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]]> After the immense success of their mega event, Balakalakaar, AIESEC Chennai saw the completion of Project Footprints with the end of their fifth and last impact week. The two NGOs that took part in this week were Zamar Education Trust and Anjuman Himayate Islam. A total of 250 children were actively involved in the activities that close to ten interns (per NGO) had planned for them. Zamar Educational Trust is one of AIESEC Chennai’s clients and they even won prizes in various events which were organized for Balakalakaar. Here’s how the week progressed:Day 1: International exposure
AIESEC’s international interns shared their respective country’s culture with the children using various interactive games and quizzes. Winners of the quiz were awarded and in return, the children were asked to share facets of Indian culture with the interns. This led to a wholesome discussion as well as internal cultural exchange. It is great how the children are made to feel equally important. AIESEC strives to blur the line between these children and others from more financially stable families as much as they can.
Day 2: Free eye check-up at Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital, Chennai
Following what was set up in the previous weeks; Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital provided a free eye-check up to the children. Prescriptions were given and free treatment was also offered. Being the last week, the efforts of this hospital also deserve immense mention. They were strong supporters of the entire initiative taken by AIESEC Chennai.
Day 3: Motivation, health and hygiene
AIESEC’s international interns used various action songs and presentations to talk about the importance of health and hygiene. Right from dental hygiene to taking care of one’s hair and skin, the children were engaged in a great learning experience. Motivational stories were also shared in order to increase their confidence and give them a positive outlook towards life.
Day 4: Art and craft
Activities such as origami fascinated the children thoroughly. On a more interesting note, they were asked to make paper planes and colour them in a way of showing their dreams and ambitions. As planes depicting doctors, army men and astronauts flew around the classroom, the interns knew that this day had been a huge success.
Day 5: Drawing competition and farewell
As the official last day of Project Footprints, the children took part in a drawing competition and the team from AIESEC Chennai danced their hearts out with them. This was one of the most emotional days of the entire project.
The last week was symbolically about bidding farewell. The interns knew that their efforts had succeeded and this project had come to a glorious end. AIESEC Chennai would like to thank everyone who supported their endeavours. On behalf of dfuse.in, I can only say that we were proud to be associated with such an initiative. We wish the entire organizing committee all the best for whatever they may choose to do in future.
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]]> Note: The content for this article has been syndicated directly from the organizing committee of Project Footprints. We would also like to thank AIESEC Chennai and all its members for the same.
Over 4,000 underprivileged children from 40 NGOs across Chennai came under one roof to take part in one of the largest undertakings to spot talent in the spheres of art, dance, singing and learning – Balakalakaar. Held on the 15th of July at the St. George’s Ground in Kilpauk, this mammoth event was a result of months of planning and initiative on the part of seventeen students to set the stage for the largest undertaking in the history of AIESEC Chennai.
Balakalakaar was the culmination to weeks of behind-the-scenes work, a big part of which was Project Footprints. The project involved eighteen interns from around the world and volunteers from the Making A Difference (M.A.D) Campaign. Chinmayee Sripada, celebrated playback singer, was the chief guest for the day. She rendered an inspiring speech for the children and shed some light on her story, as an artist and on the value of art, per say.
Madhuvanthi Arun, city-based educationist and art connoisseur, guest of honour, rendered an inspiring speech on art and education and showcased a Bharatnatyam dance recital by Smt. Anita Guhan’s students. The wonderfully animated performance featured excerpts from the Ramayana. Andrea Jacob, a city-based western dance artist and teacher, carried out a brief performance with one of her students, Muksaan, and then went on to teach the children a few dance moves, which the children thoroughly enjoyed.
The day proceeded with an art competition, lunch, talent show, awards ceremony and valedictory function, which was graced by the sponsors from RYA Metro, the Rotary Club of Kilpauk and the Jain Book House. In addition to that, the event also saw the presence of Mr. Kalyanam, Mahatma Gandhi’s secretary, the guest of honour for the evening session. He spoke about the Gandhian way of living and the means of following the same for the children in ways relevant to them.
The event began at 10.30 a.m. and ended at 5.30 p.m., successfully planting a smile and plenty of food for thought in the minds of the children who graced the day with their presence and enthusiasm. To conclude, this event was a great success and certainly a great step ahead for AIESEC Chennai.
