About a month back, some female residents noticed some children of poor economic status were playing in the park. Children playing is always a pleasant sight, but what caught their eyes was that the children were damaging the plants and shrubs. Plant-lovers as they were, they asked the children about their identity and realized that they were children of the laborers working nearby. Having been recently relocated from their village, they were either not enrolled in any school, or attending it infrequently.
Immediately, an idea struck in their head and in association with Mr Neeraj Gupta, decided to help children utilize their time constructively. So now every day from about 12-12.30 to 2 pm these children are given some structured activity to do. This can be writing, painting, making some patterns, origami, and so on.
They are also made aware of basic etiquettes like greeting elders, speaking softly, interacting with each other politely, and even share stories or try reciting simple poems. They are also made aware of keeping their surroundings clean by throwing their personal litter in the dustbins. Very patiently, Mr Neeraj and others educate them about personal hygiene, as well as inculcate a sense of responsibility for their surroundings.
As an incentive, the children are given biscuits, candies, fruits or something to drink, for which even the fruit seller Mr Dhanraj has been kind enough to provide free. This has been going on for about a month and already a change in their attitude is perceptible.
Mr Neeraj Gupta is already associated with a number of NGOs where he teaches young children mathematics in a fun manner. One cannot help but admire his zeal when he’s interacting with the children. When asked about his motivation, he simply says that as humans our natural instinct is to give, and the satisfaction we get when we give something selflessly is far more than the joy of receiving.
While people like him are making a difference to the society, a question which begs asking is that with so much construction activity happening in our colony, there must be numerous children who would be missing out on formal education. Maybe the RWA along with some volunteers should take a lead in ensuring a better future for those less fortunate.
