going on thirty… · gurgaon at the vidya school in gurgaon, underprivileged children are...

Vidya Annual Report 2014 1Vidya Annual Report 2014 1Vidya Annual Report 2014 1Vidya Annual Report 2014 1Vidya Annual Report 2014 1

Going on Thirty…

VIDYA celebrates 30 years of giving back in 2015.Blessed are those who give without remembering and take without forgetting.

VIDYA Today

VIDYA Integrated development forYouth and Adults is registered as anon-profit organization. The nationallyrecognized programs includeschools, remedial education,computer training, adult literacy, skilltraining, microfinance, socialentrepreneurship…VIDYA is reachingout to more than 2,50,000 peopleacross 20 rehabilitated slums inDelhi, Haryana, Mumbai andBangalore.

The proud VIDYA team: 350committed local and foreignvolunteers, teachers and staff, friends,donors and well wishers.

The education and exposure at VIDYAis as excellent as in any elite schooloffering tailor-made solutions tosocial needs. Constantly newstrategies are devised as VIDYAexpands creating a dynamic andinclusive process of teaching andlearning.

Reach and Impact

There are two broad areas of VIDYAactivities- holistic education andcommunity empowerment programs.15,000 children and adults areinvolved.

The Bal Vihar Primary School andcommunity empowerment programsin six large DelhiDelhiDelhiDelhiDelhi slums inculcateprogressive social change throughintegrated methods.

The VIDYA School in Gurgaon,HaryanaHaryanaHaryanaHaryanaHaryana, a state–of- the-art Englishmedium school spread across fiveacres is a dream come true. Thequality of education and facilities areat par with the best publicschools.The vision for the school is toshape and sharpen the corecompetence of underprivilegedchildren. The VIDYA School hasreceived recognition from theDirectorate of Education, HaryanaGovernment and affiliation with theCentral Board of SecondaryEducation(CBSE), New Delhi.

In Mumbai’sMumbai’sMumbai’sMumbai’sMumbai’s Municipal Schools,VIDYA conducts BhavishyaYaan, askills enhancement program thataddresses the lacunae of the presentgovernment school education systemat a micro level. The programprovides students of standards VI-IX,top class education in English, lifeskills and computer competence.

The Beyond School sessions providean all round educationaldevelopment for 700 children. Thereis also a ray of hope for dropout youthto be productive and contributingcitizens.

In BangaloreBangaloreBangaloreBangaloreBangalore, VIDYA currentlyconducts a Beyond School program

in three government schools for 600high school children.

VIDYA also runs Bhagini program thatprovides large-scale literacy,vocational and empowermentopportunitiesto exploited women torebuild their lives with pride, dignityand confidence.

In PPPPPuneuneuneuneune, VIDYA is taking wings.Phase 1:Target the schools for thelesser priviledged in the PuneCantonment area. Initially focus willbe on English and reading skills forclasses 1-4. Objective would be toremove the fear of speaking inEnglsih and make them moreconfident and incorporate lessons inlife skills along with these sessions.

Phase 2: Start a Bhagini program toeducate and empower the womanpower.

VIDYA is working towards gettingmore women to learn driving, anunusual and daring opportunity.Women drivers are breaking downbarriers and are storming into whatwas once a male bastion. TheseAngel Drivers from Bhagini learntdriving through Rotary DrivingClasses and are working with AngelCity Cabs. What a pleasure to seethese women drivers from slumszipping around Bangalore.

The Bhagini group also enjoys musicand yoga classes.

VIDYA appreciates the loveand support from all our

friends and sponsors whohave walked all the way in

this journey of …Going on 30!

Flashback 1985.The place, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi.Five little girls in rags along with their siblings were playing near adrain. Rashmi Misra, who then resided in IIT, reached out and lovinglytook the girls home. It was in the courtyard of her home that these little girlsstarted their first lesson, mainly that girls also can study! The seed was sown,VIDYA took roots.

The intelligence and curiosity of those first five were amazing. Soon others followedand the number of students swelled to 20, boys too came in. And the first formalclassroom was thus functional with 25 students and two volunteers. Rashmi Misrawas the Founder Chairperson. She still is and going stronger. VIDYA today is amovement spread across Indian slums as a significant force of change for India’sunderprivileged.

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Different Strokes

Making a Meaningful Difference

Friends,

Greetings and best wishes from theVIDYA family!

With the loving support and co-operation from all our friends,supporters, donors and well-wishersand the hard work, passion andsincere devotion of the dedicatedVIDYA teams across the country, theyear 2014 was an amazing one forVIDYA!

Our Annual Report 2013-14 brings toyou details of all our programmesand shares stories and pictures of ourstudents – children, youth andwomen across all VIDYAs and thenurturing leaders, teachers, staff andcommunity workers who are thepillars of our movement VIDYA, andwho I am so very proud of!

Our VIDYA School at Gurgaon wasaccredited to CBSE, and thestudents - already highly driven andcompetent - are now truly poised tobe the future leaders of India. The BalVihar and the Beyond Schoolprograms have brought qualityeducation to children andreinvigorated a love for learning andachievement in the schools andcommunities we work with.

Our community programs havegrown and seen immense success.Hundreds of women, children andyouth have become empowered fromour work, and we have learned manythings from them in kind. We arealready on a path to collectively bringin world class processes into ouradministration so that we can speedand scale our operations. Ourpresentations and conferences in theUnited States and Canada havebrought VIDYA into the internationalspace, and won us many new friendsand collaborators, all dedicated tosocial change and united in ourmission.

This year, we are going to focus onachieving demonstrable andconsistent results in women’s and thegirl child’s empowerment, Englishproficiency and vocational and skilltraining for employability. Many lessprivileged youth are still not givenadequate opportunities, exposureand guidance. India has a massiveshortfall of several millions in thenumber of skilled professionalsavailable for important vocations inmajor sectors like infrastructure,healthcare, construction, retail andmany others. Jobs in these sectors

can provide satisfaction, purposeand independence for the millions ofmen, women and youth in need of it.English proficiency significantlyimproves confidence andemployability.

It is our duty to help and to prepareour students to be gainfullyemployable.

We have made exciting plans tocelebrate our 30 years of VIDYA in2015, together as one big VIDYAfamily! I hope you can join us and bea part of VIDYA during these events.Please visit us and see details of our30th year celebrations on our

website.

More than anythingelse we need yourgood wishes,blessings and lovingsupport to fulfill thedreams of ourstudents and to takeVIDYA from strengthto strength, to makeit truly global andscalable.

Warm personalregards and bestwishes from us all atVIDYA!

Rashmi MisraRashmi MisraRashmi MisraRashmi MisraRashmi MisraFounderChairperson


Why is VIDYA Different

We believe that it is entirely possible,and necessary, to provideunderprivileged children the samequality of education and exposurethat one would receive at an eliteschool. We grow in response to needand believe in tailor-made solutionsto social problems.

We also believe that one of the mosteffective ways to initiate socialchange in next generation is toempower mothers, as they are highlyinfluential in their children‘s beliefsabout women and equality.

As we expand across cities andschools, community centres, adultliteracy and youth program, we striveto empower our students to takeback the learning to their families andcommunity to magnify its effect, andwe constantly devise new strategiesto make this happen. For instance, aspart of our spoken English program,the students are required to train incomputer usage and life skills as well,and in turn, hold lessons for theirmothers in the evenings. Our aim is toturn out some of the finest scientists,engineers, business professionalsand leaders of the future.

Centre for HolisticExcellence

VIDYA needs yours supportto provide scholarships to

brilliant young girls, from thepoorest families of Haryana

who study at the VIDYASchool, Gurgaon. We

provide them a high qualityeducation and an

opportunity to learn thecreative arts, change their

mind sets, build theirconfidence and encouragethem to be potential leaders

of tomorrow.

VIDYA believes that one ofthe most effective ways to

initiate social change in nextgeneration is to empowermothers as they are highly

influential in their children‘sbeliefs about women and

equality.

EMPOWERMENT OF THEGIRL CHILDOur Special Focus andEndeavour

Empowerment of the girl child is theneed of the hour. We sincerely believethat educating a man is educating anindividual but educating a girl iseducating an entire family.

We, at VIDYA School Gurgaon, havebeen in the forefront of the endeavorto transform lives throughempowerment of women andmarginalized sections of society. Ithas been our consistent effort topersuade and motivate socially andeconomically disadvantaged parentsof girls to be sensitive to andunderstand the need for theimportance of educating andempowering girls.

Our priority being the girl child, weplan to admit at least 50% girlstudents.

Our singular mission at VIDYA is toEDUCATE, EMPOWER.TRANSFORM.

VIDYA’s Vision is to be asignificant force of changefor India’s less privileged.

VIDYA’s Mission is toeducate and empower the

less privileged throughintegrated methods and to

initiate and implementprogressive social change.

Our community programshave grown and seen

immense success.Hundreds of women,

children and youth havebecome empowered from

our work

VIDYA celebrates 30 years of giving back in 2015.

WE thank the donors, partners, friends, volunteers and well wishers whostrengthen the spirit of VIDYA!

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EDUCATION

The VIDYA School,GurgaonAt the VIDYA School in Gurgaon,underprivileged children areencouraged to achieve full potentialin their academic, creative, physical,emotional, spiritual and moraldevelopment. It is located in themiddle of two largest slums of thearea. This is an English mediumschool recognized by Directorate ofEducation, Haryana government andaffiliated to Central Board ofSecondary Education (CBSE), Delhi.

Events and Visits

Concern India Foundation

A sports event was organized byConcern India Foundation, wherein 24NGOs participated. Our students fromstandard 1-9 participated and wereawarded certificates of participation.

American India Foundation

Students of standard 8 visitedAmerican India Foundation toshowcase the three selected projectsunder film making category. Thesewere, a comic stripcalled‘Stereotype’‘Stereotype’‘Stereotype’‘Stereotype’‘Stereotype’ and twodocumentaries on‘Migration’‘Migration’‘Migration’‘Migration’‘Migration’ and‘Superstition’. ‘Superstition’. ‘Superstition’. ‘Superstition’. ‘Superstition’. The entries werereviewed for the final release. As partof the grand projection,‘Stereotype’Stereotype’Stereotype’Stereotype’Stereotype’the comic strip and thedocumentary on‘Migration’‘Migration’‘Migration’‘Migration’‘Migration’ werefinally screened at the FICCIauditorium in New Delhi.

War Widows Association

At the annual prize distributionceremony, Mohini Giri- Chairperson ofWar Widows Association was thechief guest. Prizes were distributedunder different categories: SushilaMisra scholarship, Ram Lubhai MelaRam Charitable Trust scholarship forexcellence in academics and RajiNambissan scholarship forexcellence in Maths and science.Other prizes were also given for thecategories like awards in library,academics, general proficiency,general improvement, full attendanceand sports.

Cvent Friendship Class

Almost 80 junior school studentsvisited CVENT, the corporate housethat provides online solutions forevents and surveys. This visit wasorganised by Bhavna Rout, CSRManager. The children had a galatime and will remember the cheerfulmoments.

Genpact

Genpact organized a plantation drivefor the students of class 4, 5, 6 in theBiodiversity Park.The studentsplanted various saplings on the hillyarea.

Youth Alliance

To celebrate the Joy of Giving Week,students from standards 3-5 visitedthe Ridge Valley School in Gurgaon.This exposure was organized as anactivity under the CompassionateDelhi Project by Youth Alliance andTeach for India.

This project aims to develop a feelingof Oneness among the children. Theexperienceinvolved afriendlyFootball Match,making ofhand-madegifts and lovingletters writtento students ofother schools.This was thefirst steptowardsgeneratingempathy in

children to value people andsurroundings and celebrate the Joyof Giving.

Coming of Comforts

It was a sunny Sunday morning whenthe Comforts arrived in VIDYA.Nathalie and William Comfort, thegreat supporters of VIDYA werewarmly welcomed in the school. Theywere accompanied by their grandchildren. The grand children lovinglyplanted a sapling. A specialassembly was organized onChristmas and New Year followed bysuccess stories of Comfort scholars.Comforts later presented badges tothe school council and interactedwith the staff and students. MadamNathalie was highly impressed withthe confidence and competence ofthe students. The grand childrenwere captivated by the experimentsbeing conducted in the physics lab.Today VIDYA is a dream converted into a reality through the love andgenerous support of William andNathalie Comfort.

Maestros Magic Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia with Vidya Family


Debi Breaks Silence

UK’s Action Break Silence groupconducted a training session topromote empowerment of womenthrough self defense. 150 girls fromstandards 4-10 attended the sessionwhich was conducted by DebiSteven. Twenty girls from Bal Vihar,Delhi also attended this session.

SPROUTS Take Roots

Anand Pendharkar from SPROUTSMumbai enlightened the studentsabout environment conservation. Itwas a novel learning platform for thestudents to utilize day to day wastematerial in a productive way.

Welcome Winkworth

The school welcomed Simon Agace,Chairman of Winkworth along withVikram Rajaram, GaneshamSundaram and Narayana. Therespected guests attended theschool assembly and later interactedwith the students.

CBSE Katha

As per the CBSE guidelines, a CBSE-Katha Story Writing Competition wasorganized in the school in August.There was a huge participation,fromclass 4-10. These stories werereviewed and 14 best stories wereuploaded on the CBSE-Kathawebsite. Results were declared inOctober and it was a moment ofpride for VIDYA when two storiesnamely “Visit TVisit TVisit TVisit TVisit To Equidea” byo Equidea” byo Equidea” byo Equidea” byo Equidea” bySanjana Naagar of class 9Sanjana Naagar of class 9Sanjana Naagar of class 9Sanjana Naagar of class 9Sanjana Naagar of class 9 and“Carianne: A Ghost” by Leela of“Carianne: A Ghost” by Leela of“Carianne: A Ghost” by Leela of“Carianne: A Ghost” by Leela of“Carianne: A Ghost” by Leela ofclass 7class 7class 7class 7class 7 were selected. The selectedstudents participated in the RegionalWriters’ Workshop in November .Theymet literary agents and mentors whowill guide them through onlinelearning.

Earlier CBSE in its Feedback Reporton evidence of assessment,appreciated VIDYA with the remark,“COMMENDABLE JOB, Keep it up!”The CBSE is committed to ensure fairand effective assessment. With thepurpose to ensure reliability andvalidity of assessments practices atschool level, CBSE has over the yearsinitiated collection and verification ofthe evidence of assessment and themarks awarded are verified. VIDYASchool has been evaluated andappreciated for its commendableperformance.

United Health Group

A Friendship Class was organized byUnited Health Group in its corporateoffice in Gurgaon. Twenty studentsfrom class 3 participated in thesession. Various values like honesty,caring, discipline, responsibility,forgiveness, patriotism were sharedwith the students. The youngsterswere also sensitized on the issue ofconservation of resources especiallypaper as they enjoyed creating bestout of waste.

Big Bang with BBC

Preet Dhupar, CEO BBC India visitedthe School. The 5thstandard studentswere thrilled to have Ms. Dhuparamongst them. It was an interestingsession full of anecdotes anddiscussion on options andopportunities available in the field ofmedia communication. The studentswere eager to know so many things

about leadership, media skills,breaking news.

The star of the show was Vishal whoconfidently led a 15 minute sessionon the Big Bang Theory. He hadplanned this presentation with his

class teacher. Every student presentin the class was excited by Vishal’ssession and soon he was bombardedwith a volly of questions. He tried toanswer the questions with best of hisability.

KPMG Girls Scholarship

Five students from class 9 and twofrom class 10 have been selected byKPMG for the Girls Scholarshipprogram. They are selected on thebasis of performance in academicsand extracurricular activities.Presently the girls are taking lessonsfrom Inlingua and also learning kickboxing.

KPMG in India has been sponsoringa number of initiatives at The VIDYASchool since 2011, which include anutrition program for the entireschool, IT support, salaries of a fewteachers and sport coaches, sportequipment and Pro Bono support.Each year they hold a number ofvolunteering initiatives at our schoolwhich include mentoring and readingsessions, carnivals etc. In addition,from 2014, they are also supportingeducation of five girls through meritbased scholarships.

Vishal’s Big Bang Theory

KPMG Committed to Community

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Workshops

• A CBSE workshop was conductedin Rosary Sr. Secondary school,New Delhi which was attended bythree teachers- Anita, Tilak andRanjana. The workshop focusedon formative assessment which isan integral part of ContinuousComprehensiveEvaluation.Queries anddiscussions on the anecdotalrecords, life skills, formativeassessment and evidence werelater shared.

• Dilruba Kalsi- Manager, VIDYASchool conducted a workshop onco-scholastic areas to be testedfor students. All related querieswere duly addressed.

• Pooja accompanied by fivestudents visited the Adobe HeadOffice at Noida, for an interactiveworkshop. American IndianFoundation in partnership withAdobe is carrying out projects in35 schools of Gurgaon, out ofwhich VIDYA School is one. Underthis project, selected students areworking on comic strips, two shortfilms and documentaries. Thisworkshop was held to review theongoing projects and provideinputs.

• A workshop on ‘Dealing with theAdolescents’ was organised forthe teachers, wherein teachersdiscussed the problems facedwhile dealing with theadolescents and ways to dealwith them.

• British Council conducted aworkshopon International School

OM Shanti, Yoga for Bliss!

Award 2014-15for the teachers.The resource person was PreetiOhja who is a consultant with theBritish Council and also the localschool ambassador.

