Sarvshiksha

2011-10-25T21:57:00.003+05:30

A candle loses none of its light by lighting another candle.
Light becomes "Ujaala".
Wishing all Patrons, Members and friends of Educate India Mission a very happy, prosperous and safe Diwali. May the light of love and compassion fill and enrich your homes as you light the auspicious lamps tomorrow.

Mission Accomplished: Udaan Centers

2011-05-14T10:35:00.003+05:30

Dear Friends, you will be pleased to know that all children studying in the Udaan centers being monitored by us have been mainstreamed. The Community Teachers have worked diligently and ensured that the children get admission in regular schools. The challenge now is to help them cope with age-appropriate class studies and for this Special Training Centers are being set up in schools. Teachers will identify the weak students and they will be coached in these centers during school hours. Moreover, these centers will be run in two shifts depending upon the convenience of the children.

Now the task will be to see that these Special Training Centers run well and the children do not drop out or we will be back to square one. The Community Teachers are being moved to handle these STCs but the fate of the 57 Volunteers is uncertain and they have been meeting the DPI Schools for alternate placement. Considering the fact that they have been in the system for the last many years and have been working with dedication we have also approached Mr Sandeep Hans, the DPI (Schools), recommending their case.

A thank you to all Principals who have assisted in this entire process and have gone the extra mile to grant admissions to our children and a pat to the CTs and CRCs for the great effort.

Launch Program Project Jagriti

2011-04-28T19:22:00.007+05:30

There was much excitement at the Govt Model Senior Secondary School Sec 40 in the morning - arrangements were on for the launch of the program and the DPI Schools Mr Sandeep Hans arrived dot on time and the launch was accomplished successfully. Libraries with 3000 books were gifted to the 10 schools. The children presented a prayer and a dance which was much appreciated.

The Major Donor of the project S. Iqbal Singh of Innovative Consultants was presented a momento in recognition of support rendered. A generous soul, he promised unconditional support to BPF in the future too. We are indeed thankful to him. Mr Darshan Mehandru and Mr Ramesh Bhatia represented BPF along with Mr PP Singh the Managing Trustee.

The DPI (Schools) addressed the children and participating Principals and exhorted them to use story telling as a method of teaching which would make learning fun for these children.

Project Jagriti

2011-04-23T10:30:00.004+05:30

We are working in partnership initiative with the Chandigarh Administration for the last 3 years. Under our Project Udaan, libraries at 35 centers and PCs at 42 centers have been provided under the Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan. Now with the RTE, the children at these centers are being mainstreamed into regular schools and will be needing special training to help them cope with the age-appropriate class studies.

We have 10 more libraries ready, courtesy our Corporate Patron, Innovative Consultants, and these are being placed in the Primary Section of 10 Govt schools. The 3000 books selected are story books in Hindi for an age group of 6-14 years. We will launch our 'Jagriti Project' Reading Clubs at these schools to encourage reading habit amongst children of Class V. The launch program is being organized at Govt Model Senior Secondary School Sec 40 B on 28th April at 10.30 am.

The DPI Schools - Mr Sandeep Hans will be doing the honours. Principals of all the participating schools will also be involved in the program for effective follow-up and monitoring. We request Members of the Governing Council, our Patrons and Members for their gracious presence on the occasion to motivate us.

Good Samaritans

2011-03-26T09:07:00.007+05:30

The schools are closed after exams and so the mid day meals are not being given to the children of AIE centers. The Education department suspends the service as the numbers are only 10000 - too small for the service providers and too expensive for the Department and the logistics do not work. So how to meet the needs of the these children for whom the mid day meal is probably the only nourishing meal of the day!

As we talked to our new Patrons, Mr I J Singh & Mrs Surjit Kaur - they expressed that they would like to cook and serve a meal for children of a couple of centers. On 22nd March, they came armed with cookers and the children were served aromatic rajma rice, paneer and delicious kheer and bananas. Their friend Mr Sabarwal also joined in to bring the dessert. The children of Sec 36 and 38 Udaan centers were overjoyed at this treat and all enjoyed a sumptuous meal thanks to Mrs Surjit Kaur who served them with great love. Governing Council Member Darshan ji was so touched that he fed a small child the entire meal himself!

When I shared this with Mrs Sudha Bagrodia, an environmentalist, she volunteered to bring a meal too for the 70 Ujaala School Ghar kids. Yesterday, on 25th March, Sudha ji brought tempting pudina kulchhas and home-made chane and laddoos - it was a sight to watch these kids eat. Again cooked and served with great love.

In a country where we have the largest number and the largest proportion of malnourished children in the world - let us try and feed such children and do our little bit of giving back.

May God bless these good Samaritans and may their tribe increase.

More scholars selected

2011-03-23T15:17:00.003+05:30

We interviewed students of Govt Senior Secondary School Sec 45 A on 15th March and selected 9 students of Class IX for scholarships. Fatima, Zainab, Nisha, Manisha, Rukhsar, Rinki, Vinod, Rohit and Brij Bhan were met and basis their family's economic background and their merit they have been awarded scholarships.

The family income of all these children is below Rs 50000/ and they have their fathers as the single earning member of the family. They are mostly daily wage earners, tailors, mechanics, painters or vendors. Mothers are illiterate and there are multiple siblings at home. All of them stated that the scholarship would support them in buying books and motivate them to continue their studies.

Their parents will also be mentored to ensure that these children do not drop out. We are a mere drop in this ocean of need, yet we will continue to pursue our "Mission Educate India" with the support of our Patrons, Members and Friends.

Visit to Ashreya on 14th March 2011

2011-03-16T13:02:00.005+05:30

The Home has 20 females, 7 male inmates and two babies - Pari and Chirag. A new inmate Pavitra Sharma has been kept under observation. The boy Kishan who had run away has come back to Ashreya on 28^th Feb.

The female inmates are sitting on the terrace and have just finished their lunch.

The Boys section is also visited. Mridul is lying in bed and so is Babloo. Both Bittus are active and want to be photographed. The new boy Krishan is quiet but the Warden says that he has started responding since last night. Abhijeet has been taken home by his parents for a day or two.

Chirag and Pari are playing - they are healthy and alert.

The Warden Bindu is quite involved with the residents of the Home and gives them love and attention.

Usha, the trained special educator has gone to Asha Deep as advised by the Warden. She had also ensured that maximum residents attend the school in RIMH. 17 of the 20 female inmates are going to school - Ritu, Seema and Rita are not going because of their health.

A bag full of dupattas is given for use by the residents. Bindu says that the girls are learning dance so these colorful dupattas will be useful.

The building is in need of whitewashing and painting - there is much seepage on the walls. The garden is coming up well and many plants are available for sale in the nursery.

Visit to Nari Niketan

2011-03-16T12:09:00.003+05:30

There were 17 inmates and 2 children on 14th March 2011. Ms Deep Rana the Warden of Nari Niketan was met and a round of the Home was taken. Interacted with the residents of the Home who were all about to have lunch when I reached.

It was recommended that Monica who is mentally ill and remains quiet should have her IQ tested and if found critical should be sent to Ashreya. This has not been done yet.

Aanchal and Smita, both 17 years old are new inmates wef 23^rd Feb and 4^th Mar respectively. Both are from Punjab and are kept in Nari Niketan for protection as they have married against their parents’ wishes and fear reprisal from their families.

The Adult Literacy class has been started by Neelam the Craft teacher as suggested by me earlier. The library given by our Foundation is now being used as advised by the Warden. A caretaker is sitting with 5 women and is reading out a story to them. This is the first time I have found a caretaker reading aloud to the women, really heartening to see the interest generated among the women.

It is advisable to include music and singing in the daily time table as music therapy is very beneficial for such women. I am told that music class was taken by Mrs Kamaljit on 3^rd and 7^th March. However it would be ideal to have a regular music and yoga teacher and an ad may be given by the SW Deptt. for Volunteers for 3 months both for Music and Yoga teaching.

Women’s Day was celebrated on 8^th March and the inmates participated in the program through a skit, dance and song.

A female gardener has been employed – and the garden is looking neat and better maintained.

Neelam is engaged with 7-8 girls who are painting and doing creative work. I compliment her for using the talent of the girls and ask the Warden to get a soft board where their work could be displayed.

Madhu is pacing outside in the corridor – “send me home” is her refrain “where” I ask and she remains quiet. Some of these disturbed women are leading barren, shuttered lives and it is impossible to penetrate their world.

Radha too has the same plea- the warden says that she has a court hearing today and the address given by her of Bihar is incorrect. Yet she smiles and is not sad or dejected.

Rajma rice is the meal today and the women are happy to have lunch.

The Shelter Home which is in an adjoining building in the same complex houses only 3 inmates – Sushma, Deepi and Anju. Deepi aged 63 is a loner and does not take any interest in life. Anju is good at knitting and has been awarded by the SW Deptt. She is knitting baby woollies as samples. Sushma whose family property dispute is over is expected to leave soon.

‘Swavlamban’ has been restarted and a beautician course – imparting training to 20 girls is running from 3-5 pm. The program is ending in March. Three girls from Nari Niketan are also attending the program.

The building has 13 rooms and is under the Chandigarh Child & Women Development Corporation.

Suggestion: As there is ample space, a couple of more vocational programs – papad making, bag making etc can also be started.

A Counselor from Don Bosco – Pooja Pande is coming thrice a week for 2 hours for individual counseling since 14^th Feb’11.

Pray that the staff be granted more patience and goodness to attend to these women who are leading lives devoid of love.

Scholarship Interviews

2011-03-12T18:34:00.003+05:30

Visited Govt Model High School Sec 38 D for interviewing the 8 students whose scholarship applications had been received and screened by us:

All the students were from weaker sections of society and had family income below Rs 60000/
Himani was the most intelligent with over 92% marks and A rating. Each student's profile was prepared and a scholarship of Rs 1500/ would be given to each student covering their school fees.

The Principal had also convened the School Management Committee Meeting which has gained much importance after the RTE as all major decisions and expenditures will need to be cleared by the SMC, giving voice to parents and making the system transparent.

Most of the students interviewed have an ambition to become Chartered Accountants, Computer Engineers and Advocates. One of the students Turab wants to become a cricketer but the school does not have facilities for coaching. The Government schools have infrastructure, well qualified and well paid teachers, yet the quality of learning imparted is poor. The issue is aggravated by the lack of guidance and mentorship at home - parents being at the bottom of the pyramid.

Education is Priority No 1 for our country and if we want to see improvement, well meaning citizens need to get involved in the schools near them.

Tata Telecom and BPF join hands

2011-02-16T17:55:00.007+05:30

As part of their CSR activities, Tata Telecom joined hands with BPF for an activity at Palsora Udaan Center. The officials of the company came with clothes, eats and notebooks for the children of the center and had a great time interacting with them. The children were shown songs on my laptop and a story was read aloud by the kids. The children danced and recited poems for the visitors.
Tata Telecom will also be training our Community Teachers on Personality Development, Communication skills and Motivation for capacity building and quality enhancement. We are thankful to them for their initiative and active involvement. We look forward to a long-term association for benchmarking and bringing best practices to our Udaan centers.

Aspire Class - No winter break

2011-01-11T17:22:00.004+05:30

Despite schools being closed and the bitter cold, our 'Aspire' students continue to attend the English class in the school! Even the Principal is surprised... just goes to show how keen these children are to learn and improve..they are aspiring!

The teacher Shikha teaches them from 8-9 am and is laboring on their vocabulary, grammar, word and sentence formation. We are trying to open their minds to the beauty of the language and also making efforts to motivate them to learn and understand through 'doing'.

Of the 30 regular students, 10 are picking up well and will also be awarded scholarships by BPF.

The success of the pilot is a pointer to starting more remedial classes in other schools. As these children can ill-afford tuitions and class room teaching is hardly satisfactory, this initiative could bridge the gap.

The Warmth of Volunteerism

2011-01-10T11:09:00.007+05:30

Sarah our Volunteer from Boston and I visit Ashreya - A Home for the Mentally Challenged in Sec 47. We carry woollen caps for the residents of the Home. The day is cold and foggy and there is a haze of mist hanging in the air.
The Warden greets us and so do the women residents who are sitting in the Recreation Room. We put the woollen caps on their heads and this small gesture makes them happy.
Encouraging Sarah to dance with them, we put on some music and all dance and sing “Happy New Year” while I click some pictures on my mobile.

Interesting Article

2011-01-03T16:32:00.002+05:30

Education may be a recession-free business but it needs huge amounts of money if some significant improvement has to take place. In this context, Wipro chairman Azim Premji’s transfer of shares of his company, worth Rs88.46 billion, to a trust that works primarily in the field of education is an exemplary gesture. In fact, it is unarguably one of the largest charity sums ever donated by any Indian entrepreneur. Premji has been an exemplary industrialist in more ways than one. His focus on primary education shows his correct diagnosis.

The current state of primary school education is in a state of utter mess. Majority of the students who do well are doing well more because of tuitions or because of their own efforts rather than the schooling system. If we don’t address this problem, then maybe in 20 years, China will overtake India in services also.

What is more interesting about Premji as compared to Bill Gates or Warren Buffet is that the succession law and estate tax laws in America are such that transfer of wealth from one generation to the other generations is very tax-unfriendly. In India, this is not the case. In spite of easy passage of wealth from one generation to the other generation, Premji resisted the temptation to keep wealth within his family and instead chose to transfer it to society. Certain cynics argue it was done to comply with listing guidelines, but in India, every act is dissected with a negative mindset.

Deepak Parekh recently made headlines when he spoke about investments in education and how he and his organisation are going to take steps in improving the quality of education. Two gentlemen of stature, reputation and ability are taking the right steps in education. Just as Parekh revolutionised the home loan markets in India, I hope that he can replicate the same in the education field. Society needs education and the so-called 9-10 per cent growth rate, which India is seeing will falter if we don’t invest in education.

One of the reasons why America has been so successful is because of the quality of education. In the 20^th century, the world’s finest brains migrated to USA. World War I and II merely accelerated the exodus. Students of science would remember that England and France were in the forefront till the US overtook them in the last century. In any field, America always finds solutions to problems because of its incredible brain power. This society respects brain-power: Silicon Valley is a case. Irrespective of your colour creed or ability to speak English, if you have a good idea, you will get backers.

More importantly, education changes the mindset and will help in reducing other social evils like  female infanticide and perhaps to some extent corruption. Any father who has laboured to get his child admitted to a good school will understand the pain because schools are few. To get into a good school, in most cases you need to pull some strings or give donations. Most children are known to travel a few kilometers to school as well.