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]]> The fourth week of Project Footprints brought AIESEC Chennai closer to the successful completion of their initiative. The two NGOs involved were Home for Poor Boys and Violet Matric Hr. Sec. School. A total of 400 children participated in the various activities planned and organized especially for them. Eight to nine worked with each organization for the entire week. Home for Poor Boys is an NGO situated in the heart of Chennai and Violet School is located on the outskirts. We think that AIESEC Chennai did a brilliant job by involving both these NGOs in their project. Here’s how the week unfolded:Day 1: International culture exposure
The international interns taught the children about all the cultures they came from. The children listened intently and grasped the information extremely well. This was proven by the quiz which was organized for them at the end of the day. The listening skills of these children delighted the interns thoroughly.
Day 2: Free eye check-up at Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital, Chennai
The children were taken to AIESEC Chennai’s partner, Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital for a free eye check-up. Just like the previous weeks, children with ailments were diagnosed and offered free treatment as well.
Day 3: Health, hygiene and motivation
On this day, the children were shown various presentations on keeping themselves healthy and hygienic. The presentations garnered an encouraging and positive response. Moreover, the interns spoke to the children about realizing their dreams and ambitions in life. Stories of motivational speakers such as Nick Vujicic were also narrated to the children.
Day 4: External resource person visit
At Violet School, Mr. Paul, the organization head of Little Angels Hr. Sec. School (one of AIESEC Chennai’s previous partners) spoke to the children and had an engaging discussion with them. Ms. Srinidhi visited Home for Poor Boys and entertained them with a magic show.
Day 5: Drawing competition
Since this was the week before AIESEC Chennai’s main event, Balakalakaar, a drawing competition was organized for the children. According to us, AIESEC Chennai could not have chosen a better theme for this day. There were separate prizes for this competition which were awarded to the winners later.
With this, the fourth week of Project Footprints came to an end. This was a relatively simpler week for the organizers since the children were well-behaved and well-versed in English. There were minimal language barriers which made work even more easier for the international interns. The interns developed an emotional bond with the children who wrote farewell messages for them as well as sang many songs. We think that with each week, AIESEC Chennai proved that with good organization and planning, hardly anything seems difficult.
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]]> Project Footprints is done with its fourth week as of now and thus, this update has unfortunately been delayed but nevertheless, AIESEC Chennai conducted the third week with utmost attention to detail and ensured that it was as big a success as the previous weeks. The two NGOs that were a part of the initiative in this week were V-Excel Education Trust and Little Angels Nursery and Primary School. Both these organizations strive to provide better educations facilities to various underprivileged children. Impressively, 15 volunteers, 17 interns and 250 children took part in the activities which were organized. Here’s how the week progressed:Day 1: Cultural education
The children had a huge advantage here since they were amidst the company of interns from across the world. They were taught about the basic words spoken in various countries such as Ukraine, China, Portugal, Ireland, Taiwan and Hong Kong. Moreover, they were even taught how to write these words in the respective languages.
Day 2: Free eye check-up at Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital, Chennai
The kids were taken to the above-mentioned hospital and those diagnosed with ailments were treated for free as well. As trivia that you should know, this hospital is listed as a major eye centre of the world by the International Congress of Opthalmology.
Day 3: Health and hygiene
Various activities were conducted and action songs were taught to the children for making them realize the importance of health and hygiene. Sessions pertaining to oral hygiene were also conducted. At V-Excel Education, where some health-related activities were not applicable and where the children had difficulties expressing themselves in words, the interns organized various creative activities for them such as making them colour and draw on small pieces of paper and later making an entire Chinese dragon out of those pieces.
Day 4: Art and craft
The children had fun on the fourth day as they were introduced to the world of origami and taught how to make things like butterflies just by using paper and scissors. For the children of V-Excel Education, it was an entertaining day as well since they were audience to a choreographed dance done by the interns themselves apart from learning new songs and dances.
Day 5: Resource person visit
The children at V-Excel Education were fortunate to have amongst them, Mr. Manoj, a dancer par excellence. He conducted the dance workshop for the children as well as performed for them. After this session, the children, along with the interns and their teachers had an hour-long singing session. This was truly a heartening moment for the AIESECers which were present there.
