Just outside the Azadpur metro station in Delhi, the street hums with the quiet energy of ambition. Rows of tuition centres line the road, each one a testament to the aspirations of children and youth. In cities like Delhi, it’s common for parents to send their children to tuition centres from an early age, as many work long hours and are unable to support their children’s learning at home.

Tucked away in one of the narrow lanes of Azadpur, inside one such centre, Pratham is running CAMaL Ka Camp—a summer initiative that brings activity-based learning to children in local communities, helping them strengthen their language and math skills. At the heart of this effort are young volunteers who not only set up these camps but also lead them with dedication and enthusiasm.

Two such volunteers are Vivek, a first-year B.A. (Political Science) student, and Mansi, a Grade 11 science student. Instead of enjoying their summer break, they are helping children catch up on their foundational learning skills.

Teaching has long been a passion for Vivek. He teaches at this tuition centre run by his brother, but at CAMaL Ka Camp, he is doing things a little differently. He is using activities and games to help children read fluently with comprehension, express their thoughts both orally and in writing, and develop analytical and math skills.

“Simple tools have made a big impact—like using a paper clock to teach children how to tell time. I joined CAMaL Ka Camp because I wanted to help children learn in fun and creative ways, like using cartoons to teach numbers. When I draw or make something, the children gather around with excitement. Once, I made a simple model, and they sat in a circle, eager to learn. I’ve also picked up new teaching techniques along the way,” Vivek shares with excitement.

For Mansi, the camp has been a journey of growth. From helping children recognise letters and read basic Hindi to introducing punctuation and three-letter words, she has guided many early learners through their first steps in literacy.

“At first, some children struggled to even identify letters. A few didn’t come regularly, and some were very shy. But slowly, we found a rhythm,” she says. “We used the teaching material provided, and the children began reading more at home too. Even their parents noticed the change.”

The experience has left a lasting impact on both of them. Mansi now plans to pursue a career in medicine and continue supporting children who face academic challenges. Vivek, on the other hand, hopes to become a professor after completing his degree and continue mentoring students just as he has this summer.