Irrespective of any differences in socio-economic status, children should be able to develop friendship; and this is the key to developing a harmonious society. This thinking forms the backbone of an initiative by three women Prema Shankar, Sudha Kailas and Sri Vidya Kannan. As part of this initiative, they have been organising a 15-day annual summer camp since 2013 in Chromepet. The camp organisers ensure that children from both affluent and underprivileged backgrounds take part in it.
During the 15-day camp, spoken English, storytelling with moral values, paper craft, basic stitching skills, songs and dance are taught.
“We keep the number of students within 30. Out of the thirty, 10 to 15 will be children of domestic helpers, vendors, sweepers and sanitary workers. We charge a fee only from children whose parents can afford it. Their fee will be used to buy refreshments and craft material. Many a time, the poor parents also come forward and make arrangements to provide refreshments,” says Prema Shankar.
The camp also admits differently-abled children and children with mild retardation.
This year, the camp will begin on April 19. Volunteers are invited to teach the children at the camp. Those interested in volunteering can call 98406 79751.