• Considering teachers’ goodhealth, both mind and body, ayoga workshop was organized forall the teachers. It was ablyconducted by Jitendra, the sportsteacher. Important postures andbreathing exercises werepracticed under his guidance.

Regular Activities

• Students are regularlyparticipating in various inter-school as well as intra-schoolcompetitions such as debates,art, music, dance and elocutions.Most students are involved indifferent co-curricular activitieslike clubs, house-meetings etc.

• Regular preparatory and remedialclasses are also being held.

• Sports training in Basketball,Football and Yoga is very popularamongst the children.

• Students of class 2 enjoyed aunique activity, to learn about thedifferent aspects of plants,cereals, cotton, tea and pulses.This science activity was not onlyinteresting but also a greatlearning process.

• Taekwondo displays areorganized involving differenttechniques performed by thesenior students from class 6-9.The display reflected thesynchronized spirit of co-ordination and patience.

Hale and Hearty

• A Health Camp was held, whereinsome doctors of SGT Hospitaland College, Budhera organizeda free dental checkup for all thestudents in VIDYA School. The aimwas to make the children aware oftheir eating habits and at thesame time, let them know aboutthe corrective measures.

Major Event

Captivating Chaurasia

It was a major event in the history ofVIDYA School. The Bansuri (IndianBamboo flute) maestro PanditHariprasad Chaurasia visited theschool in May.

The VIDYA School was a glow in themorning sunshine, all decked up withfresh flowers and Rangolis. The stagewas set with breathtaking props, thetables were ready with latestbrochures and other literature, thewalls glowed with bannersshowcasing collages of VIDYAactivities, the stall of VIDYA Visheshhandicrafts awaited visitors…theambience was touching.

PanditJi was welcomed in atraditional Indian way. He was brisk,smiled, looked almost divine in hiswhite silks with strings of pearlsaround his neck and red tikka onforehead. He planted a sapling in thecourtyard.

Soon the children took over the stageand their song and danceperformances were applauded bythe appreciative audience of parentsand well wishers.

Panditji is a dedicated Guru andteacher of music.He was very humbleand he invited the children on thestage. There was an excited rumble-tumble as 400 children surroundedhim on and around the stage andshared his space. These little flowers,he said, inspired him!

What followed was a sheer delight,and an impromptu conversation asPanditJi became one of them, almostchildlike. Jovial, naughty, he recalledhis student days and sharedanecdotes.

In the evening, the Stein Auditorium,Habitat Centre in Delhi had the


connoisseurs of classical musicspellbound. PanditJi performed inthe evening to a packed house andregaled with renditions of Hindustaniclassical ragas and folk tunes. Healso responded to requests from theaudience.

This mesmerizing concert of PanditJiis a priceless contribution to VIDYA.VIDYA is deeply touched to receivehis blessings.

Special Days

IndependenceDay

The 68th Independence DayCelebrations were held in the schoolwith great enthusiasm. The entireschool fraternity was present. Thecelebrations began with the flaghoisting by the Principal of theschool-Meenakshi Roy. The groundsreverberated with the voices of thestudents singing National Anthem.This was followed by the march pastwherein all the four houses namelyGanga, Godavari, Narmada andSutlej ably led by their smartCaptains, marched past, payingrespects to the national flag.

Helpers’ Day

Helpers’ day was observed with greatgratitude. Small gifts as token ofappreciation were presented to thevarious helpers of the school duringan assembly specially organized tohonor them. The helpers participatedin a Rangoli competition and sports.The day wrapped up with a speciallunch.

World Environment Day

Noted Scientist and EducationistDharamvir joined the school staff andstudents as a chief guest to celebrateWorld Environment Day. His speechon eco -friendly environment was veryinspiring.

Teachers’ Day

Teachers’ Day started with anassembly addressed by Zal Daver,Education Consultant. Studentsoffered a small thanks givingpresentation dedicated to theteachers expressing their gratitude.They appreciated teachers’contribution in making them whatthey are today. After the assembly,the well talked about movie “I amKalam” was screened. This wasfollowed by Prime Minister NarendraModi’s speech. The innovative PMpenetrated the nooks and corners ofIndia via satellite and humbletelevision and radio. Interactive,immensely invigorating, he was allover the country…VIDYA studentsalso watched spell bound as heinteracted with students from allcorners.

Fond Farewell

Meenakshi Roy, the Principal of VIDYASchool was touched andoverwhelmed by the love andgratitude showered by the students.She has recently retired. A fond

VIDYA participated in the Airtel DelhiHalf Marathon 2014 on November 23.

The Airtel Delhi Half Marathon isDelhi’s largest fundraiser and popularannual event. The Delhi Marathonwas a unique platform for both NGOsand corporates to link up throughcommunity involvement and make areal difference together for a socialcause. For VIDYA and VIDYA’scorporate partners, the DelhiMarathon offered a fantasticopportunity to link up, co-brand andraise awareness.

farewell was organised onSeptember 17 where the studentsshared their memorable momentswith Meenakshi Ma’am. She hasbeen a mentor, philosopher andguide and leaves behind a trail ofsuccess stories.

Charming Chaurasia with Vidya Team

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Pride of The VIDYA School

Karan- Keen to Fly High

Karan joined the VIDYA family innursery class. In the beginning,he struggled with academicsbut with guidance fromteachers, his performanceimproved. By the time heentered class 4, he was aconfident young student. Aftershowing consistency in hisacademic performance, he won the generalimprovement award last year. He is also good atfootball and dreams of becoming an IAS officersomeday.

Karan shares a humble home with three sisters andhis parents who iron clothes for a living. Whereacademics are concerned, Karan is a bright,intelligent and sincere student. He is proactive whenit comes to activities in the classroom and outside likemusic, games and arts. A boy with a keen mind, Karanis always eager to learn new things and ever ready totake on responsibilities.

Komal’s Call

Komal speaks outstandingEnglish, excels in academics,and enthusiastically participatesin dance, singing, sports,filmmaking and theatre. She is agifted orator and has beenawarded the general proficiencyaward several times. She has notmissed a day of School, is highlydisciplined, and cooks for her family and playssurrogate mom to her two siblings.

She is studying in the class 9 and has been with usthroughout her school years. Komal’s father is a driver,her mother a homemaker, and they are bothunlettered. She lives in a slum near the school. Shewould like to join the Indian Administrative Serviceand lead the change for a better India.

Her ever-smiling face reminds us of a quote,

“Some succeed because they are destined to butmost succeed because they are determined to”.

Wish ListFor the Girl Child…

VIDYA School’s admission policygives priority to the girl child as wellas children of single mothers andwidows. Our school scholastic, sportsand co-curricular programme isgeared towards entitling andempowering the girl child. With thisobjective we wish to provideadditional programmes, especiallyfor the 40 girls in standard 11.

• Basic course in Computers,duration three months at NIIT.Cost per child Rs 1000/-

• Advanced course in Computers,duration three months, at NIIT.Cost per child Rs 1000/-

• Training in Martial Arts. Cost perchild Rs 1,500/-

• Cultural and Theatre activities.Cost per child Rs 1,500/-

August 31. Col. R.P. Madan,Executive Board Member ofVIDYA breathed his last in theearly hours. The booming voicehas fallen silent. He passed awaypeacefully. Team VIDYA salutesthe years of selfless service,perseverance and compassion ofthis brave soldier.

Col. Madan will remain ever alivebecause of the rich legacy heleaves behind for VIDYA topreserve and emulate.

Rest in Peace

The VIDYA School TeamDilruba Kalsi ManagerV. Suprabha PrincipalAnita Sirohi Academic HeadYashoda Sharma Admin. HeadSarita Shahi Edu. ConsultantZal Daver Edu. Consultant

Dear DepartedDear DepartedDear DepartedDear DepartedDear Departed

Address:The VIDYA SchoolBlock-S, Plot no. 3126, DLF Phase III,Gurgaon, Haryana, [email protected].: 0124-4224714


What a Roller Coaster Ride?

VIDYA CELEBRATES ITS 30 YEAR JOURNEY FROMSTRENGTH TO STRENGTH

1985 - the birth of VIDYA!

2015 - VIDYA completes 30 years!

What a rollercoaster ride it has been! With bigtechnicolour dreams for the five girl students RashmiMisra decided to educate in 1985 from her IIT homein Delhi, the numbers just grew and grew! Thanks toRashmi’s zeal, enthusiasm, and mission as VIDYAcompletes 30 years of its existence, we havetouched the lives of over two lakh children andwomen in Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai. Fromhumble beginnings VIDYA has now become apowerful movement to EDUCATE, EMPOWEREDUCATE, EMPOWEREDUCATE, EMPOWEREDUCATE, EMPOWEREDUCATE, EMPOWERand TRANSFORMand TRANSFORMand TRANSFORMand TRANSFORMand TRANSFORM the socially challenged, lessprivileged communities in urban slums. Quite a feat!

We plan to commemorate our journey with year longcelebration of our hopes, aspirations and dreams.

Commencing from the beginning of 2015 to March2016 we have planned a series of events and weinvite and solicit the support and cooperation of allour friends and well wishers in making thesecelebrations a grand success.

Three decades of perseverance and hard work is agood time for an institution to grow, evolve andmature. It’s a time to look back and take stock.

It’s also a time to redefine our goals andperspectives and to plan for the future.

So come on VIDYA family!!!

It’s the time to put our hands together to celebrateand introspect!

- Sarita Shahi, Education Consultant- Sarita Shahi, Education Consultant- Sarita Shahi, Education Consultant- Sarita Shahi, Education Consultant- Sarita Shahi, Education Consultant

Vidya is Vision in Action

What are we trying to achieve for the VIDYA school,what are the qualities in the children that we areworking on? How are we creating leaders,Professional and great citizens? What does theschool need? Why does India need more schoolslike the VIDYA School.

Nelson Mandela once said “Vision without action isjust a dream…but vision with action can change theworld.”

For us, VIDYA is vision in action.

While we make no tall claims to change the world,we at VIDYA do believe that we can make adifference in the lives of that other India- the India ofthe slums, the Jhopadpattis, the Shanties, the Indiathat cleans our cars and homes, that cooks ourfood, that transports our kids to school, the Indiathat is silent, side lined from the mainstream.

How do you transform lives….throughempowerment...

How do you empower…by raising levels ofaspiration…

And how does one raise aspirations…, throughquality education..

Why is it assumed that quality education, with stateof the art infrastructure and facilities is a privilegereserved only for the rich and affluent?

VIDYA is necessary for nurturing talent andleadership-not from the privileged mainstream butfrom among those who for so long have remainedsilent, aide lined, powerless and far from themainstream.

We at VIDYA, have a dream!

A dream of a vibrant, energetic, aspirational, skilledand educated India….A dream of an India in whichtalent and leadership comes from the vast,untapped ocean of the voiceless, powerless, themarginalized.

Through quality, holistic education, we endeavourto shape our children into confident, assertive,articulate and professionally competent andcompassionate young adults who will provideleadership and direction to the India of the 21st

century.’

Visit us at VIDYA School…and see for yourselves thework we are doing.

Zal Daver, Education Consultant

Constantly new strategies are devised asVIDYA expands creating a dynamic and

inclusive process of teaching andlearning.

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Bal Vihar is the flagship and theoldest program of VIDYA, which aimsat a child participatory approach. Itequips children with life skillsrequired to lead a dignified life. BalVihar salutes the hard work anddedication put in by all the staffmembers to make it an outstandinginstitution of learning.

With 300 students, 21 staff membersand nine helpers Bal Vihar runs in twoshifts for nursery to class 5.

Goals

• To learn basic reading, writingand arithmetic.

• To create a spring board to thenext level of learningachievement, beyond the basic3R’s

• To change the attitudes of parentstowards girl child’s education.

• To prevent children from beingexposed to vulnerable andabusive conditions.

• To sustain children in school andimprove their level of learning

• To mainstream children intoregular school after class 5.

Strategies to Attainthe Goals.

Bal Vihar is a well structured programcatering to children with age group 3to 12. The strategies are designed tocreate a stimulating learningenvironment where students arenurtured along with building selfesteem and positivity.

• The school follows NationalCouncil of Educational Researchand Training (NCERT) syllabuswith books of private publicationswith illustrations that attract theattention of the child.

• Regular morning assembly of 35minutes is the integral part of theprogramme. It fills theatmosphere with prayers, gives aplatform / exposure to children tospeak in front of others, whichboosts their confidence. Moralvalues are discussed andstudents participate in physicalactivities.

• English, Hindi, Maths, SocialStudies and Science are the mainsubjects. Children are also trainedin dance, music, yoga andcomputers. They are an integralpart of thecurriculum.

• School provides free uniform,books and stationery and mid daymeals to every child.

• To develop healthy team spirit, thestudents are grouped into fourhouses - Equality, Liberty,Freedom and Sincerity. EveryFriday inter house competitionsare held on subjects like painting,calligraphy, poem recitation,cartoon making. Prizes are givento encourage children.

• Once a year, the schoolcelebrates an Annual Function, toproject the yearly achievements ofthe school. Children put up funfilled cultural programs andparents, guests, volunteers areinvited to motivate children. Theschool also gives scholarships tooutstanding children after class 5to continue their education inpublic schools.

• The internal assessmentscomprise of four evaluationsconducted in July, September,December and March.

• Various workshops are organizedfor students and teachers toexpose them to new methods ofteaching.

Bal Vihar,Delhi

The school also givesscholarships to outstanding

children after class 5 tocontinue their education in

public schools.


Impact

• In 2013 – 14, the ratio of boys andgirls admitted increased to 50:50.

• Value education has helpedreduce anti social activitiesamong children.

• There has been a reduction indropout rate not only at primarybut also at middle and seniorschool levels.

• Better health of children attendingprogram through mid day meals.

• Regular Parent TeacherAssociation meetings haveincreased parents’ understandingof importance of education.

• Tremendous improvement inattendance of children, 80% ofthem are now regular in attendingschool.

Excursions

• The year was full of excitingexcursions. Exposure visits lead tolearning experience, teambonding and camaraderie. Thevisit to Jamali Kamali, QutubMinar, Children’s park will remainin the memory for a long time.

••••• Ten students of Bal Vihar visitedBhatkhande, an institution formusic and dance, on theoccasion of Basant Panchmi toseek blessings of GoddessSaraswati

Special Assemblies

To ensure maximum participation ofchildren, every Friday morning onrotation, students of each class putup a special assembly on topicsassigned to them.

AprilAprilAprilAprilApril – Special assembly by class 5on “God helps those who helpthemselves”. The approach is, towork hard and be successful as thereis no magic or short cut to success.

Class 4A on “Pollution is our enemyand we must keep our environmentclean to live a healthy and safe life”.

Class 4 B on “Importance of parentsin our life and right ethics alwaysleadto right path”.

MayMayMayMayMay – Class 3 on “Importance ofgood manners everywhere”. Childrendiscussed Labour Day andpresented a small play on “Honesty isthe best policy”.

Class 2 on “National flags of variouscountries, their colour, importanceand material used to make it”.

July -July -July -July -July - Class 5 on “Health andhygiene” the message was deliveredby small play.

Class 4 on “Types of health-physical,mental, emotional and spiritual andvarious methods to develop them sothat children grow into balancedhuman beings”.

August -August -August -August -August - Class 2 on “Responsibility”.A play depicted the responsibilitiesof every citizen. Children presentedvarious responsibilities towards oneself, school, society, country, worldand environment

September -September -September -September -September - Class 3 on “Love, Careand Compassion” depicting Loveand care towards parents, teachers,helpers, animals and nature.

The year was full of excitingexcursions. Exposure visitslead to learning experience,

team bonding andcamaraderie.

We Can, We Will!

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Workshops

Regular workshops develop practicalskills, logical thinking and makelearning a joy.

Meditation. Meditation. Meditation. Meditation. Meditation. The spiritual teacherMa Purnananda of Chinmaya Missionguided children and staff to developa strong and stable mind and chooseright path. The importance ofmeditation was the high point of thisworkshop.

TTTTTeaching English. eaching English. eaching English. eaching English. eaching English. Ms.Ektafocused on various techniques ofteaching English to junior classes.The workshop was attended byEnglish teachers from all the projectsof VIDYA Delhi.

Knowing Students BetterKnowing Students BetterKnowing Students BetterKnowing Students BetterKnowing Students Better.....To helpteachers know their students better,Shubh Gupta from the HindustanTimes( leading newspaper ofDelhi)conducted a workshop wherevarious challenges faced by the staff

like indiscipline, lack of parentalsupport, learning disparity, shortattention span were discussed.Suggestions to overcome thesechallenges and talk on variouslearning styles were the mainhighlights. She insisted upon theteachers to use positive approach.

Art as MediumArt as MediumArt as MediumArt as MediumArt as Medium. Anjali Ahuja, atrained artist from Singaporeshowcased art as a medium tosensitize children towards flora andfauna. She suggested easy methodsto draw flowers, animals and humanbeings by using oil and watercolours.

Good Good Good Good Good Karma. Karma. Karma. Karma. Karma. Ruby Gill highlighted“Self Awareness” and how teachersare role models for the children. Shetaught the teachers to do their karma(duties) with complete truth anddedication, as good karma is notregistered between two individualsbut between them and God.

Deepak Kapoor of PWC Lighting the Lamp,Let the Flame be There Always

Annual Day 2014-15

The serene school grounds of BalVihar were overflowing with anappreciative audience, not mindingthe mid morning December chill. The30th year has commenced dottedwith many memorable moments. Theold timers have seen with pride, thefirst VIDYA project Bal Vihar grow froma tiny sapling to a big tree withbranches spreading all over, be it inGurgaon, Mumbai, Bangalore…TheChief Guest Deepak Kapoor-Chairman of Price WaterCoopers(PWC), humble andhumorous, complimented the VIDYAteam for nurturing the little flowers.

