Project: Ranjan Project
Overview of the year 2009-2010
Current Program Status:
This course is currently running at 4 different locations. At each location we have had to adapt the program according to the profile of students as well as the duration of time we have the premises available to run the program.
a) Badarpur Project – Course conducted at “Vidya Ankur Social Centre”: This project is located in a resettlement area and the profile of people living there are from disadvantaged & low income backgrounds. The parents of young people attending the course work as drivers, security guards, tailors, barbers etc. 28 students enrolled for the course. In addition to the 2 hour modules, we also held 2 all day ‘English for Success’ camp which included various games & exercises intended to help foster team-working skills. Another all day computer clinic was held to help them fine-tune their computer skills. These workshops included guest speakers from the corporate sector which gave these young people invaluable exposure to new ideas & experiences on the road to success. 23 students from this course also served as volunteers at a large children’s day project attended by 1750 children. We are also holding personal interviews to find out how we can help & serve them better & are also helping each student prepare a Professional Personal Resume which could help them find jobs in future. 20 students received certificates for passing the basic course and 15 students are currently enrolled in the advanced course. 25 students are currently in the basic course.
Impact: 60 students
b) R.K. Puram Project – Course conducted at “Prabhat Tara Institute of Social Service”: R. K. Puram Project is catering to low income areas of Mohamedpur, R. K. Puram and surrounding areas. We currently have 25 students enrolled from low income families who have been carefully selected for this course based on income level of the families and having a 10th Plus qualification. Many of the students are studying from National Open School & Indira Gandhi National Open university . So far and we have completed 21 modules & the course is going very well with noticeable changes in the attitude and the conversational skills of the attendees. We have set up a proper classroom with good quality desks that were donated. Our aim is to provide them a professional learning environment . We also conducted an all day ‘English for Success camp & were able to introduce team building & presentation concepts.
Impact: 25 students
c) Jamghat Project: This project is with a partner NGO “Jamghat”who are dedicated to working with children living on the street. They run 2 centres, an indoor centre with 15 children and an outdoor centre that caters to the needs of about 35 children living on the streets in a congested area of New Delhi. ‘The Ranjan project’ –has partnered with Jamghat to help support of the children in both these centres. Accordingly we are sponsoring 2 teachers & are also helping equip with educational materials & books , supplies etc. in order to facilitate the education of the children.
Although the Ranjan Project is dedicated to working with youth, we have taken up this project on a humanitarian basis seeing the difficult conditions in which these children live & the humiliation which they suffer daily. Many of these kids are addicted to using drugs from the tender age of 8 or 9 yrs and its heartbreaking to see the conditions in which they live, the dirt and filth, beatings, etc. We are working with Jamghat to help them set up an informal education system & provide the guidance as well as the physical inputs required.
Impact: 35 Children
d) The Deaf Way foundation: We have 31 deaf students enrolled under ‘the Ranjan Skill Building Project for the Deaf’. This program is essentially designed & run by the Deaf way foundation at Nehru Place, however we are providing course inputs & and sponsoring the teachers needed for the course. The methodology at this course differs as the deaf learn more slowly using the sign language as medium of communication.
Impact: 31 students.
Total Impact: 151 Students
This course is currently running at 4 different locations. At each location we have had to adapt the program according to the profile of students as well as the duration of time we have the premises available to run the program.
a) Badarpur Project – Course conducted at “Vidya Ankur Social Centre”: This project is located in a resettlement area and the profile of people living there are from disadvantaged & low income backgrounds. The parents of young people attending the course work as drivers, security guards, tailors, barbers etc. 28 students enrolled for the course. In addition to the 2 hour modules, we also held 2 all day ‘English for Success’ camp which included various games & exercises intended to help foster team-working skills. Another all day computer clinic was held to help them fine-tune their computer skills. These workshops included guest speakers from the corporate sector which gave these young people invaluable exposure to new ideas & experiences on the road to success. 23 students from this course also served as volunteers at a large children’s day project attended by 1750 children. We are also holding personal interviews to find out how we can help & serve them better & are also helping each student prepare a Professional Personal Resume which could help them find jobs in future. 20 students received certificates for passing the basic course and 15 students are currently enrolled in the advanced course. 25 students are currently in the basic course.
Impact: 60 students
b) R.K. Puram Project – Course conducted at “Prabhat Tara Institute of Social Service”: R. K. Puram Project is catering to low income areas of Mohamedpur, R. K. Puram and surrounding areas. We currently have 25 students enrolled from low income families who have been carefully selected for this course based on income level of the families and having a 10th Plus qualification. Many of the students are studying from National Open School & Indira Gandhi National Open university . So far and we have completed 21 modules & the course is going very well with noticeable changes in the attitude and the conversational skills of the attendees. We have set up a proper classroom with good quality desks that were donated. Our aim is to provide them a professional learning environment . We also conducted an all day ‘English for Success camp & were able to introduce team building & presentation concepts.
Impact: 25 students
c) Jamghat Project: This project is with a partner NGO “Jamghat”who are dedicated to working with children living on the street. They run 2 centres, an indoor centre with 15 children and an outdoor centre that caters to the needs of about 35 children living on the streets in a congested area of New Delhi. ‘The Ranjan project’ –has partnered with Jamghat to help support of the children in both these centres. Accordingly we are sponsoring 2 teachers & are also helping equip with educational materials & books , supplies etc. in order to facilitate the education of the children.
Although the Ranjan Project is dedicated to working with youth, we have taken up this project on a humanitarian basis seeing the difficult conditions in which these children live & the humiliation which they suffer daily. Many of these kids are addicted to using drugs from the tender age of 8 or 9 yrs and its heartbreaking to see the conditions in which they live, the dirt and filth, beatings, etc. We are working with Jamghat to help them set up an informal education system & provide the guidance as well as the physical inputs required.
