Often times, watching the news and reading newspapers it's hard to remember the presence of good in the world. And yet it is constantly around us. The world is full of everyday heroes and true stories of transformation. They have helped sustain life down the ages in a multitude of ways, small, simple and profound. This is a small attempt at shining a light on these stories and in doing so to change the nature of our conversations. 

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The day starts with sparkling light of sun, creating new inspirations every single moment. One such moment occurred upon meeting Usha Prabhakar, a person who believes in spreading the good within to everyone she meets. For the past 3 years she's been engaged in conducting classes for children of construction workers on building sites. The class that started outside a building on sheet of plastic has now moved to a room provided in a building. The kids coming to her class have the facility of basic education but she works on giving them a little more as she feels good nutrition, value based learning and space where kids can express themselves can help overall growth. Her goodness did spread to a lot of people and now she is supported by many donors as well as volunteers. Their focus remains on helping character building which is evident when the kids start explaining the harmful effects of alcohol and tobacco to the drivers who are sitting outside their class. To offer a holistic environment, love and care to them these volunteers take time out twice every day to schedule the tuition in the morning 9- 10.30 and evening 4 to 6.30.

Her journey started when she observed these kids collecting garbage and plastic and played in the sand. She started with giving them toys but soon realized that they need something concrete that will really help in shaping their life. She conducted meetings with these kids and parents and convinced them for this tuition class and it worked well even though they used to sit on ground and learn.
She shares that her biggest learning was "In your given capacity when you work towards change relentlessly, change happens".

Her learning brought us the awareness of serving in any capacity you can. This only requires your strong determination and will to be the change you wish to see in the world.

An excerpt of interview with her is given here under.

Q. What is the schedule you follow with the children
A. Once a week we play games, also art, dance, music, yoga etc

Q. Is there any other contribution that you do apart from coaching?
A. We counsel them and advice them on health, hygiene etc. To encourage them to take bath and brush daily we provide them with 1 body soap, 1 clothes washing soap, hair oil every month and also once in six months we provide them tooth brush. We also have provided all the families with one nail cutter and we check there nails every Monday. Some people have donated clothes and footwear in good conditions which we shared with the kids. More importantly we focus on creating a positive environment for the three hours that they are with us.

Q. What inspired you to do this?
A. When my children went out for further studies I was looking to take up something like this and once when I visited a tribal area near Shahpur I was shaken by the living conditions of kids there and that strengthened my idea of doing something concrete. My wish was granted when I came across this construction site near my home and kids in similar condition as that tribal area. Something within me gave me a push in that direction and I felt strongly that even if I can do this for one child it would and my wish was I do by myself so I was searching what I can do and there was a situation where construction workers kids were in our building I thought to spend time with them but to gather that strength it took time and till that time those construction workers left but still there was a burning from within that at least if I could teach one such kid I will feel blessed that’s how it all started.

Q. How do you feel about all this?
A. Satisfying :)

Q. Did you face any obstacles?
A. The families have low income and problems of alcoholism so often when we try to communicate with parents it’s difficult. Also when their site changes they shift to a new place that breaks the continuity for kids. But then we have realized that we will do whatever in our own capacity. So we try and pay as much attention as possible when the child is engaged with us.

Q How you manage all these in your schedule?
When you do something from your heart the time automatically gets managed. This is nothing we are doing but we are just a medium all the things happening through us. All of us are the instrument in doing this work. I got a feeling we should share if we are privileged so we have to share. Share whatever you have, do not restrict yourself in just teaching them how to read and write. People come here to celebrate their children’s birthday here. They bring bananas and milk and we share it after prayer circle.
Q. Can volunteers join?
A. Yes people support in various ways, some spend time with them and teach them, others donate money or essentials like soap, toothbrush, healthy food like dates, fruits etc. They come with a heart of dedication and genuine support.

Q. Have you seen any improvement in kids?
A. Initially they were not able to write alphabets at all, now they are writing and they also inspire other kids to join. We are now working on improving their spoken and handwriting skills.

Q. What is your message to us?
A. What I have observed is younger and younger people are joining this work. I started when I was in my 40’s but now I see students, young house wives. A person joining at early age is a good sign.
To become a good human being we should work on our speech, thoughts and action to be good.

Posted by Darpan Trivedi on May 30, 2014 | permalink