Kalyani Juggurnath
India
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A Chance Just to Be a Child
My name is Kalyani Juggurnath. I live in New Delhi, India where I am a French teacher. Here there are many thousands of children that don’t have the same privileges and opportunities that I had growing up. Out of participating in my Landmark Self-Expression and Leadership Program, I started a project called Khel Khel Mein, which means “Fun and Learning.” Fourteen of my friends took on this project with me. The idea was to reach out and make a difference in the lives of children in lower socio-economic conditions that may not otherwise have avenues to gain self-confidence and break out of their shell.
We designed a two-month “Fun and Learning” program for a group of the children. The program encouraged them to express themselves through creative workshops in theater, music, and crafts, and allowed the children to work with new mediums and explore new fields.
Through the course of the program, each child was equipped with at least one new arts and crafts skill that they learned. They were encouraged to experiment with colours, textures, shapes, and forms. They learned a variety of techniques, from painting, stenciling, and papier-mâché to magazine collage and puppetry.
The music and theatre part of the program enabled children to be expressive and let go of inhibitions with performing arts. In the music and theatre workshop the children took on writing their own script, and used music and dance to present a small skit that they created themselves. They also experimented with new sounds. Each child found and used their own “instrument” – be it the humble broom, or just a glass and a spoon. Everyone played a part in the symphony.
At the end of the two-month program, the children worked together to prepare the “Mela” (a talent showcase) that was the grand finale. They learned teamwork, and gained a sense of pride and accomplishment that we hope will encourage them throughout their lives. Perhaps most importantly, the children were provided with that one thing they seldom get – a chance to just be a child.
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