A memorable day in Subramanya Sastri Govt High School, Arani, Tamilnadu

A memorable day in Subramanya Sastri Govt High School, Arani

 We started a memorable journey with heavy showers in the morning. Everybody reported they either got drenched in rain or waiting for the van in heavy downpour. When we reached we had only few minutes to have breakfast and start the day as the kids were waiting for more than an hour in the assembly hall. They were all 10^th class students and we had roughly 11+4=15 classes of around 40+ each to engage.

  

Clearly we did not plan for 2 per class. Many of the volunteers were first timers who had attended only 2 to 3 hours of “UNICEF Train the Trainer Material” review. We spent 1+ hour in the van doing a final review of how we are going to handle the activities and make them draw positive desired conclusions on their own – without need for us to suggest anything.

 

Many were reluctant on how they are going to take the Life Skill Training, but one thing stood out. We had to push them out in the water and enjoy seeing them swimming back to shores! I know it is going to be a thrill to watch them take Life Skill Training.

I was 100% sure when I assigned them the classes that they are going to learn the art on the ground and time proved they all did a great job because of the passion they had inside to change the lives of these Adolescent children.

Later the teachers and headmaster were awestruck on how come no student were seen straying out and how everybody went back to their classes after lunch. I know the general assumption must have been they all are here on a Saturday for the free biryani but our Life Skill Trainers proved the training activities were more fun than the sumptuous chicken biryani!

  

Head master in his speech mentioned that each class will be allotted one teacher as it will not be possible for the volunteers to maintain order in the class. KK tried to persuade that it is not required for the teachers to be there in the class all the time and they can visit whenever they feel like one or two times. But headmaster was very clear, our volunteers will find it difficult based on his past experience.

I take this opportunity to thank all the passionate volunteers, who made a huge difference in the Headmaster and teacher’s mindsets. They all are very clear that if they too can make the lessons activity based and interesting they will also get such response from the students. They will also be able to make a difference in student’s life!

  

I was assigned Class#10. Everybody in their 15 – those bright energy packed eyes that I saw in the class rejuvenated me and I went back to my 15. In the end, I never knew I was going to get hugged by each individual, sign on their books with an all the best, put up a fight for not bringing gifts for all, make them feel they are all one and the same and gifts doesn’t matter.

Activity #1: My name is x____ and I like x____

I started my class with a quick intro of “My name is x____ and I like x____”. 40 member team intro is not easy, so I had to cut short it – asked them only to introduce once and not repeat others in sequence. It went well, could identify people who stammered, people who are belittled, people who had low self-esteem, people who thought they were the best in studies etc…

Activity #2: Who am I

Asked them to write their name based on how they introduced themselves for others to easily identify them and then draw their outline, exchange with others in 5 seconds count down and then draw whatever I am calling out on facial features like eyes, nose, hair etc… within 10 count downs. This was a great fun for them. Finally I asked them to give it to the person whose name is written on the sheet and asked all to close their eyes imagine themselves in a mirror and then open the eyes and see the picture. J everybody laughed out loud and I asked the question: Is this you? I told them this is what others think of you. So if this is not you, then you are not what others say you are. You are “UNIQUE”. Thus do not let others judge you.

Activity #3: Fear Hat

One thing worth mentioning in Fear Hat activity is, when students wrote: “I am afraid that I’ll fall for wrong habits”. Now this is a very sensitive subject I did not have time to deal with. I had to close the session as it was too late for their lunch, but still I tried my best to draw positive conclusions.

Post lunch, we had class visits from Misaka san and Alumni. Who made the children cry out loud, take selfies and get autographs!!!

Activity #4: Adolescence Chart

I was clear that I had only less than 2 hours and I have to start making them aware of changes they have observed so far during Adolescence and guide them with possible changes they will be encountering due course in their later adolescence period – 4 years ahead.

I was literally shocked when more than half of the class blinked what to write under category “sex changes” that happen during Adolescence. One mature group saved me from explaining it all mentioning secondary sexual characteristics and development of sperm.

If I had more time, I would have made them discuss various issues they face during adolescence and then make them all aware of STDs, HIV, drug abuse etc… But I think I sowed the seed of awareness. Now I am sure they will discuss among themselves and will draw conclusions on their own and march forward in the right direction.

Thanks to HCL Foundation for a great opportunity and thanks to K Karunanidhi who conceived the idea of giving Life Skill training to more than 750 students as one day program. Thanks to Newton, Muthamizh, Levin and all those who made their effort to arrange for the vans, make route charts and ensured safe journey.