"Sir, please don't make him sit close to us; he stinks a lot, moves around like a mad kid, always walks dirty, plays in the mud and hardly ever takes a bath," the tuition children used to say these things about Ronak. During one of the house visits, the villagers asked me why I had allowed a mad kid to sit with sane kids at the tuition centre. My heart broke when I learned that they spoke about Ronak, a 10-year old boy who comes to our tuition classes.
Ronak's family lives in a shack. They do not have the means to meet their necessities. Electricity is a luxury to them that they cannot imagine having since Ronak's father can hardly make ends meet. Ronak has a problem with fits (1) and, at times, cannot remember things. This is the reason for his incompetency in his class at the government school, as conveyed to me by his parents. Despite that, Ronak never missed school since it was there that he ate his afternoon meal. After school, he came to our tuition classes every day.
Ronak was one of the weakest kids in the class, unable to read or write, though he had reached Grade Three. Although many people, both villagers and other students had said many things about him, I knew we couldn't give up on him. In that moment, I knew what I was to do. I had to express more love to help this child open up. Enacting our mission statement which says "To bring dignity, beauty, and justice by alleviating poverty." I knew that this child deserved the same dignity and justice to get education as all of the other children. And it was going to happen here in our very own tuition centre.
As I began the magical language of love and gave him respect in front of the other kids, I saw changes in Ronak. It took him over a month to make eye contact when I spoke to him or gave him homework. But being persistent in my behaviour with him, I saw Ronak being serious about his studies. He finished his homework on time and would ask for more work. Gradually, I observed Ronak wearing a smile on his face as he came to class. He has learned to follow instructions and comes neatly dressed to the class these days.
Taking a shower is still challenging for him, but Ronak has learnt to make better choices and has found hope in life through our small tuition centre. He has made friends now, and no one makes fun of him anymore. He still has a long way to go, but the changes have begun. Once again, I stand amazed at how a small act of kindness can bring such a noticeable change in life.
His smile still brightens my day, as radiant as the sun. I am sure Ronak will grow up to become a great person in life, just as his name implies.
Written by Ritesh
1 - Fits are sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain. It can cause changes in your behavior, movements, feelings, and levels of consciousness.
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