In the rural schools around Shreeramnagar, Andhra Pradesh, something remarkable is taking shape. Students aren’t just learning math and science—they’re learning to believe in themselves. This added dimension comes through the efforts of four Leo Clubs of District 316A: Shreeramnagar SGS, Shreeramnagar SRJ, Shreeramnagar SDS, and Shreeramnagar Pride, all sponsored by the Shreeramnagar Lions Club.
Actively participating in the Lions Quest program, the Leos of Shreeramnagar have brought this life-changing initiative to more than seven villages. There cannot be better ambassadors for Social Emotional Learning (SEL) than young people who understand the challenges of adolescence, the peer pressure and the struggle to find one’s voice.
The Leos have motivated more than 2,000 children through the Lions Quest program and also engaged with parents. International Lions leaders like PIP Frank Moore, International First Vice President Mark Lyon, and International Director Guy-Bernard Brami visited the Lions Quest program conducted by the Leos of Shreeramnagar and interacted with them.
Service in Shreeramnagar extends well beyond the classroom. On Constitution Day, the Leos planted 1,000 saplings. They organised diabetes and child-health awareness sessions for schoolchildren and conducted plastic awareness drives in both schools and villages.
They also step in when individual students need support. A seventh-grade child who walked long distances to school now cycles on a new bicycle presented by the Leos. A first-year B.Tech student, Charmika, received a DELL computer to help her with her studies.
On October 2, hospital patients were offered fruits and snacks, and schoolchildren received notebooks, stationery, and English dictionaries.For the Leos of Shreeramnagar, this is just the beginning. As they continue to strengthen classrooms and communities, they’re learning as much from the people they meet as they give back.
A special mention must be made of Ballijapali Ravi, President of Shreeramnagar Lions Club and District Quest Chairperson, the driving force behind the Leo Clubs of Shreeramnagar.