I once came across an essay topic, which is very relatable till date, ‘Robots: Future Slaves or Dictators?’  Well, we all are aware of the establishing regime that technology has been creating over the past few years. Gone are those days when kids were the primary source of din in amusement parks or in the gallis playing cricket with a Cosco ball. Barbie dolls and remote-control cars are no longer the fancy gifts that children demand for their birthdays. Instead they would rather gloat and brag about their new gadget(s). Sketching and creating stories in ones leisure time have become obsolete modes of entertainment in the dictionary of children today. Technology is, perhaps, a monster in disguise, slowly taking over the lives of people and narrowing their creativity. Social interaction is no longer physical but virtual. People have more friends on Facebook than in real life.

This ‘90s kid angst (mine!) was toned down to a large extent when I went down to Southend Park. The centre, run by the NGO Anandan, is the latest addition to the Share Stories Open Minds programme and it was their first session.

Vatsala, the PeaceWorks volunteer at the centre, decided that playing games would be a perfect icebreaker for the kids. The session started with the kids introducing themselves. They literally jumped with excitement as soon as they heard that they were about to play some indoor games. Three rounds of games were played simultaneously after which the kids showed no signs of exhaustion. One of the games played was a variation of ‘Zip, Zap, Zoom’, substituted with colours, and the other a follow the leader game ( a take on Columbian Hypnosis). These games not only act as great ice breakers, but also allow the children to become more confortable with the space that they are in, using creativity and imagination.

They were bubbling with energy and enthusiasm and wished that the games lasted longer. Their joyous visages reflected how much they enjoyed themselves that afternoon. After the sessions they thanked Vatsala for making it such a fun-filled afternoon.

This session left me copiously happy and gave me a sense of hope that after all, technology might have some competition: human will. It cannot battle against a group of bubbly and lively children are willing to play all day, when time and exhaustion are the least of their worries.

– Shreyashee Roy

PeaceWorks Intern