With this, I hope other big donors like Ratan Tata, Anand Mahindra and Narayana Murthy also start espousing the cause of Indian education and loosen their purse strings for Indian institutes. Wipro’s catch line is Applying Thought; and Premji has certainly converted his thoughts into positive action.

Health and Warmth for Ujaala kids

2010-12-04T19:17:00.005+05:30

Bharat Prakarsh Foundation (BPF) in partnership with the Chandigarh Education Deptt is running a Half Way Home – “Ujaala School Ghar” in the Govt. Senior Secondary School Sec 45. Street children are given informal education for mainstreaming – 71 children are studying here. BPF in collaboration with ‘Nanhe Kadam’, an NGO run by young socially-conscious individuals, organized a Health and Warmth camp today the 4th of December at Government Model Sr. Sec. School, Sector 45, Chandigarh.

The DPI (Schools) Mr. P. K. Sharma was the Chief Guest at the program which was attended by S. Charanjit Singh, Mr Man Mohan Kohli,Mr. Darshan Mehandru the Governing Council Members of the Foundation and Ms Aman a major Patron and Donor.
Nanhe Kadam was also represented by young Volunteers and doctors.

The children were given navy blue woollen sweaters, biscuits and chocolates by Bharat Prakarsh Foundation.

A thorough health check up including eye, ear, nutrition level, dental and general examination was conducted on the children. 5 Doctors from GMCH, Sec 32, who had volunteered for the camp, examined children of the Ujaala School Ghar. They prescribed medicines for nutritional deficiencies, infections, etc. which were provided to the children.

Appreciating the role of Bharat Prakarsh Foundation and Nanhe Kadam, the DPI (Schools) - Mr Sharma stated that such NGOs which work for the welfare of the underprivileged and needy are the pride of Chandigarh. The day was full of good spirit and cheer!

Project Aspire

2010-11-14T10:51:00.006+05:30

On the eve of Children's Day, spent time with children of Ujaala School Ghar. A folk tale 'Sunehra Hiran' was read aloud by Rajan and enacted by all the children - everyone enjoyed the interesting story and the book was gifted to Rajan for reading it so well. We are going to make this story telling a regular feature of the day as it involves all the children and spurs their imagination.

A new initiative launched in Govt.Senior Secondary School Sec 45 is 'Project Aspire' wherein 32 children of Class IX have been selected for English coaching for an hour after school. A teacher has been employed - Shikha. These children have been divided into 4 groups of 8 children each, group leaders have volunteered for taking on responsibility for the networking of the group for learning and the classes have begun. Spending time with them yesterday I realised that much effort will have to be made to make them shine. English Reading is poor, conversation dismal and writing erratic and these are young children : 14-16 year old. Children of this age group from privileged backgrounds studying in private schools can read ,write and converse in English with great ease. Backgrounds are almost similar- daily wager father, single parent earning, mother illiterate, multiple siblings, no guidance at home, in short, life is a struggle for survival.

A lesson from their book, "The Happy Prince" was selected for reading and multiple children were called to read aloud. Not a single child knew the name of the author. Pronunciation needs great attention. Well, it can't get any worse than this - it can only improve! We will track the progress and keep all informed. If anyone would like to interact and take a class please call- these children will gain a lot from mentoring.

Visit to Juvenile Justice Home

2010-10-27T19:04:00.003+05:30

Visited the Juvenile Justice Home on 27th Oct and was happy to see that the Education Deptt had posted a teacher – Rajesh in the AIE center functioning there. There were 8 boys – of which 2 were confined to their rooms (Ravi-20 yrs and Bablu-19 yrs). Interacted with the six boys sitting in the class – Mahesh, Jasbir, Ashish, Kamlesh, Ankit and Amit and counseled them. The teacher appeared involved and amenable to suggestions given for story-telling and reading. The class is held from 9 am to 1 pm after which the computer teacher takes class. The mobile repair course is over and needs to be restarted. Empowering these boys with a skill will make them financially independent and ward them away from criminal activities.
The Warden Uma Sharma was not there I was advised that she has gone to the Head Office. Damandeep, the Supervisor was also not present. I met the clerk Shiv and obtained details from him.
The youngest of the boys is 14 years old and the eldest is 20 years old. It is recommended that Ravi’s case where FIR was filed in 2004 should be disposed off quickly so that he is reformed and not exposed to the Remand Home environment time and again.
A doctor on call service needs to be started to tackle any unforeseen emergency.
Food services have been outsourced to a contractor and he is running the mess. The boys were happy with the quality of meals provided.
The garden is well maintained and the gardener was working.
The cleanliness and maintenance of the JJ Home was satisfactory and the boys too were clean. The boys requested that 2 ludo boards be given to the Home.
However the toilet was blocked and needs to be repaired urgently. There was water seepage on the walls of the Recreation Room.
An invertor and a refrigerator needs to be provided in the Home.
It should be ensured that a Supervisor is always present in the JJ Home – both the Warden and Supervisor should not be away at the same time.

Visit to Snehalaya

2010-10-27T18:37:00.004+05:30

Visited Snehalaya on 27th Oct at 11.30 am. The Resident Manager was met who manages the day-to-day functioning of the Home. The Warden for Block A - Amit was not present. The Wardens for Block B - Vishal and C - Saroj were met. Vishal is a new appointee and Saroj has been moved from Nari Niketan.
There were 257 children as advised by the RM – 102 girls and 155 boys. There is a school bus and van provided in Snehalaya.
Repeat Suggestion: Facility of doctor on call also needs to be made available as the number of small children (below 10 years) is high. I was advised that monthly visits by doctors are in place.
I was advised that the kitchen administration had improved post handing over the mess to a contractor. I checked the lunch and found the rice utensil filled with ants. The channas and curd were satisfactory.
Post my last visit a Counsellor Megha has been posted wef 12th Oct- she is a post graduate in Psychology and has started counselling the children in groups and individually. I asked her to complete the profiles of the children.
The AIE centers running inside Snehalaya for never gone to school children and remedial teaching have 115 children as such there is a requirement for one more teacher. The kids had gone out for an excursion along with the teachers. Some younger children and mainstreamed children were met. They were clean and responsive.
Since my last visit, many improvements were visible – the washing machine had been repaired. Vocational courses – tailoring, embroidery and computer had been started. Dance classes had also commenced.
The Vocational center is now operational for the residents. Embroidery classes for girls are being held wherein girls from the surrounding areas get training-there were 15 girls there-the teachers were also met. They were enthusiastic and displayed the work being done by the girls. Computer room was locked and the RM advised that it functioned in the evening. Vocational training for elder boys viz. plumbing, carpentry and mechanic will also be started soon as advised by the RM. This will train them for earning their own livelihoods after they attain the age of 18 years.

Some Volunteers can be sent to Snehalaya for assisting the Community teachers as the number of children in the AIE centers is large.

Towards health of Ujaala School Ghar kids

2010-10-02T18:11:00.006+05:30

The children of Ujaala School Ghar were given a session on hygiene and good habits. They were also administered de-worming tablets for their protection against worm infestations.

Notebooks,Drawing copies, crayons and pedas were also given to the kids.

Coming to the Half way Home has brought a welcome change in these little lives and they love to come in their uniforms wearing socks and shoes, whereas they used to be very ill-clad earlier. The mid day meal is enjoyed by them and treats are always welcome. Our Student Volunteer Martha from the Punjab University has given a good feedback about the experience at the center.

Health Day celebrated at Palsora Colony Centers

2010-10-02T18:00:00.004+05:30

The children of Palsora Colony centers were explained about hygiene and a medical check up was conducted by doctors and nurses from Fortis Hospital in collaboration with CII-Yi. The 142 children present on 23rd Sep'10 were weighed and examined and prescriptions written. The medicines will also be sponsored by CII-Yi. The next day 66 children were taken to Fortis Hospital for celebrating Girl Child Day and their dental check up was done followed by a Magic Show and refreshments. It was the kids day out and how they enjoyed it!

Thanks to Navita Mahajan and her team of Young Indians for this successful activity.

Blessings

2010-09-09T17:05:00.004+05:30

I continue to be amazed by the generosity of people. We have 2 new Patron Donors - the familiy of Mr Alok Sharma ( from Parwanoo) and S. Iqbal Singh from Chandigarh. Dr Gurdev Singh Girgla and Dr Amarjit Kaur (from Amritsar) our existing Patrons have contributed again to support scholarships. We want to be able to support 100 children through merit based scholarships this year too. Grateful thanks and God's blessings to our kind Patrons.

Another program we want to initiate is the Remedial Teaching for students who need extra support in subjects like English and Maths. The cost of supporting a child for extra classes is Rs 5000/ @ Rs 500/per month for 10 months. We want to start with 20 students of Govt. Model Senior Secondary School Sec 37 B and are working out the modalities.

There are many under-privileged children in Chandigarh who are challenged physically or/and mentally and are thus unable to attend mainstream schools or AIE centers. Parents are financially weak and children are confined to their beds leading a dormant vegetative existence. There is no counselling for these children. I spoke to the parents of a few of such children and their hopelessness and misery is heart-breaking. A family of 4 daughters has 2 of them with a crippling bone disease. What can be done for such children? The Education Department suggests Home Based Education where Volunteers from society visit these children and assist them.

Cheshire Homes India is initiating an Outreach Program for 5 such children initially and we are selecting the children. Basis its success and response we will expand the reach to cover more children. Ideas are welcome.

Visits to SOREM, Snehalaya and Ashreya

2010-09-02T11:39:00.003+05:30

All these institutions were visited - a report was prepared for starting vocational courses in a couple of institutions with the help of a British Trust. Our Patron Mr. Bagrodia is taking this forward. It will be a great support to these social welfare organisations and many youngsters will benefit and also get empowered. Thanks to Mr. Bagrodia.

SOREM is a beautifully maintained facility for mentally challenged children and it was heartening to see the dedication with which it has been planned and run by Mrs Chander Mohan. Volunteers and staff were working with involvement and the children met were happy and secure. The learning appeared good - even the vocational skills being taught - weaving, bag making and embroidery were being handled well.

In Ashreya a 18-19 year old boy has been admitted (name unknown) found abandoned outside Asha Deep. He is mentally challenged and his father has left a letter saying that he is unable to care for this boy-there is no address, no name, no clue. I found him lying in the bed inert, expressionless and devoid of any emotion. The caretakers say that he does not speak, does not ask for anything, food has to be fed and toilet training is minimal.
The good news is that Chandrma the woman from W.Bengal has finally been sent to her home and is back with her husband and children. This is a result of her case being highlighted in my previous report.

Snehalaya with 235 children continues to run like a giant cartwheel. It needs a Counsellor, 2 Wardens and better administration. Of the 235 kids, 104 are not attending formal school - they are being taught in the AIE centers. Working towards the improvement of this Home for children at risk by launching some vocational skill development program so that these youngsters can become financially empowered.

Ujaala School Ghar

2010-08-21T17:04:00.004+05:30

The kids of the Ujaala School Ghar were pleasantly surprised when we reached there today with 10 yoga mats - colorful mats gifted by our Patron Mrs. Kitty Kapoor, for seating the children. Thanks to Kitty for her thoughtful gesture.
They opened the rolls with much gusto and spread them on the dari - demonstrated yoga asanas and also chanted "Om" sitting cross legged and with eyes closed!
They were making Rakhis with the help of the Teacher and Volunteer and displayed them with pride. Always happy to be clicked these kids are growing more confident every day. Their attendance has improved and so have their hygiene standards. It is gratifying to see the efforts being made by the Teachers and Volunteers.
We have Volunteers pursuing MA ( Public Administration) from the PU who are doing their bit at our Udaan and Ujaala centers. More about them later.
Quality is an ongoing pursuit and we have to chase it relentlessly.

Gratefulness

2010-08-14T10:37:00.004+05:30

///Breaking News/////

BPF work is being recognized - yours humbly has been selected by the Chandigarh Administration for receiving a commendation certificate from the Governor on Independence Day for outstanding services in the field of social work.

I owe this credit to each of our Governing Council Members, Patrons, Members, Friends and Volunteers of the Foundation. You have been instrumental in taking the mission forward and I am grateful to God for directing our course.

Although I still feel "So much to do, so little done" as the task in hand is challenging, yet recognition does motivate and push us to achieve more.

With renewed vigor and commitment, and your support, we shall continue to pursue the goal to touch more lives, to do more work and bring positive change in the world around us.

Ujaala School Ghar kids celebrate I-Day

2010-08-14T10:11:00.004+05:30

The 61 kids of the Ujaala School Ghar (Half Way Home) looked very bright and happy when we reached there in the afternoon to celebrate Independence day in advance with them.

They sang patriotic songs and were quizzed on the importance of celebrating the day. Most of them knew the answers and the rest were eager to learn. Their curiosity and enthusiasm despite their backgrounds is great.

Prizes were given to the top performers in the Singing, Dance and Race competitions.
We had taken ice cream for the children which they enjoyed and laddoos were also distributed. Captured some smiles for you...

Visit to the Half Way Home & Juvenile Home

2010-08-03T14:59:00.006+05:30

The Half way home - Ujaala School Ghar is a ray of light and hope for underprivileged kids. As I enter the class I see all the kids in uniform sitting on a dari and the teacher making Mickey mouse on the Board. They have just finished their mid day meal of Rajma - Chawal and are happy. I tell them the story of Walt Disney and how a poor boy can have a brilliant idea and create a fun world for kids. Their excitement is visible. They sing " saare jahan se accha hindustan hamara".

Visited the Juvenile Justice Home today and gave the AIE center educational resources - Books and Worksheets made under the Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan for use by the boys. There were 15 boys there today - interacted with them and counseled them. It was heartening to observe that the mobile phone repair course has been initiated basis our earlier recommendations and the boys are happy to be learning this skill.
The youngest of the boys is 10 years old and the eldest is 20 year old Vijay accused of murder. It may be too late to change Vijay, but the other boys are still amenable to counseling and training. Empowering these boys with a skill will make them financially independent and ward them away from criminal activities. God willing!

I wonder if the boys in the Juvenile Home had attended a Half way Home like the Ujaala School Ghar, would they still have taken the wrong path?

Nari Niketan Visit

2010-07-31T14:11:00.003+05:30

I visited Nari Niketan on 30th July ’10. There were 14 inmates and 2 children on the date of visit. I was advised that Suman, CDPO from SW deptt was on duty these days (on rotation). She had not yet reached the Nari Niketan till 1 pm.

