Hello again!
I often find myself ruminating on the beauty of anticipation - and how it is sometimes just as exhilarating as the awaited event itself. Our much-anticipated field visit finally came to fruition! We set out for Pune bright and early last Tuesday, and after a brief meeting with the wonderful team there, embarked on our first group discussion just an hour away from Baner, Pune.
The journey began with our older group of participants, those above 30. With a significant turnout, day one was teeming with lessons, especially regarding refining our FGD design. With insights from the local team, we tailored our questions to better suit the local ethos.
Day two saw us engrossed in discussion with younger alumni. Their enthusiasm was infectious, with a turnout so high that we found ourselves steering through the eagerness of over 10 participants!
Satara was our next destination. A mere 2.5 hours from Baner, Pune, our third session here was with the younger group. Their fervor was unparalleled; their voices blending in eager chatter, their faces lit up with the thrill of sharing. As they conversed in Marathi, I didn't need a translation to gauge their excitement. The cherry on top? The heartfelt photo sessions post-discussion!
Our final day in Satara involved another extensive discussion with the older group. By the end of the week, we had engaged with 37 participants over four sessions, and the learnings were profound. Some key takeaways were:
The immediate, tangible impact of the program on participants.
The unwavering commitment of the faculty and state team - going beyond education to support their students.
The emotional resonance of these sessions - providing a safe space for the alumni to share experiences that they had never previously articulated.
Each session left an indelible mark, and it was immensely heartwarming to witness the impacts of the Second Chance program.
Outside the rigorous discussions, our culinary adventures were equally rewarding. The Pratham team introduced us to a gastronomic haven in Pune, where the decor mirrored the culinary delights. If I could, I'd linger in Pune, soaking in its warmth a tad bit longer. But duty calls, and Delhi beckons!
Until next time, signing off with gratitude and renewed vigor!
Warm regards,
Safira
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