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