Impact: 35 Children
d) The Deaf Way foundation: We have 31 deaf students enrolled under ‘the Ranjan Skill Building Project for the Deaf’. This program is essentially designed & run by the Deaf way foundation at Nehru Place, however we are providing course inputs & and sponsoring the teachers needed for the course. The methodology at this course differs as the deaf learn more slowly using the sign language as medium of communication.
Impact: 31 students.
Total Impact: 151 Students
Project: Equal Opportunity Program, Mumbai
Dated: 26th February, 2010
No. of attendees: 150
No of Volunteers attended: 24
Project Description:
On the 26th of February, 150 children from the REAP Foundation and the Buthello Orphanage in Madh Island visited this fun resort with 24 volunteers.
Words can't express the fantastic, first-class, fabulous, (f)enomenal, fun-filled day. Take a look at the fotos which have a distinct fairy-tale feel to them.
The day began with refreshments cookies and lassi, followed by a couple of hours in the water. A ravenous lunch as usual replete with second second helpings replenished everyone's energy. Finally it was time for the amusement rides which the kids enjoyed the most.
Their unaffected laughter, innocent smiles and genuine joy was evident. It truly was a great experience to volunteer and soak in the atmosphere. Special thanks to all the volunteers, most of whom had to travel quite a bit to make it for the EOP.
Before leaving each child received a gift bag with stationary items, crayons, yoyos and other toys. A fitting end to a fairytale day….
We hope to see a lot more participation in future EOPs. What famous playwrights quoted in the 1700s holds true even today “Every good act is charity. A man's true wealth hereafter is the good that he does in this world to his fellows.”
“If I am not for others, what am I? And if not now, when?” Think about it…
No of Volunteers attended: 24
Project Description:
On the 26th of February, 150 children from the REAP Foundation and the Buthello Orphanage in Madh Island visited this fun resort with 24 volunteers.
Words can't express the fantastic, first-class, fabulous, (f)enomenal, fun-filled day. Take a look at the fotos which have a distinct fairy-tale feel to them.
The day began with refreshments cookies and lassi, followed by a couple of hours in the water. A ravenous lunch as usual replete with second second helpings replenished everyone's energy. Finally it was time for the amusement rides which the kids enjoyed the most.
Their unaffected laughter, innocent smiles and genuine joy was evident. It truly was a great experience to volunteer and soak in the atmosphere. Special thanks to all the volunteers, most of whom had to travel quite a bit to make it for the EOP.
Before leaving each child received a gift bag with stationary items, crayons, yoyos and other toys. A fitting end to a fairytale day….
We hope to see a lot more participation in future EOPs. What famous playwrights quoted in the 1700s holds true even today “Every good act is charity. A man's true wealth hereafter is the good that he does in this world to his fellows.”
“If I am not for others, what am I? And if not now, when?” Think about it…
Project: Equal Opportunity Program, Mumbai
Dated: 18th December, 2009
No. of attendees: 777
No of Volunteers attended: 25
Project Description:
With the giving spirit of the season in full swing we asked for your help in providing those in need with the gift of a memorable Christmas, additionally, through your generosity, we were able to provide gifts and toys to those children whose trees may be otherwise barren this Christmas. A hearty Christmassy thank you for the overwhelming response received for the Santa Cause initiative of the Family India Foundation.
This year the Equal Opportunity Program collected 777 gifts in total -- 101 distributed to the children of the REAP Foundation in an event at Hard Rock Café, 300 to the orphan girls of St. Catherine's, 100 to HIV affected children in JJ Hospital, 55 to HIV affected children in Chirag, 150 to terminally ill children at the Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital and 71 to street children of the Salaam Baalak Trust. And to think 2009 was a year of recession!!!
The highlight of this year's Santa Cause was of course the performance at Hard Rock Cafe by Louiz Banks and Sivamani, who enthralled the kids for over an hour with their spectacular jugalbandi. Type either name in any search engine and you would get more than 10,000 results and that too exact matches, and on the 18th of December they proved that their hearts were just as big as their reputations.
The kids trooped into the café by 4.00 pm and settled down to making thank you cards for all the volunteers and people who brought gifts. The cards were made with such love and warmth that it's impossible to do justice to them in words, you had to receive them to realize. The snacks, the huge Christmas tree, the gifts and above all the multitude of smiling faces transformed the area into a truly festive space.
Jocky, Jagguda, Bhidu, Bhai, Hero… called by the kids by many names all of them suffused with love and admiration. Yes, it was Jackie Shroff who introduced the duo. Once each and every one of the autograph requests were complied with, to the complete satisfaction of the children, the music started.
Starting off with popular Christmas songs, building to a crescendo and ending with Jai Ho, the performance was interactive, inimitable and incomparably impressive. If tickets were to be sold they would have been fully booked within minutes. The children were ecstatic. They deserved every bit of happiness. Their applause lasted for minutes. The performers deserved every bit of appreciation.
Next it was time for Santa who danced and laughed and distributed gifts. They pulled on his beard, poked him, laughed with him and danced with him. They all forgot about their present and remembered only their presents. It was truly, as Santa would say, magical. This time he didn't come down through the chimney; he entered through their hearts. It's an oft repeated quote but it held true today that Christmas is not a time or a season but a state of mind, it's not found under a tree but in your heart.
Louiz Banks and Sivamani helped to personally hand over the gifts to each child. In return they and the volunteers also got gifts from the children the most festive gift of them all - the gift of love !!! As the day wound down the children headed back home happy and smiling. The tree yet looked majestic but I remembered the best Yuletide (or for that matter Diwali, Ganpati, Id) decoration is being wreathed in smiles. A fitting end to a happy day.
