14 July,2016 08:16 AM IST | | Maleeva Rebello
Children at the Dreamz Home in Malad are learning the English language in a fortnight-long teaching programme, conducted by young volunteers from the US
Afternoons at the Dreamz Home centres in Malwani and Dindoshi are full of cheer. The reason: start of English classes for 40 inmates of the boys' and girls' centres. Since July 4, 20 US students are training the children in the English language in a fortnight-long programme.
20 volunteers from the US are teaching vocational guidance, technological training, morals and language skills to children at the Dreamz Home in Malad. Pic/Amit Khanna
A 15-day teaching programme by non-profit organisation Uplift Humanity India has seen the US youngsters train the children through vocational guidance, technological training, morals, language skills, etc. The programme is happening in Mumbai for the first time.
Anish Patel, founder of the initiative, said, "Delhi, Hyderabad, Vadodara, Nadiad, and Indore are the areas we have worked in. I started this initiative in 2010 in Vadodara, my native place. I was 16 then; when I saw a run-down place during my vacations and learnt that it was a juvenile home."
Teaching peers
Patel says he researched and realised that while a lot of work is done for women and children, nothing is done for juveniles.
"I decided to get my friends involved and we were 18 teenagers, teaching our peers who had no hope of being truly reformed here in India. Slowly, this grew and I formed Uplift Humanity India, which has educated more than 500 juveniles and orphans, and now, over 250 Americans volunteer in India," added Patel.
The US teens are working with 21 boys and 22 girls between 5 to 17 years of age.
Vijay Karande, the founder secretary and director of the organisation, said, "The concept of young people teaching was nice and I also felt it was a cultural exchange, which made me give Uplift Humanity India the nod. Now, I have seen the children attempting to speak in English, which they were very scared to do earlier."
Mumbai volunteer, Sanjana Jain said, "There is a basic communication gap which I have helped them bridge by telling the US kids and the children from the home what the other is saying, especially when it comes to complex words. I have suggested more Hindi and English songs and it has made a positive difference."
Lauding the initiative, Shobha Murthy of Aarambh Foundation said, "The initiative seems like a great idea to sensitise Indian and US kids to each others' problems. Also, there will be new friends made across the seas, a great cultural exchange."
Students say
Priyanka Ambre, Nirmala College
I have learnt to talk in English with a lot more confidence. My college friends have lauded me for it. These didis (sisters) have helped me improve my diction.
Mahesh Rajani, Malwani Township English medium school
I love the study and play method. It helps me understand better and also keeps me more engrossed in picking up my lessons.
Teachers say
Veronica Gadhok, Elementary school teacher
I thought the children would be shy and would take time to get comfortable. But I was excited to see them so enthusiastic on the first day. They were bubbly and raring to learn more.
Leena Ramani, Medical student
The children now understand complex words and, like us, have had a great experience. As the day comes for us to depart, we are sad; we have made friends for life.
Dilan Karteek Bhavsar, 10th grade student
On the first day, many boys did not want to talk or bond with us. But now they are engaging beautifully with us. Many struggled to speak in English and now they are stringing sentences together with a lot more ease.
