XI A - Outreach Report

The air buzzed with excitement on August 1st as the students of class XI ‘A’ boarded the school bus, their hands laden with various provisions such as rice, sugar, notebooks and biscuits. It was a sunny August morning, and the journey to Bosco Rainbow Home was short but memorable. The bus journey was filled with the cheery conversations of my classmates. Our bus halted in front of our destination. Bosco Rainbow Home exuded vibrancy and warmth and the sound of children playing could be heard in the distance. We entered through the gates, ensuring that all that we had brought was safely delivered into the hands of the staff.

We got seated in a cozy classroom where our soon to be acquaintances were eagerly waiting. The Sister in charge provided a brisk yet detailed introduction to us about Bosco Rainbow Home. We were told that this is the one and only transit centre cum shelter home exclusively for the girl children at risk in Bangalore. The shelter home is to aid girl children in need of care and protection. The centre with assistance from the government runs various programmes to cater to various needs of girl children that would enhance their holistic and integral growth and development.

We met about 25 girls who were in the age group of 7-14. They were beyond enthusiastic and curious about us and we were surprised when they asked us about our goals. They knew theirs! The girls fluently spoke a variety of languages such as Kannada, Tamil and English. They too introduced themselves, stating their name, class and goals. The room was filled with aspiring doctors, police officers, teachers and dancers; the future was looking brighter than ever. After a few amiable words were exchanged, we invited them to join us in singing a medley of action songs in which they participated with great fervour. Our classmates had also prepared a brief and energetic dance which was performed with much proficiency. This then rapidly evolved into an impromptu dance party in which all the girls showcased their talented dancing skills. The once tranquil classroom echoed with music and laughter.

Neither party was eager to bid farewell to the other but our time had run out and they had their schedule and so did we. Amiable goodbyes and promises of future dance parties were made. We entered Bosco Rainbow Home with our hearts filled with anticipation and left brimming with fondness and warmth. The children were affectionate, friendly and ever-inquisitive. Their eyes sparkled with dreams and aspirations like the stars in the sky.

This journey to Bosco Rainbow Home taught us that one is never too small to dream big and the memories made there will forever be cherished by each and every one of us.