Annual Day 2013-14

The VIDYA AnnualDay on December7, 2013, wasattended byteachers, students,parents, guestsand well wishers inprecious momentsof togetherness.The occasion wasgraced by ourChief Guest, KamlaSood, ManagingTrustee of DurgaDevi MemorialTrust. The colorfulAnnual Report of VIDYA wasreleased much to thedelight of people present.The function was anchoredby the charming Head GirlRakhi in fluent English. Theteachers were rewardedand the children wereappreciated for their varietyof cultural presentationsincluding dances from Goa,Maharashtra, Punjab andNagaland.

The Chief Guest awardedthe children for specialachievements during theyear.

Moral ValuesMoral ValuesMoral ValuesMoral ValuesMoral Values. Pratima Goeladdressed the teachers on“Importance of including moralvalues as a part of regularcurriculum”. She also conducted aworkshop on “Gender sensitization”and empowerment of girls.Significant roles of teachers werediscussed in helping childrenunderstand their physical growth andsafe guarding themselves fromdanger.

Integrated TIntegrated TIntegrated TIntegrated TIntegrated Teaching. eaching. eaching. eaching. eaching. Twoteachers, Garvita and ManjuAggarwal attended a two dayworkshop at Katha, an organizationthat encourages reading skills inchildren. The teachers were guidedto use integrated methods ofteaching to make learning easy andinteresting. Their performance wasappreciated and they were awardedcertificates of merits.

Here We Go!


Celebrations

At Nestling. At Nestling. At Nestling. At Nestling. At Nestling. On December 24, agroup of children of Bal Vihar childrenwent to Nestling, a school for TinyTots for Christmas. The Children ofNestling distributed special gifts andpresented a play on Christmas. Theatmosphere was filled with joy,children sang carols and songs tomark the festival followed by adelicious feast.

Republic RegaliaRepublic RegaliaRepublic RegaliaRepublic RegaliaRepublic Regalia. Students fromNursery to class 3 celebratedRepublic Day with great enthusiasmin January. Nursery and KG childrencreated the national flag with thehelp of ice cream sticks while thosefrom class 1 prepared messagecards. Rangolis by the studentsdelighted everyone.

More Accolades…

Pawan and Tanisha of class 5participated in a drawingcompetition at Waulden School. Thetopic was ‘Solar Energy’ and itsbenefits. Their drawings wereappreciated.

Four children attended a speechcompetition on ‘Reducing NoisePollution’. It was organized byTTTTTamana,amana,amana,amana,amana, an NGO working formentally challenged children. Anshufrom standard 4 won the third prize.

The students also participated in the‘Reuse of Waste Materials’ activities.They were applauded for theirdiscipline and whole heartedparticipation.

VIDYVIDYVIDYVIDYVIDYA is GratefulA is GratefulA is GratefulA is GratefulA is Grateful

At every step and every turn, yearafter year, it is the unstinting supportof our donors and volunteers that hashelped us to achieve so much andreach out to so many.

Panchsheel Co-operative HouseBuilding Society for beautifulpremises.

Jim Lawrence (Sikri Trust)

Robin Nayar (Friends IndiaAssociation)

K C Mahindra Education Trust (NanhiKali)

Republic Day celebrations atPanchsheel Club were wellappreciated. Sixty students and fiveformer students of Bal Viharperformed in a cultural programme atthe Club. There were patriotic songsand dances. The choreography byManju Prasad won the hearts of themembers of the Club.

FFFFFor For For For For Familyamilyamilyamilyamily. On the occasion ofRakshabandhan, the junior classescreated rakhis in their classrooms.They also discussed the relevance ofthe festivals and family ties.

FFFFFor Countryor Countryor Countryor Countryor Country. . . . . Independence Daywas celebrated in August. Childrengave thought provoking speechesfollowed by Hindi and Bangla songsand then danced on “Vande Matram”.Children were awarded for their

academic achievements and finallythe function was concluded by thefamous poem by RabindranathTagore “Where the mind is withoutfear and the head is held high”.Students of Bal Vihar also enacted acultural presentation at PanchsheelClub. The members of thePanchsheel Society praised thechildren and staff. Students alsowrote poems and participated in aposter making competition.

No EvilNo EvilNo EvilNo EvilNo Evil. Gandhi Jayanti wasobserved on October 2. Studentsshared information about Gandhiji’slife and teachings. The thought of theday was based on Gandhiji’s threewise monkeys - see no evil, hearsee no evil, hearsee no evil, hearsee no evil, hearsee no evil, hearno evil and speak no evil.no evil and speak no evil.no evil and speak no evil.no evil and speak no evil.no evil and speak no evil.

Wish List

Bal Vihar Needs HelpTransportation: Rs. 54000/- permonth X 11 months = Rs.5,94,000per yearNutrition: Rs. 1400/- per day X 200working days = Rs. 2,80,000/- peryearBooks: Rs. 1000 per set X 300children = Rs. 3,00,000/-Uniforms: Rs. 1050/- per child X 300children = Rs.3,15,000/-New Computers with TablesWater Cooler, Stationery, Inverter

As we expand across citiesand schools, community

centres, adult literacy andyouth program, we strive toempower our students totake back the learning to

their families and communityto magnify its effect, and we

constantly devise newstrategies to make this

happen.

1414141414

What Does the Oldest VIDWhat Does the Oldest VIDWhat Does the Oldest VIDWhat Does the Oldest VIDWhat Does the Oldest VIDYYYYYA Program Needs?A Program Needs?A Program Needs?A Program Needs?A Program Needs?

1. Every child of Bal Vihar should be able to read English fluently.

2. Restart the training of Marshal Arts.

3. Computers to introduce as a regular subject for classes 2 to 5.

4. Empower teachers with computer and life skills.

5. Integrate students in English medium school of Delhi.

6. Enroll and empower more girl children in school.

7. Raise funds – need for a regular games and dance teacher tostreamline the energies and inculcate the discipline and confidence.

8. More interaction with parents and their involvement with schoolactivities.

9. Stress on inculcating values.

10. Improve the English conversation of the teachers.

11. Increase communication with various centres.

Gaytri Kapani and Indu MahajanPrincipal and Project Head of Bal Vihar School

The Bal Vihar Team

Indu Mahajan Project InchargeGaytri Kapani PrincipalRanju Dhayia Vice PrincipalRajesh Malik Headmistress

Address: S-162A, Panchsheel Park,New Delhi, [email protected]. : 011-26011490

Maya and Sita

Maya has now completed hergraduation from Moti Lal NehruCollege and has joined B.Ed course.Sita is pursuing her graduation fromDelhi University alongside working asan assistant Charted Accountant togain experience, as she wants tobecome a Charted Accountant.

Not long ago, Dalvir Singh andHeera, the parents of four daughters.Unqualified and earning just enoughto provide basic necessities to theirfamily members, they werecommitted to empower theirdaughters. They went ahead toeducate all four. The two elderdaughters, Maya and Sita wereadmitted to Bal Vihar School. Amidstall odds of looking after youngersisters, helping in household worketc., the two girls enjoyed attendingthe school.

The girls realized their potential andstarted showing excellence in co-curriculars as well as in academics. In2003 and 2004, the two sisterspassed out from Bal Vihar and joinedSarvodya School for middle andsenior secondary education. Theyremembered their vow to overcomefinancial barriers. Both the sisterscleared their class 12 in first divisionby maintaining balance betweentheir household duties and pledgetowards education.

Looking at success of these twodaughters, the parents admitted theirother two daughters in Bal Vihar aswell. Now, all their four daughters areeducated and are the pride of theirfamily and Bal Vihar.

Pride of Bal Vihar

Sibling Success


Community Empowerment Projectsfor Children, Youth and Women, Delhi

MunirkaMunirka Community Project is one ofthe first projects started by VIDYA.This project has been changing livesfor almost 30 years and offers manyopportunities, focusing primarily oneducation and community welfareprograms. First generation learnersfrom this migratory slum communityare provided non-formal andremedial education. Non-formaleducation, for pre-nursery (age 1.5-3)through standard 10 students, catersto non-school going children andprepares them to be mainstreamedinto formal public schools. Thisproject also offers remedialeducation for students in standard 1to 8 that are attending public schoolsbut need additional support toimprove their academic performancein core subjects.

In partnership with the NationalInstitute of Open Schooling (NIOS)program, youth that have droppedout of school are able to enroll inclasses and are given a secondchance at completing high school.Many students have passed theirexams and obtained their highschool education, which is anempowering step towards a betterlife for themselves and their families.

Projects for adults such as adultliteracy, tailoring, and computerbasics classes are offered to womenin the community to give thememployable skills and empower themto be able to earn money for theirfamilies. Total beneficiaries in Munirkaproject are 251.

Children’s Hope Foundation

They came, they saw and soaked in the warmth and love of children at thecentre. Kavita Gugnani and Hema Rao of Children’s Hope Foundation visitedthe centre and interacted with the staff and students in 2013.

Hema Rao and Kavita Gugnani (extreme left) with Munirka Children and staff

Cheers Again!

The Children’s Hope Foundation team visited the centre once again in 2014and interacted with the children. The importance of education was explainedand some videos were also shot.

The Saral Shikshka project initiated by the India Sponsor Foundation issupported by Children’s Hope Foundation.

VIDYA is grateful for the support from Children’s Hope Foundation.

Thank you

First generation learnersfrom this migratory slumcommunity are providednon-formal and remedial

education.

Kavita Gugnani with Dr. Rekha Chaturvedi and Munirka Team

1616161616

CCS Volunteers

The volunteers from Cross CulturalSolution (CCS) have made a hugedifference in the dynamics ofteaching and learning. CCSvolunteers are also helping todevelop various art and craftactivities for the young children.

Holi has a special place in our hearts.It’s a festival of colour and joy. Thecommunity women and girls alongwith the volunteers from the CCSprepared special sweets for Holi. Thefeast of sweets was followed with asplash of colours.

Academics

Activity Spectrum

Swachh Bharat Abhiyan(Clean India Campaign)

Indian Renewable EnergyDevelopment Agency, a public sectorundertaking has initiated acleanliness drive. In this drive,Munirka project is selected forconstruction of Bio Toilets. Thesetoilets were installed on October 2,Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday and arein use.

• An eye checkup and health campwas organized by MahavirAssociation.

• Parent-Teacher meeting was heldin October as the first term resultswere announced.

• Community staff joined the BalVihar School on the joyousoccasion of pre Deepawali Pujafollowed by lunch.

Precious Premises

In Basti settlements, the urban slumdwellings, there is always an anxietyabout lawless elements. The VIDYApremises in Munirka Basti has beenlong under threat of trespassing andcapturing by the locals who perhapswant to use the place for some otheractivities. Thanks to the interventionof the local MLA Pravesh SahebSingh Verma who has assured thepossession of the centre only foreducation of children and women.VIDYA is grateful to Vermaji’s support

• In addition to academics,activities like Taekwondo andmusic classes are being heldregularly.

• A workshop was organized forparticipants in the age group of15-36 years highlighting thehealth hazards of alcoholism,smoking and violence.

• Cancer Patients Aid Associationteam conducted a health camphandled by a gynecologist andphysician. More than a 100women and children werechecked and tested.

• The community awoke to themelodies as people walkedthrough the lanes and by lanessinging songs of patriotism on theRepublic Day. These PrabhatPheries are often used as apowerful medium of collectivestrength. The children visitedRajGhat in January to payhomage to Mahatma Gandhi.

New Academic Year

Planning of the new academic yearwas initiated with a fruitful meetingwith Parmananda Santra of NationalInstitute of Information Technology(NIIT). A new chapter has openedwith the NIIT Computer Program atthe Munirka Centre and Sanjeev fromthe community has been trained totake the responsibility of conductingthe program. The first batch of NIIT fora three months certification coursewith 13 children has beensuccessfully completed. The nextbatch has come in…

Brilliant Results

Munirka students have shown theirbrilliance in their board exams of10th and 12th. All the students havecleared their exams with honours.Kiran has scored 85.5% in the 10thand Ashu has got 76% in 12th classexam. VIDYA goes all out to supportthese students from modest familiesto move ahead and lead a betterquality of life.

During the summers, besides holidayhomework, the students wereengaged in many extracurricularactivities including training of art andcraft conducted by Bal Bhawan.

Academic Achievers

Projects for adults such asadult literacy, tailoring, and

computer basics classes areoffered to women in thecommunity to give them

employable skills


Wish list

12 Folding Chairs for Computer Classand Staff6 new Mouse for Computers4 Carpets or Thick Mats

The Munirka TeamDr. Rekha Chaturvedi - AdvisorRuchi Raj - CoordinatorManjulata - Social WorkerAddress:Moti Lal Nehru Camp,Near Kendriya VidyalayaOpp. J.N.U., Munirka,New Delhi, [email protected]: 9968262809

Pride of Munirka

Suhana, the Scholar

She is only 13, and is already ascholar. Suhana, the class 7 studenthas just won the coveted first prize inVedic and Mental Maths in herschool. She attends remedial classesat Munirka centre. Suhana lovesMaths which is very rare in girlstudents. Well done Suhana, VIDYA isproud of you!

Rahul, the Budding Chef

Rahul, a former student of VIDYA BalVihar School. Multitalented, Rahuldances, paints and loves cooking.

Rahul has grown in harsh conditions.His father was a guard at acommunity washroom. With a sicksister and unemployed brothers, hehardly had any family support. Justbefore his class 11 exams, his fatherexpired. His father’s job has nowbeen given to Rahul. Rahul iscontinuing his education, jugglingbetween his dream, job and familycommitments. Refusing to give in,Rahul continues to reach out to fulfillhis dream- to be a world famous chefone day! He is preparing to studyHotel Management after school.VIDYA wishes you good luck!

1818181818

IIT NSS ProjectThe Indian Institute of Technology(IIT), Delhi was the location of the firstprograms offered by VIDYA almostthirty years ago. Today, in partnershipwith National Social Service (NSS),women and children are beingeducated and empowered.

VIDYA is honored to have apartnership with IIT, Delhi, where itruns this project on its premises.Children from the surrounding slumcommunities are offered remedialeducation for classes 1-8 studentsthat are attending public school butneed additional support to improvetheir academic performance in coresubjects, since they do not get thatsupport at home or at their school.

In partnership with the NationalInstitute of Open Schooling (NIOS)program, youth that have droppedout of school are able to enroll inclasses and are given a secondchance at completing high school.This project also provides classes onbasic computer for children andliteracy programme for women. Thisempowers them to take care of theirfamilies better.

Vibrant Volunteers

As usual, volunteers are the strengthof this program. Students from LadySri Ram College, IIT faculty wives,NSS members and many more offertheir skills and services. Thanks tokind donors like Shail and Veena Jainthat the centre now has new carpetsand stationery items.

Academics

Beyond Classes

Beyond the regular academicclasses, effort is made to improvecomputer efficiency and adultliteracy. Extra -curricular activitiesalso include art and craft, dance andmusic, story- telling, yoga andmeditation. Health and hygieneissues are discussed. Regular sportsand spoken English classes are alsoconducted. Cleanliness is aneveryday activity and each child ismotivated to follow simple health andhygiene routine.

Success Cent Per Cent

All the NIOS students have clearedtheir 10 and 12 board exams. Thesuccessful students are confidentthat they can pursue higher studies inthe subjects of their choice.

Activities

Celebrations

Festival and special days likeIndependence Day, Republic Day,Teachers’ Day, Children Day, arecelebrated with joy and reverence.These occasions provide moments oftogetherness and a sense ofbelonging.

Little Nehrus on Children’s Day

Summer Bonanza

Bal Bhawan conducted a workshopfor the children in June. Twenty fivestudents registered for the workshopand learnt to make useful articles outof waste materials, like flower vase,pencil stand, wall hanging. Thestudents also played various gameslike chess, badminton and inculcatedteam spirit.

Thank You Teachers

On teachers day teachers werehonoured and gratitude wasexpressed in different ways. It was amoving experience. The students putup variety of entertainment- danceand music.

Personal Hygiene Drive: Dhote Jao

Special Gift for Special Teacher, Jyoti Naik

In partnership with theNational Institute of Open

Schooling (NIOS) program,youth that have dropped outof school are able to enroll in

classes and are given asecond chance


The IIT Project Team

Dr. RekhaChaturvedi Project Head

Pratima Goel Project mentor

Jyoti Naik Project Coordinator

Address:Kendriya VidyalayaIIT Campus, New Delhi.

How can we have a powerful impacton the community and how do yousee the future?

What have we achieved, where dowe seek partnerships?

Every individual carries thepotential within her/him to be aleader and hence a change maker.We at VIDYA, work with variouscommunities to support thisprocess. VIDYA took its first stepexactly 30 years ago by reachingout to a small group of children. Wesoon realized that the greaterimpact of this social change canhappen when the entire family, atthe community level, participates inthe journey. The women, the youth,the old, the children, the working,the young mothers - all fromdifferent strands of life in acommunity and each has a differentset of needs. VIDYA supports thecommunities, and reaches out to allthose who aren’t able to step out.We design innovative programmeskeeping in mind that be iteducation, be it job orientedtraining, it must reach the doorstepof the disadvantaged.