The Nari Niketan has a staff strength of 20 including security staff.

The Warden is not aware if the girls have had food. The involvement and engagement appears low. I take a round of the Nari Niketan and find the mentally ill women loitering in the corridor. Blank and dull faces which remain unresponsive when greeted. The negative energy is almost palpable. Kalia is with her son Ketan who has returned from school. They greet me and appear well adjusted.
I interact with the 7 girls/women sitting in the Embroidery class being taken by Neelam the Craft teacher. The atmosphere is visibly different here as the pleasant teacher is engaged in teaching girls embroidery and suit alteration. She is totally involved and the class is buzzing with activity. The girls sitting here are communicative and appear happy. There are two new girls Shalini (16 yrs) and Nagma (12 yrs). Shalini is married and awaits her husband to take her home. Nagma has run away from home – she is the eldest of 6 sisters and her parents stay in Chandigarh. Complains of fighting and abuse by her mother, she has studied till Class VII in the Madarsa in Sec 45. I see her face hardened by hardship and lack of love. She is keen to study and I advise the warden to send her to school.
A minor girl Monika who was pregnant has been sent home to her in laws house. Her husband Ajay also a minor detained in the Juvenile Home in Chandigarh has also been released. Anita has been shifted to Ashreya.
There are 3 inmates under 18 years who get regular counselling by Child Help Line bi-weekly.

The building has recently been whitewashed and painted. The cleanliness and maintenance as well as the feedback from inmates about food is satisfactory.
The Music and yoga classes have been suspended for the last 3 months. However music system has been repaired and speakers have been put in Dormitory rooms, kitchen and library as recommended earlier.

The Shelter Home which is in an adjoining building in the same complex houses only 3 inmates – Sushma, Deepa and Anju. Originally set up as a Vocational and Training Institute for Nari Niketan inmates it is now being used as a Shelter Home. The building has 13 rooms and is under the Chandigarh Child & Women Development Corporation. A Vocational Training Center neds to be started here.

A Plantation drive was held in the Nari Niketan on 21st July and fruit saplings were planted. Inner Wheel members of the Rotary Club of Chandigarh participated. However the garden and the green areas around the Home are overgrown with grass/weeds and need to be pruned. A part-time gardener needs to be placed to maintain the garden which is ill-kempt.

The destitute and mentally ill women residing here need a loving counselor who could ease the bitterness and isolation in their lives. I advised the Warden to create a positive atmosphere through Yoga in the morning and singing/story telling in the evening.

Dhanashree the mentally ill woman keeps following me and pleads - "Send me home or get me married." Ketan in his school uniform laughs and mimics - "ghar bhej do ya shaadi karva do".

Palsora Colony kids learn through fun

2010-07-30T11:40:00.002+05:30

The Govt Primary School in Palsora colony which houses these 5 Udaan AIE centers is a brick structure with very basic construction. The area is swarming with flies yet the slum children have eager faces and minds. They are always excited to see songs and stories on my laptop and crowd around it animatedly. The Teachers are committed and have made good teaching aids for making learning fun for these kids. Uniforms and shoes are yet to be given to them. A small girl Pooja holds a hand puppet and teaches the other kids "Machli Jal ki Raani hai".
There are 15 working children in these centers and most of them work as domestic servants due to financial constraints.

Ujaala Children get uniforms

2010-07-26T12:37:00.005+05:30

The Ujaala School Ghar children were handed over school uniforms, socks and shoes provided by the Education Deptt. The parents of the children were also present and they were counselled to send their children to school every day. The flexi-timings of the School Ghar were explained to them and they were exhorted not to involve their kids in petty work rather to educate them and make them contributing members of society in the future. Basic rules of hygiene were also explained and the necessity of maintaining these rules was also detailed.

The 51 children were very excited to be receiving their uniforms, socks and shoes. Biscuits, Munch chocolates, Notebooks and chalk were also given to the Center for distributing to the children.

The smiling faces of the children and their recitation of poems was a delight. The parents faces too reflected pride in their kids as they stood up to recite poems. How easy it is to love and share with those in need and yet we find it difficult!

Ujaala School Ghar

2010-07-21T12:02:00.006+05:30

Spent time with the children of Ujaala School Ghar ( Half way Home) inside GSSS Sec 45. Taught them how to recite poems and sang "Nanha Munna Raahi Hoon" with them.
The pictures will tell you how happy they were to show their drawings and sing and recite. Had the Volunteer oil and comb the hair of the kids who needed it. Over 50 street kids come to this Home and we try and wean them away from bad habits and teach them the 3 Rs as also moral values. However the essence of teaching is fun-based and there is an element of flexibility in timing and teaching. The Home runs from 9 am in the morning to 6 pm in the evening and kids are provided with the mid day meal. This is under the Partnership Initiative with the Chandigarh Administration's Education Department.

Visit to Snehalaya

2010-07-16T14:45:00.006+05:30

The day-to-day functioning of the Home is being managed by the Resident Manager Gurvinder Singh. Vardeep is the Counsellor who met me and detailed that she had started maintaining profiles for each child counselled. I advised her to do so for all the children in Snehalaya as they are classified as "Children at risk" so that they could be better understood and cared for.

There were 235 children – 85 girls and 150 boys. There were 2 boys Risham (7yrs) and Gautam (14 yrs) suffering from hernia and appendicitis respectively. I was advised that they are suffering and are not being treated/ operated upon. The Director SW, Mr. Samwartak Singh was spoken to regarding these boys and he confirmed that urgent action would be taken by sending them to hospital.
I was advised that the kitchen administration needed improvement. The children have not been getting any vegetables in their diet, also the main meal is Khichdi and not chapatis since quite some time. This has also been rectified as advised by the Resident manager today.
Some of the children still play truant and school going is erratic. The Counsellor was advised to keep a record of such children in consultation with the Warden and Resident Manager.
The AIE centers running inside Snehalaya for never gone to school children and remedial teaching having 96 children need support. Blackboard has still not been provided. Worksheets for Class 1 were not available. The center has no provision for indoor games. The stationery given by me on 1st June – 75 note books, were lying in the office on 13th July.
The 2 PCs also given on 1st June were activated for the AIE centers. Our young Volunteer Kanak is teaching basic computer skills to these children. We formed teams and selected team leaders so that the learning becomes collaborative, which the children greatly enjoyed. Paintbrush option was taught the first day to be followed by MS Word and Power point in the next 3 days.
The kids were wearing uniforms and were clean and responsive. The Community Teachers Reema and Harinder were also met – they take keen interest in the children and are teaching them hygiene and social skills. The 10 boys admitted to Class IX were without books and due to this reason were frequently absenting from school.
The Community Teachers were given 2 diaries, a table clock and 4 VCDs on Action Rhymes, Nanhe Geet, Good Manners and Fruits and Vegetables. Scholarship Forms were also given to them for recommending the students who are deserving and need support.

Gifts from Mobera

2010-07-16T12:57:00.003+05:30

Our Governing Council Member Anupama Arya - Co Founder Mobera Systems has sent 67 diaries for the Community Teachers and 8 table clocks for the Udaan centers. Thanks Anu for your gesture of thinking of "Mission Educate India" and sending these through Vandana. You have always supported the movement. It is the goodness and generosity of our Patrons and Members that propels the Foundation and instills fresh energy in every initiative.

You will be happy to note that we had submitted the Abstract of a paper on "Quality Initiatives in Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan" which has been accepted by the ANQ Congress 2010 and now the full paper has to be submitted before 30th August which will be read out at a Conference in Delhi in Oct'10 (www.anq2010.org). Many non profit organisations from Asia will be represented and quality initiatives taken will be shared. Mr Nandan Nilekani will be the Key Note Speaker. Should be a good opportunity for new ideas and inspirations!

Visit to Juvenile Remand Home on 6th July'10

2010-07-08T12:29:00.005+05:30

On date there were 27 inmates. The Warden, Uma and the clerk, Shiv Kumar were present. The premises was clean and the garden well maintained - the gardener was working. The Community Teacher, Surender was absent.Some alphabet books, coloring books and 2 VCDs of stories were gifted.

It is heartening that the Computer lab has become operational. A BPF Volunteer Akash Gupta from US was introduced to teach the boys basic computer skills for 2 weeks. The boys were very excited to interact with Akash and danced and sang with him without any inhibitions.

These boys are mostly illiterate and need skill building in some craft viz mobile repair, computer Hardware repair, electrical repair work so as to empower them financially. It is recommended that a teacher from the Vocational Training Center – Asha Kiran Sec 46 be deputed here for an hour to teach a batch of 10 boys.

The maintenance of the Juvenile Home needs improvement – the toilets had broken taps. The Warden advised that maintenance deptt is lax in its working.

The hygiene standard of the boys was satisfactory.
The food being cooked inside the JH is good and the boys are satisfied with the meals - now vegetables have been included in their food and fruits too once a week.

There is no invertor provided, during power failure there could be a problem especially at night. The outer boundary area was not lighted earlier, basis our suggestion, mercury lights have been installed. This is a good safety measure.

The boys were mentored and some basic general knowledge and information about Chandigarh was shared with them. They were also counselled on the importance of moral values in life.

Sunil, a 17 year old boy from UP, is suffering from TB and HIV – he was lying in the dormitory without his mask. I interacted with him about his whereabouts but being illiterate he was unable to divulge complete details/ contact numbers. In my opinion he needs to be housed separately / under proper medical observation.
A grill gate needs to be installed on the first floor main gallery as the first floor houses older inmates.

Interacting with the young boys about their background and crime, I find that poverty, illiteracy, lack of parental guidance and bad company are the prime factors which led them to petty crime. These misguided youngsters need guidance and understanding to help them build their self esteem and bring them on the right path. Further, if we empower them through vocational skill development their chances of leading a normal life greatly improve.

Your suggestions and inputs are welcome to improve the lives of these misguided souls.

Visit to Ashreya

2010-07-03T21:34:00.003+05:30

Visited the Home on 2nd July and interacted with the Warden Ms Bindu Rattan. Bindu had just joined back after 15 days leave. At present, the Home has 20 female and 5 male inmates. The Home also houses two infants - Pari (7 months) and Chirag (5 months). The new inmates are Anita, Chandrma and Ritu.
Chandrma hails from West Bengal and was able to give many details about her background.- name of village, husband and children’s names, the tea estate where her husband works. She has an IQ of 88. She says that she can reach her home from the Dalgaon station. The warden was advised to make requisite enquiries and arrangements for sending her home.
In the Boys Wing, apart from Abhijeet (17 yrs) and Mridul ( 3+ years old orphan with cerebral palsy with an IQ of 17) , Bittu 12 years and Bittu 10 years were also met. Bittu (12 years old) moved from Snehalaya is being treated for TB (1st stage) and is being given special high protein supplements in his diet. He has improved in health and was cheerful, rushing to greet me with folded hands and his bright smile. Nimesh, a young boy with Down’s Syndrome is also enrolled for day care. He appeared shy and withdrawn lying on the floor alone in the room.
It was recommended that physiotherapy be given to such inmates – Abhijeet and Mridul whose bodies are wasting away with lying in prone position throughout the day. The attendants can also be trained in therapies. There seems to be hope for Mridul who is just 4 years old and his body movements are not stiff – his smile is angelic as he responds to my touch. Abhijeet sleeps the sleep of the innocent and does not open his eyes when I caress his head. There is a silence in the room which speaks louder than words. The young attendants appear caring but not very trained in dealing with such inmates.
Moving to the Women's Wing, I see Gudiya suffering from a type of cerebral palsy- malnourished and underweight, she too needs physiotherapy.
8 inmates had just returned from the school inside Asha Deep (Sec 31 C) and I was able to meet them.
The Warden advised that cooking has not been started in Ashreya. However the Head Dietician advised that new diet plans are being made and the food coming from GMCH 32 is now being sent in tiffin boxes and in Tupperware containers to ensure better hygiene and presentability.
Kajal is looking after her baby well with the help of other inmates. As Indra is mentally unstable as also dumb, adoption of her child Chirag could be contemplated. There are many childless couples who may like to adopt the child. Both the babies were cheerful and playful.
The CCTV was working and is in order in the office – showing the entry gate and the reception area.
There is garden space lying barren which could be utilized for developing a garden. The garden can be developed well if a regular gardener is posted here.
A colour Akai TV was gifted to Ashreya for the Boys Wing bringing smiles on their faces.

Update for June 2010

2010-06-19T14:26:00.004+05:30

The centers being closed for summer holidays, the Community Teachers are being given training at GMSSS Sec 10 and I had been invited to take a session on Character/ Value Education. Half a day was spent with the teachers taking them through a power point presentation and some exercises for character-building. Another session on Health and Hygiene is scheduled for Monday. I am happy to see the skill-upgradation and capacity building exercise being done for these 200 community teachers of AIE centers by the Education Department.

Curtains have been put up in the Half way Home and 2 PCs and 100 notebooks have been given to Snehalaya for use by the children staying there.

Under the Partnership Initiative Programme of the Chandigarh Administration, BPF was awarded an appreciation certificate at the hands of the Adviser Sh Pradip Mehra in the presence of Sh Ram Niwas ( Home & SW Secretary) and Director Social Welfare. Our work in the fields of Education and Social Welfare was commended. Our thanks and gratitude to our Governing Council and all our Patrons, Members and Friends for supporting us in our endeavours.

