‘Education is the key to bridging the divide in society’: Paathshala volunteer

The HT Paathshala program has enabled volunteers to interact with underprivileged children and expand their horizons.

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Himanshi Garg, 1st year student of Home Science volunteers to supplement learning programs at Pratham with HT Paathshala (Special arrangement)

The HT Paathshala program has enabled volunteers to interact with underprivileged children and expand their horizons.

Himanshi Garg

“When I saw the ad for the Paathshala program in Hindustan Times, it struck a chord with me. Education is such a basic right and it is the key in bridging the divide in society. It is also what helps us explore ourselves and hence a need for every human being. This is why I was keen to become a volunteer although I had a niggling doubt that little children might be difficult to manage.

I took the step anyhow and what I experienced surprised me. These children turned out to be so co-operative and they could be managed simply because of their keenness to learn and do things. I taught students of grade 5 to grade 7 and each day brought new experiences. Thanks to my students, I also learnt a lot and used new methods of teaching that were fun. Being a volunteer at Pratham is an experience I will cherish for life.”

About HT Paathshala

Hindustan Times Paathshala is a CSR initiative to support the education of underprivileged children. Over 70,353 lives have been impacted under various projects of Paathshala since its launch in April, 2012. The volunteer program was initiated on 7 Dec 2015 with our partner NGOs to make volunteering accessible to those interested in devoting time for children in need. Be it a donation or a purposeful hour spent with underprivileged children, small actions make a big difference.

If you’re a volunteer, come forth and share your story. We’d love to know your experience. Whether you teach academics, sports, art or music, your story can inspire others to join this movement and bring about change.

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Share your volunteering experience at: paathshala@hindustantimes.com