During the ongoing pandemic, a lot of day-to-day activities have come to a halt. Education is one of the key sectors that has been affected which has led to the growth of online learning.

A social group, 'Sion Friends Circle', has been helping kids from slums who can't afford these services. This group of 20 volunteers have been doing their part as good Samaritans by distributing free books and stationery.

Ashok Kurmi, the president of the group, spoke about their initiative with Sweety Adimulam from the Free Press Journal.

Less privileged kids are most affected as all schools are shut

The group has time and again taken part in various initiatives in order to contribute to society. Ashok highlighted how the pandemic had been affecting poor kids with regards to learning, especially for those without internet connections.

"In this critical situation, school kids, who are from well to do family have an option of using smartphones and can keep the learning activity ongoing. However, poor kids staying on the pavements and in slums have no smartphones, internet connections and thus are most affected in this pandemic with schools being shut."

During the ongoing lockdown, various educational institutes have begun online classes to keep the kids engaged. However, for those who can't afford the luxury of the same, the group has been helping them with stationery materials and free books.

"For such kids to enable them to continue some of their learning activity, we have provided them with notebooks, writing pads and other stationery items like drawing books, colour pencils, writing material, slate, chalk, etc. so that they can sit and study even without the internet."

We aim to reach out to a maximum number of children

Without taking any outside help, the 'Sion Friends Circle' group has managed to distribute stationery kits to around 1000 children at Sion and many other areas. Having implemented the initiative considerably well, Ashok and his team look forward to reaching out to more kids as schools are yet to open in the city.

"Initially we provided learning material to kids living on pavements at Sion. Later we distributed it to kids living in Dadar, Matunga, Chembur and other areas. It’s just been a week's time that the drive has been launched. Moreover, we aim to reach out to maximum number of children as lockdown has been extended till June 30 and we believe that the schools will not reopen that early as a precautionary measure."

Earlier during the HSC exams this year, the Sion flyover was undergoing repair work. To make sure that the students reached on time for their examinations, the group had also volunteered to pick students from railway stations and bus stops. By such heartwarming deeds and helping others during times of need, the Sion Friends Circle has truly contributed to the society during these difficult times.