Empowering Young Minds

Working as a Social Work Intern at Manjil Non-Governmental Organization was one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. Every evening after school, I would head to the slum areas where children, mostly aged between 8 to 12 years, eagerly awaited my arrival. These children had never had the opportunity to attend school or receive any formal education due to their challenging socioeconomic conditions.

I began by teaching them basic English, math, and science. It was a joy to see their eyes light up as they learned to read simple texts, solve basic arithmetic problems, and understand fundamental scientific concepts. But my role went beyond just academics. I also introduced them to the concepts of gender equality and progressive rational thinking, which were age-appropriate and aimed at fostering a sense of equality and open-mindedness.

To make learning more enjoyable, I shared folklore tales and cultural stories. These stories not only entertained the children but also imparted moral lessons and cultural values. It was heartwarming to see them so engaged and eager to learn.

One of the biggest challenges these children faced was the need to support their families financially, which often prevented them from attending school. I worked hard to motivate both the children and their parents to consider enrolling in public schools, which are often free. I shared my own experiences of how education helped uplift me and emphasized the long-term benefits of schooling. I held regular counseling sessions with the children and their parents to discuss the importance of education. I highlighted the opportunities that education could bring and how it could lead to a better future. To support their education, I collected books and educational materials from donors and distributed them among the children. This ensured that they had the necessary resources to continue their studies at home.

For the children who were already enrolled in schools, I provided homework assistance. This involved helping them understand their daily assignments and ensuring that they completed their homework on time. This support was essential in keeping the children on track with their studies and boosting their confidence in their academic abilities Despite my busy schedule with my own classes, I made it a point to visit the children regularly. The experience was incredibly fulfilling and gave me a sense of purpose. Seeing the children’s progress and their enthusiasm for learning was immensely rewarding. Working in such challenging conditions was not without its difficulties. The lack of resources, the children’s initial reluctance to study, and the need to balance my own academic commitments were some of the hurdles I faced. However, the support from the organization and the children’s gradual improvement kept me motivated.

This internship was a significant learning experience for me. It taught me the value of patience, perseverance, and empathy. I learned to communicate effectively with children from diverse backgrounds and to adapt my teaching methods to suit their needs. The experience also reinforced my belief in the transformative power of education. My time at Manjil Non-Governmental Organization was a transformative experience that allowed me to make a meaningful impact on the lives of underprivileged children. By providing them with basic education and life skills, I helped them take the first steps towards a brighter future. The experience was not only fulfilling but also enriched my understanding of the challenges faced by these children and the importance of education in overcoming them. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to their growth and look forward to continuing my efforts in the field of social work.