#CelebrateingtheRainbow at the workplace – share your stories of Pride!
Gifting an education to a child who needs it, is among the most constructive and rewarding 'treats' - for both the giver and the receiver.
Gifting an education to a child who needs it, is among the most constructive and rewarding ‘treats’ – for both the giver and the receiver.
“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” – William Butler Yeats
A bunch of us were at work, chatting over a cup of coffee, talking about a lunch treat we recently went to for a colleague’s birthday.
It was now almost a ritual; every birthday came along with a lunch treat at a restaurant near the office. It’s like every restaurant owner knows about this, because every restaurant chain in the city has a branch in the IT corridor, plus ‘corporate discounts’.
The guest list for a ‘treat’ automatically includes everyone who knew about a birthday. Which is quite unfair, considering that it is also a ritual to send out ‘Happy Birthday’ mailers each month – a futile task aimed at giving joy for a few moments when your inbox is flooded with email wishes, but ends up costing you big bucks at the end of the day!
The average cost of lunch for a small group of 5-6 people, in an average restaurant on the IT corridor is about INR 2000/- (including tips and the ‘corporate discount’).
All this talk of unwanted spending stemmed off another topic: ‘giving back to the society’.
We spend so much on amusement each year. I am not advocating the life of hermits who keep nothing for themselves; but what about expenses like this, which can be converted into something more constructive?
We ran over a few ideas, and landed on the one that appealed to all of us: giving a child the gift of education.
One of us had a friend who volunteered at a local orphanage on the weekends and tutored kids. We got in touch with her and she spoke about an exceptionally bright kid with excellent grades, who could use some help. The orphanage could not afford to put her in an English-medium school, and so she was currently studying in a school run by the State Government in the regional language. We got in touch with the orphanage, and it was soon agreed that we would sponsor her education in an English-medium school.
We did not want to give away chunks of money each year to the orphanage, and not know whether it was being put to use. Thankfully, the orphanage felt the same. So we decided that one of us will be marked guardian for this child, and will act as the representative to pay the school fees directly to the school, along with buying school supplies for the girl.
But it turns out, when we made the decision, it was just a few weeks ahead of the last fee paying date. So we gathered money from our savings, and what we were short of, we asked others. A few were apprehensive and unwilling, but there were a few who were enthusiastic about our little project. And so we began.
It’s been over 3 years since we started. She is now in the 8th grade, doing amazingly well in class. We have never seen numbers lower than 95% in her progress card so far.
Soon, she will finish higher secondary education, and if we can afford it, we will also attempt to put her through college. Else, she will still be eligible for a job in a BPO after school. She will then have a chance at a decent livelihood, and an opportunity to give her kids a better life and education.
This year, her school fees was Rs. 16,000. When contributed by 8 individuals, it amounts to Rs. 2000 per year, which is less that the cost of a birthday treat. It is a very small investment when you look at it from a social perspective. It is true that in the beginning, we found it hard to shell out the money each year, as we each had family commitments. But over time, it became easier and easier. And we didn’t have to ask others for help.
We are a large nation, with a large number way below the poverty line and a smaller number obscenely rich. If we all try, and work towards helping one another, we can change the fate of this country, and stabilize the social inequalities that now obscure our economy.
Education is the difference between a developing country and a developed nation. You and I can make that change. Let’s be the change we want to see in this world.
Child learning image via Shutterstock
A passionate writer who believes in the magic of the written word. She currently works as a senior business intelligence developer, and spends all her spare time writing about food and social issues. She currently read more...
Women's Web is an open platform that publishes a diversity of views, individual posts do not necessarily represent the platform's views and opinions at all times.
Stay updated with our Weekly Newsletter or Daily Summary - or both!
Can you believe this bloke compelled me to wear only saris - full time at home- till the eighth month of my pregnancy?! The excessive heat coupled with humidity made my life miserable.
Recently when I browsed an interesting post by a fellow author on this very forum I had a sense of déjà vu. She describes the absolutely unnecessary hullabaloo over ladies donning nighties and /or dupatta –less suits.
I wish to narrate how I was in dire straits so far wearing a ‘nightie’ was concerned.
I lived in my ultra orthodox sasural under constant surveillance of two moral guardians (read Taliban) in the shape of the husband’s mom and dad. The mom was unschooled and dim-witted while the dad was a medical practitioner. But he out-Heroded the Herod in orthodoxy.
My supervisor introduced me as a valuable member of the team, emphasizing my skills and contributions rather than focusing on my gender identity. This simple act set the tone for my experience in the workplace.
As a transwoman navigating the corporate world, I had encountered my fair share of discrimination and challenges. Transitioning without the support of my parents and having limited friendships in my personal life made the journey difficult and lonely. However, when I stepped into the office, something remarkable happened, I left behind the stress and negativity, embracing a space where I could truly be myself.
Joining the marketing team as a graphic designer, I was initially apprehensive about how my colleagues would react to my gender identity. But to my surprise, the atmosphere was welcoming and respectful from day one. My supervisor, Sarah, introduced me as a valuable member of the team, emphasizing my skills and contributions rather than focusing on my gender identity. This simple act set the tone for my experience in the workplace.
As I settled into my role, I discovered that my colleagues went out of their way to make me feel comfortable and included. They consistently used my correct name and pronouns, creating an environment where I could be authentically me. Being an introvert, making friends wasn’t always easy for me, but within this workplace, I found a supportive community that embraced me for who I truly am. The workplace became a haven where I could escape the stresses of my personal life and focus on my professional growth.
Please enter your email address