TSCFM students have an enriching experience at the Shikshan Gram Shelter for Homeless Children

A degree alone does not make you a better human being. At Centre for Management (CFM), students are constantly reminded that real education does not lie in textbooks but in developing an inclusive attitude and a sense of responsibility towards the underprivileged.

In keeping with this outlook, CFM students recently participated in Lakshya youth camp held at the Shikshan Gram Shelter for Homeless Children  in Lonavala on 11th May. Shikshan Gram is an organization dedicated to caring for children who have either lost their parents or whose parents are unable to care for them.

Despite their summer internships and projects underway, many students eagerly participated in the camp. Mr. Adrian Piggatt, a Leadership Development Advisor at Royal Derby Hospital, United Kingdom, was also present at the camp to guide the students.

CFM Student Abhishek Dandekar with children from the Shikshan Gram

The students were asked to take charge of groups of 20 children and teach them. The children ranged in ages between 6-17 years and so teaching them in a group was definitely a challenge. The students taught the children English but more importantly, in their interactions, got a glimpse of their aspirations. Initially thrilled by this opportunity to teach homeless children, the students soon realized that the true learning experience was really for them.

CFM Student Amaad Bhati at the Youth Camp at Shikshan Gram

“The management students demonstrated great adaptability in thinking on their feet and reacting quickly to the situation. I was greatly impressed by their teamwork and skill in assessing the needs and capabilities of their groups. They were creative in establishing ways to engage and involve diverse participants,” noted Mr. Piggatt.

Calling it an overwhelming and satisfying experience, CFM PGDBM student Khalid Memon thanked Mrs. Maya Shahani for giving the students this opportunity. He said, “To be there at Shikshan Gram and try to be a value addition in the lives of these underprivileged children who were not all that different from us was great. It was an honour to help them follow their dreams. I wish these kids all the luck and love for their future endeavors.”

Nikhil Naik, Dipen Kasaudhan, Abhishek Dandekar & Sagar Nathani guiding children from the Lakshya Youth Camp 2013

Initially unenthused about attending the camp, Amad Bhati’s perspective changed completely once he spent some time interacting with the children. He said, “After meeting them I realized they were really smart at their age, in fact even I wasn’t that capable when I was that young.” Amad especially remembers their first interaction with the kids. “During introductions, we used a unique technique that we learnt at CFM. We split the children into pairs and asked them to introduce each other. It was a completely new and enriching experience.”

The youth camp not only gave CFM students a chance to be part of a good cause, but gave them an experience to cherish for a lifetime. It was an inspiring weekend for the students as they thoroughly enjoyed every moment spent with the children, sharing their knowledge and also gaining a lot in return.