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Art is more than just drawing. How art helps children believe in themselves and rediscover their inner strength.
 When I joined I Light Global, one of the things that moved me most was seeing the photos and stories that teachers and volunteers share from their art lessons with migrant children. I haven’t been in the classroom myself, but I often look at the children’s drawings and each post feels something truly special. You can see joy, pride, and a quiet confidence shining in those young eyes. And that made me think deeply about how art helps children build self-esteem, how something as simple as a drawing can become a step toward believing in themselves again.
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Art, a way of connection between migrant children and the volunteers.  Introduction: I Light Global is a U.S.-based charity founded by Dr. Rajeev and renowned Indian artist Dalip Chandolia, beginning with art projects for children who were out of school. The initiative was initially met with skepticism, as using art to encourage children to return to education was a new and experimental idea.
When I first met with Dr. Rajeev and Tatiana at I Light Global, Dr. Rajeev explained that some people doubted the value of the art lessons offered to migrant children, not because the lessons or methods were lacking, but because they believed the children should focus on learning to read and count. Of course, reading and math are essential for any child’s education, but art also holds a special place in nurturing creativity and emotional growth. After witnessing firsthand the beautiful, caring, and inspiring work the volunteers and teachers were doing with the children, I was deeply moved. That experience inspired me to write this article.  Today at the I Light Global Star branch, Disha and I, under the guidance of Rekha Ma’am, narrated a story to the migrant children about Sonali Das, who is a volunteer in Kolkata. We told the children about her and motivated them to focus on good education and good behavior.
Blog by Tatiana Captari  Meet the Star ⭐ ️branch!
Entering an NGO is very similar to entering a new company. During the onboarding phase one feels excited, but also a bit lost. Every now and then I felt I needed a dictionary, a map, and a guide into Indian festivals. New words that needed sorting appeared in my vocabulary : “branch”, “migrant children”, “Himanchal Pradesh”, “Rakhi”, “labourer”, “public system”. I Light Global offers volunteer opportunities, particularly in providing free online education to underprivileged children. Their programs focus on empowering children in education, health, character development, and economic opportunity.   That's wonderful! The Ocean project in Himachal is doing amazing work in supporting children with limited access to education. Sudarshana, Saroj, and Rekha's initiative to create a community school just 6 months ago is already making a significant impact, aligning with I Light Global's mission of providing free education.
The Diwali festival was celebrated with great enthusiasm, where children showcased their talents through rangoli, dance, and song performances. All the children received gifts, including t-shirts, socks, and pants, and were visibly happy. Migrant children participated in the festival alongside their parents, displaying their cultural heritage and traditions. The event allowed them to reminisce about their homeland, make new friends, and create lasting memories. Today, I had the profound privilege of virtually visiting a street school in Haryana, organized by I-Light Global, where migrant children—who often face exclusion from the formal education system due to lack of residency proofs—are given a rare chance to learn and grow. This small but vibrant school, nestled under the trees, is not just about academic education; it’s a space where these children are being taught invaluable life skills, societal values, and ethics that are often overlooked in many other educational systems.
One of the most impactful aspects of this school is the emphasis on values like humility, respect, and empathy. These young minds are being taught not only to excel academically but also to embody the values that shape them into compassionate and responsible citizens. These are qualities that, sadly, are often lacking in highly educated children who might not have the same sense of community or respect for others. The children here are being molded into young individuals who understand the importance of kindness and integrity. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
November 2025
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