Smita

During this session, we planned to organize with the children some role-plays to help them tackle social situations they can encounter. Through this little game, we want to have them engaged so they could develop inter-personal skills and reflections about the consequences of their actions. Our goal was also to sensitize them to specific meetings where the lack of tolerance on their part could lead to harmful feelings with the people surrounding them. We implemented two situations: the first one was about a new girl arriving at school. We asked them how they would react, what they would say and what interactions they would suggest, so the new girl can be quickly involved in the class. This was really interesting to see that among the SMILE students, the girls were really eager to participate. It was possibly easier for them to imagine such situation and project themselves in it. We had multiple suggestions from the students: speak to the new girl to become friend, share some food w...

This session was aimed at understanding their awareness about the various career options and the path to reach their desired goals. Also an attempt to expose them to non-traditional career options, using interaction and multimedia technology was made. It all began with talking about their dream career and the motivations to be that person and also if they knew the route to reaching this goal. Some students displayed discrepancy in the career choice and the educational stream chosen to follow their dream. In cases where it wasn’t too late (till 10 th  standard, where stream choice has not yet been made), we guided them for the right educational path, the coaching and guidance available at each stage and the set of examinations necessary to be in that profession. This activity played out well, since some students, who were initially reluctant to speak their mind, got a chance to talk about their aspirations with pride and the importance they attach to that goal. Aligning to...

Goals Proposed Intervention Measurable through Short term Vocabulary building, Spelling ·          Pictionary ·          Hangman ·          English song – fill the missing words (Heal the world) Usage of basic English words in their daily conversations Listening English language English song – fill the missing words Usage of basic English words in their daily conversations Grooming and self-care ·          Health, hygiene and sanitation talk in separate gender groups Hope to carry it forward to the long-term level Long term To instil self-confidence and confidence for public speaking Pictionary Encouraging them to present their career choices & motivations for the same Volunteering and taking init...

Smita members met around 20 students (ages 13 to 17) at SMILE centre, residing in ‘ Vrindavan Aawaas ’, Vastrapur.  After the basic introductions, the class was divided into three groups, to ensure a more personalised interaction with each of the Smita members. Let Smita take you into a journey through the children’s world. Aspirations The children mostly stuck to conventional responses such as ‘doctor’, ‘teacher’, ‘police officer’, when it came to career aspirations. Only one child (after encouragement from his friend) said in a shy voice that he would like to pursue Cricket when he grows older. A desire to serve others was observed. When asked why they would not like to become an actor or a singer (the people they admire in general), most said that it is unrealistic. They also felt that unlike the work of a doctor where they can help those in need, there is no element of serving others in such professions. Since these children have grown up seein...