In the heart of Mumbai, a group of dedicated young volunteers from the Kids4Kids (K4K) program embarked on a transformative journey this summer. Their mission? To bridge the digital divide and empower underprivileged students with vital computer skills at the Light of Life Trust (LOLT).
The K4K interns, traveling at their own expense, brought knowledge of essential applications like Google Suite and Canva and also a passion for creating lasting impact.
This initiative, part of our Educate 2 Success (E2S) program, is more than just a teaching experience – it’s a testament to the power of youth-led change and the impact of digital literacy in today’s world. What makes this program truly special is its continuity and growth. In fact, some students who participated in previous years have gone on to college, actively using the skills they learned through K4K. And our interns this year hope to continue inspiring that momentum.
Voices of Impact: Testimonials from K4K Interns and LOLT Students
The experiences shared by both the K4K interns and LOLT students paint an exciting and hopeful picture of mutual growth, learning, and inspiration. You can learn more from these participants with the testimonials below.
“Prior to the pandemic, students from a previous committee planned and took a trip to Light of Life Trust in India to teach students there firsthand and see the impact of their fundraising. Until last summer, the pandemic stopped the committee from revisiting. However, I restarted the program last year with a group of 8 volunteers educating 40 students on how to use computers and teaching them different forms of art. This summer, two separate groups participated in the program, educating around 50 students at LOLT, or Light of Life Trust in Worli, India. K4K’s fundraising efforts are allocated towards educating the underprivileged children of India, including the students at Light of Life Trust.
This summer, Anya and I volunteered at LOLT for the first week of the program. We taught the students how to use different computer applications. In addition, we quizzed them every day on what they learned (the students’ favorite part) and played fun games throughout the week.The experience was unforgettable and seeing the students so excited to learn new lessons every day was heartwarming. I met some returning students from last year’s program, and was excited to hear that some students had gone to college and were using the applications we showed them last year at their colleges. Teaching and talking to the students gave me incredible insight into their lives. It really showed me the need for proper technological education in India, especially as we enter a technological age.” – Rhea Shah, K4K President
“I went to LOLT for the first time to teach the kids this summer and showing them how to use the computer applications and activities was a special experience and truly humbling. All the kids were fun to work with, and I was able to see another side of the world which I don’t get to see in my day to day life. I’m so happy I decided to volunteer for the week and get a chance to build connections with all the kids. I am looking forward to going again and having other opportunities like this through SCF.” – Anya Shah, Project Fundraising Coordinator
“Teaching the students at the Lite of Light in India was such an enriching experience. Watching each of them learn new skills, like creating their own resumes and navigating apps like Canva, was truly inspiring. Their improvement in reading skills was particularly impressive. Seeing the curiosity and excitement in their eyes made it even more special as they engaged with what we were teaching. Some students were especially intrigued with learning AI on various apps like Canva and PowerPoint. The collaborative spirit among them was heartwarming as they supported each other along the way. It was a joy to witness such passion for learning and growth.” – Shanaya Parikh, Secretary of SCFK4K
The impact wasn’t lost on the LOLT students either.
“I enjoyed learning all of the applications such as Google Sheets and Google Documents. I learned two new games as well – hangman and making origami fortune tellers.” – Vikrant, an LOLT student
“I found it nice when you came. I enjoyed learning new things. I enjoyed the games.” – Sanjana, an LOLT student
Continuing the Journey of Empowerment
The success of this summer’s K4K internship program at LOLT is just the beginning. With 5,000 already raised towards a goal of 20,000 this year, Share & Care Foundation is poised to expand its impact. But we need your help to reach our target and continue providing underprivileged children in India with the tools and opportunities they need for a brighter future.
By becoming a K4K member or donating to the cause, you’re not just supporting a program – you’re investing in the dreams and potential of countless young minds. Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to bridging the digital divide and creating a more equitable world.
Join us in this transformative journey. Together, we can empower the next generation with the skills they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world. Your support today can change a life forever.