Community Engagement Program (CEP) 2024 : Empowering Minds, Building Communities, and Creating Memories.

Manava Bharati International School’s Community Engagement Program (CEP) 2024 embarked on a transformative journey from December 21st to 25th, leaving a lasting impact on both students and the local communities they engaged with. The initiative, designed to foster critical thinking, empathy, and environmental awareness, saw students and faculty come together in an enriching exploration of social issues, culture, and conservation.

Pre-CEP Orientation with Parents

The journey began with a well-organized pre-CEP orientation on 7th December that offered parents a comprehensive overview of the program. Led by Mentor Rajeshwar Mishra, Director Pradeep Kumar Mishra, and CEP Coordinators Amit Sarkar and Atul Anand, Facilitators Deepti Sharma and Divya Sharma the session highlighted the goals of the program, including real-world learning experiences in Buxa, Jalpaiguri, West Bengal. The pre-program workshop set the tone for what would be an eye-opening and impactful experience.

Pre-CEP Workshops: December 10th and 19th, 2024

Workshop 1: Pre-Community Engagement Workshop with Students (December 10th)

On December 10th, 2024, a workshop was held for the students, where they were introduced to the core values and objectives of the Community Engagement Program by Mentor Rajeshwar Mishra. This workshop aimed to prepare students for the upcoming activities and adventures, focusing on building skills such as empathy, leadership, communication. Students were given detailed information about the villages, wildlife reserves, and Bhutanese culture, which they would explore during the program

Workshop 2: Pre-CEP Workshop for Students (December 19th)

A follow-up workshop on December 19th was organized to provide a deeper understanding of the program and to ensure that students were ready for the hands-on

activities in the community. This session by Mentor Rajeshwar Mishra focused on the practical aspects of the CEP, such as the nature walk, conservation initiatives, and sports competitions. The students were divided into two teams, each led by experienced coordinators Amit Sarkar, Atul Anand and Facilitators Deepti Sharma and Divya Sharma.These teams would compete in various tasks, fostering a sense of teamwork and unity throughout the program.The students. Students were encouraged to reflect on the values of empathy, kindness, and inclusion, with an emphasis on building positive relationships with the local communities they would engage with. This workshop served as the final preparation before the main events began

From Tracks to Trails: CEP 2024 kicks off on the iconic Vande Bharat Express

The students and their mentors departed Patna Junction on December 21, boarding the Vande Bharat Express, heading towards New Jalpaiguri. The journey was filled with excitement and camaraderie, as participants shared meaningful conversations and bonded over the shared goal of learning and growth. Upon arrival at the CDHI Campus, the students began their immersive experience, which included educational excursions, cultural exchanges, and hands-on involvement with wildlife conservation efforts.

DAY 1

Buxa Tiger Reserve: Connecting with Nature (DAY 1)

Day 1 of the CEP took the students to the breathtaking Buxa Tiger Reserve, where they explored the rich biodiversity of the area. With guidance from local expert Raunaq Ghosh from the Rajabhatkhawa Vulture Breeding Center, the students gained valuable insights into wildlife conservation efforts, particularly the protection of vultures. A session on leadership and environmental stewardship inspired students to reflect on their role in safeguarding nature.

Vulture Conservation Awareness Session (Day 1)

A highlight of the CEP journey, the Vulture Conservation Awareness Session at the Rajabhatkhawa Vulture Breeding Center introduced students to the critical role of vultures in the ecosystem. Led by expert Raunaq Ghosh, the session shed light on the alarming decline in vulture populations due to habitat loss and poisoning. Students gained insights into the center’s efforts to breed and rehabilitate vultures, fostering a sense of responsibility toward preserving biodiversity. The day ended with a bonfire gathering, where students, teachers, and mentors

exchanged stories and lessons learned during the day’s adventures.Local storytellers Indrashankar Thapa and Vikash Thapa provided invaluable insights into the region’s natural heritage, further enriching the students’ understanding of conservation efforts.The atmosphere was filled with energy and a sense of community as everyone reflected on the importance of preserving the environment. This hands-on learning experience inspired participants to reflect on the importance of conservation and their role in safeguarding nature’s balance.

DAY 2

Exchange and Cultural Community Engagement at Lepchaka Village: The Heart of Engagement

The core of the CEP was the students’ engagement with the Lepchaka community. Through interactive activities, students gained insight into the village’s traditions, challenges, and daily life. Visit to Lepchaka Village and a cultural exchange with local communities gave students the opportunity to learn about the traditions and lifestyle of the region’s indigenous people. Initiatives included:

Cultural Exchange: Students participated in traditional dances and rituals, forging meaningful connections with the villagers. 

Listening Sessions: Students listened to stories from local elders, gaining an understanding of the region’s history and values. 

Sports and Unity: A Victory of Benevolence One of the standout moments of the CEP was the football match between the Manava Bharati International School team and the Buxa Board Free School team. The friendly match was a testament to the spirit of sportsmanship and cultural unity. Esteemed guests, including mentor Rajeshwar Mishra, director Pradeep Kumar Mishra, principal Anupam Mishra, and local leaders like Lalsingh Bhujel (convener, Buxa Development Campaign) and Arun Kumar Rai (secretary, Suntalabari Gram Sabha), witnessed this heartwarming event that showcased how sports can bring people together.

DAY 3

Exploring Bhutan: A Cultural Journey:Day 3 was a highlight of the trip, as the group

ventured into Bhutan. The students explored serene monasteries, admired the stunning landscapes, and gained a deeper understanding of Bhutanese culture. The journey provided a rich cultural experience, with students learning about Buddhism and Bhutan’s spiritual traditions, which were reflected in their interactions with local monks and residents.

DAY 4

Celebrating Christmas and Farewell

The final day of the program was marked by a festive celebration as the students bid farewell to their adventure-filled journey. A Christmas celebration added warmth and joy to the conclusion of the program, with Santa Claus making a special appearance, spreading cheer among the participants. A delicious Christmas cake, shared memories, and heartfelt goodbyes wrapped up a successful and memorable Community Engagement Program.

As the team boarded the train for the return journey to Patna, the students reflected on their experiences—each moment filled with learning, connection, and growth. The Community Engagement Program 2024 has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in shaping the students into responsible, compassionate individuals ready to contribute positively to society.

About Manava Bharati International School:

Manava Bharati International School, located in Patna, is committed to providing a wellrounded education that nurtures the intellectual, emotional, and social growth of its students. Through initiatives like the Community Engagement Program, the school aims to create leaders who are empathetic, socially responsible, and equipped with the skills to navigate and impact the world positively.

http://www.mbispatna.org