If one were to ask what is the onething that VIDYA has achieved in allour community work, we would say“Trust”. Gone are the days whenwomen and children had to becollected from their homes for aclass, now we have a long line ofeager to learn women and childrenwho enroll in our programmes. Asfor the kind of work VIDYA does - itcould be the Beyond Schoolprogram to enhance learning forschool going children, classes fordropout youth, computer classes for

Pride of IIT Project

Pinder Jeet

Pinderjeet is the pride of VIDYA IITcentre. Son of a humble family, he hasbeen associated with the centresince class 4. He went on tocomplete his 12 boards from PunjabUniversity and today he is a studentof Hotel Management from GlobalUniversity, Noida. VIDYA wishes himall the best!

VIDYA is Grateful

INNER WHEEL CLUB INNER WHEEL CLUB INNER WHEEL CLUB INNER WHEEL CLUB INNER WHEEL CLUB is providingvolunteers and teaching aids to theAdult Literacy program.

If one were to ask what isthe one thing that VIDYA has

achieved in all ourcommunity work, we would

say “Trust”.

Delhi Community Challenges

adolescents, courses in beauty careand tailoring, or sessions of adulteducation. As far as possible wedesign the programme in eachcommunity as per their needs -each community project of VIDYA isunique. Our various projects haveled to contributing to thecommunity in terms of increasedincome for housewives, betterschool performance for the children,increase in digital literacy,education completion for dropouts,improvements in adult literacy. thishas been made possible with thewhole hearted participation of thecommunity and the VIDYA staff whotruly work together as a family.

A common thread across thevarious community projects are thevolunteers who contribute their time,energy and passion to make adifference. All members get anopportunity to be in a warm andsupportive environment where theyare nurtured. Like all theprogrammes of VIDYA, allcommunity members participate inseveral cultural activities besidesthe programmes in which they areenrolled. In the coming years wehope to leverage what we havelearnt across the variouscommunities and design a commoncurriculum and create anadvantageous partnership for all our

projects.

Prerna Bhargava, DirectorOperations & StrategyBandana Agarwal, ProjectHead Okhla

2020202020

OkhlaThe Okhla Community Project hasbeen providing education to womenand children in one of South Delhi’sbiggest industrial slums since 2004.First generation learners from thisslum community are provided non-formal and remedial education. Inaddition to academic classes,women from the community oftenattend the projects skills trainingclasses in tailoring, health andbeauty, English literacy andcomputer basics. Attendees arerewarded with a sense ofaccomplishment and self confidencewhich leads to enthusiasm anddetermination to move forward withtheir educational and career goals.The program also has a computercentre for the youth, a library anddance classes for young girls.

Volunteers’ Volleys

The Deutsche Bank observed avolunteer week. Through a friendlyVolleyball match with the children,volunteers helped to build a teamspirit. Volleyballs and sportswear wasdonated by the Deutsche Bank.Smaller children played Football andBadminton. The sports activities werefollowed by an enthralling story -telling, drawing and colouringsession.

Nakshatra 2014

A meeting of 14 NGOs was organizedby Bhoomi –an NGO. In a one dayevent called Nakshatra 2014, 29students from Okhla Communityparticipated in various activities likeskits, drawing and painting, musicand dance and bagged 17 prizes inindividual and group events. Onestudent did a mono act and won thefirst prize.

Academics andExtracurriculars

Pledge to Protect

Girls and women will no longer sufferin silence! A pledge was taken toprotect and stop eve teasing. Okhlateam reached out to Delhi Crimeagainst Women Cell for self defensetraining. The training lasted for 15

days conducted by womenconstables. Now 78 girls are trainedwith certificates in self defense.

Republic Regalia

The Republic Day became anoccasion to showcase the dreams to

achieve more. The focus was onhonouring the rights andresponsibilities of every individualunder the Constitution of India.Nirmal Singh Rana of the FenaFoundation was the guest of honour.Highly applauded was the ProjectMashaal that encourages women tobe strong and self reliant. Thecomputer students who have clearedtheir basic IT exams were awardedthe certificates.

Inter Agency Interaction

Gala Event at Jamia

Students participated in an InterAgency meet at Jamia Millia IslamiaUniversity. The four interns from thisUniversity were associated with theOkhla Project. These volunteersprepared and encouraged thestudents to participate in a galaevent attended by 600 participantsfrom different NGOs.

Teach India Convocation

The Convocation was organized byThe Times of India Group ofpublications to facilitate the studentswho have successfully completed thethree months English SpeakingCourse. The students of last threebatches of Teach India initiativeattended the convocation in Siri FortAuditorium on March 9 and receivedtheir certificates. CEO of Teach India

Girl Power

IT Certified


honoured VIDYA with partnershipcertificate. VIDYA is grateful to TeachIndia for supporting the program.

By the People…

It was for the people, by the peopleand of the people, the greatIndependence Day celebration. 800community members attended theactivities in large numbers. The localleader graced the occasion anddistributed prizes to childrenperforming well in academics andextracurricular activities. LittleChahat welcomed Ramesh Bidhuri,Member of Parliament who was thechief guest and N S Rana of FenaFoundation and Vikram Bidhuri, theYouth Leader were the guests ofhonour.

Media Power

Kids Power Media (KPM) is creatingmagic in movies in Okhla community.The movie ‘Mad about Khan’ wasshot in July but till date it is a rage! Aspopular request, this movie was onceagain screened in October, KPMwent all out to promote. Posters andpamphlets were distributed andpasses were issued. In this movie thecommunity children are the leadactors and whenever they appearedon the screen, they got a round ofroaring applause. The last time therewere more than 600 people at thescreening.....

Rangeela Rangmanch

The graduation ceremony for themembers of Rangmanch Media Clubwas held in October. The members ofthis club had made a documentaryon their community that includedfootage of intensive interaction withthe locals. Many girls narrated theirexperiences and learning and werehonored.

On this occasion, a book was alsolaunched based on the communitysurvey to highlight the socioeconomic profile. The results of thesurvey conducted by the girls arecompiled in the book. It is veryencouraging that the girls andchildren themselves wrote the scriptand shot their own documentary.KPM facilitates Rangmanch’sactivities.

Theatre Time

Say NO to Child Labour

A meeting was held to highlight theproblems of child labour. Effort wasmade to extricate, educate andsupport such children. This meetingwas also attended by police officials,

elected representatives, localleaders, school authorities, factoryowners, middlemen and parents.....

Sports Day

Students of remedial centre,computer and English speakingclasses participated in differentsports activities like the hurdle race,spoon race, a game of volleyball,badminton…Bandana Agarwal-Project Head was the chief guest anddistributed certificates to the winners.

I Can, I Will

A new empowered women force isemerging in all walks of life. To honourthis force, the International Women’sDay was celebrated. The womenspoke fearlessly on various issuesaffecting them in day to day life, theirsafety and security. Twenty threewomen were appreciated andhonoured for their courage to stepout of their four walls. They were alsogiven special kits.

Women of Substance

Teachers Compete

A teachers’ competition wasorganized, they were at their creativebest to decorate their classrooms.The classes were all aglow with 3Dcharts, posters and various noveldecorative pieces.

Graduate Chefs

A graduation ceremony wasorganized for the girls who hadcompleted a three months cookingclass conducted by Laura from theTiffin Community. It was a proudmoment for the parents to see theirdaughters receive the certificates. Aspecially compiled recipe book byLaura was an extra bonus. It isremarkable that this project hasenabled introduction of nutrition andbetter eating habits in thecommunity.

Celebrating Change

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Banking on Banks

Under Prime Minister’s Jan DhanYojna, mobilizations were successfulin the community to encouragebanking. In a single day, 530 peopleopened their bank accounts and laidthe foundation of future prosperity.

Pride of Okhla Project

Mandeep, the Rock Star

Mandeep, 16,is a musicalgenius butconsideringthe pooreconomicconditions ofthe family,musiceducation

was a luxury for him. Mandeep joinedthe musical classes organized byVIDYA for the community. His teachersays, “During the first few classesitself, I could see the spark ofbrilliance in the kid”. When he joined,he lacked the confidence to performin front of a crowd.

Mandeeps dedication encouragedmany children to join the musiccourse. He is now confident and haswon many accolades in variouscompetitions. During the summerbreak, VIDYA appointed him as amusic teacher. He handled thisresponsibility perfectly and at the

Queens of Delhi

Worldwide premier of the movie“Queens of Delhi” was organized byKids Power Media (KPM) in Lok KalaManch. Thanks to KPM that childrenare getting exposure to films, musicand theatre. Recently a RangmanchMedia Club has been created andthe children of this club bagged thelead role in the movie “Queens ofDelhi”. This movie was shot in andaround Okhla Centre creating poolsof excitement. The film touches thesensitive issue of girl’s safety. Jyotiand Bharti of the club were the showstealers. This master piece of amovie comes from the makers ofHand wash, another moviehighlighting the hygienic practices.The girls of Okhla project are not onlythe heroines but also the Queens ofDelhi!

Okhla Community ProjectOkhla Community ProjectOkhla Community ProjectOkhla Community ProjectOkhla Community ProjectBeneficiariesBeneficiariesBeneficiariesBeneficiariesBeneficiaries

ProgramProgramProgramProgramProgram BoysBoysBoysBoysBoys Gir lsGir lsGir lsGir lsGir lsBeyond School 127 131Non Formal Education 36 33Computer Center 65 46Dances Classes 19 33English Spoken 8 5Cooking Classes 0 50Theater Classes 0 20Total 275 358

G.TG.TG.TG.TG.Totalotalotalotalotal 633633633633633

Wish List

Winter Garments for Beyond SchoolChildren

Sports Equipment

Fena Fanfare

FENA Foundation hasdonated five computers withlatest configuration andoriginal software. Thecomputer centre had 17computers but they were notsufficient to accommodate135 students in sevenbatches. The objective is toensure quality teaching andmaintaining ‘one studentone computer’ ratio.

Thank you Pradeep Jolly, the trustee of FENA Foundation forgenerous donation and continued support.

end of the course, his studentspresented a wonderful performancefor the community. He has come along way from being a shy boy to amuch loved musician. He is currentlylearning computers at the Centre.

“VIDVIDVIDVIDVIDYYYYYA has completely changedA has completely changedA has completely changedA has completely changedA has completely changedthe course of my life. My self-the course of my life. My self-the course of my life. My self-the course of my life. My self-the course of my life. My self-confidence has increased a lotconfidence has increased a lotconfidence has increased a lotconfidence has increased a lotconfidence has increased a lotsince I joined and the guidancesince I joined and the guidancesince I joined and the guidancesince I joined and the guidancesince I joined and the guidanceprovided to me by the teachersprovided to me by the teachersprovided to me by the teachersprovided to me by the teachersprovided to me by the teachersat the Centre will always remainat the Centre will always remainat the Centre will always remainat the Centre will always remainat the Centre will always remaininvaluable for meinvaluable for meinvaluable for meinvaluable for meinvaluable for me” adds Mandeep.

Laxmi Niwas, the Rising Star

Not long ago,a small boywalked inhiding behindhis mother. Shyand awkward,he couldhardly speak.He wasadmitted inthe remedialclasses. Laxmi Niwas was gentlyencouraged to mingle with hisclassmates. To make him confidentand smart, new clothes were alsohanded over to him. Laxmi Niwas feltthat his school was a wonder world.He never missed a single class andwas awarded for having maximumattendance.

The shy, awkward boy is nowblooming as an achiever. This boytoday stands tall with highpercentage in academics. He is astar in sports. His drawings arecaptivating. He loves reading books

and is a regular in the library.Mandeep wants to be doctor oneday.

His mother, who brought him in, isteary eyed as she thanks VIDYA forgrooming her son. The family hasmigrated from a village and dependon daily wages. Five children and awidowed mother are living on theedge.

The Okhla Team

Bandana Agarwal Project Head

Kulsum Farooqui Coordinator

Address:Address: BVK, Opp. C-160,Okhla Phase-I, New Delhi


PappankalanIn 1997, VIDYA initiated an educationprogram in the community ofPappankalan to help mainstreamchildren back to school. Familiesliving in this community wereresettled in their current location sothat urban construction couldcommence on their former land.VIDYA stepped in to help thisdisoriented community. This projecthas offered an array of programs tothis displaced slum community.Students in classes 1-8 are attendingpublic schools, but need additionalsupport to improve their academicperformance in core subjects, attendthis remedial education program.With this help, students are able tothrive rather than feel lost in thepublic school system.

Apart from academic support,students participate in various lifeenriching programs which help themto be competent and confidentindividuals. Women within thecommunity also attend classes tolearn essential skills such as reading,writing, tailoring and computerbasics. The project strives toempower the women of thiscommunity and gives them skills tohelp them provide financially for theirstruggling families. The women andchildren who attend Pappankalanclasses are planting the seeds ofchange within themselves, theirfamilies, and their communities. Acomputer training course for thecommunity has been verysuccessfully completed.

Going Extra Mile…

There is a world full of learning withfun, beyond the regular activities.However the main focus is on:

• Remedial classes with 80students in two shifts

• Women’s group activities with 30participants in two shifts

• Computer classes with 40students in two shifts

CAF’s Capacity Building

Prerna Bhargava and Shreya Sinhaattended a two day capacity buildingworkshop on May 22-23 conductedby Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) for

its Accenture supported partnerNGOs. The workshop was veryinteractive and participative. Itincluded sessions on Accentureprojects, understanding project cyclemanagement, planning monitoringand reporting framework, financialmanagement and communicationand branding. VIDYA is proud to be apartner of CAF – Accenture.

Accenture Assures

In July 15 volunteers from Accenture,,,,,a noted management consulting,technology services and outsourcingcompany visited VIDYA Pappankalancentre. After brief introductions, thestudents showcased their talents inmusic, dance, yoga…It was indeed ahappy and fruitful day as the studentsgratefully accepted the precious gifts

of sports material like carom boards,badminton rackets, footballs,volleyballs, cricket kits. Studentsgave return gifts of self createdmasks. Thanks Accenture!Thanks Accenture!Thanks Accenture!Thanks Accenture!Thanks Accenture!

Academics

Computer Classes

The computer classes are in fullswing. This year VIDYA has startedbasic computer course with the NIITINTEL certification for the youth of thecommunity in collaboration with theNIIT Foundation. So far 27 studentshave successfully completed thiscourse. At present 20 more studentshave been enrolled for the same.

Photo Fantasy

Tanu Dogra, a professionalphotographer conducted a smallsession of creating stories throughphotographs, giving children aunique out of the world experience offantasy and fun.

Activities

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle…

The World Pollution Day wasobserved to create awareness abouthazards of pollution. The residentswere motivated to take simple stepsas responsible citizens to reducepollution by reducing, reusing andrecycling. They were encouraged toplant more trees, save water andkeep the environment clean.

Health and hygiene particularlykeeping the hands clean was thefocus of ‘Mad about Khan’, a movieby Kid Power Media, screened for thechildren.

Music Basti forSocial Change

‘Sapno ki Duniya’ is one of the songscomposed by VIDYA students atPappankalan centre. It is part of RE-RE-RE-RE-RE-SOUNDSOUNDSOUNDSOUNDSOUND, a six month communitymusic program introduced in 2013.The objective of the program isto use music as a medium to buildcritical life skills through music-learning and song-writing taught in agroup based, creative and funmethodology, with children andadolescents. The song talks aboutthe world of dreams and aspirations,how while they may be young yetthey are in fact the conquerors of theirdreams. This project was led byIpshita Roy and Shantanu Chaudharyfrom Music Basti. The project isworking with over 100 children acrossselected NGOs. Re-Sound is beingled by a select and trained group of20 musicians.

Music Maestros in the Making

Lotus Club Music

It was a proud moment when theLotus Club music studentsperformed at Music Basti’s RE-RE-RE-RE-RE-

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SOUNDSOUNDSOUNDSOUNDSOUND Concert at India HabitatCentre. This concert celebratedchildren’s music and voices fromcommunities. The children receivedcertificates and applause. It isheartening to see these childrenshedding their inhibitions andperforming on stage with professionalease.

The Lotus Club continues to provideexciting opportunities to children andyouth in learning music, dance,yoga…This program is supported bythe NGO “Give a Hand” based inCanada.

The Pappankalan Team

Malavika Goyal Project Head

Indu Uniyal Project Coordinator

AddressAddressAddressAddressAddress: D-I/44, Phase I, JJ Colony,Sec. 3, Dwarka, Pappankalan,New Delhi

WISH LIST

ComputersStorybooksArt& Craft MaterialStationeryRO Water PurifierDigital CamerasVacuum Cleaner for CarpetsStep Ladder

VIDYA is Grateful

VIDYA has signed andextended the MoU withCharities Aid Foundation(CAF) India for supportingthe Pappankalan project.CAF is a grant makingfoundation and a PublicCharitable Trust. VIDYA isgrateful for the continuoussupport.

RE-SOUNDING Success

Women Empowerment

VIDYA’s Pappankalan program hasan important component ofempowering the community women.Away from their daily routine, theynow have new avenues of learningand earning. Regular sessions areconducted for proficiency in tailoringand computers. Several women havebeen trained who are now movingtowards self-reliance through thetraining provided. There are regularclasses for computer training forwomen thereby strengthening theiremployment potential.

