'Holistic Development'for 300 Poor Kids in India

Dear donors,

Warm greetings!

Though the summer sun is blazing down on us with all its might, our children are cheerfully absorbing its rays of strength to brush up their skills and make the most of their vacations.

Summer Camp:

Charcoal drawing was introduced to the children by a resource person who explained its technique and demonstrated its process. Children who were interested in drawing enjoyed the session thoroughly since they had never done it before. They also received additional inputs to improve their drawing skills. The resource person supervised each participant and assisted them in enhancing their work. This activity was followed by a session on Sexual Abuse and a poster presentation by a resource person from SMS. The children had a lot to share and discuss during this session as they come across sexual abuse almost every day. They were also made aware of the rights of children while discussing the types of sexual abuse. The session was very interactive and effective as the children coming from slum communities can play a major role if such mishaps take place in their locality or come across eve teasing and similar incidents anywhere around them.

The second day of the summer camp was even more joyful as the children enjoyed meals and ice cream along with the vibrant sessions. The day started with Pottery with Clay modeling. A resource person taught children to make different objects like trees, frogs, snails and sparrows from clay. This was followed by a session on Creative Writing. Children were engaged in writing about a real hero in their lives. Later, musical instruments were introduced to the children through a question and answer test. An electric guitar was played by a guitarist. Children had many questions to ask as they had never had an opportunity to experience musical instruments like guitar live. Children received school bags, umbrellas, notebooks, colour palettes, book-stickers, book-covers and chocolates at the end of the day.

On the 3^rd day, a session on personality development was organized. The resource person involved everyone present there in his session by using techniques like introductory game, mirror game, group activity, acting without speech etc. We had an overwhelming response from the children as they could open up and act freely throughout the session.

Balmelava (Children’s get-together)

230 children from Std. V to VII participated in the Balmelava. Resource persons from Balbhavan conducted various exciting activities for the children. They taught some unique songs and games to the children which were enjoyed thoroughly. A skit was then presented, followed by the final round of the spelling competition. After a sumptuous lunch, fun games were organized for the children by the youth group and the teachers. The memory game, tailing the elephant, putting the ball in the basket, one minute games, ring game etc. were played. Winning prizes got an additional flavor to their smiles. Towards the end, all children were presented with coloring books so that they could continue exploring their creativity at home.

Science Activity

A resource person from IUCCA conducted a science activity for the children. Children learnt science through Art. He showed various scientific techniques used by a magician and simple science mechanism used in day to day life. The children made a whistle out of a straw and learnt the voice modulation theory. They also made a simple sprinkler which the children enjoyed a lot.

Book Distribution: About 1000 books were received from a generous donor and our children had the golden opportunity to read them during the summer vacation.A few centers also had a resource person reading for them.

Thank you, dear friends, for reading this and bringing joy on the faces of these children. We look forward to your continued support so that we could spread their joy!