No of Volunteers attended: 25
Project Description:
With the giving spirit of the season in full swing we asked for your help in providing those in need with the gift of a memorable Christmas, additionally, through your generosity, we were able to provide gifts and toys to those children whose trees may be otherwise barren this Christmas. A hearty Christmassy thank you for the overwhelming response received for the Santa Cause initiative of the Family India Foundation.
This year the Equal Opportunity Program collected 777 gifts in total -- 101 distributed to the children of the REAP Foundation in an event at Hard Rock Café, 300 to the orphan girls of St. Catherine's, 100 to HIV affected children in JJ Hospital, 55 to HIV affected children in Chirag, 150 to terminally ill children at the Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital and 71 to street children of the Salaam Baalak Trust. And to think 2009 was a year of recession!!!
The highlight of this year's Santa Cause was of course the performance at Hard Rock Cafe by Louiz Banks and Sivamani, who enthralled the kids for over an hour with their spectacular jugalbandi. Type either name in any search engine and you would get more than 10,000 results and that too exact matches, and on the 18th of December they proved that their hearts were just as big as their reputations.
The kids trooped into the café by 4.00 pm and settled down to making thank you cards for all the volunteers and people who brought gifts. The cards were made with such love and warmth that it's impossible to do justice to them in words, you had to receive them to realize. The snacks, the huge Christmas tree, the gifts and above all the multitude of smiling faces transformed the area into a truly festive space.
Jocky, Jagguda, Bhidu, Bhai, Hero… called by the kids by many names all of them suffused with love and admiration. Yes, it was Jackie Shroff who introduced the duo. Once each and every one of the autograph requests were complied with, to the complete satisfaction of the children, the music started.
Starting off with popular Christmas songs, building to a crescendo and ending with Jai Ho, the performance was interactive, inimitable and incomparably impressive. If tickets were to be sold they would have been fully booked within minutes. The children were ecstatic. They deserved every bit of happiness. Their applause lasted for minutes. The performers deserved every bit of appreciation.
Next it was time for Santa who danced and laughed and distributed gifts. They pulled on his beard, poked him, laughed with him and danced with him. They all forgot about their present and remembered only their presents. It was truly, as Santa would say, magical. This time he didn't come down through the chimney; he entered through their hearts. It's an oft repeated quote but it held true today that Christmas is not a time or a season but a state of mind, it's not found under a tree but in your heart.
Louiz Banks and Sivamani helped to personally hand over the gifts to each child. In return they and the volunteers also got gifts from the children the most festive gift of them all - the gift of love !!! As the day wound down the children headed back home happy and smiling. The tree yet looked majestic but I remembered the best Yuletide (or for that matter Diwali, Ganpati, Id) decoration is being wreathed in smiles. A fitting end to a happy day.
Project: Equal Opportunity Program, Mumbai
Dated: 14th November, 2009
No. of attendees: 150
No of Volunteers attended: 29
Project Description:
An excerpt from Khalil Gibran’s poem about giving.. typifies the spirit of the 30 odd volunteers on Children’s Day…
It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.
There are those who give with joy, and that joy is their reward.
These are the believers in life and the bounty of life, and their coffer is never empty.
It is well to give when asked, but it is better to give unasked, through understanding.
The 14th November function, aptly titled “Nanne Munne Farishtey” symbolizing the fact that children are truly God’s little angels, was a unique platform for 150 kids of the REAP (Reach Education Action Program) Foundation to express their innate talents and have a truly memorable day. REAP is an NGO that educates about eight to ten thousand children every year through a network of on-site classrooms.
The venue, the Sun n Sand hotel, at Juhu beach provided the perfect outdoor setting to involve the eager kids in art, dance and drama workshops. This is infact the third consecutive year that the hotel has helped with the venue and a kid-friendly lunch. As the kids arrived by 9.30am and were greeted with a warm welcome, scrumptious snacks, a buoyant breeze and a picture perfect panoramic perspective of the ocean, the sky and the beach. They then proceeded to an art competition lasting for about an hour. One could see their satisfaction with the venue since most of the drawings were of the scenery or beach motifs !!! And the drawings, which were spectacular, doing justice to the lovely day,….. were then put into frames by the volunteers.
The children were then split up into teams. One team painted the stage mural and created props for the other teams who would dance and act. There were three teams who would practice dancing to bollywood tunes with talented volunteers in the spacious ballroom -- the tunes ranging from Bhangra to Rap to Michael Jackson. The rehearsals were a blast for the kids. Over the two hours I think their jaws and stomachs would have been hurting considering the amount they smiled and laughed. Sample a joke of one witty kid - We are all dancing like cars !! Why? Because the teacher is teaching us how to brake dance !!!
Still three more teams took the stage to practice skits and plays with topics ranging from helping one another, unity and love. They didn’t display even the slightest bit of inhibition while preparing, reciting their lines and goofing up.
Through with the tuning up, the kids settled down for lunch to settle the butterflies, if any, fluttering in their stomachs before the final stage show. We’re pretty sure the tasty mini-pizzas, burgers, idlis, sandwiches, cakes and icecream and the second second helpings of all were enjoyed by all including the volunteers.
It was now time for the stage show showcasing the diverse skills learnt by the kids and in which the kids themselves were the stars. The extra calories gained by the food were easily reflected in the enhanced energy levels during all the performances. The backdrop, costumes and props looked almost professionally sourced. Kudos to the kids who in such a short time created a set with lavish production values. The dances and the plays went off really well too considering it may have been the first time on stage for many of these bravehearts. All the while the area was resounding with applause from the audience comprising of the kids and volunteers.
