CHILD HELP LINE Bangalore India venue: office of commissioner of Police
Date: 12 August 2011
SCEAD International student
Amy (japan)
moustafa (Eygpt)
Zoe Mouratoglo(Greek)
Jinyoung Oh (Japan)
Ashlina (Ireland)
It has been about a week that I came to Bangalore as a volunteer with SCEAD Foundation.I wanted to work with SCEAD not only because I love working with children, but also because I admire SCEAD's mission and methods. Making education accessible as well as attractive through art, giving children the opportunity to get off the streets and break the vicious circle of poverty, was something I wanted to be a part of. Observing all this happen from afar was just not enough.
Up to now my experience has been more than great! I have been working with two different classes of children of different ages, teaching them ballet and Greek dance. To me it is almost unbelievable that I get to teach something from my culture so far away from home. Before starting my internship I was a bit afraid that I would not be able to communicate with the children because of our different languages, or that they would not listen to me in the class. However, nothing like this has happened. Communication and interaction with them is excellent, while there are times that their talent leaves me speechless...
Yesterday we also visited with other interns the children helpline, a center that handles cases of child abuse, child rape, child labour and family issues. We got to learn very interesting facts there and will publish a report on them next week. Getting to know about the problems that children have to face is saddening. But the work and devotion of the people that work with the helpline is encouraging and gives me optimism for the future.
Besides working with the kids, which is something I love, there are many more things that add to the experience. I am living and working with young people from literally all over the world. My work is in many places around the city so I get to see a lot of the local life. It is the discovery of a whole new world.
I am very much looking forward to the next weeks to come, where I will also get to teach more subjects than dance! I will also participate in the organization of a street festival
SCEAD International student
Amy (japan)
moustafa (Eygpt)
Zoe Mouratoglo(Greek)
Jinyoung Oh (Japan)
Ashlina (Ireland)
It has been about a week that I came to Bangalore as a volunteer with SCEAD Foundation.I wanted to work with SCEAD not only because I love working with children, but also because I admire SCEAD's mission and methods. Making education accessible as well as attractive through art, giving children the opportunity to get off the streets and break the vicious circle of poverty, was something I wanted to be a part of. Observing all this happen from afar was just not enough.
Up to now my experience has been more than great! I have been working with two different classes of children of different ages, teaching them ballet and Greek dance. To me it is almost unbelievable that I get to teach something from my culture so far away from home. Before starting my internship I was a bit afraid that I would not be able to communicate with the children because of our different languages, or that they would not listen to me in the class. However, nothing like this has happened. Communication and interaction with them is excellent, while there are times that their talent leaves me speechless...
Yesterday we also visited with other interns the children helpline, a center that handles cases of child abuse, child rape, child labour and family issues. We got to learn very interesting facts there and will publish a report on them next week. Getting to know about the problems that children have to face is saddening. But the work and devotion of the people that work with the helpline is encouraging and gives me optimism for the future.
Besides working with the kids, which is something I love, there are many more things that add to the experience. I am living and working with young people from literally all over the world. My work is in many places around the city so I get to see a lot of the local life. It is the discovery of a whole new world.
I am very much looking forward to the next weeks to come, where I will also get to teach more subjects than dance! I will also participate in the organization of a street festival
Zoe Mouratoglou(Greek)
My first day experience with scead foundation we took bus that went to “Makkala Sahaya Vani-1098” (child help line ).Indian bus was also first time for me. I was just surprised that traffic was so crowded and every car kept blowing horn. The scenery in Bangalore is also very interesting and fun to see the streets for me.
Then, we got to Makkala Sahaya Vani-1098. Nirma D’souza, who is the coordinator in this office, talked about the office and current state of child labor. They have a unique initiative of the police and community to protect the right of children. The nodal officer is nominated from the Deputy Commissioner of police. They receive 60-70 calls daily, and function for 24 hours. I saw somedata that show breakdown of calls and details of the cases.
Amy (Japan)
After working for Scead foundation for 2 weeks and getting the opportunity to visit slums, public schools and orphanages I am able to understand the issues Scead is working to solve. I discovered that it does it using a unique methodology, not by forcing the kids to go to school but by offering the children unique programs and activities that will make them love to learn and will encourage the other kids to join.
Also, I was really impressed by the dedication and selflessness of the people behind Scead foundation, all volunteering for the sake of providing a better future for the little children without waiting any compensation. Also how the team cooperate to overcome any bureaucratic problems that can come in the way of foundation is admirable.
Finally, I would like to express my gratitude for Scead foundation for this opportunity. I hope that the potential of the all volunteers be fully exploited and all obstacles be diminished for a better future for the little children.Moustafa (Egypt)