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Towards a New Year of Hopes and Dreams…

Milestone 30!

We are here…well almost, just a few inches away from Milestone 30. The trickle that emerged in 1985, is now a full flowing movement, touching and moving many in its flow. It has been a massive marathon, the last 29 years are dotted with many milestones of educating, empowering and transforming the less fortunate.

As on today, in VIDYA's quest for excellence, there stands a strong team driven by passion and compassion to reach out and ignite young minds. The Aha- moments, the fond memories, the Eureka-excitements…but as they say, 'never see what has been done, only see what remains to be done!'

Future Forward

Daring, Caring, Sharing. 2015 is a special year. VIDYA completes 30 years. There are special plans and events lined up. And basket full of dreams. The VIDYA team is brimming with ideas and ideals which we will keep unfolding as they appear.

December, 2014

Monthly Newsletter of VIDYADelhi NCR • Mumbai • BangaloreMonthly Newsletter of VIDYADelhi NCR • Mumbai • Bangalore

Visitors and Visits

All StarsVisitors from Starwood Hotel had an interactive session with the senior students. They enlightened the students with various career related options including hospitality, portfolios available in hotels and how tourism is gaining an edge in providing livelihood.

High on Heritage Standard VI students visited Humayun's Tomb in early December for a heritage walk. They were accompanied by Sunita Tyagi and Kiran. The students were explained the architectural details about the marvelous structure in red sand stone. Standard VII students visited Red Fort with their class teacher Annice Thomas. It was an interactive session where the children learnt about the Mughal architecture.

School Watch

School Watch The VIDYA School, Gurgaon

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The VIDYA School in Gurgaon is a school with a difference. Set in the prime area of DLF Phase 3, Gurgaon, which boasts of elitist schools and is home to eminent people of society ,our school, paradoxically, is located bang in the middle of two of the largest slum settlements of the area. So on one side, we are flanked by the urban rich where the privileged children have access to the best of schools, whereas on three sides we have settlements of the rag -pickers, laborers, cleaners, in other words people who live far below the subsistence level and for whom life is all about struggling to survive. The children who come into our fold come from marginalized society and VIDYA School’s vision is to provide them a place for excellence in academics and all-round development, a stimulating learning environment where they will be nurtured through their own stages of self-discovery, giving them skills they need, along with building self-esteem and positive feelings, thus educating these children for dignity and better quality of life.

Volunteers from KPMG organized an English speaking session with small children of standard I. The main stress was on the correct pronunciation.

.Thanks KPMG

School Watch

Hawa HawaiThe MGF mall in Gurgaon came alive when the VIDYA students stormed in for the screening of popular Hindi movie Hawa Hawai. The important message the students learnt was that where there is a will, there is a way. The movie was sponsored by Deutsche Bank. Thanks to Deutsche Bank for giving VIDYA Children some delightful moments.

Tango CharlieThey say all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. With this thought in mind, a visit to Eco Adventure Club in Najafgarh was a great learning for the senior students. The students were divided into different groups and were given names like the Shining Star, Tango Charlie…They crossed the river, climbed the rocks, enjoyed the camel and bullock cart rides, and just freaked out.

Historical Moments with KPMG

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Adventure Pleasures

GenpactStudents of standards V and VI visited Genpact, a global leader in transforming and running business processes and operations. A quiz on current affairs was conducted by the volunteers of Genpact. The students got a golden chance to showcase their different talents. Later a dance competition was also organized and the best dancers were awarded.

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Youth ParliamentZal Daver, VIDYA's Education Consultant had the senior students eating out of his hands as he explained the intricacies of Article 370

Choirs and CheersO n 2 4 , i n a j o y o u s atmosphere, a special a s s e m b l y f o r M e r r y Christmas was organized. It began with a special prayer followed by an all religion prayer sung by the choir group of standards V, VIII, IX and X. The students of Book Club presented a play based on an abridged v e r s i o n o f C h a r l e s Dickens', a Christmas Carol. It was beautifully synchronized with melodious carols.

of the Indian Constitution which grants special autonomous status to Jammu and Kashmir. It was an interactive session where Daver put up a lot of questions and the students responded very well. This panel discussion was organized by Annice Thomas.