Joy of Being GirlsJoy of Being GirlsJoy of Being GirlsJoy of Being GirlsJoy of Being Girls

Cleanliness is next toGodliness

To inculcate the importance ofcleanliness, an educational film ‘’Madabout Khan’’ was screened with thehelp of Kid Power Media, an NGOthat also highlighted the importanceof hand washing. This movie focuseson life in slums and how and whyhygiene is important. The message ofcleanliness was strong and clearfollowed by a lively interaction.Another documentary, ‘’The Switch’’based on the issue of genderdiscrimination was also screened

The project strives toempower the women of thecommunity and gives themskills to help them provide

financially for theirstruggling families.


Bridge Course, SainikFarms and OkhlaBridge Course was established in1991 in Bal Vihar School and latershifted to Okhla and Sainik Farms.

The Bridge Course Projects, inpartnership with the National Instituteof Open Schooling (NIOS) program,allow youth that have dropped out ofschool to enroll in classes and aregiven a second chance atcompleting high school. In India,major exams are instandard 10 and12 and clearing these two boards isrequired to obtain high schooleducation. To date, 2,500 VIDYAstudents have gone through theseprojects and all have successfullypassed their exams. Besides coreclasses to prepare for the exams,students participate in extracurricularactivities of sports, dance, drama,computer basics, English speakingand other awareness programs.Students are provided guidance intheir career development throughadmissions in vocational trainingprograms, such as hospitality andretail, which lead to many gettingjobs. Students gain a sense of selfworth,confidence , and a spirit ofempowerment to better their lives.Students from this program are alsomentored by employees from variouscorporate houses.

Price Water Coopers (PWC)

Global DignityGlobal DignityGlobal DignityGlobal DignityGlobal Dignity.....A workshop onGlobal Dignity was organized byPWC staff at their Head Office inGurgaon on October 7. Sixteenstudents along with the teachersattended the workshop. Shweta,Deepa and Sangeeta shared theirown experiences as they explainedthe nuances of the term Dignity.Ambassador Badges were given tothe students after the presentations.As Ambassadors, the students areencouraged to spread the messageof Dignity in their homes,neighborhoods, school andcommunity in general.

PWC conducted another workshop inits Gurgaon office on resume writingfor 50 students of standard 12. Eachone, teach one and every studenthad one mentor teaching theintricacies of structuring a resume,preparing them for a job market.

A sports event was organized at theVIDYA School. The VIDYA BridgeCourse students won the cricketmatches whereas PWC scored aheadin football. There was a joyoussportsman spirit and a greatopportunity to be with the mentors.Sports kits were presented by PWCfollowed by refreshments.....

Boon of Bicycles.Boon of Bicycles.Boon of Bicycles.Boon of Bicycles.Boon of Bicycles.PWC organizedanother event at Anya Hotels andResorts in Gurgaon in October where20 bicycles were donated to sociallymarginalized and needy students.Deepak Kapoor, Chairman PWCpresented bicycles to two VIDYAstudents who attended the eventalong with Principal Sushila Sharma.Fifty staff members of PWC wereenthusiastically assembling thebicycles on the spot encouraging therecipients to join- in and decoratetheir gifts. VIDYA is grateful to DeepakKapoor, Shakir and executives of PWC.

Thank You PWC for Bicycles

General Electric (GE)

They CameThey CameThey CameThey CameThey Came. Yes, they came, theysaw and they won the hearts. TheseGE Mentors are truly charming.Viplav-Vice President, Treasury ledthe team of Yogita, Saurav, Shirley,Prachi and Anne mesmerizing thestudents of Okhla Bridge Course. Thiswas a yearly New Year visit, eagerlyawaited. Viplav spoke with authoritylaced with compassion, urging,persuading, cajoling andencouraging the students to open upand speak about their aspirationsand dreams. It took some time towarm up on a cold winter morning ofJanuary 22 but once the inhibitionswere down, the students were in a fullflow of a fruitful interaction.Sixstudents of Bridge Course SainikFarms were also present. GEmentoring classes are very popular,thanks to the warmth of the mentors.

VIDYA is grateful for the gift ofwoolens.

Yogita Holds the Court

GE MentorGE MentorGE MentorGE MentorGE Mentor. . . . . Vikas conducted acomputer training session for 12mentees at GE office, Gurgaon.Students learnt the skills of handlingMS Word, Excel and Power Pointpresentations. Six laptops attachedwith the projector were madeavailable for the students to learn andpractice. Yogita and Vikas alsoexplained advantages anddisadvantages of Facebook and useof mobiles on roads. The studentswere encouraged to respect theirparents, teachers and neighbors asthese are the people who guide andlove unconditionally.

Thanks Giving.Thanks Giving.Thanks Giving.Thanks Giving.Thanks Giving. It was a thanksgiving session at the GE corporateoffice on March 5. This is the lastsession of the year. Vaman Sabharwal,Managing Director Global TreasuryOperations at GE Capital India,personally wished the students best ofluck for their forthcoming exams. Thestudents were overwhelmed by theaffection and guidance of GE mentorsthroughout the year. Beth Giruber andBev Petterson, the GE executives fromUS also interacted with the students.

With GE Mentors

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Bani Jagtiyani

The Bani Jagtayani Trust team visitedthe centre and interacted with thestaff and students. VIDYA is gratefulfor their trust in the competence ofstudents and their continuoussupport in nurturing the centre.

Adobe Youth Voices (AYV)

The final event of AYV was held onFebruary 13 at FICCI auditorium.Twenty five schools and NGOsparticipated in the event. BridgeCourses were represented by 11students and one teacher. Thedocumentary on Hard Work preparedby VIDYA students was screened andappreciated. Another comic strip onDomestic Violence was screened. AShield of appreciation waspresented.

Shields of Appreciation

AcademicsAcademicsAcademicsAcademicsAcademics

Awards for Excellence

The students of both the BridgeCourses practiced for days to put upa fabulous dance performance for theAnnual Day at Bal Vihar School. Thestudents attended the Annual Day infull strength. Besides dancingcapabilities, the senior students wereappreciated for other talents as well.Abhishek, both the Shahrukhs, NoorQuadir, Ritu, Nadie and Akhlaquefrom Okhla were awarded forexcellence in their respective fields.Whereas in Sainik Farms Anju, Laxmi,Prakash, mansi, Nitesh and Naziawon the accolades for their bestperformance.

After School

Five students have joined computercourses in hardware and networkingand accountancy at Habitat LearningCentre.

Lokesh has joined Dayal Singhcollege for graduation while Padamis doing a course in hardware andnetworking from Jetking.

Jaleem Khan is doing architecturefrom Noida International Institute.

Quiz Time

It was a strange quest for knowledgeon Teachers’ Day. As PM NarendraModi’s address was beamed all overIndia via Satellite, the childrenstarted preparing for a quizcompetition. As the meaningfulmessages were received, thechildren were listing up their answers.Consquently when the questionswere raised, the quiz turned out to begreat success. They also learnt aboutcleanliness and conservation ofenvironment.

Workshops

• Ajay AgarwalAjay AgarwalAjay AgarwalAjay AgarwalAjay Agarwal organized aworkshop for the teachers to

introduce them to new agelearning methods.

• Manju ChauhanManju ChauhanManju ChauhanManju ChauhanManju Chauhan and twostudents attended the AdobeYouth Voices workshop onphotography and cartoon filmsfollowed by another workshop inNoida. They also shot. They also shot. They also shot. They also shot. They also shotdocumentaries on Reconstructionand Reinvention.

• SwatiSwatiSwatiSwatiSwati of Youthreach conducted atwo day workshop on careercounseling. The students wereadvised about various job optionsavailable in computers, hospitalityetc. Maximum enquiries wereabout computer related jobs.

• Etasha FoundationEtasha FoundationEtasha FoundationEtasha FoundationEtasha Foundation organiseda workshop on vocational trainingfor students who have cleared theschool exams.Students wereexposed to various coursesprovided by Etasha such as dataentry, computer teacher training,customer services etc.

Annual Day Dance Drama

Youthreach Workshop

Hum Honge Kaamyaab


Activity Spectrum

• A picnic was organized for thestudents at Pratapgarh Farms inHaryana. It had all the elements offun and frolic in the rusticatmosphere of huts, water ponds,cattle barns full of farm animals.The students enjoyed creativeactivities like charkha spinning,pot making and painting andvarious games.

• Besides personal hygiene it isvery important to teach studentsto keep their school surroundingsclean. The responsibility ofkeeping school clean belongs toall. To facilitate this VIDYAencourages students to takesteps like cleaning the road infront of the school.

Sweeping Away…

Students are requested to use theseveral garbage bins that are placedon the road. VIDYA’s effort is topresent a sparkling clean street. Thestudents do not hesitate in carryingout cleanliness activities.

• GE and PWC continue to holdregular mentoring classes.

• Academics are full on withstudents of National Institute ofOpen Schooling heading for theirexams.

• The girls participated in aMehandi competition with greatzeal and proved their creativitythrough spectacular designs.

• For Diwali Festivities, studentshad a session of creating colorfuldiyas (mud lamps) and cardsusing exotic material like tinymirrors, laces, pearls, glitterpowder etc. To mark the end ofwinter, Lohri is celebrated in NorthIndia with bonfires and joy for nextharvesting season. Peanuts andpopcorns were popped as thestudents went around the firepraying for a glorious spring.

Celebrating Festivals

• Children selected various topicsfor documentary films, photoessays and radio programs. Thiswas an excellent exposure tovarious types of media under theguidance of capable youthvolunteers.

• Children look forward to papercraft and fabric painting classes.

• Lady Sriram College VolunteerAstika attended to the needs ofstandard 10 and 12 students inEnglish conversation in SainikFarms. In Okhla, Beena Royconducted English conversationclasses for the seniors.

• Rakhi and Independence Daywere celebrated

Friendship Bands and Rakh

With Gratitude

VIDYA is indebted to individuals likeArvind Verma, Vinod Poddar, SantoshHanda, Former Chief Justice of JaipurHigh Court Anil Dev, Prabha Mehta,Geeta Madhok, Rama Tandon andmany more who have kept theprogram alive through continuousdonations.

Singh is King

Col. S P K Singh, a volunteer offeredguidance in a plethora of activities-from career counseling to job searchskills, from time management to softskills, labour laws and job interviews.Col. Singh is the Founder Vice

Chairman of the Public RelationsSociety of India, Jammu and Kashmirchapter. He is an Executive Memberof National Council of PublicRelations Society of India, adistinction unparalleled in the historyof Directorate of Public Relations,Ministry of Defense. VIDYA is trulyhonoured to have the services of Col.Singh.

Real Impact

The real impact of the project isvisible in the changed lives of thestudents.Normally they would havefollowed the profession of theirparents be it drivers, small shopkeepers, washers and cleaners. Nowmost of them are working either inmultinationals,call centres, schools,fast food joints etc. Some of themhave even gone abroad.

• Enrolled higher numbers of youth• Assisted girls, in transitioning from

alternative education programs toschools

• Improved regular attendance ofyouth

• Increased number of children,especially girls, who continueeducation after the age of 14years in mainstream education

• Lower dropouts• Improved quality of curriculum

and teaching methods byteachers training programs

• Advanced health education andpreventive health provisions forvulnerable children, especiallygirls.

• Raised self-confidence andcreativity of youth

• Increased communityparticipation to effectively supporteducation programs

• Reduced anti-social activitiesamong youth

• Decreased exploitation ofchildren by parents and familymembers

• Created new ways to sustain theprogram

• Replicated VIDYA programs andmodels throughout India

High Achievers of Bridge Course

Bhadra Sen Negi, Mamta andSantosh. They are at the pinnacle oftheir respective professions andVIDYA remembers them with greatpride.

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The Bridge Course Team

Indu Mahajan Project Head

Taruna Nagpal Project Coordinator,Sainik Farms

Sushila Sharma Project Coordinator,Okhla

Address: Lane W-12, K-206, SainikFarms, New Delhi 110062Email: [email protected]

Ankur Charitable Trust, 4, F-A/19,Abul Fazal Enclave, Jamia, Okhla,New DelhiEmail: [email protected]

Wish list

Sainik FarmsSainik FarmsSainik FarmsSainik FarmsSainik Farms

Printer, Water Cooler, Chairs -20,Fans-2, Music System

OkhlaOkhlaOkhlaOkhlaOkhla

Photocopy and Scanning Machine,Sports Material like Cricket Kits,Badminton Sets, etc.

Books for Library, Woolen Uniforms,Midday Meals, Glass Utensils forHome Science Lab like trays, bowls,glasses, cups, etc

Curtains for Home Science andComputer Labs, Fans- 3, Windows XPand Ms. Office Installation Software.

Pride of Bridge Course

Kailash and His Dreams

Kailash is an 18years old studentof class 12. Hisparents havemigrated fromBihar. His fatheris a daily wageearner and afteran accident hestarted workingas household help and soon becamean alcoholic.

Kailash completed his 10th fromGovernment School and wasadmitted to 11th but could not passdue to family atmosphere. Now he isa student of VIDYA. He has gonethrough many setbacks in life but didnot give up. Right from childhood hehas suffered from a problem in his legwhich was neglected due to lack ofmedicines.

Kailash has a dream to become aSub Inspector in Delhi Police. He isvery good in studies. VIDYA iscontinuously helping him at everystep until he gets settled so that hecan lead a life of dignity and canbecome a responsible citizen ofsociety.

Radiant Ritu

Ritu is a daughter ofa migrant family. This20 year old lives inan unauthorizedcolony and enroll

Partnerships with the donors like PWC and GE has impactedthe life of youth, both qualitatively and quantitatively.

Seeking Higher Horizons

herself in Bridge Course Okhla inclass 10. Later she passed her 12board securing a first division. Shetook up Political Science in DelhiUniversity for graduation. Today Rituis working with Anganwadi, which is agovernment sponsored child andmother care centre at grassroots. Sheis drawing a decent salary andsupporting a family of five.

Abhay goes Abroad

Abhay, a childof separatedparents, wasadmitted toSainik FarmsSchool by hisuncle who is aschool busdriver. He hastwo brothersand both were students of BridgeCourse program. In spite of theirhumble background, they were goodin studies. Abhay joined VIDYA in 10thand after 12th, he completed hisgraduation from Delhi University. Healso worked part time. Today he isworking as a supervisor in SharjahOxygen company in Dubai andgetting a decent salary. He is nowsupporting his family back home.

Shibu’s Strength

Shibu is working with a reputed firmearning a decent salary. He is self-made, supports his education bytaking tuitions and doing odd jobs.His father is a carpenter and mother ahomemaker. His parents could not

support his expensive training forMulti Media course, so VIDYAstepped in and helped him toachieve his success.

Himanshi Holds Head High

Himanshi worksas a receptionistin the renownedBatra Hospital.She joinedBridge CourseProgram atSainik Farms inclass 8 . Being aregular student,she went on tocomplete her board exams andgraduated along with one yearcomputer course. Her father runs thecanteen of Rotary VIDYA Kendra.Himanshi is indeed a pride of VIDYAfamily.


VIDYA Mumbai

VIDYA Mumbai continues to surprisewith delightful human stories.

• A young girl, employed by VIDYAand enrolled in VIDYA’s NationalInstitute of Open Schooling(NIOS) is able to sponsor theeducation of her younger sister.

• The sister of a girl married at theage of 14 by her parents is now amember of VIDYA’s sports team.

• A housewife since marriage is nowable to contribute to thehousehold income after enrollingin Margam’s tailoring classes.

VIDYA’s efforts to uplift the communityand help make the students’ lifebetter pays off in the most mysteriousways, makes us swell with pride andhave faith in the goodness of the workwe are doing.

VIDYA Beyond School,Umang

VIDYA Mumbai’s flagship program,Umang, has reached out to 400400400400400students this yearstudents this yearstudents this yearstudents this yearstudents this year across fourcommunity centres in Powai .

The program helps with academicenrichment, proficiency in reading,life skills, English and digitalempowerment. Saturday Clubs,DEAR time,Circle Time, Excursions,are an essential part of thecurriculum. The VIDYA Umang child ishealthy, environmentally conscious,respectful of diversity, is curious andaspires.

The Beyond School program incommunities and schools acrossMumbai has made a difference to thelives of 2000 children across Mumbaisince 2013.

This year, the centres have recordedcent percent results with everyone

passing their senior school boardswith flying colours and pursuingstreams of their own choice. The mostamazing achievement has been thateach of these young students haveenrolled in colleges for furtherstudies. Beyond School Umang triesto inculcate healthy habits amongstits students by encouraging childrento participate in interesting activitiesand excursions.

Highlights

Summer Camp

As is the convention at VIDYA, thisyear also witnessed extensiveplanning for the Summer Campprogrammesheld at the BeyondSchool centres in Powai, Mumbai inApril 2014.The teachers decided tocap the 10 day long festival with ashowcase by the VIDYA children. Asthe country was in the midst ofelections, the children were taughtabout the nuances of electionsthrough a presentation on the same.

The finale was graced by RashmiMisra, Founder Chairperson of VIDYA.Each centre had a showcase of fiveprograms – the audience wasspellbound by the variety that thechildren presented – ranging fromgood values, good touch bad touch,patriotic songs, King Lear, a heart-warming story of a young sparrow, aRussian story ‘Alyonushka’, a “Save

your Environment’ story emphasizingon reducing wastage of naturalresources, a role-play on an electioncampaign, a story from ‘MalgudiDays’ to name a few. The Chairpersoninteracted with the children and hadwords of praise and encouragementfor their efforts.

