WEP 2019 Experience/ Learnings – Diya Baid and Aashmika Varma, Grade 10 Ekya School ITPL
Our Schools
Internship at Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled
Name: Diya Baid and Aashmika Varma
Internship duration: 4 weeks
Spending 4 weeks at Samarthanam was a wonderful experience and has taught me a lot. I got t to meet many different people. On my first day at Samarthanam, we were sent to the ‘vocational and counseling unit’ where we made paper bags. Over here, we also met Baba Jaan who helped us with our paper bags. In addition to making paper bags, we met our fellow interns Kamro, Sandra and Abhishek. Kamro instructed us about what we have to do daily. She was very friendly and also very hardworking. Towards the end of the day, we went to the recording studio where we recorded books for the visually impaired. Recording books was a completely new experience for us and we had a lot of fun doing this.
From our next day onwards we got very different work. We were sent to organize a summer camp for children from grade 4 – 10. This summer camp was sponsored by ANZ so each day a few volunteers from ANZ would also come. All the children were divided into 2 groups- 4th to 7th and 8th to 10th. On our first day, we went to higher school kids. Our topic for the day was indoor games and we enjoyed talking to all the students and we were truly surprised to see their positive and happy attitude. The summer camp lasted for 2 weeks and we enjoyed each and every moment with all the children even though sometimes the language barrier made communication difficult.
Once the summer camp ended we had work involving computers and data entry. We did a lot of data entry for Parisara in the field of dry waste collection. In addition to data entry, we worked with Mr. Subash (centerhead).
We helped in developing content for a dictionary for rural kids who have little to no access to modern education and English. During this time we also met many different interns who had very pleasant personalities.
Every single day we would record books as it was one of the most fun things to do. We also saw a few ‘speech and hearing’ impaired people who were communicating through sign language. This really fascinated us. We spent the next two weeks of our internship doing data entry, preparing dictionary content and recording.
On the last day of our internship, we got field work. We did gardening. We started by loosening the soil, then adding manure, watering the soil, planting the seeds and then watering the seeds once again. We also got to learn about the composting setup Samarthanam has. They prepare manure by using kitchen waste. We also got to see their STP, where they reuse and recycle water. This recycled water is used in the washrooms. With this, our internship at Samarthanam came to an end. We enjoyed our internship very much and also learned a lot. Lastly, I would like to thank our school and the authorities at Samarthanam for giving us this opportunity.
To make our internship more memorable, my friend Aashmika and I have prepared a blog. Here is the link for the same: aashmikav502.wixsite.com/samarthanam
More stories from Ekya:
Explore more
Ekya / May 06, 2024
A Guide For Exploring Investment Opportunities for Students
Invest in Your Future with Diverse Kinds Of Investments
High-Yield Savings Account
A high-yield savings account is a viable option for those who prioritise safety and liquidity. These accounts offer higher interest rates compared to traditional savings accounts, helping students earn passive income on their savings. Moreover, the peace of mind and accessibility make it an attractive choice for building a solid financial foundation.Fixed Deposits
Fixed deposits are considered the most conservative type of investment—ideal for students seeking stable and guaranteed returns. By depositing money with a bank or financial institution for a fixed period, students can earn a predetermined interest rate on their investment. Fixed deposits offer capital preservation and are free from market volatility, making them suitable for risk-averse individuals. However, students should be mindful of inflation risk, as the real rate of return may be affected over time. Certificates of Deposit (CDs) Certificates of deposit are similar to fixed deposits but are typically offered by selected banks and financial institutions authorised by the RBI. By depositing money for a specified term, students can earn a fixed interest rate on their investment. They offer security and predictability, making them an attractive option for students looking to safeguard their funds while earning a steady income. However, early withdrawal penalties may apply if students need access to their funds before the maturity date.Mutual Funds
They are a fantastic option for students dipping their toes into the investment pool. They will allow you to put money in different kinds of investments (equities, bonds, money market instruments, securities, etc.) managed by financial experts. The best part? You can start with small amounts and watch your money grow over time.Stocks
They are exciting and rewarding tools for learners, who wish to pursue commerce in the future. By purchasing shares of a company, students become partial owners and have the potential to earn dividends and capital gains. However, investing in stocks also comes with risks, as the market can be volatile and unpredictable. It's essential that students do in depth research and seek guidance from mentors before diving into stock trading.Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPS)
