Blending passion and innovation: Volunteer Experiences

eVidyaloka| September 2024

At eVidyaloka, our volunteers come from diverse backgrounds and bring unique perspectives to the table, enriching the educational experiences of students in rural India. Today, we’re excited to share the inspiring stories of three remarkable volunteers who have made a significant impact through their dedication and innovative teaching methods.

Meenal Buch: A Passion for Science and Education

Meenal Buch’s journey with eVidyaloka showcases her commitment to education and her innovative approach to teaching online. With experience teaching science across India, Oman, Qatar, and currently teaching ‘Applied Biosciences’ at a University in the UK, Meenal has brought a wealth of knowledge to her role.

For the past five years, Meenal has taught in various schools across India, from Jharkhand to Gujarat. Her current focus on the ‘Joy of Reading’ program highlights her dedication to fostering a love for reading among students. Meenal’s teaching methods include hands-on experiments, animations, and real-life applications, making abstract scientific concepts accessible and engaging.

Her creative approach extends beyond academics, incorporating podcasts, videos, and competitive games to enhance learning. By discussing gender equality, ethical values, and personal responsibility, Meenal provides a holistic educational experience. Her volunteering has had a profound impact on her students and her personal growth, reflecting her deep passion for education.

Ramya N: The Joy of Teaching English

Ramya N's second stint with eVidyaloka has been a transformative experience. Her classes are filled with PowerPoint presentations, quizzes, icebreakers, and educational games, creating an engaging learning environment for her students.

Despite initial challenges in balancing college commitments with teaching, Ramya has found immense satisfaction in her role. The enthusiasm of her rural students and their commitment to learning, despite limited resources, inspire her daily. The special goodbye greeting performed at the end of each class—complete with claps and signs—serves as a heartwarming reminder of the impact of her work.

Ramya’s experience highlights the importance of support from eVidyaloka’s class assistants, which has been crucial in managing her dual responsibilities. Her dedication to teaching and her students’ growth showcases the rewards of volunteering with eVidyaloka.

Sunita Puri: Bridging Dreams and Reality

Sunita Puri’s journey with eVidyaloka is deeply personal and inspiring. Influenced by her mother’s innovative teaching in rural Punjab, Sunita sought to contribute to education after retiring from the Indian Revenue Service. Despite initial challenges in finding suitable volunteer opportunities, Sunita found her calling with eVidyaloka, where she began teaching English in a school in Uttar Pradesh.

Sunita’s teaching approach includes using slide presentations to introduce students to various cities and encourage them to dream big. Her personal journey from studying in a Hindi medium school to becoming a civil servant resonates with her students, helping them open up about their aspirations and doubts.

Over the past two years, Sunita has encountered many stories of student grit and ambition. From counselling a student whose family prioritised work over education to helping a student with undiagnosed vision problems, Sunita has made a tangible difference in her students' lives. Her experiences reflect the deep impact of individual attention and the importance of overcoming adversity.

The Impact of Volunteering with eVidyaloka

The experiences of Meenal Buch, Ramya N, and Sunita Puri highlight the profound impact of volunteering with eVidyaloka. Each volunteer brings their unique strengths and creativity to their role, enriching the educational journey of students in rural India and contributing to their personal growth.

If you’re passionate about making a difference and seeking a rewarding way to contribute to education, joining the eVidyaloka family might be the perfect opportunity for you. As our volunteers have shown, the rewards of teaching and volunteering extend far beyond the classroom, creating a lasting impact on both students and educators alike.

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