Chikkamagaluru School Visit to Old Age Home Sparks Emotional Awakening in Students
In a heartwarming and transformative experience, students from St. Joseph's English Medium School in Koppa, Chikkamagaluru, recently visited an old age home in Chittekodige, leading to deep emotional reflections and valuable life lessons. The visit, organized in collaboration with the Ursuline Franciscan Congregation, involved 100 students as part of an adolescent empowerment programme aimed at fostering empathy and social responsibility.
An Eye-Opening Experience for Young Minds
For many students, the visit served as a powerful reality check. KR Kashyap, a Class IX student, initially questioned the purpose of the trip but soon found it to be a profound eye-opener. "I was thinking why the school was taking us to an old age home, but the visit was a real eye-opener. I understand the importance of aged people in our lives," Kashyap shared emotionally. He recounted how many inmates broke into tears upon meeting the students, seeing their own grandchildren in them, which highlighted the deep longing for familial connection among the elderly.
Lessons in Love and Care
During the visit, students engaged in various activities that imbibed core values such as compassion and respect. Hazira Shahanaz, one of the participants, expressed how she learned about the immense love elders have for children, noting that ignoring them means missing a precious part of life. "One of the elderly men repeatedly asked me to take him to his family," she added, underscoring the emotional bonds formed. Disha, a Class X student, danced with the elders and reflected, "All that they needed was care and love. It was like a reflection. What we give is what we get."
Addressing Societal Ironies
School headmistress Veena Vijaya Castalino pointed out the ironic societal perception of the elderly. "Today, it is ironical that old people are considered a burden," she remarked, emphasizing the need to shift this mindset through education and exposure. The visit aimed to challenge such stereotypes by allowing students to interact directly with the aged, fostering a sense of duty and appreciation.
Call for Moral Education
Parents and educators alike praised the initiative for its impact on moral development. Kavitha, a parent, stressed that today's students require more moral education to become well-rounded individuals. "The institution is creating assets for the nation," she added, highlighting how such experiences contribute to building empathetic future citizens. The adolescent empowerment programme not only exposed students to the realities of aging but also encouraged them to reflect on their roles in society.
This visit to the old age home in Chikkamagaluru has left an indelible mark on the students, reinforcing the values of love, care, and respect for elders. It serves as a reminder of the crucial role educational institutions play in shaping compassionate leaders for tomorrow.
