One Step Towards A Better Future!

Rani ( name changed) must have gathered so much courage and strength to speak up for the first time after 7 weeks of interaction. She again raised her hand when asked about any connections with places that we have around us. "I like to visit the park because I used to visit that park with my mom"
( But now mom is not there anymore, I still visit the park sometimes, I sit there and it feels as if my mom is right next to me)

Tears came as she narrated her story, and I observed all her peers were listening to this story trying to understand her. She continued further, maa ke jane ke baad Rani ne baat karna band kar diya tha wo class em hamesha chup chup rehti thi.. Par ab rani me class me sabke sath baat karti hai, usake friends bhi ban gaye hai aur class me apni baat ko rakhne ke liye wo piche nahi hatati ( After her mom passed away, Rani had stopped interacting in the classroom, she used to be very quiet. Today was the beginning of her connection with her classmates, she made friends and she was not afraid anymore to openly share her thoughts)

Hamari jindgi me bohat sari chije ho rahi hoti hai, usko express karne ke liye ek space chahiye hota hai, jo safe space ho jaha par mai apni baat khul ke rakh saku aur sath hi sath support ke sath mere strength ko samjh kar kudko day today challanges ke liye kudko tayar kar saku..
 ( In our life, many events happen at the same time, to express stories, we need a space that is safe, where someone's support gives us strength and prepare us for upcoming challenges)

Another striking conversation from my class reminds me that the students eagerly wait for our weekly interaction with the intention of hope and love for sharing stories.

Grade 4 student : Didi cancel your training and come for the session. You promised us every Thursday you will come to meet us". 

Me : ”Yes, I promised you every week I will meet you and I will not break that promise. I will come another day of next week but next Thursday I have important training and I have to attend that"

Students in unision - didi aap training walon ko bol do ki aapki tabet kharab hai aur hame milane aajayiye. ( Didi, please inform the training institute that you are not well and come to meet us)

Me :- par mai yaha aavungi to unko pata chalega na ki meri tabet kharab nahi hai ( If I come here, then they will come to know that my health is completely fine)

Students (after a brief pause): - ha didi aur wo sahi bhi nahi rahega,,didi aapne hamare picnic ke time pe bhi to adjust kiya tha ab ham aap ke training ke time pe adjust karte hai…” ( Yes didi, it will not be fair, you adjusted the last time there was a picnic, now it's our chance to adjust)
 
I want to raise INR 64,400 to support one of my group of 25 students for a year-long Social-Emotional Learning intervention. Every person is special and everyone has their own potential but they need a safe space where they can explore themselves and build the skills for a healthy living. We at Apni Shala Foundation create such spaces for 19 Mumbai's public schools. Through Social-Emotional Learning interventions, we strive to create a society where everyone will be able to able to develop competencies to deal with the challenges of their lives effectively.

Support me to build a classroom where students can explore their emotions and express themselves without the fear of judgement and fear :)

What happens after you donate?

• You'll thereafter be informed about how you helped make a difference.
• You get the chance to interact with the children you supported and observe Apni Shala sessions.