Reaching out

“When the children initially began attending the camp,they weren’t sure what to make of their Singaporean mentors as they (and with them,the Chinese part of the contingent) felt that the language barriers would be insurmountable. However,as time went by (and the Bengali crash course took effect),the children began to open up towards their facilitators,and showered us with love and affection,” says Namrata Sen who was a part of the Singapore contingent. The Chinese part of the contingent,on their part,was more than eager to embrace the Bengali culture. “They wanted to understand the local culture,so that they could reach out better,” adds Sen.

The camp was conducted from the 11th to the 21st of December,2009 at the Khalsa English High School. The curriculum included elementary English and mathematics,drug awareness,sex education,awareness about human and child rights,and elementary business education.

“By the end of the camp,we felt more at home than ever before,and that wouldn’t have been possible without the welcoming attitude not only from the children,but the teachers who accompanied them. More than anything else,all barriers between the children and us were broken with love and affection,” says Ishan Chatterjee,another student of Singapore Management University.

The project was conceptualised,organised and led by Ishan Chatterjee,Namrata Sen,Arjun Daga and Harsh Dayama; all of whom had studied in prominent high schools in Kolkata before eventually heading to Singapore to complete their undergraduate degrees.

Pranaadhika Sinha Dev Burman,the founder president of Elaan (a child sex abuse forum) and Mrs Rekhi,Principal of Khalsa English High School,were also active members of the camp.

“Kolkata being the hometown for some of us,we have seen these children everyday that we have spent in this city. We know how the lack of education cripples them and prevents them from moving towards a better life. Studying in Singapore and getting exposed to world-class education has just made our zeal to help these underprivileged children further their prospects stronger. As students we would really love to give back to our own community,and carry forward this zeal of community service,” says Sen.

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