2010-05-13T23:01:00.004+05:30

As my car reaches the locked gates of Ashreya - Home for Mentally Challenged, which also houses the Half-Way home for the Mentally Ill, the guard peers at me from the car window, recognizes me and opens the gate. I enter Ashreya and make an entry in the Visitors Register kept at the entry managed by a plump lady security guard.
There is a woman sleeping with her face covered on the Visitors’ chairs kept there. A frail woman with a lined face is sitting with the security guard - her hair is close cropped as is done for all inmates residing here for ease of maintenance.
I find the warden in the corridor- a young and simple girl - Bindu Rattan who is dedicated to her job and is working for improvement in the Home. She is unmarried and stays in the Home with the inmates. Carrying my laptop I enter her room which is bright and clean – there are motivational posters and pictures on the wall. A beautiful story “Footprints” is also displayed which says that God carries us when we are troubled and takes care of us.
I request her to take me for a round and she smilingly agrees. We walk across to the TV room. Nisha the Social worker is there trying to fix the channel setting on the TV and I see Indra with her infant Chirag and 2 other inmates -1 sitting and 1 sleeping on the dari in the room. Indra and the other inmate rush up to hug me. Indra who is deaf and dumb tells me in sign language that she had been very unwell – rolls her eyes upwards, sticks out her tongue and spreads out her arms. I comfort her and her ready smile is back.
I move to the office and start taking details for my report. I ask her about the running of the Home and she gives all information without inhibition.
While I make the report, Pari is brought to me (the 5 month old baby of Kajal) – she is cute and pretty and her toothless smile is endearing. She comes readily in my arms and I put on some music for her on my laptop. She gurgles with joy and watches the video with rapt attention. I give her back to her mother but she wants to come back to my lap! I praise Kajal for looking after her baby well.
I move to the first floor to see the living rooms and find an elderly inmate sleeping in her room. Another is hiding under her bed lying curled up with her head on her slipper. I coax her to come out and she folds her hands in a Namaste and gets up. The warden warns me to move away as she clutches my feet and does not let go – she wants to go home…..where? She does not know….
I see the rooms are reasonably clean and so are the toilets but they are very bare and could do with sprucing up to make them less drab and more pleasing. I ask the warden to put up colourful charts and posters on the walls. Maybe some indoor plants too.
I move to the Boys Wing. 2 new boys Bittu (9 years old) and Bittu( 12 years old) have been admitted. As I enter the elder Bittu’s room he looks up and I am shocked - I know this child – he used to be in Snehalaya and was quite healthy and happy (despite being mentally challenged). He used to come running to welcome and touch my feet which I used to prevent by hugging and patting his head. Why had he lost his health? I am told he has TB (1st stage) and is undergoing treatment. I ask him if he remembers me – he looks up, smiles and nods – I tell him to eat his food well, take regular medicines and grow strong again. “Would you like to go out with me?” He smiles and nods again. I pray that he gets well and recovers soon.
In the next room I find Abhishek sitting up in bed with his mother who has come to visit. This is the first time I am seeing him sitting up as he is prone throughout the day – wasted limbs, no motor ability, no speech, a tragic bundle of bones. I sit with his mother and listen to her story- how a normal child of 7 months got struck with meningitis and a wrong operation which reduced him to this pathetic state. I tell her that Abhishek’s face is peaceful when she is here with him – does he recognize her. “Of course” she says, “He cries if I don’t come to meet him as promised. I have to leave him here as I cannot lock him in the house - we have 2 other children and our financial position is not such that we can support treatments.” I see the pain in her eyes as she talks about Abhishek.
On another bed in the room sleeps Mridul a fair 3+ years old frail boy who has cerebral palsy. He is an orphan and his caretaker relatives have now left him here. I am told he is often sad and depressed as he misses them. The Attendant is a mature lady who balances her time looking after these two boys - feeding them, bathing them, dressing them and taking care of their needs.
12 inmates have gone to Asha Deep school for mentally challenged.
As I leave Ashreya, I am filled with concern for these inmates and resolve to study more about mental disability and to find ways to help them lead a better life. The Amaltas trees alongside the inner roads are in full bloom and the pavements are lined with golden yellow blossoms. How to make these lonely lives blossom?

Classrooms are filled with new kids

2010-04-30T18:06:00.003+05:30

Mainstreaming having been successful ( more than 350 kids are now admitted to regular schools from our centers). New kids have been enrolled after house-to-house surveys done by Teachers and Volunteers.

The challenge is renewed - hygiene counselling to be done, health check ups to be initiated and all requirements viz. uniforms, stationery , books etc to be provided. Education to these kids has to be holistic in nature and innovative methods are used to motivate them for learning. Visits to the centers are ongoing and de-worming exercise has been started. Today 90 kids of 3 centers in Maloya Colony and Sec 39 were administered Albendazole tablets while they watched songs on my laptop.

The Half way Home in Sec 45 has been provided a new fan which has also been installed courtesy our Patron Sh R. K Saboo who keeps on inspiring us with his benevolence. The kids were really suffering in the heat and this has come as a great respite. Our grateful thanks to Raja Saboo.
Manila our Volunteer is teaching these kids and the children love her especially for her Maths tricks!

A Visit to the Juvenile Home

2010-04-24T17:47:00.005+05:30

There were 20 inmates on 22nd April. All the inmates were above 15 years old. The Warden was present. The clerk posted here was on leave. The premises were clean and the garden too was well maintained-the gardener was working.
It is hoped that effective counselling and mentoring can reform these youngsters who have taken to bad company and entered the world of crime. The Community teacher Surender is taking classes from 9 am to 1pm. He requested for pictorial charts of Alphabets (Hindi and English) and Numbers which could be put up on the wall and used for teaching effectively.
75 Notebooks for English and Maths as also some 15 workbooks for Cursive writing and numbers and Hindi were given. 6 good story books and 4 educational VCDs ( Junior Encyclopedia, Rhymes, Geet, and Dadi maa ki Kahaniyan were also given to the teacher and he was asked to use them for teaching. The boys were clean and satisfied with the food and other arrangements. 2 boys had chicken pox, I advised the Warden to segregate them.
It is heartening that the Computer lab has become operational and a teacher is coming to teach computer skills to the boys.
These boys are mostly illiterate and need skill building in some craft viz mobile repair, plumbing, electrical repair work so as to empower them financially. It is recommended that a teacher from the Vocational Training Center – Asha Kiran Sec 46 be deputed here for an hour to teach a batch of 10 boys.
The maintenance of the JH was satisfactory – the toilets were clean. The hygiene standard of the boys was satisfactory.
The food being cooked inside the JH is good and the boys are happy and satisfied with the cooking - now vegetables have been included in their food twice a week.
There is no generator provided, during power failure there could be a problem especially at night. Emergency light could be provided. The outer boundary area is not lighted and the Warden expressed that for safety, mercury lights should be installed.
The boys were counseled and mentored and some basic general knowledge was shared with them. As I took leave from them, one young boy asked if they could have samosas - I smiled and acceded to the child-like request : the simple and small pleasures of these youngsters who get lured into the big bad world of crime.

Anganwadi Project - Field Experience

2010-04-20T10:34:00.006+05:30

The Anganwadi Project is on in full swing. 170 Anganwadi centers in slum colonies are being visited , children are being weighed on digital scales, their mothers and Anganwadi workers are being quizzed on their knowlede about nutrition, recipe books are being given to them and the experience is quite out of the ordinary. The report below may help you visualise how thousands of people in Chandigarh are living their lives.

Life on the other side - Prakarsh Singh
I enter the slum in searing heat. The paths are dusty and flies lead us inside. Children in ragged clothes are trying to fill up water in plastic containers from public taps. I pass a brightly coloured temple where beautifully adorned statues of gods greet us. Nearby, a makeshift bell hangs from a tree to induce fortune. A sweaty salesman beckons us to his cart of traditional Indian ice-cream, Kulfi. Glances of old women are fixed on me as I start entering the residential area. Most houses are made out of unpainted bricks, have one room and a fan, no curtains or a refrigerator. The roofs range from cloth to tin. A teenage girl is sweeping the floor of her house and the dust is falling in the passage. Dogs look for leftovers in the narrow passage between the houses that I am following. There is a cross-road and I see hundreds of such houses spread across the expanse where over fifty thousand people live. I cross an open sewer that runs across the length of the slum. A man tries to manoeuvre his rusty bicycle through the garbage dumps and the chickens. They are looking for their grain of life. Buffaloes are taking a dip in a pool of stagnant water.

Mosquitoes buzz past as we enter the Anganwadi. The government-day care centre houses forty children between the ages of 3 and 6 in a 2 metre by 3 metre room with alphabet charts on pink walls but no lighting. A child is crying and some are simply sitting. There is no fan. Clothes of children are dirt-stained. The helper asks them to greet me. They chant out “Good morning, Sir!” I wave back. They are eagerly waiting for their mid-day meal that is preciously stored in a steel container. Today, it’s porridge. The severely undernourished children are supposed to get two helpings in their tiffins. Some children gather around in groups to get photographed. I click their pictures and show it to them. For many, this is the first time they see themselves on a digital camera. The Anganwadi worker asks a boy to recite a poem. The poem is about different round objects around us – from the celestial to the humble egg. The others applaud. I ask a few students to get weighed on the scale. A little more than half are malnourished. Most are unable to read their own weight. The workers usually maintain attendance registers and medical records but fail to teach. There is no official syllabus and exams do not take place. Mothers have been called for their interviews in a room nearby. They are sitting on the carpet with their heads covered waiting for their turn to be quizzed about nutrition, diet and their family. Most are forthcoming. Their husbands earn around £40 per month on average, majority of which usually goes in buying food. They are normally vegetarians who survive on wheat and pulses but rarely get to eat fruit, salad or mithai (traditional Indian sweets that are rich in calories). Leap-frogging has a new meaning. Most dwellers own mobile phones but do not have flush toilets. Meanwhile, the olfactory nerve has become used to the pervading stench from the sewer.

A mother I interview does not know what is good for her girl if she gets diarrhoea or loses muscle mass. She also does not ask me after the interview. Uneducated mothers carry an additional burden with them – that of lack of curiosity and confidence. They are forced to trust and not question. Reason, logic and debate are the pillars of education that provide the fruits of freedom and self-esteem. Is there a way to encourage child-like curiosity in mothers of these kids? Mothers are handed a recipe book that contains easy-to-make nutritional and economical recipes as well as a list of nutritious foods and their benefits. They are encouraged to increase green, leafy vegetables in their diet. A vegetable seller happens to cycle his cart near us. He should give me a share of his profits.

Chandigarh Marathon 2010 Scholars honoured

2010-04-15T18:01:00.003+05:30

All the 21 Chandigarh Marathon 2010 scholars supported by Yashovardhan Saboo and his family and friends (who are now our valued Patrons) were honoured in Govt. Girls Senior Secondary School Sec 20 B and handed over pass books with Rs. 5000 in each of their accounts. The DPI Schools, Sunil Bhatia as also the Principal and staff can be seen in the photograph taken on the occasion. We hope the Marathon spirit becomes a source of inspiration for these and future scholars.

Mainstreaming of Udaan AIE Center kids

2010-04-08T16:11:00.003+05:30

The children of Udaan AIE centers have fared well in their admission tests. Of the 478 children studying in our centers 419 appeared and 394 passed their exams, till date 329 have already been mainstreamed ie. admitted to Govt. schools (78%). We are hopeful that some more children will also get admission this year. The children who have not appeared for exams were either absent or are engaged in petty jobs for supplementing family income and do not wish to go to a regular school.

The Community Teachers are working with dedication and are ensuring that maximum children move out of these centers and start going to a regular school. Their efforts are appreciable. This move will transform the lives of these 329 children from economically underprivileged backgrounds and our efforts for bringing out-of-school children into the ambit of regular education would be realised.

With the RTE becoming a reality all of us have to work towards its fruition - only then can we build a better society and a progressive nation.

Ujaala School Ghar

2010-03-30T18:51:00.008+05:30

The Half way Home has been named "Ujaala School Ghar" and 30 kids are enrolled in the morning class and 27 in the evening. A few children stay throughout the day.

The children are safe and happy to be engaged in play activities, yoga, basic learning and games. Computers are being set up in the room. Charts have been put up on the walls and learning VCDs were given today.

The Home needs a ceiling fan, 2 computer tables and curtains as the glass windows make the room very warm in the afternoons. It would be very gracious of our members to visit some day and meet and inspire the children.

A timetable has been set up to devote time to oral and written skills, indoor and outdoor play and other activities. The half-way home is much better equipped now with board games, jigsaw puzzles and toys to enhance learning and imagination. Children were having fun playing carrom and solving jigsaws in small groups, and soon it was time for football.

The afternoon teacher, Shakuntala, was motivated and showed the progress of children and suggested improvements to the classroom. I recommended that child profiles be prepared so that effective teaching and counselling can be done.

Much to share....

2010-03-15T21:07:00.003+05:30

Much has been happening but my communication with you all has been delayed - my apologies.
1. The Half Way Home in Govt Senior Secondary School Sec 45 has been soft launched. There are 30 kids who have started coming to the Home during the day. They are being taught basic hygiene and the 3 R's. Many games and charts have been given along with a library. Poppy our Volunteer from Spain is spending time with these children and teaching them rhymes and games.
2. The Visit Reports for February have been sent to the Education Deptt and the SW Deptt. All 21 AIE centers and 14 Anganwaris have been visited alongwith Ashreya, Juvenile Home, Snehalaya and Nari Niketan.
3. Chandigarh Marathon 2010 Scholarships - 'Run Educate Empower' have been awarded to 21 girls after selecting them from Govt Girls' Senior Secondary School Sec 20 B and Govt Senior Secondary School Sec 45. Each of these girls from economically under-privileged backgrounds has been given Rs 5000/ for pursuing her education thanks to Mr.Yasho Saboo who ran the Marathon and his friends who supported him. With these, the number of scholarships given this year stands at 91. We have received some more forms and as new Patrons are joining the Educate India Mission, we are enthused to take this number to 100 by March 2010.
"There is a candle in your heart, ready to be kindled.
There is a void in your soul, ready to be filled.
You feel it, don't you?" - Rumi

2010-02-16T15:04:00.002+05:30

I am sure all our Friends of the Educate India Mission have been reading about the activities of the Foundation throughout the year. In order to ensure sustainability of the projects and programs supporting the economically underprivileged and under-served, it is our appeal to you and through you to your circle of influence to contribute resources and grow the membership.

Your philanthropy will go a long way to support those in need, so do give and encourage your friends to do so too.

Do listen to the immortal words of the Lebanese poet philosopher Khalil Gibran:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sibJzVtilkM (copy and paste this link on your search bar)

Update

2010-02-15T20:26:00.002+05:30

The reports for January’10 have been sent to the Education and Social Welfare Departments. January was an eventful month with visits to AIE Udaan centers, Anganwaris, CII-Yi and BPF scholarship interviews and Marathon support.

The Half Way Home in Sec 45 is also under way and requisite arrangements are being made and supervised. Surveys are being done to garner the children for enrollment in the home. The Home has been equipped with a Library and a PC. Teaching and Learning material has been made and games have been bought.

We have initiated the processing of Scholarship forms for the Chandigarh Marathon 2010 Scholarship and interviews are scheduled on 17th Feb. We have enlisted 21 new Patron Donors courtesy Mr.Yashovardhan Saboo. The entire donation will go towards supporting 21 meritorious and needy girls studying in Govt schools.

A gentle reminder to members for renewing their membership. Your help in taking the Educate India Mission forward is vital.

