In spite of India being one of the fastest growing economies in the world, and despite the Right to Education Act, which makes education not only possible but also compulsory for all children in the age-group of 5 to 14 years, India has the largest number – 35 million of out-of-school children in the world. Alina Rodrigues, along with several others, has set up teaching centres in Delhi and now one in Gurgaon, to give such children their basic (education) right. “Millions of school-age students in India live in poverty. One of the most unfortunate results of their economic struggle is that such students often drop out of school, opting for some sort of work, to help make their families. However, when they do get to attend school, they find it a completely different experience," says 33-year-old Alina Rodrigues, who majored in psychology and (instead of working as a counsellor) decided to teach. She adds, “Our endeavour, ‘Reach Out’, currently caters to 216 children from six slums in the NCR. The joy and satisfaction I derive from imparting education to these kids is worth more than all the bouquets of roses in the world. In school my friend and I would spend our summer vacations teaching kids living in the slum near my home in Najafgarh. Besides teaching, we would sensitise them about the environment. This became such an addictive and fulfilling experience that we started to teach these kids on weekends (even after school started). My journey began on a feeling of sympathy, but has now become a commitment – my mission! Here is a startling fact: even at the start of the 21st Century there were 1 billion people on this planet who were unable to read and write! Our venture is a platform to help these children realise their aptitudes and interests and to guide them thereafter. The true impact of the programme is on how it affects the psyche of the children we work with. Most of these children are unaware of the world outside and the opportunities out there. We believe that people – especially the youth - should be able to live out their passions and dreams, irrespective of where they grew up or their financial backgrounds. ‘Our’ children want to be teachers, artists, engineers, robot designers, and fashion and beauty experts -because that's what they are passionate about. Students who live in poverty are not exposed to ‘broadening’ experiences such as family vacations, trips to museums or even eating in restaurants. As volunteer teachers, apart from helping them in academics, we try and add to their worldly experiences. These ‘disadvantaged’ students flower best when they are able to develop a strong relationship with a trustworthy adult. They need encouragement, to help them realise their own worth and abilities. They constantly need a boost to their self-esteem; it is important to praise whatever little success they achieve at school. Value each student for his/her character. Volunteer teaching will make you feel fulfilled - in the knowledge that you’re making a worthwhile impact on the future of underprivileged children. It really is a win, win situation!”
She concludes, “Hope moves the heart of children. Hope is the motivator of their every action. Hope is the basis for effecting change. If we give up hope, we may soon be overwhelmed by despair. Children who live in poverty face unique challenges and circumstances, which impede their understanding and learning. Many are orphans or separated from their families, and criminal gangs frequently provide them ‘comfort’ - a sense of ‘belonging’, and a self-affirmation. Poverty should does not sentence these children to a life of failure, or cancel out their opportunities. We hope our effort to ‘reach out’ opens doors to many new worlds for them. Let us all help the underprivileged children overcome an existence of despair and embrace a future of hope.
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