What did Einstein do when he was young? Before he became the living definition of what we call a Genius? Imagine that Einstein, who must have been a child once, a child with little hands, and a little head lit up with curiosity. He must have tried and failed and persevered at the simplest of experiments in his school’s laboratory. He must have experienced something profound, and humbling enough to make him utter his famous statement, “Everyone is a genius.”
Yes we believe that. We work with the belief that every child is a genius. Every child holds the potent power to change the paradigms of life as we know it. No matter how they look, what their weaknesses are or where they are from. No matter what their educational orientation seems to be. Each and every one of them is a genius.
And as if simply to affirm this, the little geniuses of Touching Lives treated us to an awe-inspiring Science Fair on a bright Sunday morning. For two weeks, we saw them work, think, persevere and try and try again. They waited extra hours, and they did their research. They asked questions, explored the internet, watched videos, and kept on going till they got it right, and how!!
On 10th November 2016, Touching Lives witnessed its very first Science Fair, aptly called Khoj, hosted by the Transit Class, . Not only was it a momentous occasion for us all, it was an amalgamation of sheer brilliance, curiosity, joy, teamwork, excitement and a wonderful bond with Science. Tanvi Shah, our spirited and resolute mentor of the Transit Class conceived this dream of holding a science fair, so that children form their own unique bond with Science. She says, “Being in the Transit class is all about falling in love with your academics. And when it comes to science, I wanted to see them awaken their enthusiasm and curiosity about how the everyday things in our lives work. Be it the little machines or the way we manage our resources I wanted them to see that everywhere and in everything you see, from the smallest to the biggest things, there is science.”
And they did too. Their little work stations were neatly arranged, complete with the necessary apparatus and charts too. It was adorable to see how they were well-turned-out for the occasion, with their best jackets and smartest dresses. Their working models presented so many different aspects of life –
The Water Cycle, Rain Water Harvesting, Miracle Balloon Bursting, Dancing Candle, Water Pump, and Rainbow in a Bottle. The cherry-on-the-cake was, of course, their ear-to-ear smiles, and utter enthusiasm to present their work.
Here is what they have to say about their own work and about this first time initiative at Touching Lives,
“We worked so hard all these days and finally today we showed everyone our work! We felt, yes! We too can explain our thoughts to others!”, says Shreya the smallest of the lot.
Raj had a mature take on what he learnt, “We learnt how to look for solutions and work as a team. We made and unmade our work, repeatedly. But finally we managed to do it with help and encouragement from Didi!”
And Rajesh spoke of the little joys, “I am loving every bit of it. Helping others, and making a rainbow. We chose and brought our own resources. And we tried and tried to make it work. I feel great that we could finally do it!”
The exhibition was also open to friends and family and the response was most touching. We were delighted to have our testimonial book filled up with encouraging messages like Incredible efforts, Keep it up, Great work, Appreciate the patience and welcoming attitude and so many more.
The children’s parents too had a grand experience, watching their kids showing them their work and explaining what they have made. One of the parents said very beautifully, “When we see things like a rainbow, we think that it is magic. Now we see that all magic has science behind it. We are looking at things from a different perspective now, thanks to our children.” Another parent said, “We have given them birth. But these teachers are like parents to our children, teaching them how to live and grow.”
Yes there was some nervousness in the beginning but it soon gave way to confidence. All of the visitors went away smiling and happy to see that here is a platform where children have a chance to learn, grow and explore their own potential and meet the world with different point of view, their own point of view.