Interaction with the tribal children from Asha Gad Interact Clubs of Classes 8 and 9

By Fr. Dr. Francis Swamy S.J.
Feb 11th, 2020

The tribal students from the Loyola School, Asha Gad were invited to spend a weekend at St. Mary’s School, ICSE with the students of Classes 8 and 9 as part of the S.U.P.W. (Socially Useful Productive work).

Sixty -five students from Class 10 of Loyola School, Asha Gad accompanied by two masters reached Mumbai Central on Friday, 6th December, 2019 at 9 P.M. They were picked up by two school buses and were warmly welcomed. Arrangements for their food and lodging had been made in the school premises by Rev. Fr. Arun Lobo.

On Saturday, 7th December, 2019, the tribal students were taken to KidZania in Mumbai – A safe, unique and Interactive Indoor Theme Amusement Park and a Global Indoor Entertainment and Learning Center for families that emulates the working of a real city, built-to-scale for children.The objective of taking the students here was to empower, inspire and educate them through 100+ activities.

After a hectic day of activities, the students returned to school by 5 P.M. They were given light evening snacks with refreshments. The tribal children then had an interactive session with the students of the Interact Clubs of classes 8 and 9. Students from both schools got to know each other through a questionnaire prepared for interaction. This activity was not only enjoyable but also a learning experience for the students of both the schools.

On Sunday, December 08, 2019, the students of Asha Gad were taken to Elephanta Caves by boat from Ferry Wharf. The children were excited to watch the monkeys at their funny chores and tricks with keen interest.

Fr. Joe Albuquerque thanked all the teachers, parents and management of St. Mary’s School (I.C.S.E.) for the warm hospitality they had shown to the students from Asha Gad. The School Management of St. Mary’s, ICSE, gave Fr. Joe Albuquerque a few essentials for the tribal children. The children left our school premises for Churchgate Station by the school buses at about 2 p.m.

The visit was an enriching experience for the Interactors of Classes 8 and 9 and provided an opportunity to interact with students who were less privileged than them.