My name is Ronshan, and I am currently studying in Class VIII at a government school, Tamil Nadu. Though I was born and raised here in India, my family is originally from the Mannar District in Sri Lanka. In 1990, due to the civil war, my parents fled the country by boat and sought refuge in India. Since then, we have been living in Uchapatti Camp, Madurai District. My father now works as a plumber, and my mother takes care of our home.

For the past four years, I have been attending the Complementary Education Centre run by JRS Tamil Nadu. More than just a place for academic support, the centre has been a space for personal growth and self-discovery. Alongside regular study sessions, I’ve participated in various skill-building activities and trainings that have helped me develop both confidence and communication skills.

One of the most transformative parts of my journey has been my participation in the student forum. Every month, we form groups to design and present cultural and art-based programs on selected themes. I have a strong interest in acting and especially enjoy developing scripts and performing with my peers. These activities have allowed me to express myself creatively, and for the first time, others began to recognize me as a good performer—and more importantly, I began to recognize it in myself.

When I first joined the CEC, I was shy and hesitant to speak in front of others. I struggled to share my thoughts. But the teachers at the centre continuously encouraged me. They trained us in public speaking, taught us how to structure our thoughts, deliver welcome speeches, engage with audiences, and present ourselves confidently on stage. With their support and consistent practice, I overcame my fear and eventually began guiding and encouraging others too.

Today, I am aware of my abilities and have the confidence to use them. I’ve grown not only academically but also developed essential life skills that help me participate more actively in school, at the CEC, and within my camp community.

I am truly thankful to JRS-TN for creating the Student Forum, a platform that has helped many of us become confident individuals with a voice of our own. It has shaped us into more than just learners—it has nurtured us into leaders. I am also deeply grateful to my CEC teachers for their unwavering encouragement and guidance throughout this journey.