Media Release
Mangaluru, Dec 17: The ‘We Care’ Volunteers of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru, organized a 3-day rural immersion camp in Inaamniralgi Village, Hangal, Haveri District from November 23 to 25. A total of 34 students under the guidance of staff members, Claren Serrao and Gopika, participated in this camp. This camp focussed on community engagement, cultural exchange, and service activities to foster understanding of rural development challenges. The camp emphasized direct interaction with villagers through family stays, school improvement projects, and joint cultural events, etc.
During the camp, an informative session led by Fr Jason Pais, who discussed the local people’s lives and the developmental aid provided to uplift villages through various programs. The group reconvened to begin painting the village school, a hands-on service project that beautified the facility and involved student collaboration. The students put up cultural programs for the villagers where the students performed dances, singing, and drama, while local kids reciprocated with their own dance presentations. These outreach efforts not only built community connections but also highlighted the students’ commitment to inclusive participation.
The volunteers worked side by side with villagers to remove and sort rice straws. This hard work helped the farmers and let students learn about daily farm life in the village. The volunteers ran fun sessions for the children with games, action songs, and stories to keep them happy and learning. Some students painted bright art on the school walls to make it more fun and attractive for the kids. After the wall painting, Later, the group headed to a dam in a nearby village by the tractor. They enjoyed the pretty views, watched the sunset, and then headed back to their homes as the day ended.
The director of Loyola Vikas Kendra visited the school. The school committee and villagers held a small felicitation to honor the director and Gopika. This was followed by short talks, an oath-taking, and a cultural show with dances and songs by the volunteers.
The We Care volunteers from St Aloysius University started Day 3 of the rural camp in Inaamniralgi Village, Hangal. The 34 students, led by Clarence Serrao and Gopika, woke up in their host homes. They played Lagori, a fun game, with the village kids to start the day with laughter and energy.
Some volunteers kept painting the walls, while others joined a staff member to explore the area. They saw local cow race practices, visited a nearby lake, and walked through fields to learn about the rural environment and daily life. Finishing work and good byes everyone came together to finish the painting and cleanup quickly, as they had to leave soon. Back at the houses, they had lunch, packed bags, and said emotional goodbyes to the villagers with hugs and photos. The bonds formed during the camp made the farewell touching.
The three-day rural camp ended with happy memories of service, fun, and new friendships in Hangal’s villagers.