A DEEP connection

“Would you like to give back to society?” Sujata enquired one day on our return from an aerobics class. “We could teach our maids’ children here in the neighbourhood.”

 The idea appealed instantly and with not much thought given to a plan or a vision, we had set up DEEP Foundation, our NGO. Development through Education and Empowerment (DEEP Foundation) is what we set out to do and since charity begins at home; Vasant kunj was where we started. We learnt we were not the first to think of teaching children from lesser privileged backgrounds. Col Ramakrishna and Mr Prasad of Srijan Foundation were already doing so. Children from the neighbourhoods of Mehrauli, Kishangarh and Ghitorni flocked to a local park or the community centre for classes. We made an offer of taking classes for 3 days a week while he managed the other days. I’m sure he held our intent of a long term investment with some skepticism; but gave in to our idea.

Our first event with 35 kids of ages varying from 8 to 14 years, was ‘piggy bank painting.’ The kids absolutely loved it and there was no looking back for us. We got our friends excited about our work, inviting them to take sessions too. From non fire cooking, picnics, art and craft classes, story writing master class, story telling sessions, theatre, cultural festivals, debates, quiz competitions, puppet shows, career guidance talks; there has been no dearth of fun and excitement at the school. When the school moved to a space of their own in Mehrauli, the kids very proudly named it the School of Happiness(SOH). The children have been part of our drives with our partner NGOs for distribution of clothes from Benetton, school bags and setting up of the Henny Penny Libraries.  

While the focus has been on inculcating sound values and life skills; we have also helped them with functional literacy in a few subjects. English was a subject they aspired to learn but found it very tough too. What I taught them one week would be forgotten by the next week. The repeated mistakes and the sheer lethargy; had my patience running thin. I questioned whether it was even necessary for them to learn English. Every time I’d be at the point of giving up, there was a flicker of hope. Someone in the class would demonstrate progress or would share their aspiration of becoming an English teacher someday. Its these moments that kept me going; even though my regularity suffered on account of my consultancy work.

As the years progressed, a deep familial bond got developed. Festivals and birthdays were celebrated with much gusto. Their love and warmth reflected in abundance in the homemade cookies, the elaborate birthday cards, the tight hugs, the twinkle in their eyes when they see you. With the ceaseless adulation they shower on you, staying on terra firma was not easy! Challenges pertaining to school and college admissions were addressed collectively.  One of the students had low attendance and was being debarred from taking his final exams at the government school close by. When I met the school principal, she didn’t hesitate to narrate a litany of his shenanigans. I listened in horror, feeling the shame that any parent would. Today when I hear him speak of his responsibilities towards his family and his pursuit of a career, one can only be filled with pride. Sujata helped another boy take music lessons before he could get admission into a college. That support has helped him follow his passion and eke out a living as a music teacher. There are several heart warming stories of how these children have tapped their potential. The shift in their outlook and changed lifestyle demonstrates the big leap that they have taken given their modest background, clearly surpassing their parent’s expectations.

I don’t see them very often these days. The children have flown the nest, ready to take on the ways of the world. As they find their place in the sun, they draw comfort from the fact that there is the emotional safety net of the School of Happiness. Not just from us as teachers but also from each other.

Each time I see them, they continue to amaze me with their confidence, maturity and style. Many only choose to speak in English, even if you try conversing with them in Hindi. When did these kids grow up, I often wonder.

“ Ma’am if you are comfortable, I can teach you Excel”, “ Maam , you sit, we will manage everything”,“ Now that I am a teacher, I know how difficult teaching can be. I now realize what you went through when we were your students” ,  “ You taught us how to speak and pursue our hobbies”, “ If it weren’t for you my life would have been very different.”,  “ You are our guru- who removes darkness for light to enter” “ If you need any help, give me a call” “ This teachers day we would like to honor all our teachers.” They give umpteen occasions of joy and pride to all of us.

It takes a village to raise a child. The School of Happiness has provided them the emotional security of an extended family, the inspiration to dream big and the moral guidance that their school or homes may not have provided. It is a sterling example of community living, a blurring of lines between the haves and have nots, an idea for inclusive growth. It represents a wonderful collaborative effort of like minded people who have responded to a call of their hearts.  I consider my association with these children (I can’t seem to call them adults!) as an immense privilege; for what I have received in terms of love and warmth is immeasurable.

The DEEP foundation motto of “igniting the light within” was a modest effort. The children have held on to their spark and are fanning it to keep it burning bright. As they move ahead in their life journeys, may they pass this light to their children. I for one, am looking forward to reaping the joys of a grandmother😊

A film made by the kids captures the spirit of the school of happiness

https://youtu.be/FQSxs4lwhBA