Finally at 3.15pm the curtain came down on a truly thrilling theatrical treat and the children left for their homes tired but satisfied and exultant. Each one carrying home a set of drawing materials as a prize and a memory of a day well spent. As the smiling children made their way home I heard one of the kids humming a famous Bollywood tune – “Ashayein”
Aashayein khile dil ki
Ummeedein hase dil ki
Ab mushkil nahi kuch bhi, nahi kuch bhi
Translated in English it means
Let your heart’s desires blossom And your hopes smile Now nothing is impossible, Nothing at all
This aptly summed up the day for the children and we hope they get more such opportunities in the future to shine and have fun.
Thanks to the Family India Foundation and its volunteers for all the love, care, donations and hard work put in by them to ensure that the event was memorable.
Its only fitting that we end also on the famous Lebanese poet, Khalil Gibran’s lines that are so relevant to todays generation….
Therefore give now, that the season of giving may be yours and not your inheritors'. You often say, "I would give, but only to the deserving." The trees in your orchard say not so, nor the flocks in your pasture. They give that they may live, for to withhold is to perish.
No of Volunteers attended: 29
Project Description:
An excerpt from Khalil Gibran’s poem about giving.. typifies the spirit of the 30 odd volunteers on Children’s Day…
It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.
There are those who give with joy, and that joy is their reward.
These are the believers in life and the bounty of life, and their coffer is never empty.
It is well to give when asked, but it is better to give unasked, through understanding.
The 14th November function, aptly titled “Nanne Munne Farishtey” symbolizing the fact that children are truly God’s little angels, was a unique platform for 150 kids of the REAP (Reach Education Action Program) Foundation to express their innate talents and have a truly memorable day. REAP is an NGO that educates about eight to ten thousand children every year through a network of on-site classrooms.
The venue, the Sun n Sand hotel, at Juhu beach provided the perfect outdoor setting to involve the eager kids in art, dance and drama workshops. This is infact the third consecutive year that the hotel has helped with the venue and a kid-friendly lunch. As the kids arrived by 9.30am and were greeted with a warm welcome, scrumptious snacks, a buoyant breeze and a picture perfect panoramic perspective of the ocean, the sky and the beach. They then proceeded to an art competition lasting for about an hour. One could see their satisfaction with the venue since most of the drawings were of the scenery or beach motifs !!! And the drawings, which were spectacular, doing justice to the lovely day,….. were then put into frames by the volunteers.
The children were then split up into teams. One team painted the stage mural and created props for the other teams who would dance and act. There were three teams who would practice dancing to bollywood tunes with talented volunteers in the spacious ballroom -- the tunes ranging from Bhangra to Rap to Michael Jackson. The rehearsals were a blast for the kids. Over the two hours I think their jaws and stomachs would have been hurting considering the amount they smiled and laughed. Sample a joke of one witty kid - We are all dancing like cars !! Why? Because the teacher is teaching us how to brake dance !!!
Still three more teams took the stage to practice skits and plays with topics ranging from helping one another, unity and love. They didn’t display even the slightest bit of inhibition while preparing, reciting their lines and goofing up.
Through with the tuning up, the kids settled down for lunch to settle the butterflies, if any, fluttering in their stomachs before the final stage show. We’re pretty sure the tasty mini-pizzas, burgers, idlis, sandwiches, cakes and icecream and the second second helpings of all were enjoyed by all including the volunteers.
It was now time for the stage show showcasing the diverse skills learnt by the kids and in which the kids themselves were the stars. The extra calories gained by the food were easily reflected in the enhanced energy levels during all the performances. The backdrop, costumes and props looked almost professionally sourced. Kudos to the kids who in such a short time created a set with lavish production values. The dances and the plays went off really well too considering it may have been the first time on stage for many of these bravehearts. All the while the area was resounding with applause from the audience comprising of the kids and volunteers.
Finally at 3.15pm the curtain came down on a truly thrilling theatrical treat and the children left for their homes tired but satisfied and exultant. Each one carrying home a set of drawing materials as a prize and a memory of a day well spent. As the smiling children made their way home I heard one of the kids humming a famous Bollywood tune – “Ashayein”
Aashayein khile dil ki
Ummeedein hase dil ki
Ab mushkil nahi kuch bhi, nahi kuch bhi
Translated in English it means
Let your heart’s desires blossom And your hopes smile Now nothing is impossible, Nothing at all
This aptly summed up the day for the children and we hope they get more such opportunities in the future to shine and have fun.
Thanks to the Family India Foundation and its volunteers for all the love, care, donations and hard work put in by them to ensure that the event was memorable.
Its only fitting that we end also on the famous Lebanese poet, Khalil Gibran’s lines that are so relevant to todays generation….
Therefore give now, that the season of giving may be yours and not your inheritors'. You often say, "I would give, but only to the deserving." The trees in your orchard say not so, nor the flocks in your pasture. They give that they may live, for to withhold is to perish.
Project: Childrens Day
Dated: 14th November, 2009
No. of attendees: 1700 Children
No of Volunteers attended: 120 Volunteers
Project Description: “Khushiyon ki Bahaar 2009” – Was a special Children’s Day carnival for 2000 underprivileged children in Delhi conducted each year by a group of volunteers.
The event catered to children of women prisoners, blind children, children from broken homes, slum children and street children and was held at Tagore International School, East of Kailash, who very kindly gave us the use of their school grounds for the Mela.
• The children had snacks and drinks and ate a hot, tasty, freshly cooked lunch.
• They played games and won prizes at 16 games stalls manned by high school and college students and volunteers from various companies and corporations.
• They had fun on the dance floor and performed cultural items.
