Vidyachetana annual reportvidyachetana.org/.../uploads/2013/11/Vidyachetana-annual-report-15.pdfVidyachetana Annual Report 2014 ... Create volunteering opportunities and engage volunteers

Vidyachetana Annual Report 2014-15 Page 0a

Vidyachetana team

3/31/2015

VIDYACHETANA ANNUAL

REPORT

2014-2015

This document contains information about Vidyachetana’s activities in

2014-15, plan for the next year, and the financial position of the

organization.

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Vidyachetana Annual Report 2014-15 Page 1

VIDYACHETANA ANNUAL REPORT

Table of Contents Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 3

What Problems are we trying to Solve? ...................................................................................... 3

Progress… .......................................................................................................................................... 3

Vidyachetana Data .................................................................................................................... 4

Slums in Bangalore city ....................................................................................................................... 4

Vulnerability at Slums ...................................................................................................................... 4

Vidyachetana extends support to children in slums .................................................................... 4

Our approach to Nation Building ................................................................................................. 5

Holistic development opportunity at Learning Centers ........................................................... 5

Embarking on New journey… ........................................................................................................... 6

Vidyachetana Plus .......................................................................................................................... 6

Multimedia Based Education ........................................................................................................ 6

Computer Labs ................................................................................................................................ 7

Beyond Learning Centers .................................................................................................................. 7

Scholarships for children ................................................................................................................. 7

Lending a Hand ............................................................................................................................... 8

Support to Vanavasi Kalyana ....................................................................................................... 9

Vidyachetana’s programs status for 2014-15 ................................................................................ 9

School kit distribution....................................................................................................................... 9

Kalachetana .................................................................................................................................. 10

Kreedachetana ............................................................................................................................. 10

Enriching teachers ......................................................................................................................... 11

Intervention with Parents .............................................................................................................. 11

Educational trip .............................................................................................................................. 11

Skype calls with donors ................................................................................................................. 12

Together we can…Support from other NGOs ............................................................................. 12

Corporate Volunteer Engagement ............................................................................................... 13

Cisco ................................................................................................................................................ 13

VMware ........................................................................................................................................... 13

Charity day at VMware ............................................................................................................ 13

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Visit by VMWare executive ...................................................................................................... 13

Analog Devices .............................................................................................................................. 14

EMC Software and Services ........................................................................................................ 14

Campaign at EMC .................................................................................................................... 14

Stories of Impact ............................................................................................................................ 15

media coverage ............................................................................................................................... 16

Volunteer goes the extra mile… ..................................................................................................... 18

Financial Report 2014-15 .................................................................................................................. 19

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INTRODUCTION

Vidyachetana, a program under Youth for Seva, a volunteering-based organization

started its humble beginnings in 2009 with the aim of providing education support to

children in slums. Vidyachetana program’s primary intentions are:

To create community outreach centres; assist in the fields of education, health,

and vocational training in economically backward areas.

Create volunteering opportunities and engage volunteers to contribute in nation

building by serving at learning centers at various capacities.

What Problems are we trying to Solve? Reduce school drop outs.

Build awareness about availability of various vocational trainings as new avenues

for employment.

Encourage families to support children to study.

Impart training in Culture and Values to the children.

Prevent children from abuse and turning them into anti-social elements.

The program which runs across 36 centers in various slums has benefited over 4,500

children to date. Presently it benefits over 1200 children from 800 families.

Progress…

2009-10

2010-11

2011-12

2012-13

2013-14

2014-15

Number of students served 240 490 620 859 1487 1215

Number of donors 130 180 280 360 480 550

Number of Learning centres 10 14 18 26 26 35

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

1600

Pro

gre

ss

Vidyachetana Status

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Vidyachetana Data

Covering 100 Government schools and 65 Private schools

Educating 1200+ children in 2014-15

Educated 4500 children till date

Running 36 learning centres

Operating 4 computer labs for students and youth

Target population reached through Vidyachetana’s programs is 3000 till date

Total amount of the project – 25 Lakhs

SLUMS IN BANGALORE CITY

A survey result received by Youth for Seva revealed horrific number of slums located in

Bangalore. They are about 800. The slums are not equipped with basic facilities such as

clean water, electricity, and sanitation. Education is the last thing on the list of priorities

for people living in such areas.

Vulnerability at Slums For most people, Education is the last thing of their mind living at slums. Most of the

children are first generation learners and have no support at home. Almost all their

parents don't have a permanent job and work on odd jobs on daily allowance. Many of

them come from single parent families. Alcoholism among parents is a major problem

area to be tackled in these homes.

These children are very vulnerable and often fall in wrong hands and become victim of

child abuse, child labor, anti-social activities. To save such children from such

vulnerabilities, Vidyachetana sets up learning centers.