Christmas CheerChristmas Cheer

School Watch

Thank you Genpact for sponsoring VIDYA students

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School Watch

Jumps and Runs

The Sports Day was a great success as students enjoyed various events in the beautiful winter sun. There was a show of tremendous energy and enthusiasm as the students ran their races and enjoyed their jumps. Later prizes were given away to the best three athletes in each category by Anita Sirohi-Academic Head of VIDYA School.

Sporting Spirit

Staff PicnicThe entire VIDYA School staff enjoyed a picnic in Pratapgarh farm house on December 13. After a warm welcome by the host, the staff members played many games and variety of activities kept them engaged throughout the day. There were camel rides, archery attempts, Burma Bridge crossing and delicious meals.

HappeningsDecember 19. Teacher Nilanjana Nair met British Councils ISA team. The meeting was about putting a dossier together.December 20. Teachers Tilak Raj and Sunita Mohanty attended a seminar on creative methodologies of teaching mathematics at India International Centre. It was organized by Ratna Sagar publishers.

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School Watch

Staff's Day Out

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Bal Vihar, Delhi

Bal Vihar is the foundation of VIDYA’s education program. Born in the IIT Delhi campus, it has educated more than 12,000 children in the last 30 years, empowering the marginalized families of South Delhi.The objective is to provide the children an outstanding English medium academic and creative education.Bal Vihar is a well structured programme catering to children with age group 3+ to 12+. The strategies are designed to create a stimulating learning environment where students are nurtured along with building self esteem and positive feeling.

The serene school grounds of Bal Vihar were overflowing with an appreciative audience, not minding the mid morning

thDecember chill. The 30 year has commenced dotted with many memorable moments. The old timers have seen with

pride, the first VIDYA project Bal Vihar grow from a tiny sapling to a big tree with branches spreading all over, be it in Gurgaon, Mumbai, Bangalore…The Chief Guest Deepak Kapoor- Chairman of Price Water Coopers(PWC), humble and humorous, complimented the VIDYA team for nurturing the little flowers.

Awesome, Amazing…the Annual Day

As the cultural bonanza unfolded after the traditional lighting of lamp, there was loud applaud time and again. From the tiny tots to the seniors from other projects at Okhla, Pappankalan, Munirka and Sainik Farms, they stormed the stage with sheer talent. Wave after wave, they kept rising and receding with power pact performance, much to the delight and standing ovations from an awe-struck audience.

School Watch

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

Here We Go!

The audience included eminent members from Panchsheel Society, Rotary Club Delhi South and Central, GE, PWC, Children Hope India, Cvent, staff and students of Modern School, Inner Wheel Club… There were also resource people, donors, volunteers, staff, well-wishers and above all, the proud parents.

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School Watch

Awe Struck Audience

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The cultural programme started with students and alumni from all centres of VIDYA Delhi singing the school song Dhruv Tare Sa composed by Ved Vyas Ji- former Principal of Modern School, Vasant Vihar. This was followed by Odissi Marshal- a contemporary and fusion dance by Bridge Course students. Ofcourse the highlight was a 35 minute musical play Ek Lakhshay by Ved Vyas Ji with lilting music provided by Sudhanshu Ji, an eminent singer. The dance was choreographed by Manju Prasad. It was such a pleasure to watch the students performing to perfection.Later the students were honoured for their academic achievements.

Jingle BellsChristmas was celebrated on December 24 in its true spirit.

School Watch

Riya Rawat of standard V expresses her desires

Finally the school has closed for winter break.

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Community Empowerment, Delhi

Munirka

Munirka, Pappankalan, Okhla, Bridge Course- Okhla and Sainik Farms, IIT Projects

Munirka Community Project is one of the first projects started by VIDYA. This project has been changing lives for almost 30 years and offers many life changing opportunities, focusing primarily on education and community welfare programs. First generation learners from this migratory slum community are provided non-formal and remedial education. Non-formal education, for pre-nursery (age 1.5-3) through standard X students, is an important component of this project and caters to the non-school going children to prepare them to be mainstreamed into the formal public school system. This project also offers remedial education for students in standard I-VIII that are attending public schools but need additional support to improve their academic performance in core subjects.

