Friday 19 August 2011

Short Report on Govt. School, Adanur visit (16th-24th June 2011)


Day 1

On 16th of June we had the first look of the school campus and the students studying there. There are roughly around 350 students studying from class 6 to class 10. We had a short meeting with the school headmaster Mr. Rajendran. We then had discussion with the schoool teachers regarding how the activities could be conducted. In the beginning we didn't have any idea on how to start up with teaching activities. So we decided to make a proper schedule for the rest of six days such a way that the students will be most benefited. We visited the classrooms and we were shocked to see the lack of facilities such as proper benches for students and fan in the class room. Most of the students weren't wearing a foot wear and their dresses were mostly worn and torn. Seeing such situation, we had ideas of collecting funds and making donations for their welfare. We then planned to conduct some interactive session in order to make the students speak out and feel comfortable with us. Within few minutes of interaction we realised that the students were very attentive and enthusiastic about the session. The whole day went on with interactive sessions with the students. Our team analysed on what are all the possible activities which could be conducted in order to benefit the students.

Day 2

On 17th of June, we explored the computer lab. The computers weren't been working properly. There had been Power failure problems frequently due to which 2 of the 11 computers had already been out of order. Rest of the computers had software defects such as missing hardware drivers and other essential softwares such as Microsoft Word, Excel etc. Hence we started with troubleshooting all the computers which were present in the lab. Another issue which was there in the lab was that, there were no chairs available for the students to sit and work. Seeing all such situations, we decided to collect donations back in chennai from known resources and utilise it for the students. During the afternnoon session, we continued to conduct interactive session with the students. On 18th and 19th, we had a Life Ahead Team meeting, where we formulated the next 5 days plan in the school. Meanwhile our team members started approaching for funds. Based on the suggestions given by the students and the staff of the school, we decided to coduct a 5 day Hands-On Computer coaching session. This would include the teaching of how to use computers and perform all the basic functions of a computer such as working in Microsoft Word, Wordpad and Paint.

Day 3

On 20th June, we arrived the school early in order to ensure that all the computers were troubleshooted before we start our computer coaching classes. As soon as the school assembly was over, we started our activities by bringing one of the section of the tenth standard students to the lab. The total strength of students in the section was 33. We divided them in groups and made them occupy the computers. We then called up on one student at a time, and one of our representative was taking a one to one teaching session on computers. Later during the evening we had recreative session such as playing Dumb Charades and playing computer games.

Day 4, 5

On 21st and 22nd of June, we took the another section of tenth standard and also the 9th standard to the labs.One of the major issues which we had during our classes were frequent power cuts. The team trained the students individually. Each individual was trained on how to use the computers and perform certain functionalities.

Day 6

On 23rd of June, We took another session of practicals in lab for both 9th and 10th standard. We also helped all the teaching and non-teaching staffs on how to use the computer for their basic activities . And in parallel, our life ahead members started collecting funds. We were overwhelmed by the response given by the people and we managed to collect Rs.10,500 in a single day. Then we had a discussion with head master and staffs for how to utilise this funds which in order to benefit the students. Then we decided to give free foot wear to students from each standard and 10 chairs to computer lab for the students to sit and work in computers. We initially had plans of getting shoes to the entire students in the school. Due to shortage of funds, we decided to provide shoes to the 6th standard students. When we intreacted with the sixth standard students regarding the shoe distribution plan we came to know that among 55 students, 18 of them never ever used a foot wear in their life.

Day 7

On 24th of June, we focussed 10th standard and took class on how to use internet, send email and other basic functionalities. Then we visited every class in the school and had a feedback session on our 7 day programme. We ensured that all the computers were in a perfect working conditions. The ordered shoes and chairs were delivered to us by noon. In the evening we had an assembly meeting with all students. The shoes were distributed by our representatives and teachers to the students. At the end of the day, the volunteers of this activity had a feel of satisfaction and happiness. We sincerely thank the school Headmaster Mr. Rajendran, Physical Trainer staff Mr. Saravanan and other staffs for their continous support throughout our activity. We left the school campus with all our memories and experiences which we had for the past one week. One of the primary motives of Life Ahead is– to bring a moment of joy to just some of the one billion children who are considered in need. And this was our first step towards it.

for photo gallery: www.lifeahead.technovatrix.com/adanurgallery/index.html