Jai Vakeel 2021

Our CAS Service began quite ordinarily - we did not know how we were going to take this journey forward. The introductory session was very welcoming, and we were introduced to the children of the JVF. That first session was handled by them so that we could accustom ourselves to the new environment, and they could get used to new people before we took initiative.

 

We planned worksheets and compiled videos for the students. We had unknowingly assumed this would be like any regular activity, but our outlook completely changed upon meeting with the students. We were helping a group of 18-year-old gifted children through their vocational training process. 6 months later, we can certainly say that we learnt more from them than they did from us! The highlights of our sessions were celebrating festivals together and learning more about traditions and culture. While we taught them how to make dandiya sticks, they taught us how about pooja arti rituals and make a Saraswati symbol. We connected with each other with discussion about Indian culture during some lessons. We also spoke about etiquette and academics during others. As a group, we were always enthusiastic to put together a script for our service – and often enacted plays about good manners and empathy for others.

 

However, the takeaway of this entire experience is that we learnt to interact with children with disabilities. We learnt to respect the sensitivity required and adapted to a method of communication easier for them. Moreover, we became genuine friends who ask each other about their interests and passions, gossip about their favorite places to visit and compliment each other's immaculate sense of fashion.

 

This CAS Service became a platform to not only cooperate and incorporate our ideas, but also to learn the value of inclusion.

 

Natisha Shah