and multiplication. We step in so that we can help strengthen their basics, and then work upwards," he says.

That these VolunTeachers are different from the school teachers is very evident in their pedagogy. "Our approach is very humane. At times, some children are difficult or lag behind the others, but we never pick up the cane. Over time, they have realised that we are there only to help them. They willingly attend these classes now," Patel says.

So does he plan to champion the cause of the underprivileged when he finally grows into a lawyer? "Yes, it is definitely one of the various things I plan to do for them. But till them, I'm happy playing 'teacher' to them, and witnessing them grow into better students and human beings," Patel says. (If you wish to volunteer to teach, contact Hiral Mehta at 9925005837 or Ravin Vyas at 9825072032)