Summary
"Chiguru", in the regional language Kannada, means "budding", and the project aims at providing a platform for the budding future citizens to showcase their cultural talents. Over a 2000 children from government and informal schools across Bangalore (India) will participate in various traditional/cultural events. It helps facilitate the all-round and holistic development of underprivileged children and also kindles interest in volunteers from the community to engage with these children.
| $10,631 | 74 | 0 | 8 |
| Total Raised | Donors | Monthly Donors | Years |
Challenge
There is a lot of focus on the all-round and holistic development of children who study at regular private schools across India, but unfortunately their underprivileged counterparts who study at government or informal schools, do not get this attention. Many of these children are first generation school goers and they require more than just academic focus to become successful citizens. Their talents also remain hidden as they lack the right platform.
Solution
"Chiguru" will bring together more than 2000 underprivileged children for an inter-school competition in cultural and traditional based events. The project will provide a platform for these children to showcase their talents. it will help them gain self-respect and also develop an appreciation for art and culture. Volunteers from the local community will be engaged to help run this project and this will develop sensitivity in the community towards the requirements of these children.
Long-Term Impact
Children who participate will develop better self-esteem and confidence to pursue their goals. Children who are identified to be talented in certain fields will be encouraged and given the right guidance to develop their talents in that field. Volunteers who begin their association with the school during this event will continue to engage with the children/school which can result in a sustainable and healthy relationship between school and the local community.
Report on Chiguru
By Aditya Salian - Project Coordinator
Chiguru, The annual event that brings children from several government and non-formal schools to one location with ample opportunity to showcase their talents was a monumental success – thanks to Donors and YFS volunteers! CHIGURU 2012 was a mega success with 1400 students participating from over 45 government and non-formal schools supported by more than 50 judges, 350 volunteers and a core team of 60 event organizers.
Volunteers accompany the students to various events, a tad more nervous than the students themselves to ensure that they don’t miss the opportunity to participate in the events! Dedicated volunteers stand by the big bins to ensure that the food waste is collected separately guiding everyone with a smile on their face! Cheers, claps and whistles filled the air as their friends performed on stage! With patience and a comforting smile, the judges goaded the children to give their best! A blind student walked on stage to receive a prize and showed his enthusiasm by shaking the gift to figure out what it is…
The energy and enthusiasm of children and volunteers was contagious on the bright and beautiful Sunday in December at BHS on RV road. Everyone – students, teachers, volunteers, judges, organizers – had a wonderful day and took back many moments that they will cherish for a long time.
A volunteer, MS Vas, said that “Chiguru put a smile on thousand faces!”
This event would not have been possible without the whole hearted contribution from our Donors. We also must acknowledge the dedicated efforts of volunteers who ensured that the children were prepared for the events, arrived on time, did not miss the opportunity to participate, had energy boosters regularly and give their best! Words aren’t enough the capture the energy and commitment to the school and the children they interact with regularly.