Cheers from CHI

The Children Hope India( CHI) team visited the centre and interacted with the children. The importance of education was explained and some videos were also shot.

Mahaveer Medical Group organized a health camp.

NIIT arranged a three months crash course and six students were awarded certificates.

Community

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Merry Christmas Santa Claus caps made their day as they huddled together to enjoy the feast. These children from the slums had a great time, t h e y d e c o r a t e d t h e Christmas tree with bells, festoons, etc. It was an occasion to be together in t h e t r u e s p i r i t o f Christmas.

Brazilian Bruna was with the community enhancing the English skills

I Volunteer

Community

In 1997, VIDYA initiated an informal education program in the community of Pappankalan to help mainstream children back to school Families living in this community were resettled to their current location in 1997 so that urban construction could commence on their former land. With few resources and little help from anyone, VIDYA stepped in to help this disoriented community. Since 1997 this project has offered an array of programs to this displaced slum community. Students in standard I-VIII that are attending public schools, but need additional support to improve their academic performance in core subjects, attend this remedial education program.

Pappankalan

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A Joy of Giving was evident in providing real happiness as children celebrated Christmas throughout the month. They continued to spread happiness around them with their good deeds. Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle and that is the true Christmas message. In a recycling project, beautiful items were created for the Christmas tree from the waste material. Going to School( NGO), is sharing story books with the children. These inspirational stories bring a lot of cheer to the inhabitants of slums all over India. Women in their stitching classes are now knitting woolens for their families.

The Bridge Course, Sainik Farms was established in 1999 and Bridge Course, Okhla was established in 2004 in partnership with the Rotary Club.

The Bridge Course Projects, in partnership with the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) program, allow youth that have dropped out of school to enroll in classes and are given a second chance at completing high school. In India, major exams are given for the standard X and XII boards and clearing these two boards is required to obtain high school education. To date, 2,500 students have gone through these projects and all have successfully passed their exams. Besides core classes to prepare for the exams, students participate in extracurricular activities of sports, dance, drama, computer basics, English speaking and other awareness programs. Students are provided guidance in their career development through admissions in vocational training programs, such as hospitality and retail, which lead to many getting jobs. Students gain a sense of self worth,confidence , and a spirit of empowerment to better their lives. Students from this program are also mentored by employees from various corporate houses.

The Bridge Course students participated in a big way in the Annual Day celebrations held at Bal Vihar School. Their dance performance was appreciated by all. Many students were awarded for excellence in various subjects.

Okhla. From XII, Lokesh got the prize for Hindi and Political Science, Akash for Economics, Nishanul for Business Studies and Sukhbir for History. Chandra Bahadur got the all-rounder and full attendance award. Nadir of X won the prize for being an all-rounder and for full attendance.

Sainik Farms. From XII, Mithun got the prize for Hindi, Dileep for Home Science and Political Science and Prem Sagar for Accounts. From X, Bunty was awarded for Hindi while Rohit was the best in Home Science and Economics.

Bridge Courses Sainik Farms and Okhla

Community

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PWC mentoring class was held at its corporate office for 20 students of Okhla Bridge Course.

PWC also organized a presentation on drug abuse.

Noina Chanda- Consultant in Numeracy, English and Teachers Training with UK Government visited the Sainik Farms centre. She was accompanied by Bina Roy who is now taking English Conversation classes as recommended.

The Deutsche Bank arranged to take the students from both the centres for the movie Hawa Hawai at PVR. Thank you very much.

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi was the location of the first programs offered by VIDYA almost thirty years ago. Today, in partnershipwith National Social Service (NSS), women and children are being educated and empowered.VIDYA is honored to have a partnership with the IIT, Delhi, where it runs this project on its premises. Children from the surrounding slum communities are offered remedial education for standards I-VIII students that are attending public school but need additional support to improve their academic performance in core subjects, since they do not get that support at home or at their school.

VIDYA basically works in a three pronged approach. There is remedial education, open schooling and adult education. For adult education groups, Inner Wheel Club has extended help and everyday two volunteers are taking classes. Every Friday, Health and Hygiene issues are taken up.

LSR volunteers and faculty wives visit every day to teach Maths and English to remedial group.

