An experience like never before
Volunteering at an NGO like JMC that works with children has been one of the most rewarding and fulfilling experiences of my life. From the very first day, I was greeted with warm smiles, laughter, and an overwhelming sense of love and innocence that the children exuded. One of the responsibilities I had initially was to assist in organizing educational activities for the children during the duration of the Summer Camp.
Seeing their eager faces and their genuine excitement to learn new things was genuinely heartwarming. Through the organization of the Summer Camp Concluding Ceremony and the Farewell Ceremony, their enthusiasm was contagious, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of joy and privilege in being part of their journey.
Apart from educational activities, during my Basic English Classes with 8th, 9th, and 10th grade students, I also had the opportunity to spend time with the children. We would sing songs and play games together. The laughter and carefree nature of the children was infectious, and it reminded me of the simple joys in life that we often take for granted. But it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows.
Some children had complex backgrounds, and it was heart-wrenching to see the challenges they faced at such a young age. However, witnessing their resilience and determination, despite their circumstances, taught me a valuable lesson about the strength of the human spirit. Their talented bright young minds brim with talent and it is only a matter of time before it finds expression with support from their teachers and peers.
Overall, this experience has reaffirmed my belief in the power of education, love, and support in shaping a better future for these children. JMC was an experience I will cherish forever, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have been part of their journey.
Drishti Shukla, Summer Intern
Student at Symbiosis School for Liberal Arts
Joy – Volunteer
Summer Intern 2022 & 2023
Initial Experience: A Journey from Doubt to Delight
When I first stepped into the Jaishankar Memorial Centre for my internship, I was uncertain. I distinctly remember walking out after my first day, questioning if this was how I wanted to spend my first summer college break. The centre, dedicated to providing remedial classes for
first-generation learners, seemed like a challenging environment, especially since I don’t usually interact well with children. However, by the last day of my internship, my perspective had completely shifted. Time had flown by, and I found myself reflecting on an incredibly fulfilling and transformative experience.
Building Friendships: From Strangers to Companions
Surprisingly, the children welcomed me with open arms almost immediately. By the second day of my internship, they had already begun to treat me as a friend. This was particularly striking to me because, as a child, I often felt isolated and found it difficult to make friends. Yet, these children, who knew nothing about me, embraced me wholeheartedly. Their warmth and openness were humbling and heartwarming, enriching my experience at the centre.
Inspired by Resilience: Learning and Growing Together
Throughout the summer camp, I discovered new facets of myself while teaching the children. I found that I could teach art, dance, and music—skills I had never before thought I had. I used to be terrible at art. If you asked me to draw a cat I’d draw a car with legs and ears and call it a cat. Singing? I was tone-deaf. Dancing? I would run at the mere mention of the activity. But here I was teaching them about all of that. I could draw, I could sing and while I still can’t dance to save my life, I was still able to show them what they could do and choreograph their performances. Additionally, I had the opportunity to introduce them to Aikido, the martial art I practise. I taught them about the principles of Aikido, emphasising how these principles can be applied in daily life for better conflict resolution and self-discipline.
Moreover, the children’s enthusiasm rekindled my passion for playing badminton, a sport I had long neglected. I also taught them about the importance of protecting the environment and why we celebrate World Environment Day. We discussed various ways to contribute to environmental conservation, reinforcing the significance of sustainability and responsible living.
The resilience and determination of these first-generation learners were profoundly inspiring. Despite facing numerous challenges, they approached each day with eagerness and a genuine love for learning. Their perseverance not only motivated me to be a better mentor but also reminded me of the importance of resilience in overcoming obstacles.
The teachers at Jaishankar Memorial Centre played a pivotal role in this enriching experience. Their dedication to the overall development of the students was evident in every interaction.
They were deeply involved, not just in the academic growth of the children, but also in fostering their extracurricular interests. It was the teachers who provided the children with badminton racquets and footballs, encouraging them to pursue sports and physical activities. Their genuine care and commitment to the well-being and holistic development of each child were truly commendable.
A Call to Action: Volunteer and Make a Difference
Reflecting on my time at the Jaishankar Memorial Centre, I encourage everyone to consider volunteering there. The impact you can make on these children’s lives is immeasurable, and in turn, you will find yourself growing in ways you never imagined. Whether you have a passion for teaching, art, or sports, or simply wish to lend a helping hand, your contribution will be invaluable.
Volunteering at the centre is not just about giving back; it is also about forging meaningful connections and being inspired by the extraordinary strength and optimism of the children. I urge you to take the opportunity to be a part of this incredible initiative and experience the profound fulfilment that comes from making a positive difference in the lives of others.