CII-Yi Nanhi Chhaan & BPF Scholars

2010-02-11T18:01:00.006+05:30

30 girls studying in Govt schools have been selected after interviews for the grant of the CII-Yi Nanhi Chhaan Scholarship and the amounts will be disbursed to the schools. We have also selected 15 boys from these schools under our BPF scholarship program:

GMSSS Sarangpur - 3 Girls 3 Boys
GHS Sec 38 B - 5 Girls 1 Boy
GMSSS Sec 37 B - 15 Girls 1 Boy
GMHS Sec 38 D - 7 Girls 10 Boys

Interacting with these children - learning their family backgrounds, their challenges, their dreams was a unique and heart-touching experience. Most of them come from extremely disadvantaged homes yet their dreams are intact and their spirit shines through.

With this, the number of scholarships granted this year will go up to 70( 25 were granted earlier.) Next in line are the 21 Chandigarh Marathon Scholarships sponsored by Yasho Saboo's friends and family so we our close to administering 100 scholarships this academic year as against 50 last year.

Race for a Cause

2010-01-31T14:26:00.003+05:30

It was a beautiful Sunday morning. The weather was just perfect for the Chandigarh Marathon and when we reached the Rock Garden it was still dark. The atmosphere there was exhilarating. As promised, our Volunteers from Rayat and Bahra College of Education were there with their Lecturer- Sharan who had run a Marathon earlier! The school girls from Govt Girls Senior Secondary School Sec 20 B ( from where we have received 32 scholarship applications) also reached with their teacher.

The star of the show Yashovardhan Saboo was excited and raring to go but not before we clicked him and his lovely lady Anu against the backdrop of the banners. What a charming couple they make!

The Volunteers held on to their placards and the balloons and decorations in the background painted a pretty picture. You can see them above. We waved and bucked up all participants as they ran past us. As Yasho ran we all cheered and all of us including Anu ran the last lap with him. One picture shows Anu and Yasho with us after the finish- all smiles and flowers!

Yasho is a true winner having supported the cause of girl child education- we hope others will get inspired by him and take up the cause.

As we said on our placards - " Thank you Yasho for running for a cause".

A Beautiful Day!

2010-01-31T13:31:00.004+05:30

Chandigarh Marathon on 31st Jan-do come

2010-01-30T10:37:00.003+05:30

Friends, this is an earnest request to reach the Rock Garden tomorrow ie 31st Jan between 7-9 am for the Chandigarh Marathon. You will be happy to know that Mr Yashovardhan Saboo, CEO of Kamla Dials and Devices Ltd. is running the Half- Marathon - 21 km, and has promised to support the education of 21 girls through scholarships committed by his friends. Running for a cause, Yasho is truly a winner.

We will be there to cheer and support him - BPF invites its Governing Council Members, Patrons, Members, Volunteers and Friends to reach the Rock Garden parking (from where the run starts and ends) to cheer Yasho - Runner No. 506.

We will be there to welcome you all. Do come to buck up and applaud the spirit of Yashovardhan Saboo - the spirit to do good and make a difference.

Visit to Ashreya

2010-01-29T08:52:00.005+05:30

Ashreya is a Govt facility for destitute mentally challenged women and was set the brain child of the erstwhile Governor Punjab and Chief Administrator of Chandigarh Gen S F Rodrigues.

I visited the Home on 28th Jan'10. The Home has now a full time Warden Miss Bindu Rattan with an experience of 4 years (teaching and working with an NGO Prem Ashram).While breakfast and evening tea is being prepared in-house, the lunch and dinner is provided by Govt Medical College and Hospital, Sec 32.

At present, the Home has 14 inmates registered (13 female and 1 male). I girl Harman (11 years) continues to be in day care only, however I was advised that she had not been coming regularly.

A Counsellor needs to be appointed for regular counselling and treating these women according to their mental faculties.

I met Nisha who has been appointed as Social Worker from 9-5 at the Home. She advised that drawing has been started – crayons, colors and sheets have been provided and this activity engages them. Some of the drawings have been put up on the walls. There is a music teacher Pooja Goswamy who comes thrice a week . They sing and dance together. There is one inmate Rita who loves embroidery and asks for threads and cloth in sign language.

Abhijeet the 17 year old totally handicapped child ( struck with meningitis since birth) , lying inert in bed as always was met – being his birthday today his mother had also visited with sweets. When I sang "Happy birthday" for him and caressed his head he looked at me and seemed to respond to my singing with his eye movement.

Kajal of whom much has been reported by the press ( Nari Niketan case) with her baby Pari was also met- she was happy to be looking after the child and does not appear to be mentally challenged. She expressed herself, smiled and showed me her notebook where she had written "मेरी बेटी का नाम परी है". The child appeared healthy and secure. All the inmates and attendants are loving towards the baby. The future of this girl should not be jeopardised by all the insensitive media coverage.

Another inmate Indra is pregnant and her baby is due in Feb - she thinks I am a doctor - she holds my hand and wants me to be with her! I reassure her that all will be well and she nods.

There is a lot of ground space lying barren which could be utilized for developing a garden. The Warden is young, idealistic and committed and wants to do much. She has already brought a positive change in the environment of the Home.

Goodbye to a Gentle Lady

2010-01-28T21:34:00.004+05:30

Sharing an experience with you:

It was a cold and foggy morning. I was advised that Lady Jean Rodrigues was visiting the Senior Citizens’ Home to bid farewell. She was there in time - graceful, smiling and greeting each of the seniors assembled in the hall with folded hands. The ladies were especially happy when she moved forward to hug each one of them. It was a spontaneous affirmation of the affection she had in her heart for these sunset boulevard residents. “My extended family” she said,” I don’t have parents now – just one brother and he lives far away” her gentle aura enveloped the room and filled it with a warmth almost tangible. Amid remonstrations of “you will be greatly missed” she smiled, her smile reaching her eyes, “come and see me in Goa - you can even swim there – we have lovely beaches”.

Looking at an old resident she enquired,” You had gone to the hospital - what happened?” On knowing that it was a heart problem she advised. “It is very cold, if you have to stay in the hospital for treatment, don’t worry, you will be taken care of”. I was amazed at her personal involvement with the residents – her genuine concern was spilling over….

As the coffee tray was being brought in, in exquisite china for her,” No, no, please serve them” she started pointing to the elders. “We will all have coffee together”.

“I would like to see Mrs. Prem Kaur – is she in her room?” and briskly she climbed up a staircase to enter the room of Mrs. Prem followed by her security.

The old lady was sitting on her double bed, wreathed in a mink blanket. Holding out her arms, she hugged Lady Jean “Why are they sending you away from me?” she cried out. While Lady Jean consoled her, she was in acute throes of weeping - “Who will care for me once you are gone? You helped me have 3 operations, Dr Raj Bahadur used to come personally to see me - now I am all alone- I have no wish to live - don’t go Madam don’t go…”.All of us looked on with moist eyes – this open display of affection and respect and the pain of the woman who held on to Lady Jean touched each one of us. There were pictures in the room of Lady Jean hugging Mrs Prem – we were seeing it happen in real life. “She is everything to me - she is more than my family,” the wailing would not stop. All our efforts to quieten her were in vain. Lady Jean asked me softly, “Will you stay with her for a while?” The sensitivity of this “First Lady” set me wondering. She has been the spirit behind many social projects in City Beautiful - whether it was Snehalaya, Asha Kiran or the improvements in Anganwaris and in the lives of construction workers – she will leave a vacuum too big too fill.

Goodbye Jean, I stayed behind, and could not wish you Godspeed.

Scholarships

2010-01-26T18:37:00.004+05:30

We have received 81 Scholarship applications already and have visited 3 schools for meeting the children and talking to them. Saryu and Rajneet from CII accompanied me for conducting interviews. As always, it was a unique experience to talk to these children coming from impoverished backgrounds but with stars in their eyes and dreams to become doctors, cricketeers, advocates, air-hostesses, bankers and teachers!

Most have to struggle for schooling because of the grim circumstances at home: sibling care and chores, low incomes, mother making envelopes or stitching clothes, working as a maid, fathers -labourers, rickshaw-pullers, painters, couriers, vegetable vendors.

The tragedy is that these bright kids have no guidance from home-parents are not equipped to mentor them and school teachers are too busy coping with a high student-teacher ratio and undue emphasis on good results. The passion to teach is sadly missing.... One Principal made light of our questioning by joking" You are asking very tough questions- it is great if they know who the PM of India is, sometimes they say "Badal." Another Principal complained that Assembly has been discontinued which used to be a good platform for sharing news and general information.

One wishes for inspiring teachers who nurture and bring out the talent inherent in each child. Teachers who encourage creativity and love for books and reading!. Teachers who are role models for these impressionable minds.
3 boys approached me after the interviews (one had tears in his eyes) " Ma'm please have cricket coaching started in our school we cannot afford coaching outside but we love cricket". I requested the Principal, "We have funds but this expenditure is not permissible by audit."
It costs Rs 1500/ month only to start this coaching in the school and we will request the DPI Schools to intervene.

We were able to select 16 girls for CII-Yi Nanhi Chaan scholarships and 15 boys for BPF Udaan scholarships. The journey continues...

Scholarship Interviews commenced

2010-01-19T21:41:00.003+05:30

Visited GMSSS Sarangpur with Marika ( our Volunteer from Australia) and interviewed students of Class IX for scholarships. The 6 children selected despite being disadvantaged economically are doing well in their studies and getting good marks ( above 70%). A scholarship will motivate them to continue persevering and also support them financially. The 3 girls will be covered under the CII-Yi Nanhi Chaan scholarship and the 3 boys will be awarded by BPF.

Forms have also been received from GHS Sec 38 B and are awaited from other schools.

Udaan Centers in GMHS Sec 36 D and GPS Palsora Colony were also visited in the afternoon.

A Review Visit with Charanjit ji was made to the Half Way Home which is to come up in GMSSS Sec 45. Work is on there and hopefully will be completed in a week.

CII-Yi and BPF ink MOU

2010-01-14T18:43:00.006+05:30

It was heartening to see CII-Yi launch its social initiatives program today. Ms Charu Mathur Regional Director CII signed an MOU with BPF in the presence of Madam Jean Roderigues and Director Social Welfare for supporting 30 girls studying in Govt. schools with a scholarship of Rs 3500/ each covering school fees, uniform and books. BPF will do the implementation of the program, and as is our policy, the entire amount so given by CII will go towards the "CII-Yi Nanhi Chhaan Scholarship."

This gesture is greatly appreciated as it will help 30 meritorious girls from weak economic backgrounds to continue their schooling. The doyens of industry have thus demonstrated their commitment to social causes. 7 computers were donated to the Juvenile Home for setting up a Computer Lab for empowering juvenile delinquents and an advanced Physiotherapy equipment was also given to "Asha Kiran".

Our Managing Trustee Prithpal ji and Governing Council Member Charanjit ji participated in the program alongwith me and represented BPF. The program was attended by other prominent NGOs of the city.

A thumbs up to the CSR of Confederation of Indian Industry (North)!

The Spirit of Volunteerism

2010-01-08T07:57:00.005+05:30

Community involvement is vital for the success and sustainability of any social project. We need to grow this spirit in society. Let us begin from our own circle of friends and colleagues. We are targeting a team of 25 Volunteers who will sign up for the “Educate India” mission. We will allocate them either one dedicated center or use their skill for imparting special training to kids of all centers. The minimum project period will be 1 month wherein the Volunteers will visit centers on weekdays between 3 to5 pm and teach kids according to their own interest:

1. Art and drawing

2. English

3. Dance

4. Arithmetic

5. Singing

6. General Knowledge

7. Games

At the end of the project period, they will submit a report on the work done and skills taught and we will award them a certificate.

This will be great exposure especially for youngsters and will create and nurture in them a spirit of social service and nation-building.

Marika from Australia is volunteering with us and devoting time to an Anganwadi in the morning and an AIE Udaan center in the evening. The quality being injected by her in involving the kids creatively is worth seeing - despite the language barrier! Flash cards are being made, drawing and craft is being taught and there is much fun and learning. The picture above shows us in Colony No. 5 during the Rotary Polio Plus campaign today. The B.Ed. students from Rayat and Bahra are also teaching kids with great interest. May the spirit of volunteerism grow for a better tomorrow!

Wrap-up 2009, plans and prayers for 2110

2010-01-08T07:11:00.006+05:30

Our Patrons, Members and Friends have continued to support and motivate the Mission "Educate India" giving us the grit and sustenance to move forward.

We have received the go-ahead from the Education Department's Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan to start a Half - Way Home in Sec 45 inside the Govt. Senior Secondary School. This will entail a lot of work and added effort as the Home will run from 8 am to 8 pm and will be open to street kids/orphans/slum kids and provide a 'home' as also play and study environment all through the day. It will run in 2 shifts ( 8-2 and 2-8). We will equip this Half Way Home ( do suggest a good name) with seating, library, computers, indoor and outdoor games, crockery-cutlery, hygiene material, study material and teaching aids- blackboard etc. Request your help in setting up the Home for these children with love and gratitude for all the good things God has provided in our homes. These kids will be in the age group of 6-14 years and we will also be needing clothes, shoes, food etc.

The December visits to centers and Anganwaris as also Nari Niketan, Ashreya and Juvenile Home were completed and reports are being submitted to the Education Department and Social Welfare Department. Socks, woollen caps, biscuits and chocolates were shared with them on new year. It is heartening to note that recommendations given in the last reports are being taken up and action is being taken wherever warranted. One only wishes for more speed and agility on the part of the Govt. The Sahayata Center has been set up by the Chd Administration in Sec 11 - BPF has donated 275 notebooks for the use of other NGOs as a goodwill gesture.

Gratefulness to God for the year gone by and prayers for a better world for all -
" I cannot be separated from this or from you,
Our many hearts have only a single beat." ( A Warrior Song)

Reports of AWC, AIE and social welfare institutions

2009-12-03T11:32:00.004+05:30

The reports of 16 AIE centers and 14 Anganwaris as also those of Nari Niketan, Ashreya, Juvenile Home and Snehalaya sent to the Education and Social Welfare Deptts today. One hopes that all this effort will result in bringing about some positive change in these institutions.

We are consistently working for improving the quality of life of the underprivileged, challenged and underserved sections of the society. Look forward to more Volunteers joining this crusade to bring about a meaningful difference.

One idea is to create a model Anganwari - "Phulwari' and a model AIE center "Udaan" which is replicable across centers. Suggestions are welcome.