Thus, the Summer Camp 2014 atBeyond School was a heady mix ofstory-reading sessions lookedforward to by the children, art andtheatrical talents of the childrenbeing discovered by themselves andthe teachers, quizzing sessions thatsaw, in one centre, students ofstandard III trouncing the olderchildren. In a nutshell, Summer Camp2014 was ‘Infotainment’ personified

Science Exhibition

The 2013 Annual Science Exhibitionin Communities was held in January.

Weeks of experiments duringSaturday Club culminated in theevent-this time across fourcommunities. Parents, volunteers,teachers, children from neighbouringschools and NGOs visited andenjoyed the event where science wasmade simple.

One of the main objectives of theevent was to take science to thecommunities and educate thepeople. VIDYA wanted to includeeveryone in this truly interesting andinformative event. To our delight, the

Grooming Talent

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efforts paid off and the event was asmashing success! The footfallsexceeded the previous years and hechildren’s confidence was clearlyvisible as they managed the boothslike professionals.

Appreciation of Excellence

One of the most dedicated teachersin VIDYA, SudhakarPednekar has nowcompleted 10 years. The teacher hasbeen a source of inspiration andmotivation to all his students. Hisdedicated efforts to mentor andeducate students has madeeveryone, be it teachers, students orthe staff have a special respect forhim. In February, 2014 he washonoured with a token ofappreciation by VIDYA for hisdedicated efforts towards educationand loyalty towards VIDYA.

Watching Wetlands

SPROUTS, VIDYA’s environmentpartner was at Sewri jetty on the eveof World Wetlands Day on February 9conducting a Flamingo and WaderWatch. Five staff members and 45students attended the watchactivities that also included naturetrail, painting, flower rangoli, etc. Thechildren returned with exciting storiesof their adventures and a memorableexperience of experiencing natureclosely.

Sports Day

The last Sunday morning of Aprilwitnessed more than 150 VIDYAchildren coming together from all thecentres for the Sports Day. Activitieslike short put, relay and football wereenthusiastically played and cheeredby children, participants, friends anddonors of VIDYA. Teachers and adultsparticipated too and everyoneplayed and competed with full gusto.The event ended successfully with avote of thanks, leaving thrillingmemories of everyone present.

BhavishyaYaan

In partnership with Rotary Club ofBombay, this program runs in eightmunicipal schools for 120 selectedstudents in each school fromstandard VI-IX. It provides guidancefor computer skills, life skills andEnglish with a view to enhanceeducational and employmentopportunities for students of regionallanguage schools. In addition thesestudents also take part in speciallydesigned camps and go on field tripsconducted by VIDYA and RotaryClub.

The beneficiaries of BhavishyaYaanare regional language municipalschools students.

Highlights

Summer Camp

Students of the BhavishyaYaanproject went into the world of fantasyand imagination this summer,exploring cartoon characters, bothnational and international. FromAladin and Jungle Book to Chhota

Bheem and Barney, the classes camealive with movies, word games, story-telling, art and craft and tips onanimation. Books were made byhand, skits were performed andsongs were sung. Some BhavishyaYaan centers also took field trips tothe museum and a biscuit factorywhile others involved themselves withdebates, mock elections and dances.

Science Exhibition

The excitement among the studentswas palpable as they geared up foran interesting week filled with avariety of topics to be learnt. Eachcentre adopted a variety of themesbased on science in daily life to makethe experience more enriching. Themain topics that most of the centresfocused on were the Universe. A fewcentres also took up topics ofnutrition vs Junk food and meditation.

Exciting Exposures

Action Breaks Silence

Debi Steven, Founder of UK basedAction Break Silence conducted twoworkshops for VIDYA students ofBhavishyaYaan program. The focuswas on girls’ personal safety and selfdefence. A highly trained team fromUK assisted by instructors from CSKKalari- Kerala and Red Brigade fromLucknow encouraged the girls toshed their inhibitions and fight back.

What amazed our girls was the factthat being tiny did not matter whiletackling even the heftiest ofassaulters. They were shown parts on


the assaulters body which they couldattack and then bring them down tothe ground. Having Debi’s team aspart of the Summer Camp proved tobe an exciting addition as one of thethemes selected by the Bangangacentre for the summer camp was‘Save the Girl child’. A play on thistheme was performed for parents andRotarians as part of the grand finale.

For girls who suffer from poor selfimage issues, due to old andsuffocating mind sets of uneducatedfamily members, this workshopbrought a modicum of selfconfidence that something can bedone to defend oneself from abuse. Itbrought a ray of hope andshowcased the inherent strength offemales.

Celebrating Achievements

On February 17, Rotary Club ofBombay along with VIDYA celebratedthe 5th Anniversary of Bhavishya Yaanat the Colaba Municipal School.Selected students of Bhavishya Yaanfrom across all the centres came tosing and perform at the event.Students of Colaba Schoolperformed a skit directed by theatrepersonality Joy Fernandes and gaveout flowers to the guests such as,former Sheriff Indu Shahani, DianaPenty and former DGP D. Sivanand.The dignitaries present appreciatedthe good work done by BhavishyaYaan in improving the lives ofthousands of underprivilegedchildren across Mumbai and wishedthe initiative all the very best in itscoming years. All the co-coordinators

of Rotary Club of Bombay along withNeeta Pradhan and Manisha Ahujafrom VIDYA were felicitated.

Exciting Exposures

CLRC Digital Empowerment

The Community Learning ResourceCentre( CLRC) program has reachedout to more than 1000 beneficiariessince it was set up in 2011.

In partnershipwith S Prayas (theCorporate Social Responsibility armof Syntel), the program is makingpositive strides towards bridging thedigital divide in the community.VIDYA’s programs ensure not onlylearning of computer skills but alsotheir application.

The program has been growing everyyear. It now has three centres with thelatest one being inaugurated atPhule Nagar. The centre wasinaugurated by Rashmi Misra onSeptember 20 and began operationson September 22 . This will providean opportunity for the students of ourPhule Nagar centre to avail ofcomputer services provided byVIDYA.

Open School Youth Program

The National Institute of OpenSchooling (NIOS) is an autonomousorganisation in pursuance of NationalPolicy on Education 1986 by theMinistry of Human ResourceDevelopment (MHRD), Governmentof India. VIDYA facilitates thisprogram for which the classes areheld at Powai English High School.Academic assistance is offered forstandard X and XII. The courses are

offered in English, Hindi and Marathi.The program aims to provide anopportunity to those who had to dropout of mainstream schooling, tocomplete their education, acquirerequisite life skills and thus getempowered and more employable.The program aims at holisticdevelopment and encourages thesethrough various activities andexcursions.

Enrichment Camp

Like each year, the Enrichment Campwas conducted at VIDYA NIOSprogram with the aim of fosteringcreativity, awareness and confidenceamong the youth.

The camp had various events likeGeneral Knowledge Quiz (For allstudents), Aspirational Mapping,Paper Bag making and Avenues forfuture conducted by experts in theirrespective fields. The highlight wasthe skit by students about the changebrought about in the life of a drop outyouth and how newer and betterprospects emerge for him after theholistic intervention offered by theNIOS program of VIDYA!

A “hatke” Independence Day

Amar Chitra Katha conducted acontest to interview people who werealive on the day India gotIndependence and shared theirexperiences. The people who werealive during our freedom strugglewere interviewed by the NIOSstudents. These interviews werehandled on the telephone as well asface to face providing a huge learning

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Pride of VIDYA Mumbai

Wish List

Long Books

Drawing Books

A-4 Size & Fullscape Paper

Push Pins

Fabric Colors

Big Scissors

Staplers & Pins

Paper Punch

Office Files

Markers

Digital Camera (5 megapixel orabove)

Laptop 2GB Ram, Dul Core

Pen Drive (4GB above)

Speakers for Computer (DeskSpeakers)

Laser Printer & Scanner

Wireless Mouse

Electric Kettle

White Board 3’x3’

Black Board Duster

Notice Board 3’x3’

Drinking Water Dispenser

Siddiqui’s Success

MohammadHakimSiddiqui, aresident ofPhule Nagar,Mumbai and arecentCommercegraduate wasintroduced tothe VIDYAComputer Learning Centre for BigByte course. After successfullycompleting the curriculum andfollowing it up with a NIIT - Basic ITcourse, he is now a full time computertrainer at VIDYA, shining in his newavatar. The usually reticent youth isimpressively confident whileimparting training. Hakim belongs toan underprivileged migrant familyfrom North India. He handles hishome responsibilities along with therole of a computer trainer with élan. Abright learner with a greatassessment record, he is now adedicated teacher, much sought-after by his students.

Modhale’s Merit

BabuModhalejoined VIDYA instandard V. Hehas secured72.20% in 10thexam. He is thesecond personin his family toclear 10th. Hismother has

been a constant source ofencouragement. Jovial to talk to, shestrongly believes that education isthe only way to get out of the povertycycle, and this is what she wants forBabu. His family is extremely proud ofhis achievement. His favouritecricketer is Suresh Raina and hehopes to acquire Raina’sflamboyance someday!

experience. Amar Chitra Kathaplanned a special story on VIDYA andpublished the interviews on their blog.The stories by VIDYA students havebeen selected in the top seven entriesand the winners were also gifted cashprizes and Amar Chitra Katha comics.

VIDYA Margam

VIDYA believes that in order for realtransformation to happen, the changehas to happen from within - from withinthe community, from within the home.The home is represented by thewoman, the mother, who, if empoweredcan influence an entire generation.

The aim of VIDYA’s women’sempowerment programs is to establishan infrastructure whereby focus isprovided on the development of thewomen through functional and financialliteracy, awareness and vocationaltraining programs thus providingincome generation opportunities so asto build their identities. The group isslowly coming onto its own and hasregistered itself as a self-help groupempowered and supported by VIDYA.

It conducts financial literacy classes forthe women, has courses like beauticiantraining, Warli painting, tailoring, etc tohelp women learn skills that will helpthem to be gainfully employed. It alsoconducted workshops of making eco-friendly Ganesh idols in various officesand Beyond School centres. Thewomen have also recently set up stallsto sell Diwali related items.

EVENTS

Run! Run! Run!

The Standard Charted MumbaiMarathon 2014 had a huge VIDYAparticipation. Thirty five students andfive staff members went for the dreamrun. Ganesh Khirsagar, alumni turnedteacher, youth icon and leader ranthe half marathon. PradeepDeshpande, a true blue mentor,friend, fund raiser, dream maker alsoran the half marathon. In additionMumbai Core Management teamraised an online handsome donation.VIDYA is grateful to RashmiMisra forseeding the spirit of participation inthe Marathon.

Shared Reading

JayshreeMurali, an active coremanagement team member at VIDYAand an educationist at heart, took theShared Reading Methodology toLuxor School in Dindigul,TamilNadu.Jayshree feels fortunate to bementored hugely in this initiative bySangeeta Gupta-Vice ChairpersonVIDYA Mumbai, who studied underthe great Don Holdaway. Sharedreading is a collaborative learningactivity, based on research by DonHoldaway that emulates and buildsfrom the child’s experience withbedtime stories.

With this instructional technique,students have an opportunity togradually assume more responsibilityfor reading as their skill level andconfidence increase. This innovativeand inclusive concept of making aBig Book, reading with voicemodulation, singing, dancing andincorporating drama while readingwere introduced to the teachers ofLuxor School in a workshop.


THE VIDYA MUMBAI TEAM

ChairpersonChairpersonChairpersonChairpersonChairpersonRashmi Misra

Vice ChairpersonVice ChairpersonVice ChairpersonVice ChairpersonVice ChairpersonSangeeta Gupta

Core Management TCore Management TCore Management TCore Management TCore Management TeameameameameamVasudha MadhavanNeeta PradhanJayshreeMuraliSunitha KumariRitika BajajShirin DivechaChandrashekhar Bilaye

Advisors and MentorsAdvisors and MentorsAdvisors and MentorsAdvisors and MentorsAdvisors and MentorsDinesh JasaniD. S. GuptaG. P. RaoManjju SharmaMinoo MantriPradeep DeshpandeAdv. Zeeshan Syed

VIDVIDVIDVIDVIDYYYYYA Mumbai OfficeA Mumbai OfficeA Mumbai OfficeA Mumbai OfficeA Mumbai Office

Director - Operations &Director - Operations &Director - Operations &Director - Operations &Director - Operations &StrategyStrategyStrategyStrategyStrategyManvi Singh

Program Officer - Community &Program Officer - Community &Program Officer - Community &Program Officer - Community &Program Officer - Community &ReportingReportingReportingReportingReportingRenukaShridhar

Program Manager - Research &Program Manager - Research &Program Manager - Research &Program Manager - Research &Program Manager - Research &DevelopmentDevelopmentDevelopmentDevelopmentDevelopmentShalini Swaminathan

Program Manager - BeyondProgram Manager - BeyondProgram Manager - BeyondProgram Manager - BeyondProgram Manager - BeyondSchoolSchoolSchoolSchoolSchoolSwapnalee Gurav

Asst. Manager HR & AdminAsst. Manager HR & AdminAsst. Manager HR & AdminAsst. Manager HR & AdminAsst. Manager HR & AdminMary Dias

Office AssistantsOffice AssistantsOffice AssistantsOffice AssistantsOffice AssistantsManorama GaikwadFaazil Qureshi

AccountantsAccountantsAccountantsAccountantsAccountantsFrancis IgnatiousSandeep Kharat

Chartered AccountantChartered AccountantChartered AccountantChartered AccountantChartered AccountantA. P. Doshi and Co.

VIDYA Mumbai grew just like othershoots of VIDYA – with dreams toreduce the education inequity.Undaunted by meager resources, theskeletal staff and the volunteerssimply rolled their sleeves togetherand began : they put in learningplans for academic enrichment,forums for free expression to engagewith people from all over and magicalfield trips that would help them thinkbeyond. As the learning environmentbecame joyful, the childrencontinued to complete school andbeyond, andembibed the VIDYAethos of learning via integrated anddiverse platforms.

The early days were pre laptop daysand computer learning hours wereslotted. Today the digital learning isintegrated in the learning processes.

Our footprints span across five slumcommunities and eight municipalschools, we are reaching out to 2000children, adolescents and youth withour holistic intervention in the BeyondSchool and the Youth ManagementPrograms. The decade at Mumbaihas been one of joyous learnings andchallenges too, as numbers swelled,

teams became larger and spacehard to come by. What has stood usin good stead is the communitynetworks and the goodwill that ourteams created with their dedicationto the mission.

And this is what we look back on withpride: vibrant reading programs,Science fairs across communities,strong life skill modules ,awareness ofresponsibilities towards theenvironment; all interwoven withICTT4-D, a Computer and ResourceCentre which acts as a Hub oftechnology to all defying all divides;defined and monitored scholarshipprograms and the pipeline of alumni.

The alumni have begun to impact thecommunities with their positiveengagements. We are coming fullcircle .

The women’s program is now areplicated self sustainingmodel, withthe kitchen program,Aahar, havingcorporate clients.

Sustainability of our work is what weneed to focus on. Building strongergrassroot leadership and gettingmore committed professionals on

board across spectrums.

Strengthening forums for youth andadolescents through strongcounseling and career desks; as wellas access to help on staying safe andhealthy.

In our goal : “From Education andSkills to Succeed to Employability”and becoming “Socially ResponsibleGlobal Citizens”, we seek tocollaborate with both public andprivate partnerships in a sharedvision.

VIDVIDVIDVIDVIDYYYYYA BhavishayaYA BhavishayaYA BhavishayaYA BhavishayaYA BhavishayaYaanaanaanaanaan

DirectorDirectorDirectorDirectorDirectorNeeta Pradhan

Curriculum DevelopmentCurriculum DevelopmentCurriculum DevelopmentCurriculum DevelopmentCurriculum DevelopmentRitika Bajaj

Program OfficerProgram OfficerProgram OfficerProgram OfficerProgram Officer-Administration-Administration-Administration-Administration-Administration& HR.& HR.& HR.& HR.& HR.V inan t iChoga le

Accounts OfficerAccounts OfficerAccounts OfficerAccounts OfficerAccounts OfficerKamala Madhusudan

English Education Supervisor &English Education Supervisor &English Education Supervisor &English Education Supervisor &English Education Supervisor &MentorMentorMentorMentorMentorManisha Ahuja

MentorsMentorsMentorsMentorsMentorsVandana RokadeRadhika NadkarniManisha AhujaJhanvi Vissanji

Life Skill TLife Skill TLife Skill TLife Skill TLife Skill TrainersrainersrainersrainersrainersVandana RokadeLata Uchil

VIDYA Footprints in Mumbai

Sangeeta Gupta, ViceChairperson, Mumbai &Jayshree Murali

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VIDYA Bangalore

Beyond SchoolVIDYA’s Beyond School Program hasmade a significant difference inlearning for the children of GottigereGovernment Higher Primary andIntegrated High Schools, Bangaloresince inception in 2010.

The Synergy Property DevelopmentCompany, VIDYA’s partner andsponsor of the Gottigere PrimarySchool and the VIDYA – SynergyScholarship program has gone out ofway to make sure that childrenreceive the very best.

In the year 2013-2014, about 410students from standards VI-Xattained academic excellence andbenefitted through education inEnglish, computer usage and lifeskills. Today, the children understand,converse, and give speeches inEnglish, and win in competitions likeSpell Bee. These students havecompleted basic MS Office and areready for advanced courses. The lifeskills and sports programs have builta foundation of confidence, creativity,sportsmanship, health, and the rightattitude for learning.

