SOCIAL INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE

I recently had the incredible opportunity to intern at Chotuu Ki Foundation(CKE), and it was an experience that has profoundly shaped my perspective on life and social work.

CKE is an organization dedicated to providing holistic education to dropout children and end the cycle of child begging& child labor.

Stepping into a New World🦶🦶

From the moment I stepped into the CKE (Miyapur branch), I was immersed in a world vastly different from my own. From the outset, it was clear that this internship would be far removed from the academic bubble I was accustomed to. Initially, fear crept in. The unfamiliar surroundings, the stark realities of slum life, cast a shadow of apprehension. But as the days unfolded, a profound shift occurred. The walls of my preconceived notions began to crumble, replaced by a growing warmth and empathy. The people here, so often marginalized and overlooked, welcomed me with open arms, their affection a balm to my initial trepidation. Their laughter, their resilience, and their unwavering spirit ignited a spark within me, a spark that would forever change my perspective.

Responsibilities

My role primarily was to digitize student’s documents (personal and academics), Inventory management, provide demos to students on “Empowered*” and share the feedback to the collaborators, content creation for half yearly report, student interaction with a focus on developmental activities pertaining to self-improvement, storytelling and reading sessions in English.

(*Empowered is an innovative, AI-powered mobile application designed to empower students at Chotuu Ki Foundation (CKE) to become independent learners. This user-friendly app utilizes Artificial Intelligence to bridge the language barrier and enhance academic success)

Challenges and Growth

Working in a social sector comes with its fair share of challenges. A few students did not have Government authorized identification documents or they were missing which hampered the mainstream admission process in schools. Students’ attendance during a few activities is another challenge being constantly addressed by the teachers. However, every setback is a learning opportunity. The resilience and hope of the people I worked with were a constant source of inspiration.

A Ripple Effect

Looking back, I realize that my internship was more than just a professional experience. It was a personal transformation. I developed a strong sense of empathy, compassion, and social responsibility. The interpersonal skills and relationships I acquired have equipped me to make a meaningful impact in the world. My relationship with the students extended beyond the classroom setting like discussing about our lives, sharing food and eating together and playing fun games.

Once in a life time opportunity

I strongly encourage all students in Hyderabad to consider doing an internship/volunteer with CKE. It's an invaluable opportunity to gain real-world experience, develop essential skills, and make a positive impact on society. I am incredibly grateful for having this opportunity to be part of such a remarkable organization and contribute to building a better future for the community. Although my internship has completed and I’m back to my college in Bangalore, I continue to volunteer my time over the weekends for CKE and hence, my journey with this team continues…