eCoexist started work in Awhalwadi in 2017 with the women of the village. In 20204, we decided that we needed to do something for the children of the village too and approached the Zilla Parishad School principle to ask in what ways we could offer our help. The most urgent need was for help with Spoken English and for a library with storybooks. This led to the formation of VASUDHA a natura space for the children, where spoken English could be taught through storytelling. To this we bring in a love for Nature and a sensitivity to all living beings.
VASUDHA, meaning “Earth” in Sanskrit, is a Nature Space initiative dedicated to the children of Ahwalwadi. This program offers a unique opportunity for kids to spend two hours a week immersed in activities that foster a deep connection with nature. Through learning, playing, and singing, the children will explore the wonders of the natural world around them.
At VASUDHA, we believe that nurturing a love for nature from a young age is essential for fostering environmental stewardship. Our mission is to create a joyful and engaging space where children can develop an appreciation for the beauty and intricacies of the environment, while also enhancing their English language skills.
The VASUDHA team that works for the Awhalwadi kids ! Growing with love… with thanks to the support we recieve from all of you !
Our Spoken English and Reading Skills curriculum is designed to enhance the children’s vocabulary and comprehension through engaging, nature-based activities. We review domain-specific words and phrases, particularly those related to science and the environment, to build a strong foundation. By connecting these vocabulary words to real-world examples and scenarios, such as animal preservation and environmental issues, we make learning both relevant and interesting. Just like in nature, where fascinating elements are found at every turn, we encounter new and intriguing words everywhere. This approach helps increase the children’s vocabulary word by word, fostering a deeper understanding of the language and the world around them.
At VASUDHA, we believe in nurturing the holistic development of children, which includes not just intellectual and physical growth, but also emotional and mental well-being. Our Yoga and Meditation sessions are an integral part of this approach, offering children a peaceful and reflective space to develop mindfulness and inner peace. Yoga postures, or asanas, are designed to improve flexibility, strength, and balance. Children enjoy practicing these postures in a fun and supportive environment. For example, they might learn Vrikshasana (Tree Pose) to enhance their balance and concentration. One of the key components of our Yoga sessions is teaching children various breathing exercises. These exercises help them become more aware of their breath and its connection to their emotions and mental state. By practicing controlled breathing, children learn to manage stress and anxiety, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation
At VASUDHA, we use enchanting storybooks from the Kalpavriksh Environment Action Group to teach children about endangered species and foster a love for nature. One engaging activity involved creating a poem on Po the Pangolin, inspired by Sharmila Deo’s storybook. During her visit to Ahwalwadi, Sharmila narrated Po’s story, and the children not only listened intently but also drew pangolins and wrote poems, enhancing their spoken English and artistic skills.
Additionally, creative play is a key part of our program. A memorable activity was making Chitty toys from a simple Corrugated Paper Toy designed by Corugami, which accompanies the Chitty storybook. As the children read about Chitty, they engaged in the toy-making activity, learning assembly and construction skills while fostering patience and perseverance. These activities combine education, creativity, and fun, providing a holistic learning experience for the children.
To accompany the story book Po tricks his foe we brought to the children hand made felt Pangolin toys specially made by a womens group in Jaipur – many of these kids have never seen a pangolin before and this was a delightful session for them.
A Do It Yourself corrugated paper toy was presented to the kids to explore the anatomy of Chitty the dog – where they learnt to assemble the toy piece by piece. Such craft activities complement the reading of the story book and create a memorable experience for the children.
In this edition of Vasudha, the kids at Awhwalwadi learned about bird identification through the book Birds of Pune by Kalpavriksh. The Vasudha team took the children to watch a community of Baya waver birds build their nests, improving their learning through visual aid. The kids enjoyed the interactive session, learning to distinguish the birds by size, colour, beak, feet and eyes.
At VASUDHA, Holi is more than just a festival of colors; it is an opportunity to spread love, joy, and happiness to as many children as possible. This year, we were thrilled to celebrate Holi with the kids at Ahwalwadi using the completely natural RANG DULAAR colors, lovingly made by their mothers for eCoexist.
