Children the true Angels

The past year has brought a lot of uncertainties and challenges for all age groups with the onset of COVID-19 crisis. When the schools had to be closed due to the pandemic-lockdown, it posed a true concern for kids, as lockdown restrictions meant they could not meet their friends or go out to play. But a few resilient kids in Delhi took upon themselves, not to spend all of their valuable time on mobiles and gadgets but channelize their time and energies to forge life-making friendships.

SevaBharatihad initiated a program called‘Each one, Teach one’. 1200+ kids from many prestigious schools such as DPC, GD Goenka, Modern school, joined this ‘Each one, Teach one’ program to connect with kids from economically deprived areas of AmbedkarBasti, Valmiki Basti, Ravidas Camp and Kalkaji Sanjay Camp Basti.These kids from the above mentioned reputed schools took online study sessions, gave dance lessons and taught the kids from Seva Basti to make various beautiful arts and craft articles like paper flowers, pen stand etc. This Seva Journey was like a flowing river, which selflessly flourishes both of its banks without discrimination. The kids from affluent homes took back home values of sharing, caring, kindness and a higher understanding of reality of life on the other side, the kids from Seva Basti took with them joy of learning new things, an interactive experience and expanded horizons. Needless to say, they all earned precious friendships of one another. Bhupendraji, Prant Prachar Mantri, Delhi Seva Bharati, shared that after lockdown was over, ‘Each One,Teach One’ program has evolved to next level in the form of ‘Teen Seva’ with addition of essence of patriotism which is enriching these young minds now.

It all started when the nation went into lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic and schools were closed indefinitely till further notice. Nidhi Ahuja, Prant Sampark Pramukh, Delhi Seva Bharti received a phone call from 50 odd kids, who expressed interest in contributing for the cause of education. They had already come in contact with the kids from Seva Bastis through the Summer and Winter camps organized by Seva Bharati. As exciting as this opportunity was, it must be understood that the times were equally testing. PM Narendra Modi had called upon the nation, especially the elderly and the kids, to stay within confines of their homes and adhere to social distancing norms strictly. Parents had their own apprehensions. Amidst all this, Seva Bharati volunteers were trying to brainstorm their way towards a solution to involve these students in this noble cause with utmost precaution and care.

In order to test the waters, Nidhiji floated google forms to receive responses to identity and shortlist kids who were willing to teach another kid from Seva Basti. This enticed an overwhelming response from 1000+ kids and Nidhiji couldn’t be happier. All of these kids were connected through android phones which could be garnered within the Seva Bastis with help from teachers and supervisors of Seva Bharati Sanskara Kendras within the area. The kid willing to teach was called a ‘volunteer’ and the kid from Seva Basti a ‘buddy’. It was decided the volunteers would meet their buddies online once in a week. Result was coming together of young and innocent minds dissolving the outward differences.

Deepti Didi who now co-ordinates this program, helped us understand that the volunteer-buddy initiative was conducted in four phases- Buddy, Storytelling, Hobby and Book Bank. The first Buddy phase was to serve as an ice-breaker and create a bond of friendship among the volunteer and the respective buddy. Storytelling sessions called for the volunteers to narrate engaging stories with moral and scientific temper to their buddies. During Hobby sessions buddies learnt various hobbies and skills like drawing, painting, embroidery etc. Through Book-Bank sessions, it was ensured that some good books find their way to the Seva Basti buddies.

Indian Cricket team captain Virat Kohli, famous batsman Shikhar Dhawan, motivational speaker Shiv Kheda and many other celebrities chipped in their own way, and shared their best wishes and encouragement with all of the 2500 kids, in the age group of 11 to 19 years, through videos. This educational initiative of Seva Bharati, which was started during the lockdown period has sensitized young hearts, imprinted life-making lessons on their minds and forged lifelong bonds. Neeraj from RK Puram Seva Basti couldn’t have captured the sentiments of all the kids and Seva Bharati volunteers better when he said, “ Ab humara saath LIC ki tarah hai, Zindagi ke saath bhi aur zindagi k baad bhi.” (Now our relations are like those of LIC, with as well as beyond this lifetime)