Visit to the Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Home for Children
The most awaited class trip of the year was organized on 13th September, 2014, when the students of Std IV B visited the B. J. Home for Children, at Matunga, Mumbai. Community service at DAIS is an integral part of the curriculum and we begin instilling the values of compassion and sharing, early, in the young minds of our Primary children. The B.J. Home houses close to 150 underprivileged kids, many of who are orphans.
Std. IV B assembled in school, on the appointed day, by 9:00 am, excited and charged at spending a day of fun and games with their ‘new friends’. The school transport took the children to the venue and the journey was enjoyable, with the children singing, chatting or gorging on some snacks they had brought along. On reaching the Home, we were taken on a tour of the premise. The children at the Home live in dormitory-style accommodation, where the older kids are encouraged to look after the younger ones. We were informed that the children are expected to do their own chores, which came as a shock to our lot. We also visited the kitchen, dining room-cum-study area and the computer lab. The facilities were simple, yet spotlessly clean and hygienic. By the time we completed our tour, the orphanage children were waiting for us in their multi-purpose hall. Their superintendent welcomed us, giving us a brief history of the orphanage.
This was followed by an Art and Craft activity organized by our teachers. The children of both schools were divided into groups and they made ‘friendship bands’ for each other. Both groups of children chatted while working, exchanging trivia. The activity was a super success and kids posed for photographs, showing off their newly-made friendship bands.
Std. IV B assembled in school, on the appointed day, by 9:00 am, excited and charged at spending a day of fun and games with their ‘new friends’. The school transport took the children to the venue and the journey was enjoyable, with the children singing, chatting or gorging on some snacks they had brought along. On reaching the Home, we were taken on a tour of the premise. The children at the Home live in dormitory-style accommodation, where the older kids are encouraged to look after the younger ones. We were informed that the children are expected to do their own chores, which came as a shock to our lot. We also visited the kitchen, dining room-cum-study area and the computer lab. The facilities were simple, yet spotlessly clean and hygienic. By the time we completed our tour, the orphanage children were waiting for us in their multi-purpose hall. Their superintendent welcomed us, giving us a brief history of the orphanage.
This was followed by an Art and Craft activity organized by our teachers. The children of both schools were divided into groups and they made ‘friendship bands’ for each other. Both groups of children chatted while working, exchanging trivia. The activity was a super success and kids posed for photographs, showing off their newly-made friendship bands.
Art and Craft Activity in session
‘Our Friendship Bands’
Having completed the activity, our DAIS children sang a few songs for their friends, as they clapped along. One of our kids then performed a Bharatnatyam dance that was very well received. Having been a receptive audience, it was now their turn to perform for us. The orphanage kids showcased their acrobatic talent, performing pyramid formations that were flawless and well conducted.
As the day progressed, the children grew an affinity for each other and wished to play some games with each other. Their P.E instructor organized a game of football for the boys and a game of ‘langdi’ and ‘kho-kho for the girls.
Sadly, all good things come to an end and so did our trip. The children seemed sad to leave, but not before promising to come back and to keep in touch. The return journey was comparatively somber and quiet. This trip will definitely help in sensitizing our children towards people who are less privileged than us.
Our lot of kids gifted the orphanage a few things, donated by their parents, viz. a ceiling fan, a table fan, notebooks, toothpaste and soaps. The orphanage authorities graciously accepted our gifts and thanked the children for the gifts and for visiting them.
Pyramid Formation