VSEC Empowerment Programme at SOS Children’s Village Thrissur

The Vidya Social Empowerment Center (VSEC), a division of Vidya International Charitable Trust, conducted an enriching educational session at the SOS Children’s Village on 12 January 2025. This session, focusing on the mathematical concept of “Sets,” was designed to offer a fun and engaging learning experience for children while simultaneously empowering student volunteers.

Session Overview : The session was led by Dr Siju K C (Head of VSEC, Asso Prof, AS Dept) who was supported by an enthusiastic group of faculty and student volunteers from various engineering disciplines. Among the volunteers were Ms Aswathy Alathu Karunakaran (Asst Prof, AS Dept), Ann Rose Rajan (S6, AIML Dept), Anagha K Sudharsanan (S6, CSE Dept) and Abin C S (S6, ME Dept). The goal of the session was to introduce the fundamental concepts of sets in mathematics to the children at SOS Village through interactive activities

Key Components of the Session:

1. Introduction to Sets:
   • The session began with a simple, clear explanation of what sets are and the different functions within sets.
   • The Volunteers used relatable examples to explain sets and their operations, ensuring that children could visualize the abstract concepts.
2. Interactive Learning through Games:
   • To make the learning process more engaging, the children were divided into small groups. Each group was given objects (such as red and blue colored erasers, sharpeners, pens, and pencils) to represent elements of a set.
   • The volunteers presented children with specific elements as input, and the children worked with the volunteers to determine the corresponding outputs, reflecting different set functions.
   • This hands-on approach allowed the children to grasp the concept of sets by directly interacting with objects, making abstract mathematical concepts tangible.
   • At the end of the activity, Dr.Siju K C and the volunteers provided a thorough explanation of the various sets and functions. This ensured that any doubts were addressed, and the children walked away with a clearer understanding of the topic.

3. Knowledge Sharing on Tornadoes and the Bermuda Triangle:

1. • VSEC student volunteers also took the opportunity to share fascinating scientific facts with the children, introducing them to topics like tornadoes and the Bermuda Triangle.
   • These topics sparked the children’s curiosity and offered an exciting break from the mathematical content, encouraging them to explore more diverse areas of knowledge.
2. Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI):
   • A significant part of the session was dedicated to introducing the children to the concept of AI. The student volunteers explained how AI works in today’s world, showcasing its relevance and application in everyday life.
   • The volunteers acted as ‘AI machines,’ demonstrating how AI processes inputs and generates outputs. This was an engaging way to make complex ideas more understandable for the children.
3. Math-Oriented Games:
   • To further solidify the concepts learned, various math-oriented games were organized which included mathematical musical chair.
   • Through these games, the children were able further enhance their learning experience.

Impact on Participants:

For Student Volunteers:

• Skill Development: The session provided the student volunteers with valuable experience in managing and conducting educational programs.
• Teamwork and Leadership: The volunteers worked collaboratively to plan and execute the session, which promoted a sense of teamwork.
• Community Engagement: The event underscored the importance of community service and educational outreach. The volunteers gained a deeper understanding about giving back to the community by actively engaging in the learning and growth of others.

For SOS Children:

• Enhanced Understanding: The interactive format of the session helped the children better grasp the concepts of sets. By involving them in hands-on activities, they were able to visualize and understand the mathematical principles.
• Increased Engagement: The session was designed to be both educational and entertaining, ensuring that the children remained interested and motivated throughout the session. The games and group activities kept them actively engaged, which made the learning process more enjoyable.
• Confidence Building: The activities helped build the children’s confidence, particularly in their math abilities. Participating in group discussions, solving problems together, and succeeding in the games made the children feel empowered and motivated to continue learning.

Conclusion

The session was a success, benefiting both the student volunteers and the children. The combination of interactive activities, engaging discussions, and educational games created an environment where children could learn mathematical concepts while having fun. The volunteers gained practical teaching experience and developed skills that will serve them in their future careers. Gifts were distributed to the children as a token of appreciation, and the team looks forward to further opportunities to engage with the community.

The Editorial Team of News & Events joins the entire Vidya fraternity in extending hearty appreciations to VSEC Team on the blooming conduct of the session that offers  various activities and events to empower students and aid them become self-directed learners to thrive in ever shifting world !!!