September 2024
Time is constantly moving forward, and in keeping pace with this flow, it has been almost 12 months since we started running programs in our child group. We’ve been holding discussions twice a month, and these discussions have covered various topics. The impact of these meetings has shaped children’s practical understanding, which was the purpose of today’s meeting. The children were genuinely happy to participate. Actually, the duration of the program is 10 months, but due to various reasons we could not complete all meetings in a 10 months period as we had to stop during examinations and festivals. Therefore the program covered a 12 months period.
In today’s society, influenced by modernity, especially by social media platforms like Facebook and mobile apps, children have also been affected. Due to this, communal gatherings and fun games have gradually diminished, and the bond among children has weakened. But through our sessions, we’ve seen a growing sense of connection and increased self-awareness among the children.
We formed a circle and engaged in a discussion about what topics we have covered in our children’s group so far. The goal was to reflect together on the subjects we’ve discussed. During this reflection, two key topics stood out, and we encouraged them to act on what they had learned.
The first topic revolved around cleanliness and hygiene. For instance, some children mentioned how their uniforms and clothes were often thrown around the house, creating an extra burden for their mothers. After discussing cleanliness, they realized that if they do not maintain personal hygiene, they are vulnerable to various diseases, which not only affect them but also their community. Therefore, we emphasized the importance of staying clean to avoid diseases.
The second topic was about nutrition. During the discussion, the children acknowledged how they have been mistreating their health by consuming junk food, preferring outside food to homemade organic meals. We stressed that unhealthy eating habits could lead to serious health issues. They realized that eating a balanced diet is essential for staying healthy, which in turn helps them focus better in school and become good individuals.
We also discussed children’s rights and development, emphasizing that children should have the right to physical, educational, emotional, and moral development. They should also have the right to protection and participation, which are key to shaping them into responsible citizens. This led us to a conversation about their dreams and aspirations, where they reflected on their talents and interests.
The children also spoke about how the use of scrapbooks has fostered creative learning. They shared how scrapbooks have enhanced their interest in creative activities and learning in new ways. These discussions have helped develop a sense of collaboration and empathy among the children.
As the discussion came to an end, we raised the question of moving forward. The children proposed formally establishing a children’s club under the ward’s registration to help them engage not only at home but also in community activities, promoting their personality development. They were committed to this, and we decided to proceed with the registration process. With that, today’s discussion concluded, and everyone returned home with a sense of purpose and visioning to register their own child club.
Dear Readers,
I hope you are enjoying the stories from our child groups. I have learned that children don’t always need grand gestures to be happy; they find joy in the smallest things—something we can all apply in our daily lives. Working with the child groups has not only enriched their experiences but also taught me valuable lessons I can apply with my own children. I am continually amazed by how children perceive situations. When we shared with them the idea that every child is unique and should be supported rather than compared, it truly touched their hearts.
Saying goodbye to them is never easy, but I am confident we will cross paths again through future activities.
Thank you for your continued support.
Warm regards,
Pabitra