Rahul Sreekumar, the Vice President of the Global Community Development Program of AIESEC Chennai, adds that this week was more about understanding the children rather than understanding their background or other difficulties faced by them. The team would like to thank both the NGOs for their support and encouragement. To conclude, with Balakalakaar less than 24 hours away, do look forward to more updates from our side. We wish all the best to AIESEC Chennai and their brilliant set of volunteers.
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]]> As AIESEC Chennai ushered in the second week of their five-week-long project, they had a lot of new learning experiences and we are happy to say the second week was successfully completed as well. The two NGOs that they worked with in this week were Home for Poor Children and Sacred Heart’s Convent. A total of 133 girls participated in Project Footprints this week. Around 20 volunteers and worked with the children this week. However, for AIESEC Chennai, this was a task which was a little difficult because the girls from Sacred Heart’s Convent were an energetic and restless bunch. The volunteers gave it their all to deal with them in a patient manner. In contrast to this, the girls from Home for Poor Children were extremely docile, a little reserved and very obedient. This definitely was a great learning experience for the organizing team.Here’s how the week progressed:
Day 1: Cultural exposure
The volunteers had planned a lot of activities themselves which involved material like dough, paper and so on. Seeing the girls from Sacred Hearts Convent being in a hurry to do a lot of things, the volunteers realized that they would need different methods to calm these children down and engage them in all the activities. The day was a little difficult but the volunteers managed to complete their tasks successfully. The first day’s experience helped in making the other days easier to handle.
Day 2: Free eye check-up at Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital, Chennai
This was a day which involved a lot of procedural activities at the above-mentioned hospital. All the children were given individual care and attention, remedies were mentioned and the hospital will even provide treatment to the girls who were diagnosed with ailments.
Day 3: Health and hygiene
For this day, the volunteers made the children sit down and with the use of a projector (which fancied a lot of the children), showed them a lot of pictures and relevant videos pertaining to health and hygiene. Concerns about the environment were also discussed with interactive sessions pertaining to natural resources and their conservation.
Day 4: Resource person visit
The girls from Home for Poor Children were paid a visit by Dr.Venkatraman, a senior neurologist and renowned doctor who spoke to them about various issues which they needed to speak about. The girls enhanced their knowledge about a lot of health concerns. A mime artist spoke to the children at Sacred Heart’s Convent about his work, various plays and so on. In an animated manner, he spoke to the children and got them engaged through various videos and photos as well.
Day 5: Arts and crafts
The children were asked to draw their dream. We think this is a beautiful concept. A lot of children drew wonderfully and showcased their dreams and ambitions through this medium. A big thumbs-up to the organizing team for thinking of a theme such as this. This day was also a prep for the upcoming Balakalakaar event which will see the culmination of this project.
The mix of children that the team worked with in this week truly gave them a wonderful experience. The environment at Home for Poor Children made room for the intimate conversations and interactive sessions that the children had with the volunteers. This NGO also thanked AIESEC Chennai for their initiative since the girls were all Urdu-speaking, reserved in their behaviour and not exposed to the activities they were a part of in this week. Well, we congratulate the organizing team again and look forward to a successful third week of this project as well.
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AIESEC Chennai is looking for volunteers through their M.A.D. Campaign. For the main event, Balakalakaar, the organizing team will require a lot of help. Register here to volunteer in any capacity that you can. Do support this project through Facebook and Twitter as well.
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]]> It took two months of intense planning and effort for the team at AIESEC Chennai to set up Project Footprints, their most “historical pursuit” till date. (Read our overview of their project here.)The first impact week of this five-week-long project just got over to a great response. The two NGOs that participated in the programme in this week were Sri Karpagavalli Vidyalaya from Mylapore and Sevasamajam Children’s Home from Taramani in Chennai. A 19-member organizing committee, 12 of AIESEC’s international interns and 40 external volunteers gathered solely from the M.A.D. Campaign participated in this project. With a total of 270 children benefiting from this initiative in just one week, Project Footprints definitely set sail on a high note. We urge you to register for the M.A.D. Campaign here and be a part of this project in any capacity that you can.
