Filling the vaccum

February 29, 2012 02:28 pm | Updated July 23, 2016 07:22 pm IST - Education

de29periscope Library 48

de29periscope Library 48

In these times when we hear so much about exploitation and abuse of children in shelter homes and orphanages, an initiative by a group of youngsters, “Make a Difference (MAD)” appears to be trying hard to dispel darkness and light up the lives of these children through knowledge, love and warmth.

And now it has put more smiles on the faces of a large number of orphan children at Bachon Ka Ghar in Darya Ganj by giving them a modern library with only English books.

"Astonishing as it may sound, all the books in the library are indeed in English. For we have been teaching these children the language at length for a long time,'' says Ritika Taneja, a volunteer and coordinator with MAD.

Incidentally, Ritika is just one of the around 200 highly educated volunteers associated with the project which envisages improving the lives of children in orphanages and also educating them in English so that they remain second to none when they step out into the real world.

"As part of MAD we teach these children English over the weekend. The classes are held over four hours and we make use of audio-visual aids too to impart knowledge. At the moment such classes are being held across five orphanages and about 400 children are being covered.''

Eager to make learning a part of everyday life of these children, MAD is now opening libraries for them. The first one opened at Bachon ka Ghar in Darya Ganj this past week and another is due to open at Arya Bal Griha, in Darya Ganj on March 2.

"This would help the children gain access to the study material all through the week. The libraries would remain open for about two hours daily.''

The books are sponsored but have been chosen by MAD on the basis of the proficiency of children in English language. ``As part of our teaching work itself, we had conducted a baseline test to decide the levels of understanding of English among different children. The books in the library will cater to all such sections.''

To keep the children abreast with the latest developments, several news magazines would also be placed on the shelves. ``

We also have a projector system connected to a laptop in the library, which we use for making various presentations before the children or showing them images of things being taught.''

The project is trying to fill the vacuum in these children's lives. So be it excursions, educational visits to a printing press, or attending a television workshop, everything is designed around bringing some happiness into their lives.

Even the launch of the library at Bacchon Ka Ghar was designed to be a fun event. The children got to participate in various workshops – that gave them an opportunity to try their hand out at drawing, drama, photography, dance and games among other things.

With sack races, origami, wall painting all thrown in to let the children unravel themselves, the project shows that children lead simple lives – which only need to be harnessed softly in the right direction.

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