Jain Spirit 2003 02 No 13

SR No.: 528993
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jain Spirit UK
Publisher: UK Young Jains
Publication Year: 2003
Total Pages: 68
Language: English
Classification: Magazine, UK_Jain Spirit, & UK
File Size: 17 MB

Page 44

YOUTH
rt is sometimes difficult to write about something as close to one's heart as Shishukunj. Considering I've been a member of the organisation since the age of seven you would think that writing a paragraph or two would be a piece of cake. However, when I was asked to write about my involvement with the organisation, it meant having to reflect deeply on all that I had achieved, experienced and become through my experiences with Shishukunj. I came up with a long list full of memories mostly good, some scary, but none of which I would trade for the world.
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CHILD'S PLAY
A member of the Shishukunj family since childhood, Meera Shah talks about the give-and-take relationship she has formed with the organisation
Many people ask me what exactly Shishukunj is and why I am still such an active member. To understand this, one has to understand the ethos of Shishukunj. Ask any active member and one of the words that will immediately come to mind is 'family'. Family and a sense of belonging are central to everything we do at Shishukunj. The aim is to create a disciplined, yet mutually supportive environment where children can develop physically. mentally, spiritually, culturally and socially. The
child is all-important, and the role of the Karyakar often mistaken as that of a teacher is actually that of a big brother or sister. The Karyakar does not instruct the child, but assists his/her development through fun: what we like to call gamat saaathe gnaan learning through fun. The roots of Shishukunj go way back to the early 1940s in Karachi, but the major building blocks were formed in East Africa in the 1950s by a group of young individuals who saw the need to provide an outlet where children could channel their energies into purposeful and fun activities. From East Africa, centres have been formed in several countries all over the world and Shishukunj London, founded in 1976 has evolved from a humble centre (Kendra) in Turnpike Lane to the two formidable Kendras we have today. Based in Brent and Muswell Hill, we have an active membership of well over 400 children aged 6-18.
After about six years of being a Shishukunj member, which involved very little work and a lot of fun, I realised that my involvement was about to change. Instead of simply taking, I needed to also start giving back, especially to the younger members. Thus, over the years, I have accumulated transferable skills such as interacting with children, team building, leadership, managing key activities and undertaking major projects.
Jain Spirit December 2002 February 2003
CHILDS PLAY
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Today I am a Karyakar, someone who has graduated to be a part of the overall active workforce, and also a Kendra Nayak of Muswell Hill. I am involved in the management of the Kendra and in overseeing a young workforce that plans and carries out the activities every Sunday.
Furthermore, a Karyakar has the opportunity to manage other events outside of regular Sunday activities. These include the annual Children's Day (Baal Din) held every autumn close to the birthday of Jawaharlal Nehru, and the annual four-day camp called Jeevan Ghadtar Shibir, where four days of intensive activities help to forge life-long friendships and to create experiences etched in our memories forever. Events such as these involve months of preparation and teamwork, skills that are constantly developed throughout one's life with the Shishukunj.
The results of this input are clearly visible every Sunday when I notice one of the younger members performing a bhajan for the first time, outwitting an opponent with a new tactic during a games session or just greeting you on a Sunday morning with arms outstretched. Without teaching or instructions, you have managed to sow some important seeds, including values such as respect, kindness and trust. It is awe-inspiring to be part of something so close-knit and so rewarding.
Meera Shah has just completed a Masters degree and is embarking on a new career in development. For further details about Shishukunj. contact the London office 020 8459 1545.
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