On the first day, the children happily indulged in a variety of creative learning methods which furthered their knowledge about everyday health and hygiene. It is noteworthy to mention here that these activities are designed completely by interns working with AIESEC Chennai. The second day saw the children going for a free eye check-up at Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital in Chennai. Fifteen children were diagnosed with ailments and they were subsequently offered free treatment under the Chief Minister’s Scheme of Tamil Nadu.
The children were given international exposure through their interaction with AIESEC’s international interns. Through group activities, the children learned about another culture that exists parallel to one we are accustomed to in India. On the fourth day, a senior professor from Ethiraj College in Chennai rendered a session with the children and gave them some good career guidance. The week ended with an arts and crafts session as a prep for Balakalakaar, the mega event which AIESEC Chennai has organized as a culmination to Project Footprints.
As each week progresses, we are sure that Project Footprints will not fail to make an even bigger impact than they intend to make. Do support AIESEC Chennai’s effort through Facebook or Twitter and help us spread the word!
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]]> As the world’s largest youth-run organization, the initiatives that AIESEC takes never fail to make an impact. AIESEC in India too gives a platform that one would only be proud to be a part of. This statement is exemplified by Project Footprints, an initiative taken by AIESEC Chennai’s local office. Spanning a period of five weeks, this initiative aims at giving a chance to various socially and economically backward children for exchanging ideas and understanding the many facets pertaining to child rights and child empowerment.
The project consists of five impact weeks wherein the organizing team will work with around three to four NGOs per week. Children from an approximate of fifteen to twenty NGOs will benefit hugely from this comprehensive programme. Here’s what the five-day schedule for each week looks like:
Day 1: Health and hygiene
With the use of creative learning methods and interactive discussions, the children will be taught about a wide range of topics – from the effects of impure water to the importance of dental hygiene and upkeep.
Day 2: Free eye check-up at Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital, Chennai.
One of the premier service-providers in eye care, Dr. Agarwal’ Eye Hospital will ensure that every child’s vision is checked by experts in the field.
Day 3: Cultural exchange
Twenty volunteers from international AIESEC offices will be specially flying to Chennai to make the children aware of the diverse cultures that surround us. With engaging activities, the children will be able to identify various cultures and sensitize themselves towards them all. As a fun activity, they will also be given a chance to make Chinese dragon to celebrate the Chinese New Year.
Day 4: External resource-person visit
Resource people ranging from policemen to doctors to philanthropists shall come and talk to the children in a simple manner. This will enable better understanding and will allow the children to easily ask questions also.
Day 5: Arts and crafts
As the perfect end to every week, the children will be introduced to the world of arts and crafts where they will be able to display their creativity by making objects such as photo frames, finger puppets, hand-print butterflies and so on.
Apart from this innovative and extremely thoughtful five-week programme, Project Footprints will culminate with Balakalakaar, by far the largest event hosted by the AIESEC India network. This will aim to inculcate an interest for the field of arts in the children as well as help them develop a passion for the same. With art competitions, talent shows, performances by some of the city’s most-reputed art connoisseurs and more, this event aims to touch the lives of over 7,000 children!
If you are thinking of being a part of this wonderful initiative, the organizers have facilitated that for interested volunteers across the country. By joining AIESEC Chennai’s Making a Difference or M.A.D. Campaign, you can volunteer to be a part of Project Footprints in any capacity that you desire. They even run a blog known as BlogPrints which you can see here. To register in this campaign, go here.
Feel free to leave any queries or comments below and we assure you a quick response from the team at AIESEC Chennai. We are going to update this space with weekly reports from Project Footprints as well as an overview of Balakalakaar. Do extend your support towards this initiative because it never hurts to stand up for a good cause, does it?
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Like Project Footprints and support them through Facebook.
Follow them on Twitter here.
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]]> iPakistan is an initiative started by students and young professionals to change the stereotypical image that the world has about the country. The students emphasize on the fact that they want their country to be seen in a completely different light. And yes, it is really not okay when another student asks you if your family is involved with the Taliban. Believe it or not, this has happened in reality with a member of the iPakistan team.Pakistan today has almost become synonymous to terrorism. After four wars more than 60 years of independence, the ice between India and Pakistan has still not completely thawed. Therefore, Romancing the Border is an initiative under iPakistan which has been spearheaded by a group of students from the Hong Kong University. While surfing the internet, these students found out that the most dangerous border of the world is the India-Pakistan border and that made them question where the two countries stand today.
