From Hesitance to Confidence…

Speaking English?

“Athu enaku varathu akka!!” — a boy told me six months ago when I first began implementing the Spoken English module at the schools and ITK centers. His words echoed with uncertainty, a reflection of the common fears many children hold towards speaking a language they aren’t confident in. I smiled and reassured him, “I’ll make it your cup of tea.“

At that moment, I didn’t just see a child struggling with the idea of learning a new language—I saw an opportunity. I naturally love talking to children, and this fellowship project gave me the perfect platform to not only nurture their curiosity about English but also encourage them to overcome their fears. Letting this go? Vaaipe lla!! (I won’t let this go!)

The Start of a Beautiful Journey……

The Speak Up Initiative isn’t just a module; it’s a movement to empower children to speak English confidently, breaking barriers of fear and hesitation.It’s more than grammar lessons; it’s about self-expression, confidence, and realizing potential. For someone who naturally loves interacting with children, this initiative is a dream come true.

When I started working on the Spoken English module, I was clear on one thing: It couldn’t be a one-size-fits-all lesson plan. Every child is unique, with different levels of understanding, backgrounds, and exposure. I knew I had to customize my approach to fit their individual needs and make the process enjoyable. This wasn’t going to be a regular, boring English class; it was going to be special. It was going to be a place where learning English would feel like second nature—a fun, engaging, and empowering experience for them.

Whenever I visit the schools or ITK centers, I’m greeted with shouts of excitement, “Hey! Akka vanthutanga da!” The warmth in their voices, the genuine joy in their smiles—it’s infectious. And that, my friends, is the true magic of teaching. The children’s enthusiasm is what motivates me to keep going, to keep making each session and every module even more engaging.

The Distance Doesn’t Matter !

I travel to six schools, each 10 to 15 kilometers apart, and 10 remote ITK centers, all of which are situated in villages that seem miles away from civilization. The travel can be exhausting at times, especially with the rough roads and long journeys, but when I see the eager faces of the children, it makes everything worthwhile.

These visits have become much more than just professional commitments. They have transformed into a journey of connection, understanding, and growth. Every time I reach a new center or school, the children greet me like a long-lost friend, a moment that never fails to warm my heart.

Despite the physical distance I travel to reach these places, the emotional distance between the children and English is what truly matters. They’ve come to accept English as part of their world, rather than a language to be feared or avoided. And that is the ultimate victory for me.

Overcoming Hesitation…

The biggest challenge I faced initially was breaking through the walls of hesitation these children had built around themselves when it came to speaking English. Many of them viewed English as an academic subject, something that was to be memorized and written but not necessarily spoken. The fear of making mistakes kept them from expressing themselves freely.

But, that’s when I knew something had to change.

I began with simple, conversation-based lessons—starting from the basics, like greetings, self-introductions, and asking questions. Slowly but steadily, the children began to open up. The fact that they could express themselves in English without hesitation marked the first victory in this journey. I could see the glimmer of confidence shining in their eyes, and that spark is what drives me to keep going.

We didn’t just focus on grammar and vocabulary. I made sure the lessons were fun. The kids loved activities like playing word games, acting out scenarios, and creating stories. Each lesson became an interactive experience, where they felt excited about using English in real-life contexts. Slowly, English transformed from a subject to a tool for communication—a bridge to express their ideas, dreams, and thoughts.

A Bond Beyond Language 🙂

The true essence of this journey goes beyond just teaching English. It’s about building relationships and creating a safe space where these children feel heard, valued, and empowered. The connection I share with these kids is not just teacher-student—it’s one of mutual respect and trust. They have come to look forward to the sessions, not just because they’re learning English, but because they’ve found a mentor who believes in them and encourages them to grow.

But the real beauty of it all is that, through this process, they’re not just learning a language—they’re building confidence. They’re learning how to articulate their thoughts, how to ask questions, and how to contribute to conversations without fear of being judged. And that, to me, is the true power of education.

The Road Ahead…

This journey is far from over. In fact, we’ve only just begun. There are still many milestones to reach, more children to impact, and more victories to celebrate. The road ahead is filled with both challenges and opportunities, but every small success pushes me forward. There’s a long way to go, but I’m happy to be part of this incredible process of growth and development.

For me, English is just a language. It’s the medium through which children can learn, grow, and transform. But my true concern is that these brilliant, adorable children never feel less confident or inferior because of it. They are as capable, as intelligent, and as deserving of success as any other child, regardless of the language they speak.

This fellowship has been an enriching experience, and it’s taught me so much more than I could have ever imagined. It’s about the power of human connection, the impact of encouragement, and the transformative role of education. Most importantly, it’s about the smiles of these children—their enthusiasm, their energy, and their boundless potential.

With every visit, every lesson, and every smile, I know one thing for sure: I am making a difference in their lives, and that is the greatest victory of all.