by Henna Jain
Solutions
Small Changes Make
Big Differences
Carnivals on Campus
Every August since 2022, we have brought the fun to campus with a complete carnival for all 400 kids, teachers and staff to enjoy. Ferris wheel, slides, youth rides, snack stalls, camel rides, burgers and pizza, dancing with live DJ, and fireworks. This is the day that everyone eagerly waits for!
Make-Up & Fashion Classes
The girls expressed to me their secret passion for fashion and modeling. They wanted to learn how to apply make-up. On my visits, I bring a suitcase of make-up supplies and teach classes on beauty and fashion. The girls absolutely love it! Afterwards, we dress up and walk down a 'runway' like fashion models, taking photos like we're superstars!
Redesigning & Furnishing Spaces
One of the large rooms in the girls dorm was vacant and unusable. After interviewing the residents, I found out they wanted a recreational room to study, hang out, play games, and just cool off from the heat. I connected with a local designer and raised funds to furnish the room with all the amenities they wanted. Watch the video
Hearing Tests
My dream is to give the gift of hearing. On one of my visits, I took 10 students to a local clinic to get tested. I was thrilled to know that 5 of them could hear with a hearing aid! I was told that years of speech therapy would be required. While I could have raised funds to cover the costs of hearing technology, the parents could not afford the ongoing expenses of therapy. This is still a project for me - I continue to dream that one day my friends may hear and speak.
Interviewing Students
My first job was to listen to the needs of the students. Where did they come from, how did they arrive at the school, what were their concerns, their hopes, their dreams? Where did they need help? I interviewed many students, and was surprised at their open hearts and outpouring of emotions. I was deeply touched and humbled by their stories. This marked the start of my path: to find solutions to bring comfort and joy to their lives. Watch the interviews.
Research & Planning
At one point, I was overwhelmed. There was so much to be done. How could I, just a kid starting high school, make a difference in the lives of these students, who were now my sisters and brothers? I decided to take small steps, make little changes, and not worry about the rest. Indeed, these small steps led to large leaps, and today, when I look back, I see how far we've come. But there's still more to be done. That's why I started Hearing Hearts, in hopes that you'll join me.
Sports & Field Games
In my interviews with students, the common desire for both the girls and boys was sports, games and instructors. On every visit, I carve out time for the students to learn new games, get exercise and have fun. Even with the summer heat and humidity, we have a great time together. The hardest part is finding an end to the games - there's always a rematch!
Modern Technology
When I first visited the school in 2019, I was too young to understand how basic the education was. Later, I wondered why there weren't any digital boards in the classroom like I had back home. By 2024, we had them installed in every classroom, using school funds, after explaining how technology can significantly improve learning.
Families in Need
This is a family of 30 who live together in a dilapidated brick structure. When I visited them, they spoke up about their greatest needs - medication for a child with kidney disease, a scooter, and a key machine to help them reduce business expenses. I shared their story with my family and friends, and we were able to collect funds for all these needs. We continue to support this family today.
Support for Blind Girls
Blind girls make up a very vulnerable group at the school, needing the most support, guidance and oversight. I spend time with them at each visit, building a trusting bond and giving them a safe platform to speak up about their needs, their doubts, and concerns. Beyond the smiling faces, there's a story to be heard.
Improving Curriculums
Spending time in classrooms over the years, I noticed several areas that needed improvement. Education standards weren't at par with public schools, classes had mixed ages, teachers were not all fluent in sign language, and there was a lack of basic technology. In 2023, we sent a US-based special education teacher to the school who spent a year making improvements to the education standards.
Outings
Students at the school rarely get a chance to venture out on the town. Within a mile or two of campus is a shopping center with cafes, restaurants, and shops, but the school doesn't provide transportation or allow students to leave campus. On my visits, I arrange outings for the older students for coffee, ice-cream, burgers and pizza. It's a change of scene for them and bonding time for me.
Encouragement & Love for Learning
During my teaching opportunities, I had to ensure that every child was encouraged for their unique abilities. I wanted to instill a love for learning and help students focus on their skill sets and passion rather than their disability. I could immediately sense the joy that came from praise and support, fueling their want for further education.
School Safety
We carefully observe safety across the school. At night, the gates to the campus are locked, each dorm has security, and the principal lives on campus. However, there's more to be addressed. I'm advocating for an on-site school nurse, better first-aid kits, and basic medical supplies and medications.
Volunteer Teaching
On my second stay at the school, I was 14 years old when I asked to volunteer as a teacher for deaf students. I had learned Indian sign language and wanted the opportunity to gauge the learning styles and abilities of the classroom. This gave me a wealth of information and placed me on the journey to help improve education standards.
Dance for Deaf Students
Another common request by both girls and boys was for Bollywood-style dance classes. Coincidentally, I've been a dancer all my life, specifically in competitive hip-hop. This was the perfect opportunity to offer dance classes, mixing Eastern and Western styles. I teach during every visit and it becomestheir favorite time of day. Watching these kids perform on Carnival Day, you'll never realize they can't hear.