The Okhla Community Project began providing pivotal education to women and children in one of South Delhi’s biggest industrial slums in 2004. First generation learners from this impoverished slum community are provided non-formal and remedial education. Remedial education for students in standard I-V that are attending public school but need additional support to improve their academic performance in core subjects. . In addition to academic classes, women from the community often attend the projects skills training classes in tailoring, health and beauty, English literacy and computer basics. The program also has a computer centre for the youth, a library and dance classes for young girls.

The highlight was Child Rights Rally organized in association with Empowerment for Rehabilitation Academic & Health- an NGO. The Rally was aimed to stop child labour and abuse. The awareness was created for the child's right to live, succeed, participate and be protected. Many slogans came up like 'Child is meant to learn not to earn' etc.

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)

Okhla

Award for Excellence by Deepak Kapoor - Chairman PWC

Award for Excellence by Deepak Kapoor - Chairman PWC

Community

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Tiffin Community organized another course for nutritious cooking of three months duration. A function was held as a farewell for the girls who completed the course and they received their certificates.

Kids Power Media created five new games based on Girls' Safety. These games are broadly to help the girls realize the dangers lurking around and take due precaution. For example the game of chess reflects the society as such, every player has a different message.

Safe Childhood

Chess – Sabka Sath

Art and Craft Workshop for the primary students was a great learning experience. Two volunteers from Mahatma Gandhi Foundation guided the children to create best out of waste.

Best out of Waste

There is a life byond exams which were held in late December. Before the exams, the beneficiaries participated in a wide array of activities.

Community

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VIDYA MumbaiDecember ushers in the spirit of Christmas and New year cheer.

Beyond SchoolVIDYA Mumbai’s flagship program, Umang, has reached out to400 students this year across four community centres in Powai . A foundation program with 60 children was started at an SRA colony in Milind Nagar.

Mid term assessment were conducted to measure the impact of last six months and frame relevant strategies.

Reel and Real World. Students of Gautam Nagar and Phule Nagar went for a visit to Filmistan, Goregaon for a visit organized by Deloitte to celebrate their Impact Day. It was a great day as the awestruck children saw the various sets and came to know a bit about the reel world!Asmita, the Centre Manager at Gautam Nagar said, “It was a completely new experience for all of us. The children especially loved the trip because even though they have gone on various excursions previously, this one was a unique one and a first for them.”

For Parents. To address different issues influencing a child, the Beyond School Program along with CIC has planned a string of sessions for parents. It started with an Awareness Session on The Domestic Violence Act by Advocate Mansi Dave. The session also coincided with the International Day of Elimination of Violence against Women. It was an engaging session with 65 parents in attendance.

Zaya Pilot Project. The pilot project for Zaya (a computer based learning program) started at Milind Nagar in the month of November. It is a fully funded project. Around 10 students from the English and Semi English medium are benefitting from the Zaya Program by learning Mathematics and English through tablets. It is the first venture with e-learning.Bhasyati, the centre Manager at Milind Nagar says, “The children are really enjoying working with tablets. It is a new experience for them and they are picking up quite fast now that the technical difficulties are out of the way.

Visit by Santa Claus. 25 students from KG to standard II from Gautam Nagar went to Vivero International Pre-school for Christmas celebrations. They were escorted by the Centre teachers and Manager. The principal welcomed them and guided them to the electronic train which was set for the children to enjoy a ride. The children were delighted with the joy ride. The best part of the day came when Santa Claus made an appearance and distributed popcorn packets and candy floss. The teachers too were impressed by the different posters regarding nutrition which were put up by the school. It was an exciting day for the students as they truly enjoyed the spirit of Christmas with everyone.

AIDS Day. The centres observed AIDS Day on December 1. The students were shown a video called 'Ek Ladki ki Kahani' from the UNICEF's Meena Series and were educated about HIV/AIDS. It is important to educate our students about these topics so as to prepare them and make them better individuals as they grow up. The stigma attached with the disease must be dissipated and this session was just a small step towards aiming to achieve a society without prejudices.