VIDYACHETANA EXTENDS SUPPORT TO CHILDREN IN

SLUMS

As on today, Vidyachetana has set up 24 learning centers in Bangalore and 12 learning

centers in villages near Sira, Tumkur district.

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Our approach to Nation Building

Holistic development opportunity at Learning Centers Academic learning – 55-60% of time

Extracurricular activities – 20% (includes dance, drama, music, quiz)

Sports – 10% (we are trying to provide sports equipment at all centers)

Civic awareness program – In association with CMCA Bangalore, Vidyachetana is

equipping children with the knowledge of civic awareness. Through this program,

children are provided knowledge about civic responsibilities and organizations involved.

Vidya Chetana

Survey slums, villages and small towns to identify backward areas

Work with local community to set up learning centre

in the area

Recruit children for learning center through Door to Door campaign/Survey

Access to regular evening tuition; training in life skills, civic awareness, computer

knowledge and yoga; career counseling;

educational trip; participation extracurricular

activities

90% of the money goes for education

and other activities,10% for

admin

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Computer program – We provide basic knowledge on computers, how to use them, so

they can use it for making school projects. In the evenings, we run computer basic

course for youth in the community to enable them for employability. We currently have

computer labs in 4 locations in Sira, Tumkur.

Multi-media based education – Video-based education for children in 8th and 9th

standard.

EMBARKING ON NEW JOURNEY…

Vidyachetana Plus Vidyachetana was proud to announce the results of SSLC students who passed the

exams with flying colors. This year, nearly 40 children scored above 70% in SSLC. Out of

which, 25 of them scored above 90%. Kudos to these children! These are the children

from slums, economically weaker sections, without any idea of what to do next. That is

when Vidyachetana launched this new program called “Vidyachetana Plus”. In this

program, Vidyachetana supports higher education of children who scored well in SSLC

through scholarship payment for college fees and books. As on today, 70 children are

part of this program and we hope the numbers would increase this year.

Multimedia Based Education Vidyachetana is determined to provide the same experience as the privileged kids have

at their schools! Vidyachetana launched multi-media based education facility for the

children at 6 learning centers. The centers are equipped with a TV, a computer that

connects to the TV, DVDs developed by Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement (SVYM)

for 8th and 9th standard students on Science, Social Studies, and Mathematics. The

videos are available in both Kannada and English languages. The inauguration took

place on September 15, 2014 which is also celebrated as Engineer's day! It was the right

way of paying tribute to Bharatha Ratna Sir M Vishveshwaraiah! With the adaptation of

technology in class-rooms, children have found it easier to understand the concepts and

teachers have found a very good teaching aid.

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Computer Labs On August 22, 2014, two computer labs in Kallambella and Tharuru villages near Tumkur

were inaugurated. The computer centers were inaugurated by Sri, Dharmendra, Director,

IT at CISCO. CISCO Sambhrama team also graced the occasion. Vidyachetana is

determined to enable children with the knowledge of basic computers. At the centers,

the enthusiastic group of children was eager to try their hands on the computers. Around

80 students in 12 batches have been benefited from these centers till date. They are

trained on the basic use of computers and some tools such as MSWord, MSExcel,

Notepad, Wordpad, and MS Office. In the future, these centers will be equipped to

provide training on Desktop publishing (DTP) that includes Photoshop, Pagemaker, and

Corel Draw.

BEYOND LEARNING CENTERS

Vidyachetana extends its hand to children in every nook and corner only with the

intention of helping the needy. Towards this, Vidyachetana is involved in many activities

listed in the sections below.

Scholarships for children While we provide facilities for children studying at Government schools through learning

centers, we realized that a large portion of the society who send their ward to private

schools to provide better education find it difficult to meet their ends and hence end up

discontinuing their ward’s education. Recognizing the need to support such children,

Vidyachetana identifies families that need educational support; provide scholarship to

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such children after verifying their score cards, fee receipts, and family background. We

supported the education of 250+ children this year.

Lending a Hand Trying to follow the saying “Lending a hand is better than folding hands for prayer”, we,

at Vidyachetana have extended support to the following institutions recognizing the

need to partner with them.

Vidyahchetana supports the hostel facility and education of 24 children studying at

Ramakrishna Tapovana, Polali, Bantwala.

We also provide hostel facility for 100 girl children at Assam, Vandaniya Lakshmibai Kelkar

Smarak Samiti.

In association with Cisco, a school was developed at Samgodu, near Hosanagar.

