Agnes Krocha
Children are our future…. goes the song and so we sing. But are we investing enough in our future i.e. our children? Children, especially in the rural areas are more often than not, neglected and deprived of their rights to live fully as children. Many are deprived of their right to basic education. And it is sad to see so many loopholes in our educational systems. The concept of learning through fun has been squashed by the result oriented concept of education and many children find school a burden.
Today I am writing about Children and Education in connection to an NGO called the COMMON VISIONS FOUNDATION FOR CHILDREN, formed recently by a group of young people who share a common burden and passion for our children under the initiative of Avelu Ruho and Asenla Longchari.
The vision of the foundation is to impart value-based education and experiential learning using creative methods that will generate critical thinking; thereby empowering a culture of respect and dignity. Their goal is to impart Education through practical experiences of discovering-together the values of life, indigenous values, peace education, practical life skills, empowering decision making capacities, developing awareness and respect for different human cultures and creating environmental consciousness.
One of their activities is called ‘The weekend activity’ which is being organized mainly for village children under the theme, “Building Hopes”. I had the opportunity to be part of their first Weekend Programme at Sakraba Village under Phek District on the 28th and 29th of May.
The programme was a huge success with 107 children between the ages of 6 to 11 enthusiastically participating in the different sessions which was a clear manifestation of their hunger and enthusiasm to learn and explore. The programme was a great smorgasbord of intellectual, artistic, creative and athletic activities ranging from music to story time, games, puppetry, arts and crafts, interaction, nature sessions (tree plantation) and inspirational movies. It was a really interesting day and I felt pure joy to see the children go about their activities with a spirit of sheer abandon. I couldn’t help noticing that their innocence and free spirits became contagious as the volunteers also joined the children and sang their hearts out, laughed and screamed and ran around with the children during games.
The Nature-friendly session was a solemn one as one of the volunteers talked about Nature and the recent landslide in Mokokchung town which claimed precious lives. There was a sense of seriousness as every child took his/her sapling and carefully planted it doing a duty towards Mother Nature and to the future generation. About 150 tree saplings were planted by these Children. At the end of the day, we all agreed that we underestimate children. We had to admit that we learn more from them than they from us. They just need to be encouraged and given the right amount of pushing and guidance, they will continue to surprise us with their fresh and unadulterated perspectives.
The second activity was organized at Phenshenyu village under Kohima district on the 27th of August which saw 85 children eagerly participating with the same spirit of enthusiasm. The road which was a little bumpy and slushy at some areas didn’t dampen the spirits of the 6 volunteers who arrived outside the church compound with their sleeves and pants rolled up and their shoes off their muddy feet after pushing the two vehicles out of the sticky mud.
Here they also had 3 and 4 year olds who started looking a little heavy eyed as they neared their nap time. So there was a jam session and the kids danced and jumped to the beat of righteous pop music; their sleepy faces now shining and eyes twinkling as they sang ……every part of me is special.
The Foundation plans to reach out to at least 800 to 1000 children this year. They plan to visit Benreu under Peren District and also Bade Village in the coming month. At the moment, their expenses are covered by contributions made by friends who sponsor one or more children. A hundred rupees covers for one child which includes light lunch, pencils, paints, brushes, chart papers, one tree sapling,etc., all of which are given away. The Foundation is indebted to the sponsors for their contributions.
The members of the Foundation want you to know that you have created a difference and contributed towards change by enabling one or more children to have a FUN EDUCATIONAL WEEKEND. You have not only made a child’s day, your contribution helps build hopes in precious little hearts and clean up nature too. Thankyou and God Bless You.