They are a unique combination of insurance and investment for learners seeking long-term financial growth and protection. With ULIPs, a part of the premium is allocated towards life insurance coverage, while the remaining funds are invested in various asset classes such as stocks and bonds. Students can customise their ULIPs based on their risk tolerance and investment goals, making it a flexible option for wealth accumulation.Bonds
They are debt securities issued by governments, corporations, or municipalities to raise capital. By investing in bonds, students lend money to the issuer in exchange for periodic interest payments and the return of the principal amount upon maturity. Bonds are considered safer than stocks, making them suitable for students looking for stable and predictable returns.Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)
ETFs are investment funds traded on stock exchanges, allowing students to gain exposure to a diversified portfolio of assets with a single investment. Similar to mutual funds, ETFs offer professional management and diversification, but with the added benefit of intraday trading and lower expense ratios. Students can choose from a wide range of ETFs covering various sectors, regions, and investment strategies, making it a versatile option for building a well-balanced investment portfolio. So, this was a quick crash course in student-friendly investments. By learning about different investment options, asset allocation, and risk management strategies at an early age, you can grow their wealth over time and achieve their financial goals. Remember, the key to financial success lies in education and action. So, seize the opportunity and embark on your journey to financial freedom today! Ready to empower your child's future? Explore Ekya Schools, one of the top ICSE schools in Bangalore, today and discover how our curriculum promotes skill development alongside academic excellence.Ekya / April 03, 2024
The Power of Learning with Intent: A Guide to Purposeful Education
In a world brimming with information, the art of learning has evolved beyond the mere acquisition of facts. Learning with intent, a deliberate approach to education emphasises quality over quantity, depth over breadth, and purpose over passive absorption. It’s about cultivating a mindset that transforms knowledge into meaningful action and empowers individuals to navigate the complexities of the modern age effectively.
At its core, learning with intent involves setting clear objectives and actively engaging with the subject matter. Whether exploring a new language, delving into scientific principles, or honing a creative skill, intentionality infuses each learning endeavour with purpose and direction. As Albert Einstein aptly said, "The only source of knowledge is experience." This quote amplifies the importance of active participation and hands-on learning, highlighting that true understanding arises from deliberate engagement with the material.
Furthermore, engaging actively with the material is paramount. Embrace challenges and embrace mistakes as opportunities for growth. This proactive approach not only deepens your understanding but also cultivates critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for success in any field.
Moreover, learning with intent emphasises relevance and applicability. Seek out opportunities to apply newfound knowledge in real-world scenarios, bridging the gap between theory and practice. By contextualising learning within your personal or professional sphere, you enhance its significance and utility, making it more likely to stick.
In conclusion, learning with intent is a transformative approach that transcends traditional notions of education. By setting clear objectives, engaging actively, prioritising relevance, and fostering a growth mindset, individuals can harness the full potential of learning to achieve their goals and thrive in an ever-changing world. So, embark on your learning journey with purpose, and let each lesson propel you towards a brighter, more fulfilling future.
By Sweta Pradeep Rao
Senior English Educator
Ekya School JP Nagar
Ekya / April 02, 2024
Gadget-free Summer Break
With summer vacation around, I urge parents to explore various ways to facilitate children to make healthy choices during their vacation time.
Last week, when we asked our Early Years to visualise their characters and create a story, most of them came up with stories about ghosts and monsters attacking others. When we had conversations about what gave them this idea, we understood that these story ideas emanated from their online games. While gaming per se develops specific skills and requires focus, it also stifles the imagination of young children. Since it is visually appealing, children tend to remember those images in their heads all the time.
I often see parents providing very young children (1 year to 3 year olds) with gadgets as the means to keep children engaged and entertained. I see children watching phones in the waiting areas of clinics, hospitals, school lobbies and banks.
This brings us to a fundamental question “ Should children be engaged by parents all the time?” Not necessarily. What is likely to happen if children were not handed over gadgets at the waiting lounges? What would they do? Some of them may cry, some may throw a loud tantrum, and some may crib. If parents show resilience and allow children to settle down themselves, they will soon find ways to keep themselves engaged. Likewise, during summer vacation. What if this is a “no gadget” vacation and parents do not take up the responsibility to engage their children? What would children do? How can parents show resilience here and facilitate children to make healthy choices? I leave the readers with this thought for this summer vacation.
Mathangi R,
Head of School,
Ekya NICE Road.
Leave a reply