Winter Warmth by Soroptimist International of Calcutta

On January 19, 2025, Soroptimist International of Calcutta organised “Winter Warmth” at a park along the boulevard in Southern Avenue. The event was crafted to offer educational and interactive experiences for children and young adults from underprivileged backgrounds who participate in the organisation’s online teaching initiatives.

This event marked the first collaboration between Soroptimist International of Calcutta and Loreto College, Kolkata, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two institutions. The MoU symbolises their shared commitment to fostering education, social development, and community engagement.

Representatives from Loreto College, comprising eight students from the Departments of English, History, Education, and Political Science, actively participated in the proceedings. Each department contributed two students who led various activities centred around the theme of “Waste and Waste Segregation.”

The event commenced with an enlightening address by a guest speaker proficient in botany, offering insights into suitable plants for cultivation and those to be avoided. Emphasis was placed on the ecological significance of plants and their pivotal role in environmental preservation. Subsequently, goody bags containing books, stationery, and provisions were distributed among the attending children.

Loreto College students orchestrated captivating activities for the 25 participating children, encompassing a diverse age spectrum. The Department of English presented a skit illustrating the significance of waste segregation. The Department of Education coordinated an interactive educational game. The Department of History conducted a session outlining the best practices for waste segregation. The Department of Political Science organised a quiz focused on waste management and segregation.

The event culminated with the distribution of certificates to the children, recognising their participation in an essay competition and a photography contest. Additionally, the contributions of Loreto College students were duly acknowledged by the organisers.

The “Winter Warmth” initiative proved highly successful, fostering educational enrichment, creativity, and community involvement. It underscored the potential for synergistic collaborations between academic institutions and esteemed organisations such as Soroptimist International of Calcutta to create enduring positive changes in the lives of underprivileged children. This inaugural collaboration post-MoU demonstrated the tangible benefits of this partnership in advancing shared goals.