Hawa Hawai.100 students and 10 staff members from VIDYA enjoyed the Hawa Hawai movie. The movie has an inspiring message of overcoming obstacles and achieving one's dream. The students immensely identified from the movie as it immediately struck a chord with them. This was arranged by Deutsche Bank as a part of Christmas celebrations.

Training Teachers. A senior educationist and writer of Pratham books Vinita Krishnan conducted an activity oriented workshop for VIDYA teachers at Powai centre. Individual and group activities were conducted for the teachers at this trainingThe activities laid stress on creating a healthy atmosphere for learners, searching for the hidden innate qualities of the learners, motivating learners to express themselves through art and craft, understanding the concept of circle time and practically implementing it in the classroom, developing a sense of oneness among co-workers and emphasising the importance of patiently listening to the students. The session focused mainly on using art and craft as a creative way to teach and learn.The session was organised for the teachers from Beyond School and Bhavishya Yaan.

Sarita Salunkhe- ''It was a very nice session. We were taught how to maintain a positive attitude with the children and to encourage them to be good students. We were also taught about the various activities to be used to include even the non-attentive children in classroom activities and how to keep them engaged. This session will go a long way in helping me with my teaching skills and will help me become a better teacher. ''

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Bhavishya Yaan

In partnership with Rotary Club of Bombay, Bhavishya Yaan program runs in eight municipal schools for 120 selected students in each school from standard VI-IX. It provides guidance for computer skills, life skills and English with a view to enhance educational and employment opportunities for students of regional language schools.

Painting the Town. Ten students from Bhavishya Yaan's Colaba centre along with Shradhha and Centre Manager Manisha Ahuja participated in an art festival organized by Good Homes Magazine, to spread awareness on cleanliness in our country. Paints and colors brought smiles on all faces as the students painted the walls outside the Sachivalaya Gymkhana. It was a great opportunity for our students to display their creativity and they came up with some really fantastic ideas and executed them beautifully as well.

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Gandhi Darshan. Marina Dutta, Chairperson of Programmes for Children (Sub-committee of the Museum Society of Bombay) conducted a programme

thcreated by her on the 145 birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The session was conducted at Bhavishya Yaan's Colaba Centre. It was a very special, fun and interactive slide presentation and used well documented picturesque flash cards especially made for children. The unique programme covered the life of Mahatma Gandhi, his travels, his struggles for India's freedom and his death. The students interacted with great zest and thoroughly enjoyed the session.

Pleasures of Painting

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Inspiring Interaction.

Interact 4C Conference in partnership with the Interactions was held at Cathedral High School. It is an event for the students by the students and four students, Tannu Singh, Satyam Kesarwani, Prasad and Pratiksha

participated in this event. Satyam Kesarwani won a prize for The Best Spokesperson and being able to effectively communicate his thoughts. Sachin Singh and Priyanka Ram, both from Worli School won prizes for Best Delegates in the Renewable Energy Group. Students from standard XI, Sunil ( 2014 topper) Moni, Anjali and Mithilesh also participated in this event.

Museum Musings.

. The students thoroughly enjoyed the outing and came back enriched.

Rashna Cooper, Worli Rotary Co-ordinator and Hiya Vazirani, daughter of Rotarian Mr. Vazirani had arranged a visit to the museum Shivaji Vastu Sangralaya

Joy of Learning

Soaking Knowledge

The Best of Best

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At NMJ Centre

Graceful Growing up. Alka Gadgil, from Johnson & Johnson conducted a session for the girls on female health and hygiene. She discussed key points in growing up such as the physical, emotional and mental aspects. The physiology of menstruation, how to hygienically use and dispose sanitary napkins was highlighted. Sanitary napkins were distributed gratis. The event was organized by Rotary.

At GK Marg CentreSanta Claus is Coming Along. A Christmas party was organized at G K Marg School wherein the entire school was invited, a first time for the school. The Christmas party was hosted by Bhavishya Yaan students. The school hall was beautifully decorated with balloons, bells and charts made by the students. Students put up a

great show by presenting the story of Jesus Christ, sang carols and entertained the audience with lovely dance performances. Students also arranged games and received gifts from Santa Claus and Rotarian Ekta Shah. Special prizes were given to students for punctuality, best attendance, neat dresses and best participation in class. The children had a great time with ever lasting memories.

