On the colourful morning of February 23, 2024, students from the JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Bangalore, filled the Gerizim Trust’s halls with joy and inventiveness as they began a path of kindness and education, honouring the essence of NGO Day.

Established in 1989, the Gerizim Trust is a tribute to the power of inclusion and service. It is a beacon of hope. Gerizim is a living example of honesty, decency, patience, sincerity, and steadfast dedication. Its wide variety of projects includes special schools, vocational training centres, children’s homes, tuition centres, aid groups, and social development centres.

JD Institute of Fashion Technology‘s “May the Skills Be With You!” initiative gave the kids at Gerizim Rehabilitation Trust a priceless chance to grow in knowledge and skill.

Our visit to the Gerizim Trust was an occasion to celebrate innovation and teamwork. Our students were split up into two groups and participated in two different workshops: one for moulding and the other for embroidery. They enjoyed creating together and imparting their talents to the kids.

The kids were able to explore a variety of aspects of fashion and interior design through the hands-on workshops run by JD students, learning new skills, letting their creativity run wild, and gaining practical knowledge about the design industry. The kids were given the freedom to express themselves creatively and learn useful skills that could lead to future opportunities, such as shaping and stitching techniques.

Students shared their knowledge and skills with children in the embroidery workshop, giving them a variety of stitching skills. In the meantime, the kids used the moulding training to learn how to make plant potters and jewellery trays, utilising their imaginations to create colourful objects.

This practical experience improved their learning while also boosting their confidence and sense of self-worth. It also gave them invaluable tools to help them be resilient and creative in their future endeavours.

Boundaries of ability and language were broken as friendships took root and laughter filled the air. The director of Gerizim Trust, Mr. Joseph Ponraj, acknowledged the transformational power of compassion and teamwork and expressed his gratitude for the meaningful participation.

“JD Insitute has spent the past few years getting to know Gerizim very well. Each year, they bring a group of students to cheer up our kids and teach them simple, achievable skills and activities that pique their curiosity. We are pleased to see that they have brought the same zeal and attention today as well, ensuring that our kids and the JD students will remember this visit.”

After giving a moment’s reflection on the visit, our students expressed their awe at having interacted with the Gerizim Trust children. Their tenacity and excitement greatly moved me. They said, “I am thankful for the opportunity to learn from them and to accompany them on their journey. ” JD put a lot of work into preparing this initiative, and it was wonderful to meet these talented and driven kids. I’m excited for JD to host future events like this.”

Our collaboration with the Gerizim Trust is evidence of the transforming potential of solidarity and service, and it motivates us to keep improving the lives of others.

One of the characteristics that faculty members Mr. Nadeem Suleman Shaikh of the Department of Fashion and Ms. Tejaswini of the Department of Interiors at Gerizim endeavour to inculcate in our students is the willingness to interact and enhance the community mirrored at Gerizim. They are incredibly supportive of the “May the Skills Be With You” campaign and were appreciative of the chance to observe their development and influence firsthand.

We sincerely appreciate the Gerizim Trust’s warm welcome, and we eagerly anticipate more chances to grow, learn, and serve as a team while upholding the values of NGO Day.

As we come to the end of Gerizim Trust’s compassionate and creative journey, we consider the significant influence of programmes like “May the Skills Be With You” on NGO Day.

The JD Institute‘s dedication to promoting creativity and strengthening communities is seen in initiatives like the #JediiiansInitiative. By working together, we have not only given these amazing kids invaluable skills and information, but we have also kindled inspiration and hope in their hearts.

We say farewell to the memories of our time together laughing, learning, and loving each other, knowing that our little actions have had a significant impact on the lives of others. One effort at a time, let’s continue to share our abilities, spread love, and improve the planet until we cross paths again.