Bhubaneswar: A young girl has chosen to dedicate her vacation to teaching underpriviledged children when most of her peers would rather do other activities to entertain themselves.
Deweena Parija, a 17-year-old girl, had come to visit her grandfather here after appearing for her Class XII examination all the way from Lima in Peru where she lives with her mother.
She chose to utilise all her leisure time giving free lessons in technology at two orphanages here - Asha Kiran and Sri Sri Maa Ananda Ashram.
"While teaching there, I realised that they did not have access to the Internet and I found that very astonishing because these days it is very important for kids to know how to use the web," she said.
She discussed the issue with her grandfather who offered her financial support. "I did not want to take any money from him. So, he gave me an idea to approach other schools where I can earn money from teaching," she said.
She finally went to KIIT International School to arrange for funds to accomplish her mission.
"She gave a speech and the principal was very impressed. She began teaching there and took 18 classes a week," said her grandfather Bankim Chandra Hota, a retired banker.
While teaching at the school, she simultaneously took three classes every week at both the orphanages. She earned Rs 20,000 by teaching there for a month.
With the money, she got Internet connection to the orphanages. Not only did she have the facility to the homes, she also took classes and taught the children on how to use the same.
"We have been struggling to get hand-to-mouth sustenance for the kids. A number of people come here to give them chocolates and utility items during special occasions, but on one ever took such initiative. Her help will be remembered forever," said Pratap Kumar Pradhan, founder of Asha Kiran Orphanage.
Parija will leave for Toronto next week to pursue higher studies.
"I want to ensure that the children are adept with the computer systems and make right use of the Internet. I will also keep in touch with them and whenever I am here, I will visit them. The kids at the ashrams are very loving," she said with a smile.
Parija has involved herself with a number of development works. "During the earthquake in Nepal, she gathered around $5000 and sent it to the government there," said her grandfather.
A basketball champion, she has also taken part in a number of international debate competitions.
"I will leave my country with a satisfaction that my efforts would be helpful to needy kids, I would come back here again and take up as many initiatives as I can," she said.