Reflection
If you had told me a year ago that I would work with children for over a month, I would have laughed at you, hard. But over the month I worked with JMC, I have changed as a person. I loved working with the children, and I am going to miss it.
In conclusion, my internship at the Jaishankar Memorial Centre was a deeply rewarding experience. It taught me valuable lessons about friendship, self-discovery, and the extraordinary strength of the human spirit. I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of such a meaningful initiative and for the lasting impact, it has had on my personal and professional growth.
Visit https://jmcindia.org/ to learn more about them and volunteer.
Neel Gupta, Summer Intern 2024
Student at Dr. B. R. Ambedkar University
Empowering young minds
My internship experience with Jaishankar Memorial Centre (JMC)
During my internship with JMC, an organization dedicated to providing educational support to underprivileged children. This experience not only allowed me to contribute to a meaningful cause but also taught me invaluable lessons about community, resilience, and the importance of giving back.
Nurturing Potential: Building brighter future
One of the most rewarding aspects of my internship was the time spent teaching. It was a pleasure to teach such capable minds which will represent the upcoming future.
Even after so many challenges they were so curious to learn new things. Interacting with the children and understanding their backgrounds gave me a new perspective on life. Their stories of perseverance and hope were inspiring. Their enthusiasm was contagious, and their questions often challenged me to think critically and creatively. Each day was a reminder of the power of education to inspire and uplift. Seeing the children’s progress, witnessing their excitement at learning something new, and knowing that we were contributing to their future success was incredibly rewarding.
Personal growth
To be honest I was a little nervous in the beginning as it is such a big responsibility, but everyone helped me a lot and I am grateful to be a part of this organization. This experience taught me how to communicate complex ideas in simple terms, adapt to the children’s varying learning styles, and find innovative ways to keep them engaged. But I can ensure the learning was not one sided. They taught me a lot more than I could have imagined.
One of the most profound lessons I learned was the impact of personalized attention and positive reinforcement. I personally think rewarding them for the right things makes a big difference towards learning, they get eager to learn more about the subjects they were earlier not interested in and as many of these children had never experienced one-on-one teaching, and the difference it made was palpable. They flourished in an environment where they felt seen and valued.
The bond I share with them right now is beautiful and I will cherish it for my entire lifetime.
From teaching them to playing with them trust me every day was a delight. When I came here I came as an intern but as I am leaving I am leaving feeling like an older sister to all of them.
Lasting impact
As my internship came to an end, I realized that the experience had a profound impact on me. It deepened my understanding of social issues, enhanced my communication and teaching skills, and inspired me to continue working in the field of education and social development. Most importantly, it reminded me of the incredible potential of every child. With the right support and opportunities, these young individuals can overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams
Looking ahead
I would like to thank JMC for giving me this fantastic opportunity. The welcoming environment and the chance to contribute to changing the future of children. The lessons learned and the relationships formed during this time will stay with me as I continue my journey, inspired to make a positive impact in the world. It was inspiring to see how everyone, regardless of their role, contributed to the organization’s mission of providing education, healthcare, and emotional support to those in need.
Anushka
Student of Biological Sciences, Acharya Narendra Dev College
Gratitude for the Internship Experience at Jaishankar Memorial Centre
I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to take as an intern at Jaishankar Memorial Centre. My experience during the field project was truly enriching and I sincerely appreciate the support and guidance I received from the entire team.
I was welcomed into a friendly and dedicated work environment unlike a stereotypical strict office setting, the atmosphere felt more like a family where everyone was approachable and always ready to help. The professionalism and dedication of the team were truly inspiring and I have learned a lot from them.
I also really appreciated and enjoyed the availability of tea, coffee and evening snacks, which not only showed JMC’s care and respect for everyone but also created a positive and comfortable work environment.
Overall, my internship at Jaishankar Memorial Centre has been an invaluable experience, enhancing both my practical knowledge and professional growth. I am grateful for this opportunity and encouragement I received from the team.
Thank you once again for your support and guidance.
I truly wish for a bright future ahead for JMC, filled with continued success and growth.
Dr Vinay Daima, Intern
Student of MPH, G D Goinka University
My Experience
I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to intern with the Jaishankar Memorial Centre and CMS Volunteer Team. This experience has been incredibly enriching, allowing me to gain valuable skills in crowd management and engagement while working on government schemes. The members of Jaishankar Memorial Centre have been exceptionally supportive, approachable, and professional, creating a welcoming and collaborative environment. I am truly honoured to have been part of such a dedicated team and proud of the achievements we accomplished together. This internship has been a significant milestone in my professional journey and I look forward to staying connected with the organizations in the future.
Dr Kuldeep Singh
Student of MPH, G D Goinka University