Let me end with a beautiful quote on 'Love' by Chardin:

" The day will come when, after harnessing space, the winds, the tides and gravitation, we shall harness for God the energies of love. And on that day, for the second time in the history of the world, we shall have discovered fire."

Snehalaya kids getting a med-check

2009-12-02T12:43:00.003+05:30

Dr Malini Sahgal surrounded by boys of Snehalaya
Girls in queue awaiting their turn for a medical check up.
The sick boys lying outside in the sun...
Dr Malini explaining the dosage of the medicine to the caretaker .

Warmth for Anganwari kids

2009-11-30T14:58:00.005+05:30

Mahesh and his wife Shalini had sent some woollens which were distributed to the kids in Anganwaris and the children of the inmates in Nari Niketan. Thanks to both for bringing some warmth into the lives of these kids. The 3 girls below are motherless and were overjoyed when I made them put on these sweaters. It is a blessing to bring smiles on these innocent faces!

Celebrating ICDS Week

2009-11-20T20:26:00.004+05:30

Responding to a call for the celebration of ICDS (Integrated Child Development Services) Week from 14th - 20th Nov'09, various activities were organised. A meeting was held in the DC's office to monitor and support the children of labourers at various construction sites in the city. We volunteered for the construction site in Sec 38 West but when I visited it I found that the work had been stalled and most labourer families had moved. I found just 5 families there. I interacted with the children and they are studying in the AIE center at Dadu Majra. Woollens, Socks and shoes will be provided to them to equip them for winter. My report has been sent to the DC and Director Social Welfare.

A Healthy Baby Show was organised at Anganwari Centers in Sec 37 C on 16th Nov and nearly 70 mothers and kids attended the program where the doctor adjudged the 3 healthy babies between 2-3 yrs. Biscuits were distributed to all children and prizes were given to the winners. I spoke to the mothers on hygiene, nutrition and healthy food habits to prevent malnutrition.

The 220 children in Snehalaya were given tracksuits as a Rotary project wherein I contributed in my personal capacity as did other Rotarians. The program on 16th Nov was a great success and Madam Jean Roderigues did the honours. All Rotarians felt happy and blessed to give joy and warmth to these 156 boys and 64 girls who are orphans, destitute and underprivileged children staying in this Home.

On 19th Nov, Dr Malini Sahgal accompanied me to conduct a medical camp at Snehalaya where nearly 90 children were unwell. Medicines were also administered to the children and their deworming was done. Grateful thanks to Dr Malini for spending time and single-handedly attending to so many children with compassion and caring.

8 Volunteers - 7 girls and 1 boy were taken from Rayat and Bahra College of Education and after an orientation program, placed at various Udaan centers as a quality intervention in teaching.

Udaan Sec 38 D kids given Mobera hamper

2009-11-12T11:30:00.004+05:30

The kids in AIE center at GMHS Sec 38 D were delighted to receive goodies like Pringle chips, Lays Chips, Juice, Cream wafers, chocolates and toffees sent by our GC Member Anupama Arya. They were having a drawing class and the teacher Ritu was teaching them how to draw a tree laden with fruits.
The two partially blind kids Pooja and Vishal who were given specs earlier have now been referred to the Institute for the Blind for specialised books and teaching. I have spoken to Mr Vinod Chadha the Director and he has assured that these kids will be taken care of.
The Volunteer Kiran wants to do graduation and Father Sebastion of Don Bosco has agreed to sponsor her.
The teachers will be given pads and pens so kindly sent by Mahesh Gupta who has also sent some winter clothes for the kids.
Our role as catalyst for bringing change and quality improvements is being supported by our many well-wishers and friends who continue to contribute in cash and kind.

Reports of 14 AWCs and 16 AIE centers sent

2009-11-06T10:50:00.003+05:30

All the reports of Anganwari centers visited and AIE centers monitored has been sent to the Social Welfare Deptt and the Education deptt respectively. If anyone is interseted in reading these reports please write in and we will send them to you.

8 New Volunteers are expected from Saturday from the Rayat and Bahra Institute of Education - youngsters pursuing their B.Ed. and it is hoped that they would bring fresh ideas and passion into the teaching of these Udaan kids. I will be doing their Orientation Program tomorrow.

We are looking for new ideas - do share your thoughts and ideas with us. Your participation is requested to make the programs more interesting and meaningful.

Ask a parent of an economically underprivileged child what he would like most for his child- and the response would be "education". Let us join hands in"Mission Educate India " to do our bit and make our world better.

2009-11-05T17:26:00.000+05:30

Kids in Anganwaris

2009-11-05T17:00:00.004+05:30

My visits to Anganwaris are quite interesting. Here parents leave their kids ( 3-6 years old ) with the Anganwari Worker and AW Helper. The timings are from 9.30 to 12.30 and kids are given supplementary nutrition as also uniforms. Each center has about 30 kids who sit on a dari in a small room and are taught basic alphabets and numbers.

Each Anganwari center is unique in its own way, what is common is the innocenceof the kids. They are excited to see me use my laptop and crowd around me - I feel like the Pied Piper when I open up the videos and show them songs and rhymes- they clap and dance and try to come closer and closer to the laptop.

They are most happy to be photographed and look forward to the biscuits I take for them.
I found a cute cherubic child on his first day at the AWC - eyes filled with tears " Mummy paas jana" he clung to my legs howling and would not let go. I lifted him in my arms and the crying stopped. Then we all watched Donald Duck and all kids were engaged and attentive.

There is a need to provide AWCs with toys and games which these kids can play with and learn with fun.

Scholarships given to 25 children

2009-11-02T18:38:00.003+05:30

In continuation to our Program of granting scholarships every year, we initiated the process by sending scholarship forms to schools in Clusters 13 and 15 wherein we are in partnership mode with the Education Deptt. The scholarship forms were received from GMSSS Sec 27 B, GMHS Sec 36 D and GSSS Sec 27 C.
After scrutinising the forms, the Committee visited the schools for meeting and interviewing the students . 25 students were selected for awarding scholarships and the cheques have been sent to the schools for disbursement as under:

GMSSS Sec 37 B - 12 students - Rs 10500/
GMHS Sec 36 D - 11 students - Rs 9500/
GSSS Sec 27 C - 2 students- Rs 2000/

Of these 25 children, 21 belong to weak economic backgrounds and are meritorious have been supported with Rs 1000/ each, whereas the 4 children who have scored on merit but are not weak economically have been rewarded with a merit scholarship of Rs 500/.

These students were mentored and our GC Member Sh Darshan Mehandru spent much time interacting with these children and guiding them.

We are awaiting more forms from other schools and plan to disburse another 25 scholarships this year to take the total number to 50 as done last year.

EQFI Awards 2008

2009-10-27T14:26:00.002+05:30

It is a matter of great joy and pride that BPF has been selected as one of the 3 National Winners for the India Education Awards in the NGO Category. This award is given by the Education Quality Foundation of India (EQFI) for quality interventions in education.
As advised by them, over 10000 entries were received in response to the India Education Awards. Three rounds of rigorous evaluation by eminent educationists and senior Govt. Officials from the Deptt of Education, have identified us as a National Winner! The Award ceremony will be held in Delhi shortly.
Our grateful thanks for the unstinted support and motivation that you all have given to Mission Educate India and the cause of quality education for the underprivileged children.
Let this recognition motivate us to do more, dream more and cover more children...Arise Awake and Strive !

2009-10-25T20:53:00.002+05:30

Mobera staff bring hampers and stories for kids

2009-10-25T09:21:00.005+05:30

Yesterday, Parul and Alisha two bright young employees of Mobera Systems came to GHS Sec 38 B Udaan Centers carrying gift hampers and juice for the children. They enacted Aesop's fables and motivated the kids to do the same. All the children had come dressed in their best clothes- the girls had blue satin ribbons tied on their hair and the Community Teachers Dolly and Monika and the volunteer Mamta had made an extra effort to welcome the guests. After much singing and fun the kids were given biscuits, chocolates,wafers and other goodies sent so kindly by Anupama Arya, our GC Member and Director Mobera Systems. This inculcation of service and corporate social responsibility in a company is appreciable and it is no wonder that they are the recipients of the President's Award.
The kids thanked both the visitors and enjoyed being photographed with them. Thanks Anu for the sweet gesture - 2 hampers will be given to another center in Sec 38- you have touched the lives of over a 100 kids and bought a lot of joy!

2009-10-18T11:32:00.003+05:30

Diwali, the festival of lights was celebrated with children of a lesser God.
200 children of AIE centers in Clusters 13 and 15 were given Nestle 'Munch' chocolates and glucose biscuit packets. This is your gift to them. We went around and wished children of the 16 AIE centers a happy diwali and also told them the significance of celebrating diwali.

On World Food Day, ie 16th Oct , we partnered with CII -YI to distribute food to 200 of the most needy children of Palsora Colony. These kids were served Puris, Channa, Aloo and Halwa. This was done inside GPS Palsora Colony No, 1 at 2 pm . The children greatly enjoyed the hot delicious food and came back for second helpings! Mr Pratap Agarwal, Chairman CII also served the kids and his happiness was reflected on his face. Abhishek Puri the North Head of CII and the entire team of CII-YI were very enthusiastic and spent much time with the children. We are grateful to CII YI for this gesture especially to Rajneet for coordinating the program.

In the end, I can only say - "दीप से दीप जलाते चलो, प्रेम की गंगा बहाते चलो.......
May the goodness of giving always fill our hearts and homes.

Kitabein padho Sapne sach karo - Project Udaan

2009-10-09T14:06:00.001+05:30

2 libraries inaugurated today

2009-10-08T21:31:00.002+05:30

It was a blessed day - 2 more libraries were inaugurated - one at GSSS Sec 27 C where the honours were done by Sameer Mathur, Financial Commissioner Haryana and another at Nari Niketan by the Director Social Welfare.With this 34 libraries stand donated, and it is hoped that these will encourage children to read and open their minds to a new world.

A memorable evening at Snehalaya

2009-09-29T21:42:00.004+05:30

It was a memorable evening at Snehalaya ( Home for Children at risk). Our Governing Council Members- P. P. Singh, Man Mohan Kohli, Arvind Mahajan, Darshan Mehandru and me reached Snehalaya at 5 pm. The 230 children ( 165 boys and 64 girls) were waiting for us in the Hall. There was an expectation, an excitement in the air - they could see the bookcase filled with story books and a table laid out with sandwiches, pastries, cutlets and bananas. They were getting a party courtesy Man Mohan ji and one could almost touch their happiness.
The children were well behaved and clean and we were given many songs and dances by them. The dance and song numbers were well delivered with enthusiasm, energy and camaraderie among the boys and girls. We were all very touched with the performances.

These children between the ages of 5 - 18 are living here without the love of parents, yet loved by the people who look after them and care for them. The staff of Don Bosco, the staff of Snehalaya, and the teachers of the AIE centers all deserve compliments. The Governor Gen Roderigues has created a wonderful institution and posterity will thank him for this compassionate gesture.

When the Director Social Welfare- Ms Amandeep cut the ribbon and inaugurated the library ( under the Pb Governor's grant), there was much cheering. Post which, all GC members participated in the event by distributing the treats to the children. Everything was well managed and God smiled in these children's faces as they said "thank you". The joy of giving was manifest : we returned home grateful for being blessed with an opportunity to serve.

Management Committee Meeting of GSSS Sec 27 C

2009-09-26T22:06:00.003+05:30

Attended the MC Meeting in Govt Senior Secondary School Sec 27 C where Mrs Sukhneer Sekhon is the Principal. The major problems presented were:

1. Poor attendance - absenteeism especially in higher classes
2.Poor Teacher pupil ratio in these classes(1: 70- 7 teachers for 500 students of Classes XI and XII)
3. Poor results (67%) - weak subjects Maths and English where most students fail
4. No Nursery Teacher
5. Playground in bad shape with overgrown grass and water logging
6. No water filter
7. Boundary wall low ( juvenile students jump over it)
8. Parents' involvement low in children's progress ( most parents are daily wagers)

Other Member representatives were teachers, parents, RWA office bearers, retired teachers, NGO Samarpit's Rajesh Chadha (they monitor the AIE center) and social workers. The issues were deliberated at great length and the following strategies were suggested:

1. Identification of absentee students and their counselling through home visits by MC member and teacher teams. Profiles of such children be prepared for mentoring and guidance on a regular basis.
2.Root Cause analysis of poor results in Maths and English - quality of teaching, methodology of teaching, involvement of teachers- all to be assessed by the Principal and detailed report be prepared .
3. Each teacher's performance be assessed for results.
4. Letter to be sent to DPI Schools regarding infrastructure problems and teachers appointments- and this be followed up relentlessly.
5.Bharat Prakarsh Foundation Scholarships for deserving students of Classes IX and X were announced.
6.BPF Library being donated for the AIE center and kids to be given de-worming tablets.
7. Principal and staff to work on building involvement of children and a sense of belongingness for the school through activity based learning, gardening, vocational training and hobby classes.
8. Children be exposed to Vedic Maths and Mental Maths and their basics be made clear through extra classes.
9. Mr Rajesh Chadha promised to get 2 filters sponsored and also promised some good VCDs for the AIE centre.
10. For Landscaping of playground/ open greens Rotary Clubs/ Corporates be approached.
11. For improving English - reading be encouraged and library be activated.

Igniting Minds

2009-09-26T21:41:00.001+05:30

Library gifted to AIE center in GHS Sec 29 B

2009-09-26T21:10:00.003+05:30

The Foundation donated a library to the 2 AIE centers functioning inside Govt Model High School Sec 29 B (under the Punjab Governor’s Discretionary Grant for the Library Project).

There is a need to place good hindi books in these centers for inculcating love of reading amongst under privileged never gone to school children. These 2 centers are being monitored by the Rotary Club of Chandigarh under the Partnership Initiative of the Chandigarh Administration.

A library bookshelf with 250 hindi story books by renowned authors like Munshi Premchand, Rabindranath Tagore, Acharya Chatursen etc, folk stories, fairy tales and inspiring books on great leaders, scientists and inventors have been gifted to the centers. It is hoped that reading these books will ignite the minds of these children and inculcate a love of books in them.

Rotary Club of Chandigarh Project Head of AIE Centers Rtn S S Kakar thanked Bharat Prakarsh Foundation for gifting the library for children from weak economic backgrounds and said that these books would help to illuminate their minds and inspire them to study and become good citizens of society. Rtn Manmohan Singh (our Governing Council Member), Rtn S K Duggal and Rtn Vijay Wadhavan were also present on the occasion.

