At GHS(G) Umuri in Odisha, something remarkable is unfolding in the digital classroom. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of Odisha Rising Foundation (ORF), eVidyaloka, and the generous support of the Infosys Foundation, a group of Class VIII students is discovering the magic of the English language — with a little help from a dedicated Volunteer Teacher halfway across the world.

Mr. Pratik Jena, a passionate young Volunteer Teacher based in Germany, always dreamed of making a difference in the lives of underserved children. That dream found its wings when he volunteered to teach with eVidyaloka. Assigned to GHS(G) Umuri, he took on the mission of teaching English to eager young minds who had limited exposure to the language.

When Mr. Pratik first began his classes, he noticed the students were hesitant — struggling with reading and writing even simple sentences. But instead of being discouraged, he responded with patience, kindness, and a spark of creativity. Through a mix of games, jokes, and storytelling, he slowly turned the virtual classroom into a lively, welcoming space where learning became fun and accessible.

Week by week, the transformation was visible. Students who once stayed silent now participated eagerly, confidently sharing their thoughts and attempting conversations in English. Mr. Pratik encouraged them to dream bigger — asking them to write and narrate their own stories, giving them a voice they never thought they had.

The real magic of these online classes was their interactivity. Students could ask questions in real-time, just like in a traditional classroom, and get their doubts cleared immediately. The combination of technology, dedication, and compassion bridged the gap between continents, creating a genuine learning experience that touched hearts and changed lives.

This incredible journey wouldn’t have been possible without the ever-supportive Class Assistant, Subhasmita Sahoo, under the leadership of Headmaster Rajkishore Paikray. Together, they have built a pathway to opportunity for these young learners — proving once again that education knows no boundaries.

Here’s to every hand that helped shape these brighter futures. And to Mr. Pratik Jena, whose digital classes truly became a bridge to a brighter tomorrow.