On the 16 th of November, the students of Class XII Arts of Sophia High School
went on an outreach programme to the Bangalore Friends in Need Society’s
Home for the elderly.
It was a beautiful bright Saturday morning and we set out on our journey
towards the Friends in Need Society’s Home. We were all filled with
enthusiasm and excitement as this was our last outreach programme as
students of Sophia High School. We had been preparing for the visit to the
Home for many days, planning activities and arranging for gifts for the elderly
people who we were so eager to meet. A short twenty-minute bus ride brought
us to our destination. As we entered through the gates, we were mesmerised
by the simple beauty of the premises. We were greeted by Ms. Sharmila
Miranda, and were introduced to the President and the Secretary of the
Society.
We entered the hall and interacted with the residents of the Home. We gave
all the residents cupcakes and cookies which were prepared by our fellow
students. It was an absolute delight to talk to the elderly people, who were
exceedingly kind, insightful and jovial. We had planned to play a game of
Tambola with them, so we set everything up and distributed the playing cards.
We assisted all the residents throughout the game, and this was a very
enriching experience for us. The residents thoroughly enjoyed the game. We
had brought various gifts, like coffee mugs, shawls and other items, and these
were given away as prizes which made the game even more fun and exciting.
After a round of Tambola, we sang a number of songs for them, from Dancing
Queen to O Holy Night and many other songs and hymns as was requested
by our wonderful audience. Their appreciation and encouraging smiles filled
our hearts with joy.
We were truly inspired by how the people we met at the Home were so full of
life and compassion.
It was touching to see how happy the elderly residents were to have our company.
The conversations we had were extremely
meaningful and precious. Our experience at the Friends in Need Society’s
Home was really fulfilling and we felt privileged to have been afforded this
opportunity to spend valuable quality time with the wonderful residents of the
Home. All of us surely left with many important life lessons. Our last outreach
programme was one that all the students of Class XII Arts will cherish forever.
-
Anushka Ghatak
XII Arts