• They watched a magic show and went on rides
• Before leaving, each child also received a gift bag which contained chocolates, a pencil box, stationery items and a lunch box.
It was lovely to see the children going back with armloads of prizes and huge smiles on their faces! It was equally beautiful to hear the many volunteers who made this event possible talk about the deep sense of fulfillment and satisfaction they felt at the end of a day of helping those in need!
Through the help of our donors we were able to provide going home gifts to all of the children. We are in the process of setting up a library in one of the orphanages that participated.
No of Volunteers attended: 120 Volunteers
Project Description: “Khushiyon ki Bahaar 2009” – Was a special Children’s Day carnival for 2000 underprivileged children in Delhi conducted each year by a group of volunteers.
The event catered to children of women prisoners, blind children, children from broken homes, slum children and street children and was held at Tagore International School, East of Kailash, who very kindly gave us the use of their school grounds for the Mela.
• The children had snacks and drinks and ate a hot, tasty, freshly cooked lunch.
• They played games and won prizes at 16 games stalls manned by high school and college students and volunteers from various companies and corporations.
• They had fun on the dance floor and performed cultural items.
• They watched a magic show and went on rides
• Before leaving, each child also received a gift bag which contained chocolates, a pencil box, stationery items and a lunch box.
It was lovely to see the children going back with armloads of prizes and huge smiles on their faces! It was equally beautiful to hear the many volunteers who made this event possible talk about the deep sense of fulfillment and satisfaction they felt at the end of a day of helping those in need!
Through the help of our donors we were able to provide going home gifts to all of the children. We are in the process of setting up a library in one of the orphanages that participated.
Project: Equal Opportunity Program, Mumbai
Dated: 29th October, 2009
No. of attendees: 109
No of Volunteers attended: 9
Project Description:
On the 29th of October a “Carnival for a Cause” was organised in Goregaon for 105 HIV affected children from CHIRAG. There were 10 game stalls, a jumping castle, a Bollywood dance corner, a magic show and lots of prizes to take home!
CHIRAG (Community Health Initiative and Research Action Group) is a Field Action Project of College of Social Work, Nirmala Niketan. College of Social Work is the only college for social work affiliated to Mumbai University and offers short term courses as well as masters and bachelors in social work. As part of the college's efforts to develop new and different methods of intervention on various issues the College initiates field action projects. One such project is CHIRAG. CHIRAG works for mobilising community care and support for people living with HIV/AIDS. As part of its various programmes, CHIRAG has an education sponsorship programme for children infected or affected by HIV/AIDS which cater to over 100 children at our Dharavi and Bhandup Drop In Centres.
CHIRAG strives to make various community segments responsible and sensitive towards the needs and concerns of people living with HIV/AIDS so that they can lead their lives positively and productively in joy, peace and health without fear, stigma and discrimination and contribute to nation building.
Children from low income families or those who are cared for in institutions for the underprivileged do not always have the same access, as other children, to vital learning experiences such as sports, educational excursions, visits to places of historical or cultural significance etc.
Our objective through the Equal Opportunity Programme (EOP) is to provide occasions for these children to benefit from these experiences. We organize regular monthly outings for children from slum areas, orphanages, hospitals and other institutions. Our aim through the EOP is to not only help the needy but to also provide a platform for professionals to fulfil their personal desire to make a difference in the lives of the underprivileged. Through working in partnership with concerned companies and individuals we hope that these outings and occasions will provide needed avenues for volunteering.
No of Volunteers attended: 9
Project Description:
On the 29th of October a “Carnival for a Cause” was organised in Goregaon for 105 HIV affected children from CHIRAG. There were 10 game stalls, a jumping castle, a Bollywood dance corner, a magic show and lots of prizes to take home!
CHIRAG (Community Health Initiative and Research Action Group) is a Field Action Project of College of Social Work, Nirmala Niketan. College of Social Work is the only college for social work affiliated to Mumbai University and offers short term courses as well as masters and bachelors in social work. As part of the college's efforts to develop new and different methods of intervention on various issues the College initiates field action projects. One such project is CHIRAG. CHIRAG works for mobilising community care and support for people living with HIV/AIDS. As part of its various programmes, CHIRAG has an education sponsorship programme for children infected or affected by HIV/AIDS which cater to over 100 children at our Dharavi and Bhandup Drop In Centres.
CHIRAG strives to make various community segments responsible and sensitive towards the needs and concerns of people living with HIV/AIDS so that they can lead their lives positively and productively in joy, peace and health without fear, stigma and discrimination and contribute to nation building.
Children from low income families or those who are cared for in institutions for the underprivileged do not always have the same access, as other children, to vital learning experiences such as sports, educational excursions, visits to places of historical or cultural significance etc.
Our objective through the Equal Opportunity Programme (EOP) is to provide occasions for these children to benefit from these experiences. We organize regular monthly outings for children from slum areas, orphanages, hospitals and other institutions. Our aim through the EOP is to not only help the needy but to also provide a platform for professionals to fulfil their personal desire to make a difference in the lives of the underprivileged. Through working in partnership with concerned companies and individuals we hope that these outings and occasions will provide needed avenues for volunteering.
Project: Ranjan Project
Dated: October 2009
No. of attendees: 19 youth
No of Volunteers attended: 2
Project Description: "English for Success day long camp"
Worldchangers & Family India Foundation, organized a day long "English For Success" event for students who are going through the English conversation and personality development course under the Ranjan Project. 19 students and 5 volunteers attended the event that was enjoyable as well as a great learning experience. Participants worked in teams on different exercises that involved group dynamics, planning and presentation. Games involving fun with numbers, impromptu speeches on pertinent topics as well as a delicious lunch and snacks completed the experience. A major highlight of the program was a short inspirational talk and presentation by Souvik Ghosh, who completed his MBA from ISB and is currently working with Religare.
