OUTREACH PROGRAMME
WAGHOLI
Wagholi is a village about 12 kms away from JDV. In three centres (schools) we (JDV students) have activities. The exact places are, Awhalwadi, Malwadi and Ashramshala. Ahsramshala School is basically a school for orphans, but there are also some children from the locality. Therefore basically it is a residential school. In Awhalwadi there is a government primary school up to class IV. In Malwadi they have a full-fledged high school with many facilities such as good class rooms, electricity, computers, etc. There used to be a small informal school conducted by us for the children of (brick kiln) construction workers more than two years ago near Awhalwadi.
The ministry of Wagholi Outreach is found to be quite meaningful by all the participants. It is considered to be a very joyful and rewarding experience. Many feel that they are doing a meaningful work among the poor and less privileged group of people. Since the children are interested in learning English our students (JDV) feel enthused to teach. Moreover it is a learning process for our students too. The children wait eagerly for Saturdays for the English teachers. When we consider the distance and expense, it may be questioned as an effective way of doing ministry. We may be able to do a better work in the close by slums.
TARUMITRA
Tarumitra, meaning "Friends of Trees" in Hindi and Sanskrit, is a student movement to protect and promote a healthy environment on Earth. Started by students in Patna, Bihar in 1988, the movement has spread into hundreds of high schools and colleges all over India. The aims of Tarumitra are: to spread ecological sensitivity; to equip its members with skills in handling local environmental problems; to organise campaigns for the preservation of bio-diversity; to promote a spirituality and a worldview that is earth friendly.
The activities that we have in JDV are in the nearby schools, both English and Marathi mediums. Our students conduct sessions with workshops and practical. In the process they plant trees, clean the campus, and the children are instructed about the harmful effects of plastic, etc. This is to inculcate in them information on environmental issues, ecology and to start eco-clubs in the educational institutions.