Girls Only

Jingle all the Way

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Around the World. Twelve students from the Bhayishya Yaan centre at Byculla were accompanied by Laxmi and Atish to G.K Marg School to attend a talk by Jason Lewis. He is the first person to circumnavigate the globe without using sails or motors, only by human power. Jason completed this incredible journey within a span of 13 years. He shared his life experience, anecdotes about the journey and inspired the students to follow their dreams and set goals for themselves. It was a very motivating event and the students were awestruck by all the possibilities the world has to offer.

Groom and Bloom. A grooming session for all Marathi medium students of Byculla's Bhavishya Yaan was organized. 20 facilitators accompanied by Laxmi had come from Rotary Club of H.R College for the session. They covered points such as team work through group activity, meditation to improve concentration, using games and role play to improve communication and presentation skills and videos to motivate the students. The excited students enthusiastically participated in all the activities and not only had fun but learnt important lessons too. The facilitators were impressed by the confidence of students during role play. It was a great exposure.

Sailing without Sails

Shining Bright

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At Ghatla Centre

Small Steps. The students of Ghatla Centre participated and won the inter school kho kho competition. It was a tiring day but the students were happy to take back the trophies.

At Vile Parle Centre

Sankesh Taral and Kunal Waghe won the Best Scout Cadet and Runner up Awards respectively. 300 students from various schools participated.

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National School of Open Schooling

CLRC batches completed. Certificate distribution was organised for the students who had enrolled in and completed Big Byte, NIIT-CCIB and Tally Programs.

Vibrant Volunteers. M

The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) is an autonomous organisation in pursuance of National Policy on Education 1986 by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), Government of India. VIDYA facilitates this program for which the classes are held at Powai English High School. Academic assistance is offered for standard X and XII. The courses are offered in English, Hindi and Marathi. The program aims to provide an opportunity to those who had to drop out of mainstream schooling, to complete their education, acquire requisite life skills and thus get empowered and more employable. The program aims at holistic development and encourages these through various activities and excursions.

The Community Learning Resource Centre( CLRC) program has reached out to more than 1000 beneficiaries since it was set up in 2011. In partnership with S Prayas (the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of Syntel), the program is making positive strides towards bridging the digital divide in the community. VIDYA’s programs ensure not only learning of computer skills but also their application.

Marking Achievements. A joint certification ceremony was held for Spoken English and

Six students from two batches completed the course during the period July to November. The Chief Guest was Dr Ravichandra Mondretti, a PhD in Ecology of Sea Birds. He was in Mumbai as a speaker at the Earth Mela. He talked about his work with King Cobras in Karnataka and monitoring sea birds near India's coast. The students were fascinated and had many questions to ask. They could also relate to some of it as many of them have watched such programmes on Discovery Channel!

At the end, the students shared their experience in English. They spoke confidently and without fear. One of the students – Ashwini Gupta also wrote a poem for the occasion.

They said it

Kiran – I liked English class very much. Before I joined, I did not understand English. Now I can understand and speak. I learnt how to make sentences and learnt new words. I can use them anywhere and anytime.

Bharthi – When I joined English class in VIDYA, I did not know what an NGO was. At VIDYA I learnt about their work. I also got the confidence to speak in front of people. I enjoyed the class.

Ashwini – When I joined this class my English was not good. But now my English is better. I have the confidence to talk. I learnt many new words. When I don't understand, I ask my ma'am. And she gives me the answers. I will tell all my friends to join English Class.

any volunteers have been coming in to teach students since October 2014. The students who require extra help have been identified and matched with available volunteers. The students are taught either on an individual basis or a few students to a teacher. This helps the students to grasp the concepts quickly and come up at the level of rest of the class.Volunteers from IIT NSS come in to teach Data Entry, English and Economics. Young, enthusiastic, punctual and sincere, these students have been really helpful. Thanks to Poulomi Sengupta of BG (BG is donor for the Open School programme) who has been coming in regularly to teach Basic English to students from vernacular background. She is extremely dedicated and continues come on a regular basis despite her busy schedule in office.

Great having Kavya Thatavarthi and Vasavi A. from Credit Suisse who have been coming in on Saturdays to teach Economics and Business Studies respectively.

