Replacing talk with chalk

Tanu Kulkarni reveals what inspired her to pick up the baton and pass on the message of 'Each one, teach one' in her neighbourhood school

As a kid I used to invite friends over, drape my grandmother's saree, grab a chalk and scribble the alphabet on the wall! I guess it would be obvious to state that teaching had been my passion ever since I was seven years old.

A few months ago, when I learntu00a0 there was a vacancy for a volunteer to help underprivileged children learn the basics of English Grammar at Deena Seva Sangha, a government-aided school at Sheshadripuram, I grabbed the opportunity with both hands.

Dressed in my best kurta, I prepared to play the part to perfection. I was welcomed by a sea of smiling faces and a babble of voices. And, at that very moment, I froze. As a student in one of the city's reputed colleges, I don't recall ever greeting my lecturers with such enthusiasm.

My first hour in class was a revelation. I listened to the young 'uns as they shared their dreams. They had their future perfectly planned: some wanted to become civil engineers, others hoped to become doctors, lawyers, scientists, while a few shyly admitted that they wanted to become actors.

Every hour spent with the children meant that I was learning more. Along with other volunteers at the school, I planned small surprises for them every week. If it was cake one week, it was a round of games the following week. But we wanted to do something concrete for these lovely kids.

That's when the management of the school suggested that we could adopt the school. Though we had our fair share of doubts, we decided to take up the challenge.

In December, last year, we formed a group called Yuva Bengaluru, and formally adopted the school. We aim tou00a0 provide the children with free uniforms, bags and books, andu00a0 mid-day meals. The funds have been raised, so far, through donations and community events with guidance and help from professionals in the voluntary sector.
As the first step, volunteers of Yuva Bengaluru painted the walls of the school themselves.

We began with 10 volunteers and we've now grown to 90. To me personally, every day is a learning experience. I strongly believe that I am doing my bit for a better India.

We, at Yuva Bengaluru, believe that it is better to light the candle than to curse the darkness.