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Sunday, December 04, 2005

120 Minutes!!!! ~ Pritesh

Its not just a description of 120 minutes. Its about those 120 minutes which gave me confidence that I can fulfil my dreams.

Saturday we had our first session of Dream Computer Program. Two weeks ago on a Saturday afternoon, 7 dreamers met,under guidance of Mr. Rajkumar and shashank, and decided to take a big challenge of giving 10 kids from Makkala Jagruti knowledge about computers. We had one clear idea that we are not going to make these kids Computer experts( which we anyway cant do in 6 sessions).But one thing we were sure of that we 'll make these kids aware about computers. Two sessions of planning, thinking about all possible ways and methods to make our teaching more effective. Some agreements, some disagreements, some nice words from experience of Mr. Rajkumar, Girish and Shashank, and to add to it, enthusiasm from everyone. We seemed ready for the D day.

Come Saturday. We meet at the venue(our classroom, but I say more like our playground) Kaps office. We come to know that these 10 kids are actually going for formal education and are from class group 6th to 8th. All we could think of that today we'll be really short of contents and all our plannings is going to be a waste. Still we hold on to our nerves and kick start the session. 10 little minds( 5 girls and 5 boys) are our target. We 've to make them believe in power of computers.

Because of some confusion on MK side session starts 15 minutes late. But nothing was going to affect us. Some of us( or at least me) 've done preparation which we never did for our presentation in our work also( believe me I was so nervous before the session). Session started with introduction by this little kids, their likes, dislikes. They seem to be really enthusiastic bunch of kids. We start as per plan. I ask my first question "What is computer?" and to my amazement I get an answer "Computer is an electronic device". Next question "Can you point out computer in this room?" And everyone points to the nearest computer. That's good. Next we explain them about usage. One of the kids told us about saving documents using computer. One girl told us about ticket reservation also. Games and music you can expect from anyone.

Then we explained them about computer parts and their usage. then turning on computer and using mouse. they played some games and then finally turning off computers. 120 minutes were over so fast.

These kids are really fast learners. They just need some help and guidance. I am so happy that I could do my bit for them.

After they left for their home, we had small discussion over days events. My impression was "It was very chaotic and we need more preparation. But I could teach them what i had planned to." I faced some language problem ( I don't know Kannada, hope Krishna comes to my rescue with his workshop). But I was in a wonderful team. I dint need to tell anyone to help me out. All just did what made it so ease of a task for me. Others found it was good and effective. Shashank and Girish thought it was really less chaotic than previous sessions. I am really relaxed to hear that.

At the end of day, I can boast of one wonderful session. Thanks to the great team and our wonderful facilitators. Mr. Rajkumar, Girish and everyone at Kaps are really a big help. Shashank for his support( though he was not well yesterday and had come wearing two jackets) I know now that even I can teach kids.Thanks D-a-D.

Pritesh Jain, Volunteer, Dream Computer Programme @ Dream A Dream