India's largest classroom
'Teach India' a social initiative from The Times of India - United Nations and 60 NGOs received 88,710 application in volunteering teaching.
Meanwhile, India's largest classroom has already taken shape, with some volunteers taking on the mantle of teaching. As Adeline Aubry, United Nations Volunteers (UNV) program officer in India, points out: "Teach India is certainly the largest campaign of its kind. It has given ordinary Indians the unique and spontaneous chance to channel their willingness and desire to do something good for the country through volunteering."
Absorbing so many volunteers though is quite a challenge and we couldn't do it without our corporate and NGO partners. The list of our NGO partners has also expanded — 11 more have come on board — and more are welcome.
For those volunteers who have already made it to the classroom, the journey is proving to be hugely satisfying. "The kids are fast learners. I have earlier taught MBA students but I can tell you that this experience is very enriching," says Lalit Malik, vice-president, American Express, who is teaching 28-30 students aged 4 to 13 at the DLF III centre of SNS Foundation.
The children, too, are thrilled. "Initially, I cried in class but the didis were very loving. Now, I enjoy it," says 10-year-old Asaan, who stays in a slum near Haji Ali and is being taught by students of Sophia College, Mumbai.
