UNICEF in collaboration with NSS Jharkhand and Ranchi University organized an interaction with underprivileged children of Hatma Basti in Ranchi, Jharkhand and felicitated those volunteers who provided learning support to these children under the Hum Aur Kuch Naya Seekhe Initiative (HANSI). 

The HANSI Initiative was started in October last year by UNICEF in collaboration with Ranchi University and NSS. The volunteers were felicitated for their exemplary work in providing learning support to children in Ranchi slums during the COVID-19 pandemic. The programme was organized at Sarna Toli, Hatma Basti in Ranchi.  Dr Asha Lakra, Mayor, Ranchi Municipal Corporation was the Chief Guest for the occasion. Dr Rajkumar Sharma, DSW, Ranchi University, Ms Astha Alang, Communication, Advocacy & Partnership Officer, UNICEF Jharkhand and Dr Brajesh Kumar, NSS Programme Co-ordinator, Ranchi University cum State NSS Officer, Jharkhand were present on this occasion. 

Speaking at the ceremony as the Chief Guest, Dr. Asha Lakra, Mayor, Ranchi Municipal Corporation said, “I am very glad to see the initiative started jointly by UNICEF & NSS Jharkhand through HANSI programme, which provided tremendous support to the underprivileged children in continuing their education during the COVID crisis. I can see how children here are speaking fluently and sharing their experience with confidence, which indicates how much effort NSS volunteers and UNICEF have put in this initiative. I would like to thank UNICEF & NSS Jharkhand for formulating this idea and implementing it with the right intentions and spirit. We need to expand this and reach out to other children, who are living in slum areas in the other parts of the district so that all children learn.”  

During her special remarks, Ms Astha Alang, Communication, Advocacy & Partnership Officer, UNICEF Jharkhand said, “HANSI was jointly started in the state by UNICEF & NSS Jharkhand in October 2021 with the intention to provide learning support to those children who lacked basic means to continue their education during the pandemic due to various reasons. 

Just as COVID-19’s impact has no borders, its solutions must not have borders, as it requires collaboration across public and private sectors to ensure every child remains engaged and continues learning. Around 50 volunteers on ground started teaching children English alphabets. 

They used creative methods of learning with fun and organised poster making competitions, general knowledge quiz, teaching through race competition and sports, etc. on their visits to the Basti. Through various innovative methods, the volunteers educated these marginalized children. This collaboration with NSS has been very important to engage with 40 children from Hatma Basti in Ranchi. The volunteers ensured that all children have access to learning. It is a matter of pleasure for us to felicitate these young volunteers devoted to servicing society.”

Dr Rajkumar Sharma, DSW, Ranchi University said, “I am pleased to see how this initiative has changed these children and brought so much happiness to the Hatma Basti. I appreciate the purpose of this initiative and the dedication of NSS volunteers, who invested their time to teach them. Hum Aur Kuch Naya Seekhein Initiative, not only helped underprivileged children but also gave them an opportunity to do something for the society.” 

Thanking everyone, Dr Brajesh Kumar, NSS Programme Co-ordinator, Ranchi University, cum State NSS Officer, Jharkhand, said, “Under this programme our NSS volunteers did exemplary work and supported children of two slum areas of Ranchi district by teaching them. This effort brings lots of change for these children and it shows in their appearance and speech. Now, we have also planned to reach other slum areas of Ranchi district, where our volunteers will help underprivileged children in their education with the motto ‘Each one, teach one”.

Five children (Sheetal Kumar, Ayush, Rahul Kumar, Anmol Kumar & Nidhi) from the Hatma Basti shared their experience on how this initiative helped and supported them to keep learning when their schools were closed. They said they had no means to ensure the continuation of their education during the COVID-19 crisis and this initiative came as a blessing for them. 

Two NSS volunteers Falak and Diwakar also spoke about their experience on how they got inspired by the initiative to work for the children of the slums who were deprived of educational support during COVID-19. They said they not only tutored those children but also provided them with books, copies and other stationary items, which proved to be of great help to them.