Let's Socialize! Part 2- "Grand at Grant Road"

So Dongri was an enlightening experience, and those who didn't go regretted, repented and whined about it for days. For this very reason, when the trip to Kamathipura, in Grant Road was announced, we received a whooping response! (remember, this was during the Holiday Season). We have a tie up with an NGO called "Oasis", and they have a Day/Night care center for the children of Commercial Sex Workers. On the 29th of May, 2015, we decided to go pay these beautiful children a visit. This was the second visit during the vacations as part of our “Kids and Smiles” theme.

"There weren't a lot of children because a lot of them had gone home, so we, the enthusiastic volunteers, outnumbered the children present", said Riolia, the Human Rights Commission Co-ordinator with a sheepish grin.

They were very eager to know about and interact with us. We all introduced ourselves, following which they sang for us a welcome song. Then we taught them some action songs which they very excitedly learnt.

Aditi Pathak, a student of St.Andrew's College Bandra was pleasantly surprised, "Their eagerness to learn and willingness to make the most of their time with us certainly touched our hearts!"

After that, the kids were given drawing sheets and colouring materials and were asked to draw anything they like, either their hobbies or their ambitions.They came up with a whole lot of different things.

"One kid drew that he was singing at a Ganpati Visarjan while another a doctor in a hospital. One child wanted to be a policeman so that he could protect his mother. It was amazing to see that none of them wanted to follow their parents’ profession but be something else, which would help either the next generation or their parents!", exclaimed Riolia.

We then played “Passing the Parcel” which everyone enjoyed, after which the kids along with us danced to the tunes of Bollywood songs.

"Honestly, the game after a while took the form of a dance party which the kids enjoyed to the maximum! The 'DJ session' was so much fun!", said a giggling Aditi.

At the end we distributed some chocolates among the kids which they ever so joyful to receive. Two of the members from Oasis also spoke to us about the work they have been doing for these kids from a very long time. We then decided to make this a permanent visit wherein we can teach them Math and English throughout the year. All in all, it was truly a very enriching experience.

To conclude, Aditi spoke for us all, "It was a beautiful experience and worth the effort of braving the scorching heat."

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