The students are making remarkable progress and 12 sessions have been completed with 24 sessions yet to go. The excitment level is high and each module contains surprises in the form of listening exercises, tongue twisters, english conversation and grammer, videos aand more. Each module is based around a theme such as making the right choices, managing time, benefits of a positive attitude etc. So far 32 students have enrolled for the course.
No of Volunteers attended: 2
Project Description: "English for Success day long camp"
Worldchangers & Family India Foundation, organized a day long "English For Success" event for students who are going through the English conversation and personality development course under the Ranjan Project. 19 students and 5 volunteers attended the event that was enjoyable as well as a great learning experience. Participants worked in teams on different exercises that involved group dynamics, planning and presentation. Games involving fun with numbers, impromptu speeches on pertinent topics as well as a delicious lunch and snacks completed the experience. A major highlight of the program was a short inspirational talk and presentation by Souvik Ghosh, who completed his MBA from ISB and is currently working with Religare.
The students are making remarkable progress and 12 sessions have been completed with 24 sessions yet to go. The excitment level is high and each module contains surprises in the form of listening exercises, tongue twisters, english conversation and grammer, videos aand more. Each module is based around a theme such as making the right choices, managing time, benefits of a positive attitude etc. So far 32 students have enrolled for the course.
Project: Equal Opportunity Program, Mumbai
Dated: 23rd October, 2009
No. of children participated: 120
No. of volunteers participated: 37
Project description:
Great weather, a nicely trimmed lush lawn, bunch of balloons, superb sound system, a magnificent emcee, ten splendid stalls manned by enthusiastic volunteers, a well lit stage, a jamming juggler, breathtaking bollywood numbers, delicious dinner, peerless puppetry and finally fiery fireworks…!!! It wasn’t a Diwali party for the Ambani Kids or the Tata Kids, but an Equal Opportunity Program for 120 + street children of the Salaam Baalak Trust(Chowpatty Shelter) organized by the Family India Foundation. The motto of the team of 37 volunteers was this Diwali let’s “Light Up a Life”, and judging by the multitude of happy children – they succeeded. In fact there was not one face that was not lit up by a smile that evening. Truly, they enjoyed an evening, which prompted my little one to complain, “Dad, I wish such a party was thrown for my friends and me!”
Street children are an unfortunate and unique part of Mumbai’s landscape. Many of the younger ones have been born without a roof over their heads and their self worth is truly abysmal. But to see this rowdy bunch on their best behavior throughout the event was heartwarming and a testament to the good show put on by the volunteers. The kids queued up for all the stall games, did not push, saw the stage performances with rapt attention, clapped at all the right places, and burst the noiseless firecrackers in an orderly fashion so that each and every child got a chance to savour the moment. In fact this party left a deep impact on their psyche as evidence by the fact that 5 days on they are still on their best behavior. So much what we take granted is so precious to them!
The function started at 4:30 with some amazing party games of skill and chance divided into many stalls which dotted the lawn in the shape of a semi-circle. The children tried their hand at everything ranging from mini golf to football to diya painting all the while accompanied by great music. By 6:30 pm the DJ/MC took over the stage situated in the foreground and made the kids take part in some entertaining games. All the kids participated and felt like stars of the moment. The sound of laughter echoed throughout the area. As the sun set out came the juggler/clown with some amazing tricks literally up his sleeve. His firestarter act set the arena ablaze!
Just as the whistles for the juggler died down, out came three volunteers dancing to bollywood tunes which got their feet tapping. The sound of applause echoed throughout the area. Next it was time fro snacks/dinner. A puppet show in Hindi and with a moral was organized. Lastly it was the time for the “fatakas” sparklers, fountains and chakras marking a fitting end to their Diwali.
Even God must have smiled because 23rd October marked the most pleasant Day in Mumbai over many months, with the evening temperature dropping to almost 20 C.
Radha(one of the girls) said that this memory would stay with her and her friends for al long time. Another said its things like this which encourages him to continue to strive and work hard. Still another boy’s statement was – thanks this makes us consider life to be worth something.
No. of volunteers participated: 37
Project description:
Great weather, a nicely trimmed lush lawn, bunch of balloons, superb sound system, a magnificent emcee, ten splendid stalls manned by enthusiastic volunteers, a well lit stage, a jamming juggler, breathtaking bollywood numbers, delicious dinner, peerless puppetry and finally fiery fireworks…!!! It wasn’t a Diwali party for the Ambani Kids or the Tata Kids, but an Equal Opportunity Program for 120 + street children of the Salaam Baalak Trust(Chowpatty Shelter) organized by the Family India Foundation. The motto of the team of 37 volunteers was this Diwali let’s “Light Up a Life”, and judging by the multitude of happy children – they succeeded. In fact there was not one face that was not lit up by a smile that evening. Truly, they enjoyed an evening, which prompted my little one to complain, “Dad, I wish such a party was thrown for my friends and me!”
Street children are an unfortunate and unique part of Mumbai’s landscape. Many of the younger ones have been born without a roof over their heads and their self worth is truly abysmal. But to see this rowdy bunch on their best behavior throughout the event was heartwarming and a testament to the good show put on by the volunteers. The kids queued up for all the stall games, did not push, saw the stage performances with rapt attention, clapped at all the right places, and burst the noiseless firecrackers in an orderly fashion so that each and every child got a chance to savour the moment. In fact this party left a deep impact on their psyche as evidence by the fact that 5 days on they are still on their best behavior. So much what we take granted is so precious to them!