Under the “Project Udaan” 30 AIE centers had already been provided libraries and this was the 31st in the city. In this Week of Giving, books would also be gifted to the AIE center in GSSS Sec 27 C, Snehalaya in Maloya (center for children at risk) and Nari Niketan (home for destitute women)where the book shelves have already been sent.With this the total number of libraries would be 34. The 35th library is also ready and awaiting the Education Deptt's allocation of a Half way Home for kids where we propose to place it.

Tech - kids

2009-09-19T19:48:00.001+05:30

The campaign continues

2009-09-14T19:24:00.004+05:30

Visited the centers in GHS Sec 38 B and GMHS Sec 39 today - the kids were happy to see the action rhymes and children's songs on my laptop. The enthusiasm and interest were palpable and after seeing the learning VCDs of Alphabets and numbers, all danced to "Bum Bum Bole Masti Mein tu Dol re" from 'Taare Zameen Par'. Music and dance enlivens them and the teachers were motivated to teach them through such participative techniques. 2 VCDs of junior encyclopedia and action rhymes were given to the centers. Our PCs and libraries are being used at both centers.

I also explained the KIPP method of teaching which is being used in schools in America where students are engaged in the learning process and teachers are fully committed. Learning through activity and fun is the motto and parents are also involved.

Deworming was also done and another 52 kids were covered taking the total to 260.
The kids were also explained why they must cultivate good hygiene habits.

Amit a 14 year old mentally challenged child enjoyed the music so much he would not let me close my laptop and kept on requesting for "ek aur". When I asked who will recite tables his hand was the first to go up! Heartwarming how these innocents respond and give love... "these are the best ballads that were ever written or sung for these are living poems"

Towards good health of children

2009-09-10T11:33:00.003+05:30

The Medical cum Deworming campaign was launched on 7th Sep '09 in association with CII-YI and Dr Raj Kumar Gupta and Dr Indra Duggal (Paediatricians) were invited by us to conduct the same.
This is the second de-worming campaign, the first camp was held in February 2009.
Nearly 1000 children had been covered in the centers inside Govt schools at Dhanas, Maloya Village and Colony, Palsora, Village and Colony, Dadu Majra, Sec 36,Sec 37B and D, Sec 38 C and D, Sec 38 West, Sec 39, Sec 40 , Khuda Lahora, and Khuda Alisher. Center inside PU, and students of Hamari Kaksha in Sec 8 were also covered under the initiative.
Poverty, ignorance, apathy and lack of means are largely responsible in infant and child mortality as also lead to malnutrition and infections. The living conditions of these children necessitate adequate de-worming medication and it has also been studied world-wide that this improves school attendance as also general health.
The camp was a great success with 176 children of Palsora Colony center getting medical check-ups and deworming tablets. The children were also given packets of biscuits.
Mr. Mohit Chitkara President CII-YI, Dr Navita, and Rajneet from CII attended and S.Prithpal Singh and S.Man Mohan Singh Kohli from our GC also participated.
Most of the children were anaemic and the docs recommended that folic acid tablets should be given to them alongwith the mid day meal. We will send this recommendation in our report.

Now the children of the remaining centers are being covered - 32 children of GMHS 38 D were also covered on 8th Sep , taking the total to 208.

Visits to Udaan centers, Anganwaaris and Homes

2009-09-10T10:37:00.005+05:30

All 16 Udaan AIE centers of Clusters 13 and 15 were visited in August and report was submitted to the DPI Schools on 5th Sep'09. The 14 Anganwaris now being monitired by us were also visited and it was a unique experience interacting with the 3-6 year old innocents. They were shown rhymes and songs on my laptop and given biscuits. They need learning toys and learning primers. Suggestions for improvements were sent to the Social Welfare deptt.
In addition, the Juvenile Home, Nari Niketan, Ashreya ( Home for mentally challenged) and Snehalaya Maloya( Home for children at risk) were also visited and reports with suggestions sent to Director Social Welfare and Principal & Head GMCH 32.

During the month, a learning game VCD was prepared and gifted by Anupama Arya ( our GC Member) - this was launched at GMSSS 37 B and the kids had a great time playing and learning words, maths and general knowledge. We are loading this on all the PCs provided in the centers - the feedback from the teachers is excellent. Thanks Anu for caring and sharing.

VCDs on stories, action rhymes, junior encyclopedia, hindi rhymes are also being gifted to all centers.

Independence Day celebrated with kids

2009-08-15T21:35:00.005+05:30

The 63rd Independence Day of India was celebrated with kids from AIE centers of Palsora Colony and Colony No 5 both are slum colonies and these children were from the economically under-privileged sections of society. Rotary Club President Lakhmna and other Rotarians including me reached Palsora at 8.45 am. After the flag hoisting the kids presented patriotic songs and a dance.
We distributed hygiene kits containing a hand towel, toothbrush-paste, soap and comb to the children and milk, biscuits and toffees. BPF contributed by giving 200 notebooks and pencils for the children.
From there we moved to Colony No 5 where our RCC had been established a week back and it was heartening to see our Team Leader and other RCC members actively involved in the celebrations. Here too flag hoisting was done and the children from the AIE center displayed their talent. Milk and sweets were distributed to all children who enjoyed the refreshments.
There is a great need for cleaning up the place- hygiene standards are dismal and flies abound. Why can't our Municipal Corporation clean this area? We will take up this issue strongly as this is a hotbed for diseases and infections.

14 Anganwaris also to be monitored by BPF

2009-07-25T10:00:00.002+05:30

Visited 8 Anganwaris in Sec 24 , 37 and 38 for monitoring and quality interventions by BPF.
was pleasantly surprised to see the way these were being managed by the Social welfare Department. Children get uniforms, food, stationery and toys. the Anganwadi workers and helpers are well behaved and caring towards the kids aged between 3-6 years. Food Ration is also supplied to mothers for infants and kids below 3 years. The atmosphere is home-like and kids enjoy the security and basic teaching being given here.
Some photos to share with you..... in the last photograph a little girl Aditi is reciting a poem on a Tree - saying " Main ek ped hoon - main phal deta hun chhaya deta hoon par insaan mujhe dukh deta hai mujhe kaat deta hai!"
Hygiene material needs to be given to them.

2009-07-20T08:35:00.004+05:30

Visit to Colony No 5 Chandigarh

2009-07-20T08:29:00.003+05:30

An exploratory visit was made on 17th July'09 to colony # 5 Chd. by team comprising Rotary President G S Lakhmna, Rtn. Darshan Mehandru,, Rtn Hassan Mejie and me.

PURPOSE: To a) identify Volunteers for local Rotary Community Corps committee b) Identify the needs of the Colony.

With the support of Director Social Welfare Dept. Chandigarh, I had arranged a meeting of social workers and Anganwadi workers. In all 12 persons attended the meeting at a shed in colony # 5 constructed by a well known social worker Brig. Dr. Kataria. A visit was also made to the adjoining Govt. Primary School Colony # 5.

Informal discussion was carried out and following information was gathered & action taken:

1. Next meeting to be held on Wednesday 22nd July 2009 1130hrs at the same place in Colony # 5

all the 12 anganwadi workers and social workers have been invited to join for the meeting.

2. Joginder Kumar incharge of Dr. Kataria's clinic colony # 5 together with Ms. Kalpana Kaur of Social Welfare Deptt overseeing colony # 5 are to prepare: a) List of RCC Committee members ( atleast 10 persons ) b) Prepare a list of works that need to be carried out for the welfare of the needy.

3. From the informal discussions with the social workers, anganwadi workers and the Govt. Primary School Teachers following were the priorities of tasks that could be taken up by Rotary:

i) Medical Camps, Health & Legal Rights Awareness Roadshows: Once every month.

ii) Drinking Water: R.O. Water Purifiers to be provided in the school

iii) Education: Adult education, Drug de-addiction & Skills Training Center ( Beautician )

iv) The Primary School had no electricity Connection ( See annex.I below)

v) Contact Dr. Kataria Tel 2547748 to join hands with Rotary in adopting Colony # 5 for specific Project ( to be identified by Wednesday 22nd July.)

A few pictures are attached to give you an idea of the living conditions of a populace of nearly 40000 persons in Chandigarh.

ANNEX. I

Statistics of the Colony:

1. Population in excess of 40,000

2. Anganwadi Centers

16
for age group 3 to 6, Time 8am to 1.30 pm
Capacity appx.35 students per anganwadi 560 students
for age group 6 months to 3 years Ration / Meals collected by mothers.
for age group 3-6 years Mid day meal given

3. Government Primary School:

- An extension of Govt. School Sector 45
- Students of Class 2 ONLY
- Works in 2 shifts: 1st Shift 8am to 2.0 pm: 228 students in this year, 4 teachers.
2nd shift 1.30pm to 5.30pm Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan- 2 AIE centers with 2 Community teachers.
-
ISSUES:
i) No Electricty connection for the school ii) G.I Sheets Roof : Both these lead to a sauna like condition in class rooms, causing nose bleeds & vomiting among the small children. iii) There being no Boundary Wall:, cattle & rabid dogs run around freely messing up the small play field & the verandah, creating unhygienic & unsafe condition for the school children. iv) Parents are reluctant to send their children for higher education to Sector 45 Govt. School fearing for their safety as they have to cross a very busy Dual Carriage main road and other contraints, especially related to the safety of girls. They have been demanding a Primary School at the existing school being run by the Chandigarh Admin Education Dept.

NOTE: A colony with pucca houses is being developed by the Chandigarh Admin. for relocating all the residents of Colony # 5, work has already started on this project and the whole colony will be shifted in Phases to Maloya (?as advised). The time frame will need to be determined from the Chandigarh Administration

- Bharat Prakarsh Foundation with the support of Rakesh Kumar Gupta Memorial Charitable Trust had provided a Library - a bookshelf and 300 library books which was kept in one of the class rooms and the AIE teacher confirmed it was being used by the kids and stories were also being read out every day to the children.

- One Girl child age appx. 7 to 8 years had her face disfigered - burnt & scarred from boiling water poured by her elder sister. Can be helped through plastic surgery.
- The teachers we interacted with were young and committed who were teaching full class rooms in the intense heat. The walls of the class rooms had attractive pictures and charts on the walls which had been made by the teachers and students.

Suggestions are welcome and if you would like to participate in this effort of setting up an RCC please write/call.

Regards

Neena Singh ( Director Community Service, Rotary Club of Chandigarh)
9316032266
(with valuable reporting by Rtn Hassan Mejie- Chairperson RCC)

Change begins with us

2009-07-01T11:08:00.002+05:30

Pictures tell a story

2009-07-01T10:52:00.002+05:30

Poverty trap in Village Jujhar Nagar, Mohali

2009-06-30T15:41:00.002+05:30

Report of visit to Jujhar Nagar

Last week we visited a village near Chandigarh, Jujhar Nagar which falls in Distt SAS Nagar. It is stuck in a poverty trap with low levels of literacy, hygiene, nutrition, incomes and knowledge. There is a collective action problem in solving the issues of the village. The village panchayat is famous for its infighting and funds are not used where they are meant to be. A young boy, Gautam and some Village Elders expressed what they felt was wrong with the village.

50% Population is young. 75% of the young people in the village are addicted to drugs. These are basically Rs. 2 capsules that are available at the local medical stores and youngsters and the unemployed youth have no other means of recreation it seems. They have no jobs, are uneducated, and after drugs, their chances of getting a job are reduced even further.
There is only 1 government school in the village that is for elementary education. 150 children study there.
Pools of filth line the village. Behind the school building is a stagnant water pond where sewage is released. There is no proper sewage facility. Pigs are kept and sold for meat when they grow. These pigs feed on filth and would be full of germs and infections.
Diseases, especially of the skin, eye and the stomach abound.
Polio drops also needed-there have been incidents of polio
Thefts are widespread (bicycles, taps, etc.)
Alcoholism and consumption of bhang is common
No will to make the village better
Have got used to leading an idle life where standards of living are very low
There are about 3500 families and the population is about 5000
The Sarpanch is Iqbal Singh, a property dealer
About 40% of the families live below the poverty line
Ration cards are not made available for most residents by the state government – so they have to pay high prices for essential commodities. The ration shop keeps erratic hours and people complain of blackmarketing.
There is no bank branch in the village
Sikligarh,: a part of this village that has 150 Sikh families - inheritors of a community whch used to make weapons for the Sikh gurus are also living in dismal conditions.
They do repair work, as ironsmiths
There is no hospital or dispensary in the village.
Most people work as daily labour or sell vegetables or phenyl, etc. as rehri walas.
Water shortage plus water available is not clean. There are no water filters.
There is a power shortage

Priorities:

- Sanitation (Removal of stagnant sewage water) and cleaning up of the village

- Distribution of mosquito nets to control malaria

- Drug de-addiction camps

- Dispensary – a very big requirement as private doctors charge hefty fee which these people cannot afford

- Extra tuition for kids – many kids wanted this support- about 50 kids would attend

- Adult literacy and Vocational education courses for young adults

- Establish a team of volunteers selected from the village to assist in bringing about change

Mahatma Gandhi once said, "The soul of India lives in its villages" - one wonders, how many villages would be suffering from such malaise ??? If this is the story in Punjab and hardly 10 /12 km from Chandigarh - the most prosperous state in the country then what about villages in Bihar and UP?

Seminars for Community teachers and Volunteers

2009-06-23T15:35:00.003+05:30

The holidays are a good time to engage teachers in seminars and skill upgradation. Schools being closed for the summer vacation, the Education Department has been organising such seminars and trainings. Had gone for two programmes as a resource person - "Health and Hygiene for AIE center kids" and "Personality Development" for Community Teachers. It was a good experience interacting with 110 Volunteers and 190 Teachers and sharing my ideas on these topics. Also told the teachers about KIPP ( Knowledge is Power Project) - the story of two young educational geniuses who created the blueprint for promising schools in America that would succeed in turning young lives around.
The basic fact remains that in our country teaching is not considered a noble profession and teachers rarely take pride in their work. Self confidence is lacking and they have low self esteem - especially those working in the AIE centers. They are not aware of latest teaching techniques and best practices. They do not read themselves - how can they instill a love for books and knowledge in kids? Where will we find teachers who ignite the minds and souls of their students and with love and caring enter their hearts! Such role models need to be created.

