Two weeks of Summer Learning Program at ASTYTVA LEARNING CENTRE

-By Prema Sheth

Hello, Change Makers! 

I hope all of you are doing well.

Wow, these two weeks at the Astytva Learning Center's Summer Learning Program have been a ride! As I reflect on our journey so far, I'm overwhelmed by the whirlwind of experiences we've shared. If I were to describe it to someone, it would be something like this:

We kicked off our summer camp with a bang, diving headfirst into our community in Bhosari. Picture us knocking on doors, chatting with families, and sharing our vision for the summer ahead. And guess what? It was heartwarming to see parents nodding along, eager to sign up their kids for the adventure we had in store.

But that's not all – I got the incredible opportunity to lead my very first Learning Circle. Joined by our amazing Student Interns from iTeach Schools and Avasara Academy, we sat down to dream big. We talked about our goals, aspirations, and the kind of magic we wanted to create over the next 30 days. It was like setting sail with a crew of dreamers, each one ready to make waves in their way.

And let's not forget the moment Anuradha didi and the team came up with our program's name: "Roobaroo," with the tagline 'Ek kadam, Roshni ki aur' – a step towards enlightenment. It felt like we were not just embarking on a journey but stepping into a whole new world of possibilities.

Our days have been packed with activities designed to spark collaboration, communication, and personal growth. From ice-breaker games to our heartfelt planting ceremony – where each child planted their dreams alongside a seed – every moment has been a step forward on our path of growth.

Academically, we've tailored our lessons to fit every age and stage of learning. From phonics and math for our little ones to diving deep into topics like informal/formal letter writing, geometry, algebra and financial literacy for our older students, we're making learning fun and engaging for everyone.

And let's not forget the magic of creativity! Our students have been busy crafting origami masterpieces, exploring art history through gallery walks, and even penning their poetry. Oh, and did I mention we're working on an anthem? It's all about finding our voice and expressing ourselves loud and proud.

Of course, no day is complete without a little dance to lift our spirits. Our daily dance sessions are like a burst of energy, helping us unwind and celebrate all the learning and growth we've experienced.

But the real magic happens when we dive into the world of coding with our friends from the GullyGullyCode Team. Watching our students light up as they explore the world of technology – it's like witnessing the future unfold before our eyes.

As we gear up for week 3,  

       I can't help but feel grateful to Anuradha Didi for the incredible support in spearheading this Summer Learning Program at Astytva Center. Her invaluable guidance includes providing me with a remarkable team of Student Interns, offering us access to this beautiful space, and sharing insights gleaned from her previous successful summer camps.

I am also deeply thankful to Arwa for her role as an amazing thought partner during the planning stages of the summer program. Her patience in addressing my queries and her consistent support has been invaluable, becoming a reliable source of guidance throughout.

A special shoutout to Seher for mapping me to this incredible opportunity, which has been transformative in my journey.

Special appreciation goes to those who orchestrated this opportunity for me to lead the entire Summer Program at Astytva. This chance holds profound significance for me, especially considering the journey of a girl who never before had such incredible individuals believe in her potential.

Lastly, I want to express my gratitude to the entire TeachForIndia_Pune Parivar and the Astytva team not just for their trust, but for their unwavering support and encouragement throughout this endeavour.

And here's a little something to warm your hearts even more –

We had registered 41 students who were identified as 'AT RISK' from Grades 4,5 and 6 from PCMC English Medium School, Bhosari. And in these two weeks, 23 of them have been showing up with smiles on their faces, ready to learn and grow.

That's 56% of our 'At Risk' Students already feeling the magic of our Summer Learning Program.

So, here's to the next leg of our journey – may it be filled with even more learning, laughter, and love. And if you're ever in the neighbourhood, we'd love to have you drop by and see the magic for yourself. 

Here's the location.

"Until then, keep shining bright!"