The function started at 4:30 with some amazing party games of skill and chance divided into many stalls which dotted the lawn in the shape of a semi-circle. The children tried their hand at everything ranging from mini golf to football to diya painting all the while accompanied by great music. By 6:30 pm the DJ/MC took over the stage situated in the foreground and made the kids take part in some entertaining games. All the kids participated and felt like stars of the moment. The sound of laughter echoed throughout the area. As the sun set out came the juggler/clown with some amazing tricks literally up his sleeve. His firestarter act set the arena ablaze!
Just as the whistles for the juggler died down, out came three volunteers dancing to bollywood tunes which got their feet tapping. The sound of applause echoed throughout the area. Next it was time fro snacks/dinner. A puppet show in Hindi and with a moral was organized. Lastly it was the time for the “fatakas” sparklers, fountains and chakras marking a fitting end to their Diwali.
Even God must have smiled because 23rd October marked the most pleasant Day in Mumbai over many months, with the evening temperature dropping to almost 20 C.
Radha(one of the girls) said that this memory would stay with her and her friends for al long time. Another said its things like this which encourages him to continue to strive and work hard. Still another boy’s statement was – thanks this makes us consider life to be worth something.
Project: Equal Opportunity Program, Mumbai
Dated: October 2009
No. of children participated: 60
No. of volunteers participated: 11
Project description: On Gandhi Jayanti, we organized an Equal Opportunity Program at Borivali National Park for 60 needy children from Ghatkopar.
The kids arrived at the lush green park at 8am and were welcomed by a team of eleven young professionals who volunteered their time to spend with the children.
The kids had a blast! The day began with a lion and tiger safari where three tigers and two lions were spotted, a first for the kids. The next attraction was boating, which the kids later described as their main highlight. Finally there was a mini train ride around the park, which included a look at some deer and leopards.
The children continue to enjoy and benefit from the Equal Opportunity Program. Motivating underprivileged children to continue their education is one of the primary goals of this program and so the aim is to create an unforgettable memory through each of these outings and excursions.
Saif Ali, who is 13 years old, had stopped attending his school for the past one year and is currently attending REAP classes to catch up on the schooling he missed. He was participating in an EOP for the first time and said “I am so happy to come here today and will faithfully attend my classes for the rest of the year.”
Priya Mishra, 14 years old from Ghatkopar is a regular student at the class. She had a great time and said “My favorite activity was the boating but I also enjoyed seeing the animals since I have never seen them in the wild before.” She went on to add a big thank you to all who made the day possible.
We wish to thank all the volunteers & donors who gave of their time and resources to make one more of these events possible. The Equal Opportunity Program has now completed one year and on behalf of each of the children who attended the programs we express our gratitude and appreciation to all who made these outings possible.
Project: Ranjan Project
Dated: September 2009
Teacher participation: 12 teachers
Project description: “The Magic of Motivation,” for Teachers of Vidya Ankur & Prerna
The Worldchangers Team did a workshop for teachers of Vidya Ankur (a project for the disadvantaged youth & children) & Prerna (Open School at Fr. Agnel that caters to handicapped children as well). The 12 teachers enjoyed the day long seminar and were able to introspect, share their experiences as well as benefit from the insights and experiences shared by the facilitators, Gaurav Tulsi & J. Paul Peres. The response was very enthusiastic and Worldchangers plan to conduct more free workshops for teachers and educators working among the disadvantaged & marginalised.
Project: Equal Opportunity Program, Mumbai
Dated: August 2009
No. of children participated: 75
No. of volunteers participated: 74
Project description: On August 15th, Family India Foundation joined hands with 74 volunteers from 24 countries to organize a day of fun, food and frolic for 75 children from the Bothello Orphanage in Madh Island. This special Independence day event was held at the Retreat Hotel. The volunteers were attending a two week training seminar and having so many to help made it possible to give each child that attended a lot of personal attention.
We had a magic show, 13 different game and activity stalls, along with prizes, which provided ample opportunity for the children to have lots of fun! There was a delicious lunch provided and as they went back home each one was given a school backpack, crayons and paints as a farewell present.
Again it was very special to have young people from the corporate sector help us with this Equal Opportunity Program. It continues to touch our hearts to see so many willing to give of their time and resources to reach out to these very special children. We are extremely grateful for each one that contributed to this event.
Project: Skill Building Seminars #3
Dated: July 2009
No. of teenagers participated: 20 Teenagers
Project Description: Guest Speaker Mr. G. Sandhu, a Corporate Trainer with over a decade’s experience in the field of Training and Motivation conducted an interactive workshop with 20 teenagers. Drawing extensively from his own personal experience, Mr. Sandhu struck a responsive chord amongst the audience and succeeded in getting them to talk openly about their fears and perceived incapability’s. He also suggested many practical ways of overcoming fear of failure. Mr. Sandhu also showed an inspiring video clip about Nick Vujivic, an Australian motivational speaker who does not have either arms or legs and yet has managed to achieve phenomenal personal success.
Workshop covering the following topics:
‐ Developing Self Confidence
‐ Overcoming Fear
Project: Equal Opportunity Program, Mumbai
Dated: June 2009
No. of children participated: 152
Project Description: Children from low income families or those who are cared for in institutions for the underprivileged do not have the same access, as other children, to vital learning experiences such as sports activities, educational excursions, visits to places of historical or cultural significance etc. Our objective through the Equal Opportunity Program is to provide a chance for underprivileged children to benefit from these experiences. We intend to organize regular Kids’ Day Out programs for children from slum areas, orphanages, hospitals & other institutions.