The RANG DULAAR Holi colors, crafted from completely natural ingredients, ensured that our celebrations were not only vibrant and joyous but also safe for the environment and the children. These colors were sent to several underprivileged children around Pune, including those at Ahwalwadi, Maher Ashram, Vidya Jyoti School, and Nav Kshitij. This gesture extended the spirit of Holi beyond our immediate community, touching the lives of many more children and filling their day with color and happiness.
The children at the VASUDHA Nature Space in Ahwalwadi were enthralled by his demonstration and interaction, learning and experimenting with khadi, led by the passionate Madhavdada Sahasrabuddhe. Sri Madhav Sahasrabuddhe, one of the last few experts in khadi spinning who has been religiously practicing daily for decades, shared Gandhiji’s vision of each Indian learning to spin khadi.
His visit not only provided a hands-on learning experience but also inspired the children with stories of self-reliance and sustainability.
At VASUDHA, we introduced the children of Ahwalwadi to the vibrant rhythms of the djembe, a rope-tuned, skin-covered goblet drum from West Africa. This engaging drum circle session was beautifully conducted by Varun, who brought the magic of African drumming to life.
The children enthusiastically played the drums and sang “Moribayassa,” a traditional song, filling the air with joy and excitement. The session was an hour of smiles, cheerfulness, and the captivating sound of drums, providing a delightful and enriching experience for the kids.
Varun Venkit of TAAL Inc kindly led this session with the children.
To celebrate Earth Day, the children of our VASUDHA club at Ahwalwadi were taken on an enlightening visit to the Gorus Forest Farm, guided by Ashwin Paranjpe. For many of the children, this was their first glimpse into a forest, making it an incredibly memorable and impactful experience. During this visit, the kids were introduced to the principles of organic farming. They learned about sustainable farming practices and how they contribute to the health of the ecosystem. With Ashwin’s guidance, they identified various tree species, enhancing their knowledge of flora and appreciation for biodiversity. The children also experienced the forest environment firsthand and learned about the different types of food that forests provide, gaining an understanding of how to enjoy and respect nature’s bounty.
Additionally, the children explored the habitats of termites and other forest creatures, which led to discussions about food chains and the interdependence of different species within an ecosystem. Ashwin explained the concept of intercropping and its benefits for soil health and crop yield. The children learned about the typography and geography of the forest, understanding how natural landscapes influence farming and habitat formation.
This Earth Day celebration was made possible thanks to the generous contributions of our donors. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Ashwin Paranjpe for hosting us at the Gorus Forest Farm and for sharing his extensive knowledge with the children. The visit was not only educational but also deeply enriching, fostering a greater appreciation for nature among the children. It was a day filled with discovery, learning, and a newfound respect for the environment. Thank you to everyone who helped make this Earth Day celebration a success.
On Guru Purnima, the children of Awhalwadi visited the Vinoba Janmasthan Ashram in Gagode village to offer seva. They immersed themselves in learning how to plant rice, gaining hands-on experience in sustainable farming practices. Additionally, the children participated in communal cooking, working together to prepare meals, which fostered a strong sense of community and teamwork.
The day was further enriched with storytelling sessions about Vinoba Bhave and his vision of Sarvodaya, or universal uplift. Listening to tales of Bhave’s dedication to social justice and non-violence, the children were deeply inspired. They learned about his transformative initiatives, such as the Bhoodan movement, which aimed at achieving social equity and economic justice. This visit provided the children with valuable lessons in community service, sustainable living, and the importance of striving for social equity.
At J E Farms, children participated in an engaging event focused on teaching them how to care for the medicinal plants they received. The session included:
By the end of the event, children walked away with valuable knowledge and a deeper appreciation for the environment, excited to continue nurturing their plants at home.
We need help to continue our work. Volunteers, sponsors, books (from Kalpavriksh), nature toys, and musicians are all welcome. Our VASUDHA club is growing, and we currently have 30 kids participating. Together, we can inspire the next generation to love, respect, and protect our planet.
For more information, contact us at 9049146644.