We sincerely hope that you will join this cause and help these students raise awareness about the issue.
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Do like iPakistan on Facebook, see their photos and, follow them on Twitter.
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]]>I set foot in Dubai, UAE on 11th January 2011. This was a completely new chapter in the book of my life. This new beginning was the start of my college life at Middlesex University. Fresh out of high school, I was absolutely unsure and anxious about what was to come.
I entered campus a week later. The atmosphere was completely different. There were a bunch of students huddled together, making plans for the weekend. The seniors eyed us “Freshers” like a child would eye a shiny new toy. As some of us passed, they whispered to each other, making obvious guesses as to what course we were taking. As an individual, I sometimes get tongue-tied and weird around new people, and so I moved about silently, unsure of where to go or what to do. On the first day, I planted myself next to this girl and watched my classmates, who looked as lost as I did. Also, the very fact that everyone was twice my height on an average did no good for me. Soon though, we had ice breakers and surprisingly all of us got friendly with each other.
During our breaks, I took a stroll around our campus and discovered Starbucks which was like a ray of hope considering the coffee junkie that I am. By the end of the day however, I was ready to face whatever I had to. I was ready to embrace my new life in Dubai, and everything college had to offer me. I was driven to make the best of it. There were so many people from different places, each with a talent of their own, which encouraged me to share what I had. The competition amongst us was immense – each one, wanting to emerge in flying colours. It was exhilarating.
Six months from then, I was completely set into the college lifestyle, with an occasional punch of culture shock that came from different students of different nationalities. But, I savoured every moment of it, and evolved as a person. I became more tolerant, understanding and knowledgeable about things and people around me. Over the past few months, I’ve learned more than I ever have – academically and non-academically. This has brought me to realise that college is the place that moulds you to really become someone in life. Middlesex surely did that for me. And what’s more, I cannot wait for the year that’s going to come. It’s going to be a challenge; and a good one too.
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]]>“Excuse me? Where’s Vivekananda Auditorium?“
That’s how my running around inside the Anna University, Chennai, began.
College of Engineering, Guindy.
Long queues of parents and children filled the campus. The hope, the prayers – all so visible in their eyes. For this is Anna University, standing tall, rhapsodically, almost blushing (Ah! That classic red paint!) as if guarding all the glories and the much sought-after fame, for over a period of 217 golden years.
I ran to the auditorium, and quickly slipped into one of the rows. A couple of embarrassed smiles to my neighbours and the sound of thzipper of my bag, I settled down to listen to the Dean’s introductions.The word “Guindian” resonated through my head even hours after the session was over.
The students had to attend so many lectures, talks, presentations by more than 14 activity clubs, briefings by professors and what not. All of them ended on the same note. “Your placement is guaranteed.” And there! I am subjected to an involuntary grin, all so sly and content.
Being an NRI puts you, very often, in a sticky situation. With these ambitious merit students walking around everywhere, it is quite awkward to be known for getting in through a quota. All of them think NRIs carry themselves ostentatiously. It has almost become a custom now, that kind of a biased perspective.
The hostel life hasn’t sunken in really. Twenty eight of us – we keep forgetting our names, and call each other whatever comes to our thought. Washing your own clothes is not easy. It involves a lot of bending, and I hate hurting my body. I am flexibility challenged, so. There is a curfew every night where once again our group is discriminated verbally by the warden. The block or wing representatives, in her mouth, become the Wing Rapes. So boarding is fun all over again, and I am quite glad and impressed that I am the only one to have a residential school experience.
Of course, I am five foot nothing, and it is funny to even start realising that I am in college. Handling dupattas in the hot breeze isn’t my cup of tea either. The very thought of being here pricks me hard inside, “Really, am I here?” Did I deserve it? Or was I destined.
Time will answer me.
To look at illustrations done by the same author, do visit –
1. http://dfuse.in/dscribe/bangalore-diaries-pecos/
2. http://dfuse.in/dscribe/bangalore-diaries-first-day-at-%E2%80%9Cwork%E2%80%9D/
The author also blogs on Tumblr – http://labyrinthofmymind.tumblr.com/
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