Page 49 - Issue 01

also learn some of the very beautiful aspects of life. Here, it is not just about teaching a kid allotted to you
but having the responsibility that the kids take away some valuable lessons from that 1-1.5 hour class. We
remember celebrating International Women's Day together where the students took part in various
activities to commemorate the immense contribution of women in our society. We, at KAAWISH, do not
consider gender equality or the journey towards it as a single-day formality. At each step, we tried to ensure
that the gender stereotype was broken and along with the kids, we all walk towards gender equality and a
better tomorrow. As we celebrated Women’s Day, we were again reminded of our duties as students and

also as fellow citizens.
However, fortune had some other plans. Only
when we thought things were in place, we had to
stop Kaawish classes as Covid guidelines came into
force. All the volunteers had to return to their
homes. It was a heartbreaking moment for all of us

and we vowed to resume things once we are back
at the institute again. As time went on, the scale of
the pandemic became more and more clear to us,
and going back was becoming more and more
uncertain. So, by September, we decided to wait no

more and planned to resume the classes but this
time things were different. Instead of the face-to-
face classes, we had with the kids back in the good
old days, the mode of teaching and learning was
now online.

So sadly, we had to do away with the activity sessions but it was very inspiring for us to see the interest
students had in the classes even without them. The main problem we faced in the online mode was that of
connectivity which hampered the smooth functioning of a class. It was also very difficult to hold the
attention of a kid and make sure that they are understanding whatever we are telling them when we are
sitting so far away. However, we found that things are most important to have during these classes -
patience and empathy. Patience is important to keep on trying and never give up on the learning outcomes
and empathy helps oneself to relate with the unfortunate situation that a kid locked down from the world
of school, friends, and playground finds herself in. But still, we are thankful for the advancement of

technology that enables us to interact with them from across the country and talk to each other and learn
together. From the first day, we have strived to stick to our motive and not let the
obstacles overpower our determination of creating impact. Although the problems of connectivity and
arranging a suitable time slot has been a nagging issue in the past few months for all of us - students and
volunteers alike, yet the continuing enthusiasm of students to attend the classes even in an online mode

made us relieve from all the troubles the pandemic has brought in. Despite all the hurdles, the students are
making good progress and we are confident that this initiative will gather more momentum once we can
shift back to the offline classes hopefully in the near future.

Kaawish is like a sapling which the IGIDR family planted and nourished together and it grew despite all the
adversities, giving back more than it takes. It inspires to grow and embodies all the values of IGIDR. We, as
members of the Kaawish family, hope that it passes on across generations and grows into a big tree under

whose shade every student of IGIDR gets inspired and learns to grow together.

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