| | | TagOn Talks A monthly newsletter on student volunteering, community service and service learning Issue 09 | September 2024
| | | We're delighted to bring you the latest edition of TagOn Talks! In this issue, we feature an insightful interview with Dr. Ashwini K, Principal, Cambridge College, who shares exciting initiatives happening at their institute, along with her future plans for community engagement through various projects. In our Learning Bytes section, we explore the importance of how do we enhance the sense of responsibility among the students. Additionally, we highlight an NGO that provide support for women, children and LGBT communities. Finally, we wrap up with an exciting update from LetsTagOn! We hope you enjoy reading this edition and find the content both engaging and thought-provoking.
Happy reading, Team LetsTagOn | | Leadership Logs Conversations with visionary education leaders shaping tomorrow's minds
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You recently leveraged community service as a means to get the students out of their shell. Can you elaborate? Students of our undergraduate programs come from varied backgrounds & we want to give them a platform to develop holistically and develop key skills of communication, collaboration & confidence. During our discussions with the LetsTagOn team, we realized how we can leverage community service as a medium to achieve this. Participation in community service and social projects is a truly transformative experience in this regard. A custom program was designed to integrate community service and learning objectives. Our students were part of classroom sessions on social causes, SDGs & sensitization activities complemented with field visits & volunteering activities at Shelter homes, Government Schools & Community places. In addition to developing social consciousness, students develop teamwork, communication, and problem-solving abilities. | |
Dr. Ashwini K Principal | Cambridge College | | | | What is the key take away for students from such programs? These activities provided students with the opportunity to interact with each other, with communities & gain real-world experience. It helps students to foster a positive mindset & see themselves as value adding and contributing which increases their confidence, self worth & purpose, helping them develop emotionally, improving their mental health, in addition to the development of soft skills.
What plans do you have for the future to take these initiatives ahead? We have seen the good influence of these programs on our students and want them to continue their community engagement through various projects. Students are encouraged to pick up a cause that they connect to and work with relevant social organizations or community groups to contribute. Some of our students are visiting children's shelter homes to teach children and engage them in cognitive activities. Some students have taken up the environment as a cause and participate regularly in clean-up activities. We are dedicated to leveraging our resources, expertise, and the enthusiasm of our students and faculty to support social causes whole heartedly. | | Learning Bytes Insights on service learning, volunteering and community service
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Many students often hesitate to take on additional responsibilities, citing busy schedules filled with assignments, workshops, and certifications. However, participating in community service can actually help them gain clarity and foster a sense of responsibility that benefits all areas of their lives.
But, how do we enhance the sense of responsibility among the students? One powerful way to enhance this sense of responsibility is by having students visit beneficiaries of their service. When they see the impact of their work firsthand, they develop a deeper connection to their community and become more motivated to engage meaningfully. Understanding the real-life implications of social issues transforms them into informed advocates for change. We had students crying and getting emotional when they saw the plight of old people in an elderly care home. The students quickly asked the caretakers if they could help and engage the elders for a day. This cannot be taught in a classroom. It can be experienced only when they visit the social organisations. There are numerous benefits of visiting the Organisations and interacting with the beneficiaries,like - Building Empathy: Interacting with individuals affected by societal issues—like poverty or disability—helps students grasp the struggles others face. This personal connection moves them beyond theoretical knowledge, allowing them to cultivate compassion and understanding. Enhanced Learning: Experiential learning is invaluable. By engaging with beneficiaries, students can see the direct results of their efforts. This experience enriches classroom lessons and provides context for social issues, inspiring a lifelong commitment to service. Developing Communication Skills: Communicating with beneficiaries hones essential skills. Students learn to listen actively and articulate their thoughts, improving their ability to connect with diverse individuals. These skills are vital for both personal and professional growth. Creating Lasting Connections: Visits can lead to meaningful relationships that extend beyond a single project. Students may discover mentors and role models among the people they meet, fostering mutual respect and understanding.
Community service is not just about giving back. It’s about personal growth and becoming compassionate members of society. By encouraging students to engage directly with beneficiaries, we enrich their understanding of the world and their role in it. Let's inspire our students to take on these responsibilities and make a difference. | |
Cause Spotlight
Gender Equality | | Even today, girls and women are subject to discrimination and gender based violence. Crimes, trafficking, domestic violence, child marriage, dowry deaths, sexual harassment, wage gap and many other discriminations continue even today.
Worldwide, nearly 1 in 4 girls between the ages of 15 and 19 are neither employed nor in education or training – compared to 1 in 10 boys. Girls and boys see gender inequality in their homes and communities every day – in textbooks, in the media, in advertisements and among the adults who care for them.
The NGOs in the space work with a vision to see empowered women living with dignity and contributing as equal partners in development in an environment free from violence and discrimination. Key areas of work of different NGOs are listed below. Mobilizing support for gender equality and prevention of harassment. To promote financial inclusion and independence for women. Training and skilling women for financial independence. To promote safe public places and workplaces. Operate women shelter homes for destitute women, women suffering from abuse and violence. Rescue and rehabilitation of trafficked women. Legal support for domestic violence and harassment.
A volunteer interested to work in the area of Gender Equality has many opportunities to contribute and make an impact. | | |
Snehalaya means 'Home of Love', and was founded in 1989 at Ahmed Nagar to provide support for women, children and LGBT communities, who have been affected by HIV and AIDS, trafficking, sexual violence, and poverty. Operating in Ahmednagar, a town and district in the agricultural region of Maharashtra, India, providing services to over 15,000 beneficiaries annually. They now serve over 19,000 beneficiaries each year running 22 projects across four key areas, education, healthcare, rehabilitation, and awareness, that help beneficiaries thrive in life.
More than an NGO, they are a strong and passionate family, united in the belief that no one should stand alone. Many of their staff first came as beneficiaries to use services. They understand that resilience - the desire to survive - is an extraordinary force. A sense of belonging and compassion can nurture even the most destitute and fragile people to not just survive, but to thrive in life. They welcome everyone with an open heart and without prejudice.
Their vision is to develop awareness and capabilities of individuals who have been deprived of their fundamental rights as a result of the inequalities that exist in our society. Their mission is to provide rescue, rights and rehabilitative services to the communities in most need. To offer a safe exit point to women and their children trapped in the crippling cycle of poverty and abuse. | |
To know more check, https://www.snehalaya.org | | | |
LetsTagOn Highlight ISBR Rural and Urban Visit
| | Students from ISBR, visited various community places. As part of their credit course, students had an opportunity to visit some of the urban and rural community places. ELCITA, Goonj, Anand Vihar Senior Citizen Home, Government Schools, Sarvoham Animal Shelter Home, Weavers Colony, Sericulture Unit, SR Brick Factory, Floriculture farm were some places of visit.
Students also worked on surveys in the different villages near Bangalore. It was really an eye opening experience for students to communicate, understand the views & challenges of the people in those urban and rural places. We thank ISBR and all the community organizations for this wonderful opportunity. | | | | | | | Our mailing address is: info@letstagon.com
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