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Volunteers Share. Mr Mathur, a volunteer at Open School shares his volunteering experience:

“After serving for over 45 years in The Tata Power Company Ltd, I was wondering how to keep myself occupied when I met Ms Manvi Singh and started discussions on VIDYA. VIDYA was looking for volunteers and she suggested that I could help in.

The Youth Program by giving lectures on Soft Skills. This was a blessing in disguise for me and the beginning of my wonderful association with VIDYA. I got an opportunity of interacting with students of varying ages and background, including some house wives. The students were very responsive, eager to learn and ask questions and took active participation in the class. Needless to say, I am enjoying each and every moment of my association with VIDYA. Each interaction is a new learning for me too and given an opportunity, I would like to continue with them and help them in educating the youth.

VIDYA is doing excellent work in promoting social change and delivering much needed education and empowerment to the less privileged persons of the Society. I wish them all the success in their endeavour.”

Many volunteers from the Finance Team of a Corporate House come in to teach accounts to senior students. All students unanimously say that they enjoy the accounts class. They look forward to it and have finally begun to like the subject. After all they are being taught by the experts in accounts!

Legal Eagles. A session on Sexual Harassment of Women at workplace was conducted at Open School. The session was conducted by Leon D'souza - Director, Legal at Nomura and Zeeshan Syed - an advocate. Both are members of VIDYA's Internal Complaints Committee (ICC). The session was for Open School students, VIDYA staff and Alumni. Quite a few of Open School students are working and most will eventually join the workforce. This was an awareness session on the Act and its implications. Though the Act is only for women, it is very important for the boys to know that such an Act exists and the kind of behaviour that is not acceptable. Ignorance of the law is not an excuse. The girls need to also be careful while complaining and not misuse the law. After the session on Sexual Harassment at Work Place, there were many questions especially from the girls on what to do if they are harassed at home or public places; and how to handle such situations. To address such issues, Chandrika Rambiya from Arpan was invited. Arpan works with children in conducting workshops and also counselling them. Beyond School and Open School students along with Alumni participated in the session.

Exciting ExcursionsEarth Mela. Around 20 students of standard X and XII of Open School, and

in the Earth Mela organised by Sprouts. The Mela focused on educating children on the environment.

The instructor taught them some basic moves and also gave them an opportunity to try it on him. Alumni have expressed gratitude for the great going. The Earth Mela was indeed a rich experience.

40 students from Beyond School from Milind Nagar and Phule Nagar participated

The students participated in different activities such as nature trail, adventure sports, self – defense, story- telling, tribal painting etc.

Powai Peace Walk. Like every year, this year too, Powai residents had organised a Powai Peace Walk. The students from Open School and Beyond School from Indira Nagar joined the Walk raising slogans about protecting our environment and other relevant social messages. They were escorted and accompanied by teachers, VIDYA staff and volunteers.

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VIDYA BangaloreBhavishya YaanGottigere Primary and High School

VIDYA’s Beyond School Program has made a significant difference in learning for the children of Gottigere Government Higher Primary and Integrated High Schools, Bangalore since inception in 2010.The Synergy Property Development Company, VIDYA’s partner and sponsor of the Gottigere Primary School and the VIDYA – Synergy Scholarship program has gone out of way to make sure that children receive the very best. In the year 2013-2014, about 410 students from standards VI-X attained academic excellence and benefitted through education in English, computer usage and life skills.A fantastic end to the year 2014, the month of December has been fully packed with fun and a lot of new experiences for children.

Academics. The NIIT classes are well on their way. The English classes are being held regularly.

Events. The standard IX children had the most amazing experience during their trip to the Agastya Foundation, Kuppam. The lucky children spent two days in absolute closeness to nature. They spent their time attending presentations, practical sessions, nature walks, and had a fun time. The Rotary Club has made available the travel bags and fleece blankets for the children. Thank you Rotary Midtown Bengaluru .

Awesome Agastaya

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Wood Wonders. Next the students of standard VIII were off to Chennapatna to visit a wooden toys cooperative and learn the dynamics of a small scale industry.The children learnt all about the use of wood: receiving the raw material, storage, treating the wood, use of shapes and measurement, use of measuring instruments like scales and calipers. They also had a session on making and using natural dyes, and the way lac is used to colour the wood. Each child got small toys as gifts from the factory. Thank you Synergy for making this trip possible.