Samagodu School is a model school, a self-sustaining one that can provide a learning

experience for each one of us! 19 children and 2 teachers with the help of

Vidyachetana volnteers have created wonders! For their mid-day meal, they use the

vegetables from their school garden that the kids maintain. They are practicing science

in their daily life. See-saw that they play is connected to the bore well and pumps water

into a tank. In this school, drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, wet and plastic waste

segregation are implemented impeccably. The spick and span school where learning,

fun, and civic awareness are part of their daily life demonstrate a great deal of

commitment to the society. If only every school in our country turns into a school like

Samagodu, can anyone stop us from reaching the stars?

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Support to Vanavasi Kalyana Swamy Vivekananda said “If the poor cannot come to education, education must

reach them at the plough, in the factory, everywhere”. Following his quote,

Vidyachetana has made efforts to take education to tribal areas of Dandeli, Kumta, and

Salem. Vanavasi Kalyana Kshetras are provided with computer facilities, hostel facilities,

as well as education facilities for over 100 children.

VIDYACHETANA’S PROGRAMS STATUS FOR 2014-15

Vidyachetana made great strides this year through several programs for the betterment

of children in the field of education. Some of the highlights are listed below.

School kit distribution Every year, Vidyachetana in association with the parent organization Youth for Seva

distributes school kits to children from the economically weaker backgrounds. The school

kit includes a school bag, note books, and other stationery items. The school kit

complements the text books provided by the Government. In the year 2014, exactly

when the schools reopened, Vidyachetana team with the help of volunteers distributed

School kits to students at various places. This academic year, nearly 1250 school children

were benefitted from this program.

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Kalachetana Kalachetana is the platform for children from all learning centers to display their talent in

various cultural activities. 500 children from 24 learning centers participated in Bangalore.

Over 400 children from villages of Sira participated in Tumkur. It was a day filled with

colors (rangoli), music, dance, drama, debate, and loads of fun.

Kreedachetana “Sports boosts self-confidence“– Vidyachetana conducted sports competitions for

children across all learning center in Bangalore and Tumkur in two separate events. Close

to 1000 children participated in sports activities and won several prizes. Competitions

include, athletics, kho-kho, kabbadi, etc,.

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Enriching teachers Teachers at the learning centers are the back bone of Vidyahetana. Their dedication,

their hard work, rapport with students has only made Vidyachetana this successful.

Vidyachetana always looks for opportunities to train teachers through various programs

at teachers meetings. This year, Vidyachetana conducted 3-day course on meditation

called the Happiness program by Art of Living. It was not only enriching, it was a true

experience for teachers to find themselves.

Intervention with Parents

It is parents who need counseling and constant encouragement to educate their kids.

They need to be comforted with how education opens a whole new world of

opportunities for their children and how discontinuing education can have adverse

impact on the family. Besides, parents also need to be counseled on how to behave in

front of children, how not to influence children negatively with bad habits.

Vidyachetana engages with parents of children who attend classes at learning centers

three times a year at all learning centers and share inspirational videos, counsel parents

on various behavioral aspects. During such sessions, we not only counsel the parents, we

also provide feedback on their wards, programs conducted at learning centers, as well

as collect feedback from them on the functioning of learning centers.

Educational trip 450+ students from all learning centers of Bangalore had a memorable time when they

visited Badami, Aihole, Pattadakal, Melukote, Srirangapatna, and Adichunchunagiri in

batches. It was an excursion for two days for all children. Transport, food,

accommodation, and sight-seeing were arranged.

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Skype calls with donors Skype call meet between children and respective donors is the heart of our program. This

year, many donors were connected with sponsored children. Donors spent quality time

with children, enquired about their background, studies, hobbies, etc. Some donors have

sent gifts to the children through us. Children were delighted to meet their sponsor and

share their thoughts. Some children were shy, some were overwhelmed, and some

enquired about the donors too.

TOGETHER WE CAN…SUPPORT FROM OTHER NGOS We are indebted to NGOs who share the same objective of ‘Lokahitam mamakariyam’

as us and have partnered with us in educating the needy children and taking one step

toward building a better nation. We truly appreciate the support and cooperation of the

NGOs:

Udyam – Partnered with Udyam for mentoring SSLC students on career opportunities,

educational avenues, and one-to-one mentoring to identify the potential of students.

CMCA – Partnered with CMCA for imparting education and building awareness about

civic responsibilities in children. Vidyachetana uses their curriculum and Vidyachetana

teachers are trained by CMCA. Regular reports are shared with CMCA for analyzing the

impact of their course.

Sri Vivekananda Youth Movement for Rural Development (SVYMRD) – SVYMRD

provided DVDs for video-based education that covers the curriculum for 8th and 9th

standard students. The DVD is informative and interactive.

Viveka Vikasa - The education system today limits its focus to only academics. What is

missing is the Emphasis on Core Values, i.e, the 3Cs, ‘Character, Culture and Country’.