Beneficiaries: A special event for 152 HIV affected children and their parents was hosted at JJ Hospital on Saturday, 20th, June. One hundred and fifty underprivileged HIV affected children participated along with their parents. Fifty volunteers showed up to help with this event to demonstrate solidarity with the families who are suffering from this disease. Volunteers from Family India Foundation, project Chirag and the ART department of JJ hospital put their efforts towards making this a special and memorable day for these children who visit JJ Hospital for regular treatment. The ART Department is doing an excellent job in treating the HIV affected and their children.
The theme of the day was 'Somebody Loves Me', a time when we could show these children individual attention and care as well as create a fun, energetic atmosphere for them to enjoy. We created game stalls, arts, crafts, a dance workshop and plenty of fun along with entertainment and exciting prizes. These children have had very few opportunities to experience activities like this, as most of their parents are unable to work due to their medical condition and have barely enough to live on. Each child also received a package of goodies to take home. This was a first time experience for them and we hope that it will be one they will never forget.
One Family India Foundation volunteer said, “It brings joy to see a little bit of cheer brought into these children's lives. Their suffering is unimaginable and anything that we can do to help ease their situations and bring a bit of happiness into their lives is worth it. It was encouraging to see so many volunteers come forth and what was so very impressive is that all those that came to help were young people. It's great to see the new generation wanting to give back to society and make a difference!”
Project: Equal Opportunity Program, Delhi
Dated: June 2009
No. of children participated: 27
Project description: On June 20th and 21st, we organized a Craft Camp, for 27 kids from Nai Disha School for disadvantaged children. This event, hosted at the Heritage school, was part of our ‘Equal Opportunities’ program, which endeavors to provide underprivileged children with the same fun and educational opportunities which most ordinary children enjoy.
The children were able to enjoy two days of fun and play, as well as learning various handicrafts. Each day they were provided with a tasty lunch, along with snacks and drinks. At the end of the camp each child received return gifts of books, pencil kits, and school bags.
Project description: On June 20th and 21st, we organized a Craft Camp, for 27 kids from Nai Disha School for disadvantaged children. This event, hosted at the Heritage school, was part of our ‘Equal Opportunities’ program, which endeavors to provide underprivileged children with the same fun and educational opportunities which most ordinary children enjoy.
The children were able to enjoy two days of fun and play, as well as learning various handicrafts. Each day they were provided with a tasty lunch, along with snacks and drinks. At the end of the camp each child received return gifts of books, pencil kits, and school bags.
Project: Skill Building Seminars 1& 2
Dated: June 2009
No. of teenagers participated: 18 Crime Affected Teenagers
Seminars to be conducted: 10
Project Description: We launched this programme on the 22nd of June, 2009, with a 2-day training workshop – the first of a series of 12 -- called “Skills for Life” for 20 teenagers between the ages of 13 and 19 who once lived with their mothers inside Tihar Jail and currently stay in foster care facilities. This was a milestone event for us, as not only did it launch our new Center but also opened a new chapter in our work with children of women prison inmates.
To give you a little background:
The Family India has been working with thechildren of women prison inmates since 1993. These children once lived with their mothers inside Tihar Jail. At 5 years of age, they were required by law to move to foster care facilities. We have continued to provide these children with emotional, educational and community support in partnership with India Vision Foundation (Dr. Kiran Bedi’s Foundation)
As a next logical step in our work with these children, we have begun Personality and Life Skill Development Workshop Series with 20 of them who are now teenagers. This workshop series is aimed at helping them develop self-confidence, communication & presentation skills, a good work ethic, and knowledge of career options, which are vital components for a successful education and career.
Our first “Skills for Life” workshop went very well. This inaugural workshop taught the teens study skills, as well as basic time management and goal setting techniques. We used an ‘adolescent-friendly approach’ which included audio visual presentations, live music, group activities, games, skits, group discussions and personal introspection.
Here is a reaction to the workshop from Sangeeta, 18 years old. “I liked this class very much because the things which I had not learnt in my past have now been understood by me…Things which I never thought of before can become the reason for my success which is very exciting. I thing that now I can surely make my future good. It was really very valuable knowledge for me. I would like to say Thank You to all of you for giving us your precious time. Now I have the confidence to fulfill my dreams.”
Project: Aila Cyclone Relief and Rehabilitation
Dated: May 2009
No. of Families Benefited: 850
Project description:
Aila Cyclone: On May 25th there was a serious cyclone that hit the coast of West Bengal. Reports indicated that upwards of 2.3 million people were displaced by the storm as 175,000 homes were destroyed and 270,000 were damaged. At least 100 river embankments were breached by storm surge produced by the cyclone. At least 50,000 hectares of agricultural land was lost during the storm. At least 350,000 people were affected by Aila Cyclone.
Disaster Relief
Within a few days of the Aila Cyclone our team visited the Sundarbad area that was badly affected. Our hearts were moved by the pleas for help from the cyclone victims. We heard many heart wrenching stories
.
We have adopted the village of Sonakha that is 1 hour boat ride from Gosaba and has 400 families all of whom were affected. We have already made two trips to this village with supplies of food and clothing. There are many other villages also requesting our help.
Long term needs
- Rebuilding the houses
- Fixing the damaged houses
- Desalinization of the land
- Emotional healing programmes
Project: Montessori Teacher for Tihar Crèche
Dated: May 2009
No. of children benefited: 65
Project description:
Family India Foundation has hired a qualified Montessori School Teacher with 28 years’ teaching experience to provide pre‐primary Montessori education to the 65 children of womenprison inmates currently living with their mothers in prison three times a week.
Project: Chappals for 100 Inmates at Tihar Jail
Dated: May 2009
No. of inmates benefited: 100
Project description: In light of the need presented to us, we have donated 100 pairs of chappals for the inmates at Tihar jail.