Child Care Home kids moved to Snehalaya, Maloya

2009-04-26T11:37:00.004+05:30

The kids in the Child Care Home in Sec 25 have been moved to Snehalaya in Maloya. This is a wise step as the facilities in the Home were meagre and the building also housed juvenile delinquents.
Spoke to the Warden, the library and PC gifted by us and Rotary respectively will be used by the juveniles now.
The Warden also advised that Mohd Faizal their bright boy had been admitted to St John and needed a Rs 6000/ support for books and fees as a scholarship. We will fund this partly. Any patron, member or friend also wishing to support may advise.
The Madarsas have now been brought under the Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan and will need monitoring too. The lists of the kids has been made and I will visit the madarsa in Maloya to see the center and interact with the children and their teachers.

Participation in Panorama

2009-04-20T10:06:00.004+05:30

The children were enjoying holidays thus no entry on the blog. However, work was on and 100 children from all centers have been selected to participate in the Les Amis event "Panorama" at the Govt Museum and Art Gallery in Sec 10 on 21st April'09. There will be a melange of events organised for children with special needs as well as from economically under-privileged backgrounds. We hope that the kids will have a good time and also get a good exposure.

When Les Amis contacted me I was uncertain and unsure of how we could send these kids to participate but I really wanted them to have this experience, so I started thinking of ways to make it happen.The challenge was collecting these children from multiple centers and having them sent to the venue alongwith their teachers and then sending them back home. Spoke to friends and got the reference of Mr Satinder Veer from Col Khera. Mr Veer provides buses for schools - he was extremely courteous, when I told him about the kids he volunteered to take the kids... a kind gesture from a virtually unknown entity! May his tribe increase and may God bless him for his good deed. Thanks are also due to Col Khera for his good reference and introductory call.

The truth is that we find goodness and kindness if we genuinely try to help others - and God steps in to make miracles happen! For these 100 never gone to school kids it will be an experience to remember and their young impressionable minds will gain tremendously from a day of fun and learning. They will participate in Drawing cards, clay modelling, singing and dancing. असीमित प्रतिभा , अनंत उड़ान - Cheers!

6 PCs received from Govt.Arts College

2009-04-09T14:21:00.006+05:30

The Education department has given 6 old PCs for installation at AIE centers. The 5 libraries from the Governor's grant are also ready. Now we need to launch these and have them sent to the schools. Post this we will have libraries at 35 Udaan centers and 41 centers with PCs under e-udaan project!

I remember how we had started off with 5 libraries created with the help of our GC Member Sushil Gupta and a PC donated by GC Member Anupama Arya last year.

Grateful to Governing Council Members, Education department, Patrons, Members, Volunteers and friends for their support and motivation.

Sharing with you lines from Longfellow's 'A Psalm of Life' which never cease to inspire me whenever a task appears daunting and the road long...

"Life is real! Life is earnest!
And the grave is not its goal;
Dust thou art, to dust returnest,
Was not spoken of the soul.

Let us then be up and doing,
With a heart for any fate;
Still achieving, still pursuing,
Learn to labor and to wait. "

Rotary International Vice President interacts with slum kids

2009-04-06T17:44:00.003+05:30

Rotary International Vice President Dr Monty Audenart visited the AIE Udaan center in Govt. High School Sec 40 A on 6th April ’09 accompanied by the Rotary President Sudarshan Duggal, PRIP Raja Saboo, DGN Madhukar Malhotra, Rtn Darshan Mehandru and Rtn Mahesh Gupta.
The children were very excited more-so as these were all new kids who had joined in April’09. The center had achieved a 100% pass result and the earlier children were getting mainstreamed into regular schools.
The Rotary International Vice President was shown the PC gifted by Rotary Club of Chandigarh under the e-literacy program in March’09 when 25 centers were given PCs for improving the quality of teaching and making learning fun for these under-privileged children. The kids were singing along with the rhymes on CD and learning alphabets.
These children from migrant/slum backgrounds had been brought to the centers by Volunteers who conducted surveys in such areas and motivated the parents to send their children to study. Due to poverty these kids are used as earning hands and resort to rag-picking, beggary, sibling care etc. Thus it is very important to motivate them to study at these centers where they come in the afternoons after the regular school hours.
All the children were gifted Drawing books, Crayons and chocolates by the visitors and the joy on the faces of these children was palpable and worth seeing! Some of them started colouring the books! They entertained the guests through their songs and rhymes. Thanks to Dr Monty Audenart, PRIP Raja Saboo, DGN Madhukar Malhotra and Rotarians Darshan Mehandru and Mahesh Gupta for sparing their valuable time and spending it with these children who were greatly inspired by the visit.

Where there is a will....there is a way

2009-04-05T15:19:00.003+05:30

The AIE center children who appeared for exams for entry into schools have demonstrated an excellent result. Of the 465 kids who gave the exam, 439
(94.91%)have passed from our centers in Clusters 3, 13, 14 and 15.

23 centers had a 100% pass result, the credit of which goes to the commitment of the Community teachers and Volunteers. Despite lack, the children too have the grit to study and do well in life proving the adage that where there is a will there is a way.... Now the CRCs, Teachers and Volunteers are busy in getting them enrolled in the schools as also admitting new children in the Udaan AIE centers.

All the children in the Child Care Home in Sec 25 who attend regular school have also passed and moved to the next class. Mohd.Faizal of this Home who studies in Class VIII has scored 80% and we will be awarding him a scholarship for Class IX. A couple of months back he had run away from the center but fortunately good sense prevailed and he returned.

I visited the centers in 39 and 40 - new kids have started coming. The hygiene standards are deplorable : the exercise has to start all over again......it is like producing a new set of kids who have to be taught and trained from scratch. What is admirable though is their energy and spunk which prods them on to fight the conditions of their birth and home and the desire to learn.

A brighter world for challenged children

2009-03-30T15:21:00.006+05:30

30th March'09

The two children Puja and Vishal after multiple checks at Grewal Eye Hospital were recommended specs which have been ordered for them - I took them and their mother to my optician for the same-they will get their spectacles today. However, their vision is badly impaired and it is possible that they will need to learn braille. I have handed over their reports to the Education Deptt. which has a resource center for challenged children. It is hoped that some good will come out of this effort.

The optician says these specs will make the world brighter for them - as the image formed will be sharper. I wish their parents had taken them to an opthalmologist years ago - the optic nerves could have been revived. Their mother told me that they could not afford eye-doctors and spectacles!

Now the children are in a state where everything they see is blurred ...colours are unseen and words are indecipherable: their whole life is before them....and yet their smiles are bright.

One can only pray for them in the words of John Henry Newman:

" Lead, kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom,
Lead thou me on;"

A grass-root campaign for sarvshiksha

2009-03-29T18:31:00.005+05:30

29th March'09

While returning from my morning walk from the Fragrance Garden, I met Bheem - a 7 year old child rag-picker - his bag was filled with empty plastic bottles and other saleable scrap. On being asked whether he goes to school the answer was in the negative. His father is a rickshaw-puller and he lives in 38 D. I gave him the name of the school and teacher in Sec 38 D where the AIE center is functioning and asked him to go there on Monday at 1 pm which he agreed.
Why do parents not send their children to school when it is a fundamental right?
How can we ensure that every child between 6-14 years is admitted to school or in an AIE center under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan?
How do we sensitize society on this issue - so that wherever such kids are seen, they are questioned and motivated to attend school?
Can a campaign be organised with the support of the Education Deptt. and local media for making Chandigarh a city where all under-privileged/slum/migrant kids go to school?
Do send in your inputs.
The new session starts in April and the good news is that over 90% of our kids (of Udaan AIE centers) have passed the exams and are in the process of being mainstreamed. New kids have been enrolled and have started coming (post surveys conducted). I will be posting the numbers soon.

2009-03-25T13:43:00.001+05:30

A Helping Hand

2009-03-25T10:45:00.004+05:30

All the bookshelves,books and PCs have reached the centers and it was quite a learning coordinating this exercise. Apart from the centers which BPF looks after, these have been given to other schools too - 9 libraries and 14 PCs to other centers. The Education Deptt. wants that we should take on more centers for monitoring and quality intervention.

The kids are excited and am getting the VCD sets ready for them. The selection of books this time was comprehensive with story books and classics as also stories of our leaders, scientists and great men of the world. Each library has 217 books so the children are going to have a great time reading and listening to stories. It is hoped that these books will instill a love for reading in the children and make learning fun for them and help in character building.

The de-worming exercise had covered 725 kids. Yesterday I visited "Hamari Kaksha" in Sec 7, an NGO being run by Anuradha, and covered the 60 children of their center. Most of these kids are school-going but belong to families of domestic helps and need assistance in studies. Anuradha is very committed and I had been introduced to her by the former DPI Schools - Mr Setia. It was good to see her involvement with the children. A Volunteer was teaching Yoga and some children were engaged in dancing and play-acting. I enjoyed extending a helping hand and if the Governing Council approves will also send her center a PC and books as requested by her.

Two siblings Puja and Vishal of our 38 D center (about whom I had written earlier) have impaired vision - they are being shown to Dr S P S Grewal in Sec 9 and all their tests have been conducted. It is hoped God willing they will soon be able to see ...after some corrective surgery. Their next appointment is on Friday. Rtn Lakhmana has been a big support in taking appointments and following up - God bless him.

Truly the world we live in is the world we create....let's take what is present and help lift it to its highest potential. In the words of William Blake,

"To see a world in a grain of sand,
And a heaven in a wild flower
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand
And eternity in an hour"

Gift of Literacy

2009-03-18T20:42:00.004+05:30

18th March'09
Today was a big day as Rotary Club of Chandigarh gifted 15 computers, Rakesh Kumar Gupta Memorial Charitable Trust donated 25 libraries and Education department gave 10 PCs for installation in the AIE centers. With these the total number of centers covered under Udaan are 30 and e-udaan 35. Mrs Shakuntla Gupta the gracious and generous principal donor was honoured by P.P. Singh our Managing Trustee.
The programme was held in Govt Model High School and was well orchestrated. DPI (Schools) Mr Samwartak Singh did the honours and Dr S K Duggal- President of Rotary Club of Chandigarh, Rtn Anil Chadha - Secretary,Rtns Lakhmana, Sushil Gupta, Man Mohan, Charanjit, Arvind Mahajan, Mahesh Gupta, Darshan Mehandru and A.P. Singh added grace to the program. Baljit Singh, Patron of the Foundation also attended the program. 150 children from the centers participated. They presented a cultural program with great gusto and it was heartening to see the effort made by them and their teachers despite not attending regular school. Saraswati Vandana, Song,Bhangra and Gidda were all appreciated. There were officials from the Education Deptt - DEO, Sangeeta, Komal alongwith CRCs, Teachers and Volunteers.
Everyone enjoyed the program and the kids were very happy to receive the tasty food packets from Aroma courtesy Man Mohan ji.
Our grateful thanks to all who supported the literacy drive - especially Sushil for the gift of libraries- 25 book racks with 5425 books, Rotary Chandigarh for the gift of 15 PCs,Education deptt. for 10 old PCs, Charanjit who helped in organising the program logistics and PR , Man Mohan ji for the kids' food packets and Rtn Mahesh who helped in the PC transportation to the venue. The Principal of GMHS Sec 38 D Mr Surinder Chadha and his staff deserve a special word of praise for the extra mile they travelled to organise the program. We missed PRIP Raja Saboo as he was out of town.
In closing I will just say that we need to have a purpose in life above oneself and everything else just follows...BPF is a catalyst and we are committed to the cause of quality education. Now the challenge is making the centers use these gifts - and this drive starts from tomorrow.

The Goodness of Life

2009-03-02T22:19:00.007+05:30

32 kids of Sec 38 D Udaan center were administered the de-worming tablets today - now we have 725 children free from such infestations.

There were some new children at the center - amongst them were a brother and sister who need corrective eye surgery. The kids were intelligent but had limited vision. They will need to be shown to an eye specialist.

We were visited by Mrs. Savinder Kaur - our Patron and donor from Ludhiana and she has made another donation for these kids. We are indeed thankful to her.

After years of planning and chasing time-lines for accomplishment of goals, my life is emerging - where I am enjoying the rising sun and the crescent moon, red salvias, pink and purple flox, golden yellow spring flowers, the fragrant Kachnar blossoms, and the smiles which light up the faces of these deprived children... so why despair ? Let us make Life good for the less fortunate.

Relentlessly the drive continues... 693 kids covered

2009-03-02T12:24:00.004+05:30

Saturday was the last day of February and we wanted to cover as many children as possible under the health and de-worming campaign sponsored by CII - Young Indians chapter.
WHO says" De worming school age children is probably the most economically efficient public health activity that can be implemented in any low-income country where soil-transmitted diseases are endemic" More than 200 million people in India, mostly children suffer from worm infestation.
Parul from Mobera Systems visited the Chandigarh 38 West center and helped administer the tablets to the children of the 2 centers covering 43 children present. The kids were excited to be clicked and even the dusty breeze was not a deterrent to them.
Visited Khuda Ali Sher and covered 30 kids.
Khuda Lahora - 30 kids
Khuda Jassu- 25 kids
Dadu Majra- 33 kids
Maloya VTC - 27+24 = 51 kids
PU Sector 14-25 kids
So we touched 237 children on 28th Feb'09 taking the total number of children covered under the campaign to 693.

Want to share few snippets - at Dadu Majra - all the kids said thank you when I gave the tablet in their mouth (some even before!). At Maloya VTC, where these 51 street kids are housed, a few of the younger ones wanted me to have their biscuit and would not take no as an answer! I was truly touched. Dipu an 8 year old who is mentally challenged came to hug me - I have observed that such kids are not self-conscious and give vent to their emotions freely. All of them wanted me to hear their poems and songs - their enthusiasm is infectious.

We shall overcome....

2009-02-26T18:29:00.004+05:30

26.2.09

Dr Malini Sehgal and Abida Quraishi accompanied me to centers today. We covered Govt Middle School center in Maloya Colony, GMHS Sec 12 and Child Care Home in Sec 25.
75 children were administered de-worming tablets taking the total tally to 456.
Few children in the Child Care Home were infected with the mumps virus and Dr Malini examined them and guided the Warden on precautions to be observed. As usual the kids were very happy to meet us and as the tablets were given to them in their mouth they were like small chicks opening their mouths for food! Women by their very nature have such a strong maternal instinct in them. We explained why worms develop and why it was important for them to wash their hands before meals. What is really satisfying is that all the children are attentive, curious and eager to learn.
I thought in my mind the beautiful words from Desiderata " You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and stars; you have a right to be here."

381 children covered under the health campaign

2009-02-26T12:48:00.002+05:30

The number of children covered has gone up to 381 and we are striving for covering all centers this weekend.