Equal Opportunity Programme
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. Since September 2008 the EOP has provided a chance for 1787 underprivileged children to benefit from these experiences by organizing monthly outings for children from slum areas, orphanages, hospitals and other institutions.
The Equal Opportunity Program aims to not only help the needy but to also provide a platform for working class professionals to fulfill their personal desire to "make a difference" in the underprivileged sections of society around them. The EOP is specially designed to work in partnership with concerned companies and individuals to ensure that the outings and occasions provide needed avenues for volunteering.
Problem Statement:Character of children—their personality and overall development is shaped through many varied learning experiences which they come across in the course of their lives.
Many of these experiences such as sports activities, educational excursions, visits to places of historical or cultural significance, interactions with people from diverse backgrounds etc, are experiences which are not available to children from low income families or those who are cared for in institutions for the underprivileged. As Dr. Trevor Miranda, of the REAP Foundation, which cares for over 8000 children from slum areas said, "For these children, the slum is their world." Children from poor backgrounds who have never seen or experienced any other kind of life are unable to relate to the rest of society and hence, lack motivation to overcome their circumstances and integrate themselves into mainstream society.
All children have the right to lead a complete life, full of experiences which provide them with practical and applicable knowledge that relates to their daily life. This is essential if they are to ever realize their full potential and develop well rounded personalities.
Project Mission Statement:
"To provide a chance for underprivileged children to have access to fun opportunities and learning experiences and to provide needed volunteer avenues for individuals to fulfill their personal desire to make a difference."
Goals and Objectives:
In order to meet this vital need we have introduced the Equal Opportunity Program. Through this initiative we hope to provide underprivileged children with:
- An opportunity to increase their awareness of the world around them
- Positive experiences that will mould their future character, and serve as a counter balance to the negative influences that they experience on a daily basis in their poor surroundings.
- Equal educational, fun-filled & enjoyable opportunities as any other children.
- Support, input and encouragement that they need to develop their full potential.
Our objective would be to provide a chance for 1500 to 2000 underprivileged children in a year.
Key Desired Outcomes:
Provide emphasis on incentives that will motivate underprivileged children to continue with their education.
Give disadvantaged children unforgettable experiences where they will receive love and care, and will feel that they are equal to all children.
Endeavour to make the dreams and wishes of children from low income families come true.
Provide a platform for successful professionals to connect with the needy thereby fulfilling their wish to give and make a difference.
Inspire social consciousness and responsibility so that individuals and companies are motivated to actively build a caring culture.