The objective is to create anenvironment wherein the school,children, and their parentsappreciate the VIDYA programmesand embrace the values andprinciples that VIDYA is trying toinculcate in each child. Once thisbecomes part of their culture, VIDYAwould have succeeded in making achange in their young lives.

The standard X results were declaredin May and have been very positive.88% of the 75 students whoappeared have cleared theexaminations. The topper for theschool was Dawood Ibrahim, whoscored a massive 94.88% overall and93% in English.

The Beyond School Program hastaken off very well under theguidance of the Rotary MidtownBangalore Educational Committee.VIDYA is extremely grateful toRotarians Ravi Shankar, Ajay Anjaria,Uday Masturlal, Sathish Manandi,and Seema Sibbal for their immensesupport and guidance.

Bhavishya YaanSynergy Scholarship Program

Through the Synergy ScholarshipProgram, students are very fortunateto have the opportunity to empowerthemselves with further educationand skills needed for their future.

A total of 25 children were awardedthe Synergy Scholarship for furthereducation. Currently there are ninestudents who are enrolled in first PUCommerce at Loyola Pre CompositePU College. Three students haveenrolled in Physics, Chemistry, Mathand Computers. Two students havetaken Physics, Chemistry, Math andBiology. Three students have joinedComputers, Economics, BusinessAdministration, and Accountancyand one student has enrolled inHistory, Economics, BusinessAdministration, and Accountancycombination. The medium ofinstruction is English. There are threestudents currently enrolled in Loyolatechnical training. The First PUScholarship holders have doneVIDYA proud byachieving FirstDivision.

VIDYA has introducedclassicalBharatnatyam danceto children, at bothPrimary and HighSchools. The childrenhave shown greatinterest and have

picked up dancing fast. They haveshown their skills by performing atvarious school events and haveearned laurels for their tremendousperformance. In January, theirdancing skills were put to good in theAnnual VIDYA event and the RepublicDay Celebrations.

The High School students danced,and mimed the VIDYA Story for anevent held in central Bangalore inJanuary and touched the hearts ofpeople.

In February, two children of the HighSchool had the rare opportunity ofmeeting Kofi Annan, former GeneralSecretary of the United Nations.Listening to his inspiring speech atthe Infosys Prize Ceremony was agreat moment.

Keeping up the school and familytradition, Reshma won the Third Prizein the Spelling Bee competition andwas awarded a tablet computer. Herbrother Ibrahim has also won laurelsfor VIDYA.

Budding ScholarsBudding ScholarsBudding ScholarsBudding ScholarsBudding Scholars

Dancing Divas


In February, the High School had 11students from the Sauder School ofBusiness Management, University ofBritish Columbia, Canada who spentthe day learning the history of VIDYAand the school. They also playedcricket and volleyball, learnt about

traditional art. The children learntabout cross cultural diversity fromtheir visit and were mentored ondealing with life situations. Thechildren presented beautifulmementos and Thank You cards tothe visitors.

In March, the High School studentslearnt in detail about the food, history,culture, politics, location, and climateof three states of India – Karnataka,Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. All

of them enjoyed the feel of nationalunity and learnt critical life skills liketeamwork, presentation skills, and thethrill of cooking. The boys alsoparticipated whole heartedly. Therewas a feast of finest food items fromall three states of South India.

After the hectic study in March, theGottigere Primary and High Schoolstudents moved on to enjoy the funfilled summer camp in April. Thiscamp chiselled out children’screativity and hidden talents.

About 40 children participated in thiscamp learning various arts and crafts.The younger ones also joined in. Thechildren had a great time learning tocook without fire for example makingdelicious sandwiches.

Regular environmental sessions wereorganised to inculcate habits ofReducing, Recycling, Reusing,Rainwater Harvesting, Solar EnergyPreservation andGreenConservation

Storytellingsessions, danceclasses and amaths clubactivity were alsoincluded in thesummer camp.

The new schoolsession started inthe end of Mayand the childrenwere delightedwith the

beautifully decorated new classroom.The new students have learnt thefundamentals of computers while theolder students are preparing for theNIIT Intel Certification Program.Selected students will get certificatesafter successful completion underNIIT supervision.

The new students in English arelearning the basics. The olderstudents are developing their SpokenEnglish and advanced grammarskills.

Apart from the regular classes, thestudents are also learning the moralvalues in life skill classes. Specialemphasis and training has beeninitiated for making the children’slearning a joy. Such learning givesthe students self-confidence, life skillsand a raised awareness of health andhygiene among the students.

The staff and students of schoolparticipated in a tree plantation driveto bring back the green cover on theoccasion of the Environment Week.

On August 15, the Primary Schoolhosted the Independence Daycelebrations. The event was attendedby the Rotary President RaviRotary President RaviRotary President RaviRotary President RaviRotary President RaviShankarShankarShankarShankarShankar,,,,, other eminent Rotarians,Rashmi Misra. The local CorporatorSmt. PushpaSmt. PushpaSmt. PushpaSmt. PushpaSmt. Pushpa also graced theoccasion.The guests were welcomedby the school band. The flag hoistingwas followed by a grand PT displayand a short cultural programmeinitiated and organised by thechildren, who looked stunning withtheir new School ID cards.

August ended with the GaneshaChaturthi celebrations at theGottigere Primary School. A smallprayer, song and dance was

VIDYA Annual Report was showcased in the Infosys Prize Ceremony.

Sauder School Visitors

Independence Day - Jai Hind!

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organized by the children, invokingthe blessings of their favourite LordGanesha.

On September 5, the schoolscelebrated Teacher’s Day. Thechildren presented flowers and cardsto their teachers, and in the eveningthe Rotary Midtown BangaloreRotary Midtown BangaloreRotary Midtown BangaloreRotary Midtown BangaloreRotary Midtown Bangaloreinvited the teachers of Gottigere HighSchool, Primary School and Weaver’sColony School for a felicitation anddinner at the Rotary House ofFriendship. Jayalakshmi Bhat of theHigh School was honoured with theNation Builder award for herdedicated service. Swarnalatha M ofPrimary School and Halamma B ofthe Weaver’s Colony School weregiven the Outstanding Teacherawards.

In September, a Super Brain Yogaand Meditation program wasinitiated at the High School, to beconducted weekly by volunteers .

VIDYA is Grateful

VIDYA is extremely grateful to RotaryMidtown Bangalore and SynergyProperty Developers, who havewholeheartedly supported VIDYA inthe endeavour to give the very best toeach child and making many dreamscome true. Special thanks go out toAarthi Machangada for takingpersonal interest in all the activities.The year has been abuzz with activityand study. The students and theVIDYA teachers have enjoyed everybit of this active year, and are lookingforward to the next.

Pride of VIDYA Bangalore

Impeccable Ibrahim

Dawood Ibrahim is VIDYA’s pride. Heleft his parents speechless after histremendous success in the seniorschool exams. He scored 94.88%overall with 100% in Social Studies,124/ 125 in Kannada, 98% in Maths,93% in English, 92% in Hindi, and86% in Science.

Ten new Computers and a Printer

Internet Connectivity

More Books, Music CDs and CDs forAdvanced English

Smart Boards in the schools

Sports Equipment – footballs, throwballs, carom board

Educational Do It Yourself Modelsand Kits

A regular student of GovernmentIntegrated Higher Secondary Schoolin Gottigere, he is extremely hardworking and determined. Starting hisday before dawn, washing cars anddelivering newspapers in theneighbouring apartments, Ibrahimalways reached school before time toattend the VIDYA classes in Englishand Computers.

Never afraid of challenges, he provedhis talent by winning the Spelling Beefor government schools in 2012-13.Ibrahim is fond of reading andsketching, specially cars. The schoolstaff has always found a pleasure towork with Ibrahim amazingconfidence, self - discipline,regularity and impeccable wit.

Ibrahim has joined Loyola Pre-University Composite College nearby,on a scholarship sponsored bySynergy Property DevelopmentServices Pvt. Ltd. His dream is tobecome an engineer and he stronglybelieves that the sky is the limit whenone has the will.

The VIDYA Team atGottigere, Bangalore

Anbarasi A Computer Head

Bindu B English Teacher

Devika Mathur Coordinator,English Teacher,Life Skills Coach

Jyoti Gurung English Teacher

N Nandini Xth RemedialEnglish

Rashmitha S Computer Teacher

Musical Instruments such as guitar,tablas, mridangam, harmonica,tambourines, etc.

A Globe, World Maps, and an Atlas

Additional funding towards Books,Tuitions, Field Trips, Uniform etc forScholarship Students.

Extend the Scholarship Program formore Students.

Wish List


Mali Foundation

Bhagini Women’s Educationand Empowerment Program

In association with Mali Foundation,VIDYA works towards educating,empowering and transformingwomen from the weaker sections ofthe society since 2010. TheComputer and English programmescoupled with various vocationaltrainings in a friendly atmospherehave moulded the women into anepitome of confidence who haveshed their shackles and broken theircocoons which had hindered theirprogress. They have revolutionisedand are the shining examples ofconfidence.

VIDYA’s women are not only aninspiration to their peers, but also amotivational force for their family andfriends, as they realise their goals andtheir long cherished dreams.

Education

Learning EnglishEnglishEnglishEnglishEnglish is an added skillthat aids these women to facetoday’s competitive world with abetter perspective. They are able toexpress themselves better, haveenhanced their life styles andchanged the way the world perceivesthem.

The basic and advanced Englishprograms have benefitted the youngand old women of the community.The students enjoy the practicallessons and have gained immenselyfrom the same. Two batches havepassed out and VIDYA seeks toeducate, empower and transformmany more. Geetha Prasad, a seniorteacher from the U.S. has volunteeredto conduct English classes for aselect few who need personalattention.

The NIIT certified, basic andNIIT certified, basic andNIIT certified, basic andNIIT certified, basic andNIIT certified, basic andadvanced Hardware andadvanced Hardware andadvanced Hardware andadvanced Hardware andadvanced Hardware andNetworking coursesNetworking coursesNetworking coursesNetworking coursesNetworking courses havetransformed students into computerliterates. These tech savvy studentsare now placed in variousorganisations and are at par withothers. The outstanding performanceof the students from the 12 batchesthat have passed out in the NIITexams is amazing. Computer literacy

has instilled a sense of pride andconfidence in the students. For some,it certainly used to be a distantdream and for many more, a dreamcome true. The NIIT FoundationNIIT FoundationNIIT FoundationNIIT FoundationNIIT Foundationtrained VIDYA teachers cater to thespecific needs of women and

develop the service and skills.

The NIOSNIOSNIOSNIOSNIOS program funded bySuckhumvit Trust is anothermilestone that provides certified HighSchool courses for dropouts andorphans who aspire to completeschool education.

Empowerment

InnovatiaInnovatiaInnovatiaInnovatiaInnovatia, a management solutioncompany, has partnered with VIDYAto train the students on work ethics,improving the communication skills,imparting computer knowledge, andalso provide life skill training.Theprogram trains students on workethics, time management,communication skills, pronunciation,computing skills, and holds mockinterview sessions and activities likerole play and makes them

professionally competitive.

TTTTTwo Dedicated Vwo Dedicated Vwo Dedicated Vwo Dedicated Vwo Dedicated Volunteersolunteersolunteersolunteersolunteers,Thembi and Roni, are conductingjewellery making classes as part ofvocational training. The duo provideprofessional training and also hasagreed to offer employmentopportunities. The classes groom thehidden talents of women. SangeethaGoel is offering vocational training formaking different products like paperbags and files. This training enableswomen to earn from home.

Health CampsHealth CampsHealth CampsHealth CampsHealth Camps and health talks byDr.Seemanthini , an eminent memberof the Inner wheel Club have beenhighly motivating. She addressedvarious health issues, hygiene anddispelled the fears and concerns.Free consultations are provided tothe students in her clinic.

TTTTTotal Yotal Yotal Yotal Yotal Yogaogaogaogaoga, a premium Yogainstitute in Bangalore hasvolunteered to conduct Yoga classesonce a week to emphasize the needfor women to be fit and fine.

AaharAaharAaharAaharAahar, the kitchen programendeavours to hone theentrepreneurial skills of the women byconverting their domestic cookingskills into large scale incomegenerating ventures with professionalexpertise. Thanks to Rasa, thetraining partner for offering training tothe students on various aspects ofrunning a full fledged kitchen forlarge scale production.

Art of LivingArt of LivingArt of LivingArt of LivingArt of Living, a rich life is alwaysbetter than a rich living. To master theart of living, life skill sessions areconducted by Smitha R., which focus

Trained Teachers

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on the varied facets of life and theways to overcome the day to dayproblems of life. The training aims tohandle domestic, personal,psychological, professional andrelationship problems. The trainingalso extends to basic hygiene,discipline, honesty, angermanagement, family issues, workethics and dressing.

Driven to Drive,Driven to Drive,Driven to Drive,Driven to Drive,Driven to Drive, it all started withfeeble, tiny steps and today thewomen have grown in strength. Asthey shed their shyness, VIDYA ismotivating them with many morecareer options. Driving is one of them.

As Indian society for long hasremained unsafe for women andchildren, a need has risen for womendrivers. VIDYA has embarked on thefirst of its kind activity by givingdriving lessonsdriving lessonsdriving lessonsdriving lessonsdriving lessons to the womenpartnering with Maruti Driving Schooland The Rotary to promote thewomen drivers.

Angel CabsAngel CabsAngel CabsAngel CabsAngel Cabs, a Bangalore basedoperator has launched a movementcalled ‘Pink Revolution’Pink Revolution’Pink Revolution’Pink Revolution’Pink Revolution’ by hiringonly women drivers and hasextended its support as a masscareer provider for VIDYA. Bharathithe women cab driver, from AngelCabs shared her experiences andremoved the apprehensions of thewomen by her motivational speech.This has encouraged them fromgoing ahead with taking up drivingas a career option.

Martial artsMartial artsMartial artsMartial artsMartial arts training was organizedto prepare the women drivers for thechallenges they might have to faceon the road. Mahindra Tech has alsoagreed to train and employ VIDYAstudents.

Events

VIDYA views education as a holisticaspect of life and has a mission ofimparting knowledge based skillsand skill based knowledge in acultural backdrop. So VIDYA at Malicelebrates the festivals festivals festivals festivals festivals cuttingacross religion with equal zest andfervour. The women enthusiasticallytook part in the pot lock party andreveled in joy besides decipheringthe diverse culture and customs ofour country.

The joy of sharing, the spirit ofleadership, the value of labour was

witnessed during the celebrations, aswomen enjoyed various delicacies ofIndia.

The summer was certainly exciting inspite of the rising mercury levelswhen our students enjoyed learningart and craft, chocolate making,flower making, fire less cookingamong many others in our SummerSummerSummerSummerSummerCampCampCampCampCamp. The environmentalawareness session by Meethu Josewas certainly an eye opener and theneed of the hour as Bangalorestruggles to manage waste.

Finishing Touch

VIDYA had a very grand fund raisingevent in collaboration with Veda Art

Gallery through an art auction at theSBI auditorium. Awareness wascreated about VIDYA programs. Theevent showcased VIDYA’s aspirationsand approaches. The product andtalent were presented amidsteminent personalities. The productssold well and many placed orders formore. The vision and mission of VIDYAwas demonstrated through variousprogram.

Transformation

VIDYA women’s lives have beentransformed. From a meagre earnerby working as nannys, cooks,housekeepers, security personnel tofront office managers, receptionists,data entry operators and teachers,they have come a long way. They nowunderstand that they have equalstatus at par with men and as a resulthave become capable of achievingmany more feats. Education hasmade them to be a part of the workforce of Bangalore and leaders oftheir community. As our leaders haverightly mentioned that educating awoman is educating the family, ourstudents in turn help their children in

The VIDYA Team at BhaginiProgramme, Bangalore

Ekta Bisht Program ManagerKala Ramesh Financial ManagerTutan Debnath Computer Teacher

& System AdminS. Uma Rani English TeacherLalitha Kumari A NIOS TeacherLakshmi Tailoring Teacher

their studies.

VIDYA Bhagini Angels

Bharati and Vijayalakshmi havejoined Samridhi Trust as computerteachers. Vijayalakshmi’s successstory is very touching. She comesfrom a middle class home and hasstruggled hard to make both endsmeet. The moment she stepped intoVIDYA, she knew that it was the placeof her dream. By her sheer grit anddetermination, she is today acomputer teacher.

Bharathi, a multi-talented personality,actually grabbed the oppourtunityprovided by VIDYA. Today, she is theright person at the right place toexhibit and utilize her talents. She isalso teaching computers

Wish list

Funding for Operations

U.P.S. for the Computers

English, Computer & Kannada booksfor the Vidvaan library

Stationery and Art Materials

Volunteers and Mentors for theprogram

Employment Opportunities for Women

VIDVIDVIDVIDVIDYYYYYA isA isA isA isA is Grateful Grateful Grateful Grateful Grateful to donors,leaders Executive Board Membersand partners for unstinting supportand guidance. Thanks to RashmiMisra, Meethu Jose, Sangeetha Goel,Shoma Bakre, Ranjani Ranganathan,Vandana Kumar for being the pillarsof support. Special thanks to Malin,Smitha, Dr. Seemsndhini and GeethaPrasad.

VIDYA appreciates the effort of NIIT,Samriddhi Trust, Sukumit Trust,Synergy, Rotary, Rasa and Total Yogain partnering in all the endeavours.

Contemporary Art by ArtistCharan Sharma


What is VIDYA’s Dream?What is our passion and dream toachieve? What do we need to getthere?

