The Smart-40 camp was conducted at Kamban GHSS, Nettapakkam, from 6 to 8th July 2022. 

The Vice-Principal of the School, Mrs Bhuvana, inaugurated the camp in the midst of the Nodal Teacher of the school Mr Karthikeyan, the ORC team members Mr P.R. Vinothkumar (Program Coordinator), Ms Pavithra, Mrs Vanitha & Mr Raja. 

A total of 45 students belonging to the higher secondary school were selected for the Smart 40 workshop. The class teachers selected these children through the IKMS consolidated list. 

Ice-breaking games were conducted to introduce the students to the workshop. The following life skills were the objectives of this workshop:

• Problem-solving
• Decision making
• Creative thinking
• Critical thinking
• Self-awareness
• Empathy
• Interpersonal relationship
• Communication skills
• Stress management
• Emotional management 

During the workshop, the coordinators discovered that the students felt uncomfortable speaking with others. They were reluctant to speak in front of others; they hesitated to interact with the opposite gender. All these issues were addressed in this camp. The last day of the camp saw a significant change in the students’ behaviour and outlook.

Feedback of the Nodal teacher of the school on the last day (Mr Karthikeyan)

“I thought it would be like any other ordinary programme for students. This camp is going to make some positive changes in the students. I could see some immediate changes in the character of these children. Usually, these children do not obey other teachers. Some children behave arrogantly with the teachers. However, I am happy that these children speak kindly to others. They are doing their work and also not disturbing other students. My heartfelt thanks to the ORC Team Pavithra and Vinothkumar.” 

Feedback from students:

“First day I thought this is a regular meeting for 12th standard student and that they will give notes for next exam. But they taught us much necessary life skills which would make us better equipped to face daily problems. They also taught us to communicate with others pleasingly. They were so friendly to us, and we could open up and share our feelings. On the third day, I understood the importance of our parents, what is the need to study, and how decisions should be taken in critical situations. Thanks to Vinoth Anna & Pavithra Akka and their team members.” 

“From these three days, I learnt empathy is vital in life. We must put ourselves in others’ shoes and understand and solve the problems. I also learnt to respect others, the importance of parents, the importance of education in life, teaching good things to friends and others, decision-making skills, problem-solving skills and that too without hurting others.”

“I understand from this camp all are equal, and everybody is equally talented. Our parents are very important to our life and without them we are ZERO. We have to take care of them; that is our responsibility. Thanks to the ORC team for helping us realise this truth.”

“First, I thank this team for organising this camp, particularly for us. It also taught us that all are equal and we should use our chances as and when they come, understand the real meaning of teamwork and the importance of time management.”