It is that time of the year when the whole world plunges into celebration, merry making and holidaying with friends and family. Stafordians found it appropriate to share the joys of this festive season with the inmates of ‘Prem Niwas’, a home for the elderly and the destitute.
Students of Class IX took it upon themselves to bring a smile on the faces of the elderly folk residing in this shelter run by Missionaries of Charity. The children sang carols, and songs, and shared home-made delicacies and sweet treats with the inmates. Not only did they spend some quality time sharing memories and stories but also came back enriched with the learning and experience that the elderly had to share.
As parents and teachers, we like to keep our children protected from the harsh realities of life; however, it is sometimes pertinent to bring them face to face with them too. This visit made sensitized the children towards the needs of the elderly and the sad predicament that life puts homeless people into. The children got an insight into the loneliness of the elderly and perhaps for the first time, understood the importance and worth of a family and a home.
The children were overwhelmed with the warmth and affection with which they were greeted. Spontaneous conversation and easy rapport with the Grand-Pa and Grand-Mas enlivened the atmosphere as the children struck up a conversation and went all out to make the old folks happy.
With Christmas round the corner, the Old Age Home was beautifully decorated with everything spic and span. The young students were impressed to know that it was the elderly inmates who maintained the premises and kept it so meticulously clean. This trip taught the children the importance of self-reliance, of caring for each other, and of staying together as a family. It also made children feel grateful for the life they have and the gifts that life has given them. Above all the children came back feeling enriched and happy that they were able to bring a little bit of joy into another life in the true spirit of Christmas!