Change Magazine September 2017 Issue | Page 42

cross-class empathy . A large and diverse volunteer base of children coming from English medium schools will use drama as a creative medium to enhance the English speaking skills of children at municipal schools and provide meaningful experiences for them .
The Beginning
Jazz Hands , a nonprofit organization , was founded by Arya Diwase and her friend Rastogi while studying for their Freshman Year at New York University . Although they came from privileged backgrounds and were lucky enough to have studied at the premier educational institutions in India , they were aware of the huge gap that existed in the academic and extracurricular inputs being provided by private schools when compared to public schools . Underprivileged children who completed their education from these municipal schools , found it very difficult to compete in the college entrance exams with their counterparts from English medium schools . Thus , a large section of aspirational India , that dreamt of better wages and a better life were doomed to failure .
While competing in NYU Stern School of Business ’ Social Impact award under the Reynolds Programme for Social Entrepreneurship , they put forth their idea of improving the very low levels of self-esteem prevalent in under privileged children . Not only did they aim to improve the children ’ s grasp over spoken and written English but also by teaching them the language through a drama-based methodology that would enhance their freedom of expression . They went on to bag a stipend of 1000 USD for their concept which they decided to initiate as a pilot project in their hometown in Pune , India , by registering a nonprofit organization named Jazz Hands .
Jazz Hands www . jazz-hands . com
Jazz Hands aims at bridging the learning divide that exists between children coming from different sections of society . This is made possible by encouraging children from privileged backgrounds to contribute towards the capacity building of children from underprivileged communities . It hopes to erase the class gap by connecting volunteers attending private schools or colleges with underprivileged children from public schools , resulting in greater
A one-of-a-kind drama-based curriculum has been developed with the help of faculty from Pune and New York University . It is tailored to adhere to the requirements of the curriculum as prescribed by the Education Department for English Language . The main objective of the program is to provide a platform for the volunteers and children to work toward a common goal . It aims to improve both written and spoken English fluency in children and provide an outlet for creative expression which boosts confidence and facilitates selfexploration .
Jazz Hands is able to adapt to the specific needs of partnering schools due to the flexibility of their curriculum which is modified to support the school ’ s existing teaching patterns . This method of collaborative teaching allows Jazz Hands to establish a meaningful bond with their educational partners , ensuring a synergetic relationship that promotes the achievement of learning goals .
A Grand Performance
Every Program culminates in a grand performance on stage by the kids in front of a large audience comprising their parents , family friends , teachers , parents of volunteers , etc . The absolute confidence with which children express themselves , through plays that range from Disney creations to the magical world of Harry Potter is amazing .
Scaling Up
18 Change Magazine September 2017 www . changemag-diinsider . com