It was Valentine’s day and the eleven volunteers of Aashayein Mysore spent the day spreading love amongst the children of ‘Ashadayaka Seva Trust’.
Ashadayaka Seva Trust was established in the year 2003 with the main objective of Eradicating Child Labor and providing rehabilitation for the destitute children.
The volunteers arrived at about 8.30 to find out that the children were involved in Shloka (sanskrit hymns) session. The teacher was from a reputed educational institution close by and revealed to the volunteers that he would visit the place and conduct classes for 3 hours every weekend. He further opined that one should also take up the onus of instilling righteous values within the children apart from spreading hope.
After the prayers, children sat down for their breakfast. The volunteers served them with Idlis and Vada. During the breakfast, volunteers introduced themselves to the kids and vice versa. Many jokes were cracked and the kids had a hearty laugh. After the breakfast, hot badam milk was also offered to the kids.
After the breakfast it was as usual, time for some fun. The kids presented some of their talent in singing and dancing. The girls presented 3 dance performances.
The volunteers then helped the children with the game, ‘pin the elephant’s tail’. The game was to pin the tail to the elephants drawing, while being blindfolded. The children took turns to give it their best shot.
Every attempt was cheered by the crowd. Those who managed to do it correctly were given chocolates as prizes.
After the events, Mr. Suresh, caretaker of the place shared more information about the administration and about the children too. He pointed out that a majority of these children were either beggars or laborers before they were brought here for rehabilitation. In most of the cases these children hail from a family that was averse to the idea of educating their children.
He expressed that it was indeed a daunting task to get these children move beyond their past and convince them to take up education. He said that they would first get the children to feel like home and then relate to others in the place. Being a part of the group, he pointed out that it was easy to inculcate discipline within the children. He proudly pointed out that the trust has put all the residents to school without an exception.
He also spoke of the challenges faced by the trust. He pointed out that every year in the month of May-June the trust will be pressed hard for finances as the books, school fee and uniform requirements of the children have to be met. He requested the members of AF-Mysore to come forward and help them in this regard.
Finally he thanked the volunteers for coming over and making the Sunday happier and memorable to the children.
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