Thursday, August 09, 2007
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Volunteer for the Nortel LearnIT Program
Hey Dreamers,
Hope those of you who attended the Dream Celebrations had got the pulse of different programs @ Dream A Dream. Those who couldn't there is always a window of opportunity to know what's happening @ D-A-D. I believe the response to the volunteer appeal mail for the Nortel IT Program has been disheartening. So i thought why not share few experiences on the Dream Computer program and rope in some more volunteers for the program. I have been Part of this program over the last couple of years and its been a great feeling working with the children and the volunteers. Recently when i visited Ananya , 2 kids who passed the "Word Processing" exam walked up to me and said "Uncle its only you who made pass the exam through the computer program u teached us" . Though grammatically the sentence might be wrong but i got the essence and was elated that my efforts were recognized by none other than the children themselves. Though want to share some more thoughts which are more or less have been reflected in the experiences shared by our friends who contributed to the program in the last academic year......
Vikram Balakrishna Says –"There were really moments that moved me when the children took a big leap and expressed their desire to stay up and gain the complete knowledge of what we had planned for during the following weeks. Also, I was amazed by the inquisitive nature of so many children which led them to ask us many advanced concepts for which we wouldn't be prepared and had to handle on the fly. I am sure that this is just a beginning and as we take it a step further as we go along and can really bring about a change."
Vishal Augustine says "I always wanted to contribute non-monetarily for a social cause. Getting involved in the DaD Computer Programme fulfilled my wish. The cheers that I could bring in the kids' faces rewarded me more than I had expected. When I learn that my activity did help the kids in many ways, a smile of satisfaction spreads on my face. With this activity I have grown as a more mature person. And that came as a bonus that I had not thought of."
Bankim Says "I had an experience of teaching engineers but getting into teaching the children is entirely different feeling and an exciting job, during training with Dr. Rao and Dr.Shashi I came to know about the kid's behavior, understanding and teaching them computer in a very informal manner.I never had the realm that these kids whom we thought are not into mainstream can do the same things if given a chance. I understand that they possess tremendous potential and intellectuals in them. Just need an eye to understand there talent and hands to help them to bring them into the society where they could be able to find there own destiny with the qualities which we could provide them. We not only trying to make them self sufficient but also provide them a confidence that they are not demoted part of society and they could live the same normal and prestigious life as the privilege guys have. It's more than an institute and teaching where you get good friends, meets great people and understanding your inner call towards your liability to society. Personally, it makes me more sensitive towards the underprivileged kids.
Tanu Says "My experience has been more about learning than teaching. Maybe, I have taught someone about how to switch on/off a computer but from the kids I learnt the art of acceptance, language no bar which I don't think is a part of the curriculum of any school. Being not familiar with kannada was my biggest challenge only until I had met the young minds. Sharing or editing a document is just a click but teaching your team member to move the mouse as easily, not moving to the next topic unless your team member is comfortable is team work. Inserting an image on a word document is one time activity but learning how to do it forever is a skill, I feel great to be a part of such a team who not only has the independence to design their session but also gives desired attention to details and ensures that the target is met. My most memorable day so far was to watch the children make presentations of their projects which they had made using all possible skills they learnt so far. In fact it leaves me speechless even today."
Aawardhan - "Computer program has always been fun, that's why any one who comes once becomes a regular volunteer. Core team sees to that every volunteer is given enough responsibility and importance, which is one of the key features to the success of the program. I look forward to participate in more computer programs to come. Result from "Ananya" shows that we are decent teachers and we are on the right track."
My personal appeal to all of you would be to sign up for the "Nortel Learn IT Program" and believe me it will be one of those rare experiences of your life.
Waiting for More Dreamers to signup for the program.
Yours
Vijay Kumar Yenne
Volunteer Coordinator
Hope those of you who attended the Dream Celebrations had got the pulse of different programs @ Dream A Dream. Those who couldn't there is always a window of opportunity to know what's happening @ D-A-D. I believe the response to the volunteer appeal mail for the Nortel IT Program has been disheartening. So i thought why not share few experiences on the Dream Computer program and rope in some more volunteers for the program. I have been Part of this program over the last couple of years and its been a great feeling working with the children and the volunteers. Recently when i visited Ananya , 2 kids who passed the "Word Processing" exam walked up to me and said "Uncle its only you who made pass the exam through the computer program u teached us" . Though grammatically the sentence might be wrong but i got the essence and was elated that my efforts were recognized by none other than the children themselves. Though want to share some more thoughts which are more or less have been reflected in the experiences shared by our friends who contributed to the program in the last academic year......
Vikram Balakrishna Says –"There were really moments that moved me when the children took a big leap and expressed their desire to stay up and gain the complete knowledge of what we had planned for during the following weeks. Also, I was amazed by the inquisitive nature of so many children which led them to ask us many advanced concepts for which we wouldn't be prepared and had to handle on the fly. I am sure that this is just a beginning and as we take it a step further as we go along and can really bring about a change."
Vishal Augustine says "I always wanted to contribute non-monetarily for a social cause. Getting involved in the DaD Computer Programme fulfilled my wish. The cheers that I could bring in the kids' faces rewarded me more than I had expected. When I learn that my activity did help the kids in many ways, a smile of satisfaction spreads on my face. With this activity I have grown as a more mature person. And that came as a bonus that I had not thought of."
Bankim Says "I had an experience of teaching engineers but getting into teaching the children is entirely different feeling and an exciting job, during training with Dr. Rao and Dr.Shashi I came to know about the kid's behavior, understanding and teaching them computer in a very informal manner.I never had the realm that these kids whom we thought are not into mainstream can do the same things if given a chance. I understand that they possess tremendous potential and intellectuals in them. Just need an eye to understand there talent and hands to help them to bring them into the society where they could be able to find there own destiny with the qualities which we could provide them. We not only trying to make them self sufficient but also provide them a confidence that they are not demoted part of society and they could live the same normal and prestigious life as the privilege guys have. It's more than an institute and teaching where you get good friends, meets great people and understanding your inner call towards your liability to society. Personally, it makes me more sensitive towards the underprivileged kids.
Tanu Says "My experience has been more about learning than teaching. Maybe, I have taught someone about how to switch on/off a computer but from the kids I learnt the art of acceptance, language no bar which I don't think is a part of the curriculum of any school. Being not familiar with kannada was my biggest challenge only until I had met the young minds. Sharing or editing a document is just a click but teaching your team member to move the mouse as easily, not moving to the next topic unless your team member is comfortable is team work. Inserting an image on a word document is one time activity but learning how to do it forever is a skill, I feel great to be a part of such a team who not only has the independence to design their session but also gives desired attention to details and ensures that the target is met. My most memorable day so far was to watch the children make presentations of their projects which they had made using all possible skills they learnt so far. In fact it leaves me speechless even today."
Aawardhan - "Computer program has always been fun, that's why any one who comes once becomes a regular volunteer. Core team sees to that every volunteer is given enough responsibility and importance, which is one of the key features to the success of the program. I look forward to participate in more computer programs to come. Result from "Ananya" shows that we are decent teachers and we are on the right track."
My personal appeal to all of you would be to sign up for the "Nortel Learn IT Program" and believe me it will be one of those rare experiences of your life.
Waiting for More Dreamers to signup for the program.
Yours
Vijay Kumar Yenne
Volunteer Coordinator
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
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
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