Career Counselling. The senior students had a career counselling session and a motivational talk by Thomas from the Indian Air Force. He told the children about the top 10 career options and how to go about it. His motivational talk to the children really boosted their morale. He highlighted the importance of the 3 Ds: Discipline, Dedication, and Dreams for achieving success in life.

Health Camp. Volunteers from Health Planet organized a camp in the school for children's general health.

All about Wood

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Women Cabs. An eminent cab service, Women Cabs and Rotary have come forward to offer refresher courses and job opportunities to the student drivers.

Tailoring. An advanced level tailoring session has been started to fulfill the orders received from Total Yoga programme.

Malin, a volunteer is enthusiastically involved in making a productive use of the recently cleaned garden by planting herbs and vegetables. She is also handling remedial classes for a select few students and is helping them in improving their communication skills.

Sangeetha Goel's vocational session is in full swing in the making of files and other products for sale.

Many students have joined the English and Computer classes and are enthusiastic in participating in the other activities.

NIIT Foundation conducted TOT sessions for the Computer faculty.

Lalitha's dance classes are held once a week to train the students on classical dance forms.

Saraswathi conducts sessions on ready-made juice making.

Mali FoundationIn association with Mali Foundation, VIDYA works towards educating, empowering and transforming women from the weaker sections of the society since 2010. The Computer and English programmes coupled with various vocational trainings in a friendly atmosphere have moulded the women into an epitome of confidence who have shed their shackles and broken their cocoons which had hindered their progress. They have revolutionised and are the shining examples of confidence.VIDYA’s women are not only an inspiration to their peers, but also a motivational force for their family and friends, as they realise their goals and their long cherished dreams.

Bhagini Women's Empowerment Programme has continuously been working to lend a helping hand to weaker sections. These women are learning to speak English, use computers, drive vehicles and generally be confident and competent.

On the Threshhold. Almost one year old, VIDYA Mali is poised to take a leap for various new projects.

Smitha's life skill classes are treading into many day to day real issues of the society.

Smitha's Skills

Cheers for 2015!

A Grand Christmas and New Year Pot Luck Party in Full Swing

Why Children?Heartfelt condolence goes out to the

barbaric butchery of innocent children in Peshawar on December 16. VIDYA, as schools all over the country, observed

silence to mourn the departed 132 young lives. The year ended tinged with

sorrow. Why children?

At the dawn of New Year, it is time to combat heinous acts of this magnitude

involving defenceless innocents.

Here's to a better 2015.

Global Giving:We are delighted to share that VIDYA has secured a permanent position on the Global Giving Platform. Today, we look to grow and sustain our School and Beyond School Interventions for children and adolescents in Slum Communities and Schools by creating the best opportunities to bridge gaps.This would mean a lot to us as our inclusive holistic education programs would become enriched beyond frontiers.

Global Giving is a charity fundraising web site that gives social entrepreneurs and non-profits from anywhere in the world a chance to raise money to improve their communities. Global Giving works to build an efficient, open, thriving marketplace that connects people who have community and world-changing ideas with people who can support them. Their vision is to unleash the potential of people around the world to make positive change happen.

VIDYA needs every friend to help us either by donating a small amount through the website or by spreading the word around. Below is the link of VIDYA page in Global Giving-

http://www.globalgiving.org/projects/quest-for-quality-education-at-vidya/

VIDYA Varta TeamEditor:Assistance:

Design:

Sujata Kaushic

Shreya in Delhi • Priteegandha Naik in Mumbai • Devika in Bangalore Vinay Goel

VIDYA Integrated Development for Youth & AdultsBlock S, Plot No. 3126, DLF Phase III, Gurgaon - 1220002Tel.: +91-124-4049559Email: delhi@vidya-india.org, office@vidya-india.orgmumbai@vidya-india.org, bangalore@vidya-india.org Website: www.vidya-india.org

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VIDYA is grateful to all our friends, sponsors, donors and well wishers for their support

throughout the years.