On January 30, 2022, we had the Volunteer Recognition Event for the “Paatshala” Initiative, a tutoring project started by Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, Alameda County. From Feb 2021-May 2021 we had 10 teenage volunteers who dedicated 1-3 hours every week to help tutor the underserved in the Burmese Community here in Oakland, California. The children were tutored in the subjects of Mathematics, Science, and English. The teen mentors would prepare a lesson plan each week, work on their teaching style, learn how to engage with a youngster, and help them work through some of the difficult topics. The Recognition event was to appreciate the teens, the parents volunteer, and others who contributed for making this project such a success. We had two very special guest speakers who also inspired the teenagers. The first was Saumya Baswant who is part of the U.S. Space Force and currently pursuing her masters in astronautical engineering. She inspired and reminded us that whenever we put on our different “uniforms” that we must uphold the values and morals in every aspect of our lives. Next, we had Kripa Chandran who was a Field Engineer for General Electrics who has now decided to become a full time HSS volunteer for the next 6 months. She reminded us to keep thinking of others and keep doing selfless service as it will allow oneself to grow. The Paatshala team thanks and appreciates everyone who made the program a success in its pilot year and we look forward to recruiting more volunteers for our future projects.
