EVERY SCHUMACHER NEEDS ONE OF US

When Henry Ford decided to produce his famous V-8 motor, he chose to build an engine with the entire cylinders in one block, and instructed his engineers to produce a design for the engine. The design was placed on paper, but the engineers agreed, to a man, that it was simply impossible to cast an eight-cylinder engine-block in one piece. Ford replied, "Produce it anyway." This is one of the many stories from the automobile industry that has inspired me to take up Motor Mechanics skill as part of my IAYP Programme. 

The Motor Mechanics club of our school is involved with the servicing, maintenance and repair of cars. Ever since I have joined Welham Boys' School, my interest in automobiles and also the platform IAYP has given me to hone my skills has helped me to become an active member of the club. Before IAYP was introduced in our school, only a limited number of students showed interest in this club. It is because of IAYP's much needed push to achieve education outside of our classroom, that the club has witnessed a gradual increase in the membership and now at this stage, we have a strong team dedicatedly learning about automobiles. 

Mr. Hassan, our Motor Mechanics Instructor, has more than 45 years of experience in this field. He has immense knowledge about engines. It is this knowledge and experience which makes him the best in the business, hundreds of his trusted customers bring their vehicles to his workshop to get them serviced or to get a particular mechanical fault investigated. Every Tuesday and Friday, he brings those faulty cars from his workshop to our school garage. He guides us in finding ways to diagnose the problem and accordingly repair it. Solving these faults involves stripping down the affected part, replacing it and putting all the parts together again.

This term, we got an opportunity to repair and service quite a few cars from his workshop. During every new session of the class, we have different vehicles to try our hand on. This enables us to learn more about the vehicle and it is always really exciting. The group members are assigned tasks such as replacing brake oil, engine oil & coolant as well as repairing and overhauling major & minor engine parts like gearboxes, crankshaft, piston rings, carburetor, radiator, alternator, timing belt etc. We have specialized tool sets to work with. After repairing, we ensure the vehicle is working well and performing as it should be.

It is always interesting to explore new technologies used in vehicles to improve their performance. We have also had discussions involving working and benefits of the upcoming hybrid technologies. With Mr. Hassan's help, we recently got an opportunity to work on an old jeep. Through regular discussions, we came up with new and innovative ideas to develop its design. With the help of the innovative design, the team modified the jeep and it was displayed during our Founder's Day celebrations. 

Overall, I have really enjoyed this wonderful experience. Thanks to IAYP, I started taking interest in motor mechanics. Today, I can confidently say it is my passion and an integral part of my life. 

---This is an experience shared by Toyyab Sabri who is one of our Silver Award participants from Welham Boys' School, Dehradun. Click for pictures