“I would work for an India, in which thepoorest shall feel that it is theircountry…; an India in which thereshall be no high class and no lowclass of people; an India where allcommunities will live in a perfectharmony….Women will enjoy thesame rights as men. We shall be atpeace with all the rest of theworld.”M.K Gandhi.

Like Gandhiji, I also dream of Indiawhere there will be no inequality,poverty, social injustice, illiteracy,gender discrimination, socialoppression, corruption, casteism andcommunalism and people will havean improved and good quality of life.An India where we are proud Indiansfirst, before we add any otherdenominations, which separate usand make us different from eachother.

To achieve this dream VIDYABangalore has been workingtirelessly for the past 5 years to be thecatalyst in the change to make thechildren, youth and women of thissociety confident enough to dreambeyond what they thought wascapable, and to achieve what theydare to dream.

A vision without a plan is just adream.

A plan without a vision is justdrudgery.

But a vision with a plan can changethe world.

Our team at Bangalore is striving tocreate an atmosphere where anyonewho goes through the portals ofVIDYA will have all the support andencouragement they need. We areproud of what we have achievedthrough our Beyond Schoolprogramme. Children whose parentswould not have been able to dreamof sending their children to collegehave been able to do just that withthe help, encouragement and thevision of our team who inspire them toaim higher.

Women have always beenmarginalised no matter which strata

of society they are a part of. Being awoman myself I know how we tend topush our wants and dreams to thebackburner and focus more on ourfamily responsibilities and children.At VIDYA-Mali through our BhaginiProgram we are striving to makeexamples of ourselves and ourstudents and help them to continuewith their familial responsibilitieswhile trying to realise their dreams.We make them more confidentthrough education, giving them abetter command of English andcomputers and assess their strengthsand help them find job opportunitiesaccording to their strengths.

Our dream for the future of ourwomen is for them to have economicand educational empowermentwherein they become equalmembers of society. Through thisthey achieve more self-respect andconfidence by their contributions totheir communities.

Our focus for the future will toincrease the number of women whowill be empowered and help them befinancially independent.

We need more funding to realise thisvision and our focus will be onidentifying more long-term donors.

Our future endeavors to achieve ourvision in our Beyond Schoolprogrammes are:

• To increase the scope of ourscholarship program from justPUC education to vocational skillsand training, as 90% morestudents can benefit and we cancreate better job opportunities forthem.

• We are fortunate to have a verysupportive and dedicated Donorpanel. They are willing to spendtime and effort. We need to planmore initiatives, which involvethem more so they get to seefirsthand what their financialsupport has helped us achieve.

• Add more support to children withlearning disabilities

• Programs to instill civic sense andsocial responsibilities includinggreen initiatives in children, tobecome good citizens of India

All that we have achieved has been

through the dedicated hard work ofour team who have imbibed theVIDYA vision to Educate, Empowerand Transform. I would like to takethis opportunity to thank them fortheir drive and the sacrifices theyhave made to make sure our studentsare given every opportunity toachieve their dream.

Our volunteers have been abackbone to lean on when weneeded them. Thank you so much foryour time, help and expert advice.

“If our hopes of building a better andsafer world are to become more thanwishful thinking, we will need theengagement of volunteers more thanever.” Kofi Annan

I can assure you that being avolunteer has been one of the bestand most satisfying decisions I havemade. I invite all who can volunteertheir time and expertise to helppeople who need a mentor or a friendand see for yourself how a little bit ofhelp can go a long way.Last but notthe least I am proud of our studentswho have pleasantly surprised us andachieved much more than what wehad dreamed for them! You continueto inspire us to give more andreiterate the fact that not all is bad inthe world and we can change theworld into a better place if we onlybelieve and help others to believe.

“I marvel at how one role model canalter for the better the future of a youngstudent” - N. R. Narayana Murthy

Meethu JoseSecretary VIDYA Bangalore

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Be a VIDYAVolunteer

VIDYA is a people’s movement,people helping people. The successstory of every VIDYA initiative can betraced to the passion and energy ofits volunteers from across the globe.

VIDYA receives a large number ofinternational volunteers from CrossCultural Solutions, ivolunteer andYouthreach. This dedicated grouphas contributed greatly to the spiritand development of VIDYA programs.

Volunteers from all walks of life,nationalities and backgrounds areencouraged to join the VIDYAmovement. Their contributions aregreatly appreciated and tailoredaround their competence andavailability. They have hand- held andcreated growth patterns of variousprograms.

Volunteer at VIDYA andHelp in

• Social media management• Grant writing and fund raising• Providing administrative support

and event management• Teaching English and computers• Teaching art, craft, music, dance...• Documenting activities with

photographs• Mentoring youth• Orgainsing excursions and eventsVisit website for more details: http://www.vidya-india.org/volunteer.htm

VIDYA InternationalVolunteers Academy -VIVA Program

Shortlisted Ideas for Projects

1. Train journey across India2. Fundraising and building

database in North America3. Building on line curriculum4. Manning the VIVA Program in

North America. Building aconnect with US based corporatevolunteers.

5. Managing the e-mentor program,connecting VIDYA teachers andstudents with volunteers

6. VIDYA Website and social mediamanagement

7. Create a water harvesting plan8. Create a solar energy plan9. Launch a vocational skill program10. Teachers training program11. Establishing VIDYA Employability

Program (VEP)12. Technology orientation for

children, young adults.13. Donor feedback surveys14. Employee feedback surveys15. SOPs for admin and HR functions

across VIDYA

“I slept and dreamtthat life was a joy. Iawoke and saw that

life was service. Iacted and behold,service was a joy.”

Gurudev Tagore


Volunteer Coordination Team

Malavika Goyal Vice Chairperson

Prerna Bhargava Director, Operationsand Strategy

Shreya Coordinator

Email: [email protected]

Tel.: +91-124-4049559

Volunteers in2014

DelhiAalika PresAbigevi VacheronAnjali RaiAshleigh WomackAditya GuptaAnanya GuptaAbhishek SekhriAmanaAbhishek SekhriAshimAnishoAsad AliAnjaliArjunAshtikaBhanu PriyaBeena RoyB C RoyBruna SilvaCharitaChayyaDev PunjDevika KaushalEmma HillGarima BahlHarshita ShreeIshaan GandhiJuhi MathurJana TipulovaJana chain

Julia RakiJocelyn DevaneyKlughertz stephanieKeeralKaranraj SinghKavita KapoorKiranKalli MahajanLucia TocaMonika MalikMagdaManav BhargavaMatt BurtonMonika SreeraiMelissa BrooksNancy WomackNatalie StricklerNatalie AlpertNanki SinghPriyanka KumariPrabhatParamparaParul DuttaParamjeet BhutaniRiamyahim AggarwalShiv AhujaShivam LodhaSusheelShaun HollandSupreet KaurShibani KhungarSooryaShwetaShagun

Sanjana GuptaSujata KaushicTarana MarwahiVenkat KrishnaVinay GoelYeshaswini

BangaloreAgnesImran BasaJishnu KrishnaKumarMalinNandita KarpurkayasthaKatiaPraneetaRoni YooSangeetaSmitaSaloniSridhar RajagopalThomas JoseThembi PalmerYeshwantYash Shah

MumbaiArchit SandhyaAbhishekAbhishek MujumdarAnjan Kumar PatelArka SaphuAbhishekAdityaAsha Lulla

Avaan VakhariaAmi ShahAniket MohiteBabu modhaleBhagyesh GaikwadCh.Jyothi Durga PrasadChitrangChandrashekhar BilyeDivyam JainDivyam JainGaurav DeokarGeeta ThakkarHarshal MahajanJaydeepJhanvi VissanjiKomal BabuKanika GoyalKavya ThatavarthiKhushal IngleMeetManoj GaikwadMinal ShahNoshir DivechaPatrick MorenoPulkitPoulomi Sen GuptaPrateekRicha IyerRaj KediaRohit MohiteRajlakshmi DixitSalmaSoumitra ChattopadhyaySham ShanbhagSurya pratap SinghSanket ChairameSamarjeet SumanSujitSurya PratapUday ManeVishal kumarVibha MattalVasavi AVikram Dhanvte

They come from across the globe, work selflessly and melt away

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Financials 2013-14


Financials 2013-14

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Name & Address ofAuditors:

M/S Grover, Lalla & Mehta, CharteredAccountants,90/20 Malviya Nagar,New Delhi 110017

M/S Malhotra & Associates309, Delhi Chamber, Delhi Gate,New Delhi

IDENTITY

We are registered as a non-profitorganization under SocietiesRegistration Act XXI of 1860.(Reg.No.S-21626, dated January 1,1991) with RoS, Delhi.

Memorandum of Association isavailable on request.

We are registered u/s 12A of theIncome Tax Act, 1961, and with theDIT (Exemptions), Delhi u/s 80G. Reg.No. DIT (E) 2008-09/V-257A/2138.

We are registered under section 6 (1)(a) of the Foreign Contribution(Regulation) Act, 1976 (FCRA Reg.No. 231650839).

Name and Address of MainBankers:

State Bank of India

I.I.T. Hauz Khas Branch

New Delhi 110016, India

CITI Bank

33, Basant Lok,

Vasant Vihar

New Delhi 110057, India

Financials 2013-14

Finance TFinance TFinance TFinance TFinance Team updateseam updateseam updateseam updateseam updates

Mrs Swarn Gulhati retired in October2014 from our Finance team afterserving VIDYA for over 17 years.Leeway an outsource agencyoversaw our finance andcompliances for 5 months in 2014.Pulkit Khanna from KPMG did aprobono with VIDYA where hedesigned a Finance policy and SOPfor VIDYA.


VIDVIDVIDVIDVIDYYYYYA PA PA PA PA PatronsatronsatronsatronsatronsWilliam ComfortProf. M G K MenonDr. Ashok ChauhanProf. Anil SealPeter SimonAtul Punj

VIDVIDVIDVIDVIDYYYYYAAAAARashmi Misra, ChairpersonDr. Rekha Chaturvedi, Vice ChairpersonMalavika Goyal, Vice ChairpersonAmit Rastogi, Hony. CEO

Executive Board Members: DelhiExecutive Board Members: DelhiExecutive Board Members: DelhiExecutive Board Members: DelhiExecutive Board Members: DelhiProf. Ashok MisraSurender Kumar GulhatiIndu MahajanAlpana ManchandaSujata KaushicTara BindraLekha SrivastavaPratima GoelMeenakshi RoyBandana AgarwalDilruba KalsiAmit Rastogi

Governing Board MembersGoverning Board MembersGoverning Board MembersGoverning Board MembersGoverning Board MembersChandan RoyLokesh PrasadAjay RelanUrmila DongreProf. Ashok MisraMohit GoyalRashmi Misra

Advisory Board Members:Advisory Board Members:Advisory Board Members:Advisory Board Members:Advisory Board Members:Ganesan RamakrishnanMike ManwaringSunil SahniLatika ThukralAshish SinghMark ParkinsonBrig. SawhneySudhir KapoorProf. S.M. IshtiaqueLeila Kabir

Finance CommitteeFinance CommitteeFinance CommitteeFinance CommitteeFinance CommitteeRashmi MisraAshok MisraS. K. GulhatiChandan RoyAmit Rastogi

VIDVIDVIDVIDVIDYYYYYA North AmericaA North AmericaA North AmericaA North AmericaA North AmericaRamaya NarayananAbhay BhushanAparna DaveDr Murali ChandrashekaranRashmi SarupSusan TyrolGay OdmarkEric MeyerVirginia Amstrong

The VIDYA Head OfficeVIDYA Head Office pulsates withactivities year round. The officecommunicates, networks, fundraises,oversees financial and compliancesissues, Human resourcemanagement, public relations,volunteering and other administrationfor all VIDYA programmes.

As VIDYA continues to grow, the officehas a challenge to keep pace with allthe activities pan India and moveVIDYA to run even more efficiently andeffectively. It is here where webrainstorm and work together to lookat the vision, mission of VIDYAglobally!

Making India Truly Global

How have we managed to put ouraccounting systems together? Howdo we plan to make the admin,HR and other activities under oneVIDYA umbrella?

VIDYA has had this fantastic vision ofEducate Empower and Transform, anoutstanding execution in joyfullearning and an unparalled trackrecord in supporting, nurturing,transforming and caring for its 3 setsof constituents – the people that workat VIDYA, the people who supportVIDYA and the people that VIDYAserves.

Our collective goal in the next year ismake VIDYA truly global andscalable. VIDYA will have world classprocesses and high execution rigorthat will make us efficient and evenmore effective and will allow us toreach a wider audience.

We are gradually but significantlychanging how VIDYA supports andgets support from hundreds ofmembers, volunteers, influencers,donors, students, teachers, wellwishers and government agenciesworldwide. We are integrating variousprograms, city and project offices tothink globally and as one VIDYA butact locally and rapidly. Theaccounting, human resource, hiring,compliance, infrastructure andadministrative functions andprocesses are being streamlined tosupport the new VIDYA, with directsupport and insights from KPMG andother leading organizations.

Amit Rastogi, Amit Rastogi, Amit Rastogi, Amit Rastogi, Amit Rastogi, Hony. CEO

The Head Office TeamFinance and AccountsFinance and AccountsFinance and AccountsFinance and AccountsFinance and AccountsSumant SinghAshok Kaushik

Resource Mobilisation andResource Mobilisation andResource Mobilisation andResource Mobilisation andResource Mobilisation andAdministrationAdministrationAdministrationAdministrationAdministrationShreya SinghGirish Chandra

DirectorDirectorDirectorDirectorDirector, Operations and, Operations and, Operations and, Operations and, Operations andStrategyStrategyStrategyStrategyStrategyPrerna Bhargava

PublicationsPublicationsPublicationsPublicationsPublicationsSujata Kaushic

Production ControllerProduction ControllerProduction ControllerProduction ControllerProduction ControllerVinay Goel

The monthly E-Newsletter VIDYAVaarta is painstakingly puttogether and reaches the readersregularly. This Newsletter alsoshoots out from the Head Office.

Shreya Prerna Girish Sumant

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VIDYA an NGO is registered Under the Indian SocietiesRegistration Act XXI of 1860 and Under Section 6 (1) of theForeign Contribution (Regulation) Act 1976. (FCRA)

Non FCRA

Cheque Name: VIDVIDVIDVIDVIDYYYYYA A A A A IFSC Code: SBIN0001077Bank Account: S.B.A/c No. 1077 357 18991077 357 18991077 357 18991077 357 18991077 357 1899Name of the Bank and Branch address: State Bank of India,I.I.T. Delhi Branch, Hauz Khas, New Delhi -110016, India

Cheque Name: VIDVIDVIDVIDVIDYYYYYA School, GurgaonA School, GurgaonA School, GurgaonA School, GurgaonA School, GurgaonIFSC: SBIN0014678Bank Account No.: S.B.A/c No. 32402839850 32402839850 32402839850 32402839850 32402839850Name of Bank & Branch: State Bank of IndiaDLF City Court, Sikandarpur, Gurgaon

Donations to VIDYA are exempt under section 80G ofIncome Tax Act 1961.

FCRA

BANK TO BANK TRANSFERBANK TO BANK TRANSFERBANK TO BANK TRANSFERBANK TO BANK TRANSFERBANK TO BANK TRANSFERPlease send through“SWIFT” - Code No. SBI NIN BB 547"SBI NIN BB 547"SBI NIN BB 547"SBI NIN BB 547"SBI NIN BB 547"FOR CREDIT TO : - “VID“VID“VID“VID“VIDYYYYYAAAAA” “S.B. A/c No. 10773571617”” “S.B. A/c No. 10773571617”” “S.B. A/c No. 10773571617”” “S.B. A/c No. 10773571617”” “S.B. A/c No. 10773571617”State Bank of IndiaI.I.T. New Delhi Branch, Hauz Khas, New Delhi -110016IFSC Code : SBIN0001077INDIA

NOTE : While Transferring the funds please obtain your SWIFTNo. of your Bank and forward the same to us for issue of Receipt.

Donations to VIDYA in U.S.A. are TAX EXEMPTED.

Please send THROUGH :-Friends of VIDYA OfficeIndia for Collective Action (ICA) *3838, Mumford Place,Palo Alto CA 94306, U.S.A.

OR

Ms. Aparna DaveLaw Office of Aparna Dave107, Alderwood DriveGaithersburg, MD 20878, U.S.A.Email: [email protected]

*VIDYA is member of “India for Collective Action”, which is afederally tax exempted organization described in IRS CodeSection 501 ©. All Contribution to ICA are tax deductible to thefull extent permitted by law. The ICA corporate no. isD561953IF8CA. Its Federal Employee Identification No.is 23-7027461 and its California State Registration No. is 11181.

For further queries about sponsorship email us on:[email protected]

DONATION INFORMATION

Contact Information:

VIDYA Head Office:Block- S, Plot No-3126, Sector-24, DLF Phase- III,Gurgaon 122002Tel.: 0124-4049559 E-mail: [email protected]

VIDYA Mumbai

Lakshmi Niwas, Nair Welfare Society, NavyCompound, Chaitanya Nagar,Powai, Mumbai-400076 Tel: 022-25787317E-mail: [email protected]

VIDYA Bangalore

Mali Foundation, Navajeevana Nilaya, KundanahalliGate Whitefield Road, Marathahalli Post,Bangalore-560037E-mail: [email protected]

VIDYA Websitewww.vidya-india.org

going on thirty… · gurgaon at the vidya school in gurgaon, underprivileged children are...

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