Beyond the boundaries of classroom teaching

Benjamin Franklin had once said, “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” True to this iconic quote, city-based non-profit organisation ‘Make A Difference’ (MAD), which works towards educating children from shelter homes, takes learning beyond the realms of classrooms by organising a ‘Dream Camp’ once every year. The three-day outbound camp is an experiential learning opportunity for its children as it provides them means to connect with their dreams.

This much-needed camp had participation from 108 girls and 94 boys and was held at Countryside Resort recently. In addition, 70 volunteers from MAD were also present at the camp, which was organised on the theme ‘Travel around the world’. Hosting creative sessions broadly divided into two categories, ‘developmental’ and ‘experience and exposure’ the activities were centred around building self-confidence and to make the children aware about themselves.

“One of the best things we organised this year was the food carnival, which had a huge menu covering dishes from around the world. We had to catch the best sponsors to organise food carnival. And our team has been working for four months for the camp,” informed Manasa Reddy Billa, camp lead.

“The ideology behind the theme was to not only to give the kids a break from their routine but, also to give them exposure to new experiences and broaden horizons of their knowledge. There were also sports activities and campfire sessions where I found the kids extremely happy,” she added.

A mentor of the camp, Apurva Birla, shared, “I am a working professional. But, I always wanted to do something for the kids of shelter homes and that is how I reached here. ‘Dream Camp’ is one big event of MAD that not only the kids but also the volunteers wait for to make the best memories for their life.”

“We mentors divided into groups and everyone is responsible for four to five kids. I feel like I have come to a new world among these kids. It’s more like cherishing one’s own childhood. The best thing I learnt from the kids is their mental strength. I don’t think we are as strong as to what they are,” she added on an earnest note.

Volunteers of MAD spent at least four hours a week that includes teaching and discussion sessions during weekends where they build a bond with the child, create a safe space and provide academic and developmental support. MAD has many success stories. But, by far this ‘out of classroom learning’ experience they provide to these children of lesser means is an enriching one for everyone involved.

By Bhagyashree Kottoori