Facilitating and creating a space for reflective experience!
At Shikshantar, education goes far beyond teaching within the walls of classrooms. We view it as a crucial part of the social fabric that affects the environment surrounding each child. So, our social outreach program periodically connects with other organisations and schools to interact with students from varying cultures and economic backgrounds.
One such experience was organised with children from a neighbouring school at our Registered office-28, Jor Bagh, New Delhi 110003 in a morning filled with music, art and spirited storytelling.
The 6 to 7 year old children arrived abuzz with anticipation at what they would be experiencing. To center their energies and have them settle down comfortably in a new space, the children and facilitators began the day with chants of ‘शभुम करोती...’ and introduced themselves to each other. Immediately feeling at ease, the children channelled their energies into a lively session of music to the tune of the harmonium and djembe. The children even pitched in to the rhythm with instruments, making beats and clapping along.
A reflective experience was planned for the children with a conscious effort to provide them a space to express their feelings. The didis chose an interesting story ‘How to Be a Lion’, the tale of a kind-hearted lion who listened to his heart, identifying what is unique about each individual and celebrating those differences. As the didis dramatically narrated the story with puppets on dancing fingertips, the children’s eyes eagerly followed their every move.
Closing the story, the children engaged in an immersive experience of looking within to search for the real ‘Me’- Sultan, the lion in our hearts. Their thoughts were deeply reflected in their art work, followed by a written expression on who they think is their inner self sharing- “जब मैं अपने दोस्तों के साथ डांस करती हूँ तो साहस महससू करती हूँ” , “मैं जब माँ मदद करती हूँ तो अच्छा लगता है”.
The thoughtful and self-reflective session ended with a satisfying day for the Shikshantar team with promises for many more future engagements.