Illuminating young minds in tribal hamlets
A chance visit to a tribal hamlet near Shahapur in Thane district, Maharashtra, by Nilesh Dhahifule, president, RC Thane Hiranandani Legends, RID 3142, along with two other club members, resulted in a one-day programme for 1,250 young children from 19 surrounding villages.
“When we interacted with the children there, we were amazed by their spontaneity and talent. With right motivation and direction, we knew we could help them build a promising future,” he says. They found that the local schools had dedicated teachers, which laid a strong foundation for learning. “That’s when we planned Project Navrang to enhance students’ learning abilities while also focusing on their mental and physical wellbeing. These children, unlike their urban counterparts, are first-generation learners and need extra care to ensure a bright future.”
The club first prioritised Class 10 students preparing for their board exams across various hamlets. Teachers and some parents accompanied them to an auditorium in Shahapur where nine specially designed sessions were held. “We arranged transportation for every student, ensuring they were picked up from the doorstep and dropped back home,” says Dhahifule.
To boost their confidence and help them study effectively, the club introduced a study app aligned with the state board syllabus and helped them download it on their mobile phones. “The app offers subject-wise notes, question banks, step-by-step solutions for math problems and chemistry equations. It even helps students plan daily study schedules,” he explains.
A career guidance seminar gave them information about scholarships, higher education options and institutions. Sharad Wadekar, the session’s faculty, also taught students how to break down lessons into manageable parts for better understanding and retention.
Beyond academics, the programme addressed crucial issues affecting young minds. Club member Anuj Yadav conducted a session on substance abuse, warning students about various addictions, including excessive mobile phone use and the dangers of misusing social media. A QR code was shared to connect students with mental health experts. The mental health app is an initiative by RID 3142.
A medical camp screened students for thalassaemia and sickle cell anaemia. “Around 20 children were found to have either of these disorders and we have offered to support their treatment at the Civil Hospital, Thane,” he adds.
A session on CPR (cardio pulmonary resuscitation) by Dr Vishwanath Rajput drew enthusiastic response from children and teachers alike. “Since these children come from remote villages with limited medical facilities, we want to equip them with life-saving first aid skills,” explains project chair Dheeraj Mhatre. Club members Meenu Mahal and Aneeta Satish led an awareness session on personal safety, helping students understand safe/unsafe touch, setting boundaries and making informed decisions.
The club honoured 16 teachers from tribal government schools for their dedication to educating children despite limited resources. Breakfast, lunch and refreshments were provided to the visitors; writing pads and stationery items were distributed to the students. “It was heartwarming to see the children sing and dance during the entertainment session. The motivational workshops will undoubtedly help them, especially with their exams approaching. We plan to continue Project Navrang in the next year too,” says Dhahifule.
The initiative was supported by volunteers from Fandry Foundation, an NGO working for the upliftment of the tribal population, ensuring the programme’s seamless execution.
