A willingness to help is all it takes to touch young lives

The seed is sown
Radhika Aravindan (RA):  Ten years ago Sujata Mukerjee, one of the founders of the NGO, wanted to donate Rs5,000 for the education of underprivileged children. When she enquired at the National Children’s School, she found sponsoring a child’s education cost only Rs750. Then she got talking to friends and seven women got together to form the Ashwini Charitable Trust (ACT). The primary aim of ACT was to educate children from the slums of Ulsoor by giving them tuition after their regular classes. We decided that we won’t just pitch in and help these children, instead we would take responsibility for their education from when they come to us, to the day they graduate and get themselves a job.

Veena Raghunandan (VR): When the NGO first started there were about nine students. Today, around 117 children, between the age of four and 20, come to ACT. And there are about 40 volunteers from all walks of life.

Growth over the years
RA: Initially, we turned a warehouse in the houses of one of the trustees into our ‘office’. Soon, with contributions, we renovated the place and made space for a library and a computer lab with around 10 computers. Two years ago, we took another place on lease where we now have eight classrooms. We also make sure there are activities and excursions to keep them entertained.

Understanding little ones
VR: The aptitude of the children has to be discovered and nurtured. We give classes in Bharatnatyam, art, computers and even life skills classes.

Stories of success
RA: Since we work with children for the entire span of their education, we witness how children grow in confidence. Recently one of our girls joined an MNC after completing her BCA. Her mother worked as sweeper and when she was younger, she had to cook, wash clothes, take care of domestic chores. She then joined one of the top colleges here and it was a joy to see her fit in without any inhibitions, or feelings of inferiority. It is that kind of confidence that we want to see in our children: where they are able to blend in with the mainstream fearlessly and with confidence.

Another of our children has been recruited by an MNC. She used to be a very introverted child, but she has been dedicated in helping the younger children.

VR: I didn’t know what to expect when I decided to volunteer and teach the children. But the children, they stole my heart. One doesn’t need to be a teacher to teach these children, all you need is willingness. The children need motivation and someone who will hold their hands and induce confidence in them. Inspiring children is very important.

Challenges NGOs face
RA: The first challenge for an NGO is fundraising. We have made a commitment to the children who come to us that we will take care of their education till they find jobs. This means dedication to them throughout their growing years. So although there have been more sponsors in the recent past, we require funding that is continuous.

VR: Another challenge is to have volunteers who are consistent. No matter what amount of time volunteers pitch in, consistency is the key, because children are always waiting for classes and we can’t stand them up.

Need of the hour
VR: The entire system needs to be revamped. There must be a holistic approach to education which isn’t limited to academics. We believe that children fit into eight categories of skills: naturalist, interpersonal, mathelogical, visual, musical, linguistic, kinesthetic and interapersonal. So children shouldn’t all be pushed into one field. The way children are evaluated needs to change.

RA: The need of the hour is to make teaching a career choice. Now people who have no option or hope of other jobs take up teaching.
For more information log on to http://www.ashwinitrust.org/