Partnering with Viveka Vikasa, Vidyachetana focuses on providing life skills and value

education for the younger generation who will be the pioneers of positive change of the

nation.

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CORPORATE VOLUNTEER ENGAGEMENT

Cisco Cisco has been a long –time partner with Vidyachetana. Cisco employees’ part of

Sambhrama collects funds to support education of children in rural areas. They

partnered with Vidyachetana in various projects in building a model school of

Samagodu.

Cisco employees are the most enthusiastic bunch of volunteers who lends their hand in

supporting our program in more than one way. Employees and management are

extremely supportive of our initiatives. Their employees volunteered with us for

Kreedachatana (Tumkur and Bangalore), Kalachetana (Tumkur, Bangalore), and

Computer lab set up at Tumkur. Without you volunteers, these programs would not have

been successful. Thank you all!

VMware

Charity day at VMware

Vidyachetana participated in the charity day at VMWare. We shared our program

details with vmware employees and answered their queries. Volunteers from vmware

expressed interest in contributing to the society through us.

Visit by VMWare executive

Executives visiting India and sightseeing Bangalore and Mysore are a common

phenomenon. However, the executive from vmware Mr. Mike visiting India on an official

trip spent time with the children from Vidyachetana-Konankunte learning center.

The team from VMware conducted quiz for kids and handed over indoor game kits to

children. It was a memorable day for the children on Kanankunte center.

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Analog Devices Analog Devices and its employees are active volunteers of Vidyachetana. Employees

from Analog Devices are sponsoring the education of 25 children through Vidyachetana.

Six of its employees teach art and craft at Byappanahalli learning center. They also plan

to extend their teaching to Maths, Science and English.

EMC Software and Services

Campaign at EMC

It was a successful campaign at EMC. As always, employees turned out in large numbers.

More employees supported our program and are sponsoring children for their education.

Their interest in helping the needy and also able to meet the children in person

motivated us to connect more children to donors.

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Stories of Impact Purnima C – Student, II BCom

I stay in Kallambella. Before joining the computer

course offered by CISCO through Vidyachetana, I

had no knowledge of computers. I am grateful to

the organization for setting up the computer lab

here and now I am able to learn how to use

computers. By offering free courses, the

organization is not only providing education to

people like us, it is in turn helping in the overall

development of rural areas. We thank the

organization for setting up computer lab for us. I

request you to continue providing such

opportunities in rural areas.

Shivanna – Computer Lab teacher

Kallambella

Vidyachetana in collaboration with CISCO in

Kallambella is like bringing light into darkness. In the

technological world, knowledge of computers is as

important as food for people. Because of this lab,

children in the rural area who from economically

weaker section are benefitted with free computer

education which otherwise would be impossible for

people from these regions. Thanks to Vidyachetana and

CISCO for setting up the lab here. We request for

continued service from Vidyachetana and CISCO in brightening the life of these

children.

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MEDIA COVERAGE

Udayavani Dec 1,2014

Udayavani (Tumkur) Nov 29, 2014

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Prajavani – Samagodu

Kreedachetana – Tumkur

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VOLUNTEER GOES THE EXTRA MILE…

Kirubakaran Ramalingam

Kirubakaran is a very active volunteer from Analog Devices, who along with his

colleagues has been teaching at Byappanahalli learning center. He also took time off

from work to visit tribal villages of Salem and Anbuillam. He spent time with children over

there, talked to the teachers, coordinators, and community people. He conducted a

survey of how the education and hostel facilities are. He collected profiles of children

who need help from Vidyachetana. He also gathered information on some infrastructure

and educational supplies requirement.

Kirubakaran reported his experience with great enthusiasm to us. His contribution to our

program is invaluable. Thanks a bunch to you, Kirubakaran.

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FINANCIAL REPORT 2014-15

Statement of Account for the FY 2014-15 Sl No. Particulars Amount in Rs %

1 1.School fees for Private and Aided Children 41,70,803 41.7

2

2.Admin Expense 9,87,046 9.8

3 3.One Day Event Expense

4,80,300 4.7

4 4.Learning Center Teacher's Training

2,61,228 2.9

5 5.Learning Center Teacher's Salary

31,88,260 31.92

6 6.Learning Center Stationary Expense

9,36,239 8.98

Total

100,23,876.00 100

Oneday event: Sports and Cultural event for 2500 Students Fees: Includes Books, Uniform, School fees, and scholarship for SSLC Plus, outstation, and

Private school children.

41.7%

9.8% 4.7%

2.9%

31.92%

8.98% 1.School fees for Private and Aided Childre

2.Admin Expence

3.One Day Event Exp

4.Learning Center Teacher\'s Training

5.Learning Center Teacher\'s Salary

6.Learning Center Stationary Expense

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