Couple brings adventure to life of inmates

KOZHIKODE: At first, they thought it was just another boring class, however, when they realised there were no classes or powerpoint presentations and the programme was all about fun games, they were energetic than ever. The inmates of girls and boys homes at Vellimadukkunnu are holding a two-day adventurous learning programme ‘Hero’s Journey’ to develop their leadership qualities and training in better facing their challenges. A couple, Rinju and Sandeep, is conducting the programme supported by Delhi-based OD Alternatives, a company giving training in leadership qualities and skill development for corporate and education sectors for the past two decades.

Mr Kumar said the idea came from the ‘Compassionate Kozhikode’ project of the district administration. “We have been giving training to students between 8-12 standard across the state and from outside on how to better face a crisis in life and solve conflicts,” he told DC. “Even an academically brilliant child finds it hard to face a real life situation and fails to cope up with the crisis. We are giving training for them to deal with such circumstances. We receive a good number of students from across the state for training through adventure activities. However, there would be students with leadership qualities from the lower strata of the society who cannot afford the training charges. That’s how we thought of conducting a free training programme here.”

“At first, they were very rigid, but as the training progressed they were totally involved,” he added. Since the inmates are coming from different backgrounds compared to other children, we are employing unique training methods for them. At present, a 30-member batch is getting training and in coming days, other inmates will also be covered. “It was fun participating in the game. At first, I thought I couldn’t climb the tree, but the trainers gave me confidence, and I did it well,” said an inmate.