Lighting the Summer Spark!

“Summer is boring akka..!”

A third-grader hit me with that in the last week of April, her voice a mix of resignation and a plea. In her world, summer vacation had settled into a familiar, monotonous rhythm: “Play, Eat, Sleep, Repeat.”

As a JSW Foundation Fellow working in the 8 villages of Mecheri Block, I had noticed a similar pattern. For many children, their downtime, once filled with the shouts of kabaddi and the clatter of 7 stones, was now silent, illuminated by the glow of a mobile screen. My observation was that nearly 50% of their free time was spent on phones.

The question lingered. “What to do, akka (sister)?”

That question sparked an idea. An idea that grew into a program we called “Summer Spark.” It wasn’t about creating another summer class or forcing studies on them during their holiday. My heart was set on something different: what if we could make learning genuinely, irresistibly fun? What if we could share some of our favorite hobbies and, in doing so, light a small fire of curiosity in them?

With the incredible support of my implementation partner, iVolunteer, and a team of passionate local volunteers, we reached out to children across five villages—Pottaneri, M. Kalipatti, Kuttapatty, and others in the Mecheri panchayats.

The first day, amidst the excitement, came the inevitable, skeptical question: “Leave liyum padikanuma akka?” (Do we have to study during our holidays too, sister?). It was a fair question! But our adventure was designed to be anything but a typical class. We built it on three core pillars: Speak Up, Skill Up and Get Ahead.

Speak Up! Finding Their Voice in English..

Our first mission was to help the children find their voice. For many, English was a subject in a textbook, not a living language. We started simply. Each child received a diary and a pen, and we introduced them to the idea of writing “Summer Goals.” You wouldn’t believe their lists! They wrote, in English, goals that ranged from “I will drink more water” and “I will help my parents” to “I will learn 5 new words daily” and “I will read 2 storybooks.” This small exercise gave them a sense of purpose and ownership over their summer.

We filled their hands with simple, colorful storybooks. The goal wasn’t just to read but to imagine. And did they ever! I must have heard at least 20 wonderfully creative versions of classic crow stories, each one unique and bursting with personality. Soon, they were not just narrating but creating their own skits, their initial shyness melting away as they brought their ideas to life, improving their pronunciation and confidence with every performance. The best part? I’d see them gathering on their own, without any prompting, huddled together, reading, finding new words, and even calling me to show off what they’d learned!

Skill Up! Navigating the Digital World Safely

Remember that 50% screen time? We had to address it. The “Skill Up” sessions were honest conversations about the digital world. We talked about cyber safety, how to identify online threats, and the importance of kindness online. We had open discussions about smartphone addiction, reflecting on how it impacts mood, sleep, and concentration.

The children created powerful posters with slogans like “Think Before You Click” and “Less Screen, More Life.” The impact was immediate. Parents shared that their children were not only spending less time on mobile phones but were starting conversations at home about responsible digital use. They were becoming the tech guides for their own families.

Get Ahead! Daring to Dream

Finally, we wanted to broaden their horizons. “Get Ahead” was all about planting the seeds of aspiration. We watched documentaries on the life journeys of inspiring figures like Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and Mary Kom, discussing the resilience and hard work it takes to achieve great things.

The highlight was the Vision Board activity. Each student created a personal board filled with words, drawings, and goals that reflected their dreams. For many, it was the first time they were ever asked to think intentionally about their future. The conversation shifted from a passive “What should I become?” to an active, exciting “What excites me?” and “Where do my talents lie?” It was a powerful moment, watching them map out a future they could shape for themselves.

The New Cycle: A Fire of Learning

Over one month, our little spark grew, reaching over 400 children across eight villages. We transformed community centers into creativity corners and libraries into vibrant learning hubs. We even established a permanent “Children’s Corner” at the Mecheri Community Library, donating new books to ensure the learning continues long after the summer ends.

The change was palpable. The old cycle of “Play, Eat, Sleep, Repeat” was replaced by a new one: “Story reading, Diary Writing, Playing Outside, Eat, Sleep, and REPEAT!”

This experience reinforced my deepest belief: education isn’t just about textbooks and exams. It’s about creating joyful, inclusive spaces where children feel inspired to explore and grow. It’s about seeing that “smile of intelligence”; that quiet pride a child feels in their own learning journey.

That’s the magic, isn’t it? Learning is fun. And it was an absolute joy to see that spark ignite in each and every one of them. This is just the beginning. With continued effort and nurturing spaces, these sparks will become flames. And together, we will keep the fire of learning alive.