'Holistic Development'for 300 Poor Kids in India

Dear Donors,

Greetings from IDEA Foundation!

IDEA Foundation is continuing to support the marginalized communities in Pune by providing access to reliable resources for the holistic development of children in this most challenging situation we have ever faced.

When IDEA started its study centres in 2002, the objective was to reduce school drop-out ratio among children from underprivileged communities by bridging the socio economic gap by interventions designed to motivate children to complete schooling, through academic support programs. As time progressed, we understood other areas in the life of these children which also needed attention, so we took the responsibilities to make sure that the children are healthy, by conducting health check-up camps wherever necessary and nutrition and hygiene awareness programs for parents. Instead of a focus merely academics, we have started concentrating on the holistic development of our beneficiaries through many extra-curricular programs.

 Now with the outbreak of COVID 19, as the schools are closed, many of the children are facing health risks, including difficulty to access health care services usually provided through school. The school was also a place for safety for these children when the parents go out for work. As we work closely among these community children, we understand that this social isolation is causing stress and anxiety in children. Added to which, less physical activity of our children for such a prolonged period is a major concern for all of us. Our social workers are in contact with all the children and keep a check on their well-being.

We have conducted many activities and sports competitions online to keep the children motivated and in good spirits during lockdown. Online drawing and painting competitions brought out the best creativity of the children.

Now that the government has withdrawn the lockdown, we have started physical sessions in many of our centres which were difficult to reach through digital medium. However, we ensure that we strictly adhere to all the COVID protocols. In remote areas, music classes are also being conducted along with the academics. Science day was celebrated and children were encouraged to make different scientific models. I am sure you will be excited to see the happy faces of the children back in our centres, though we might again go to online mode as the third wave is on the rise.

 We have conducted health check-up camps of all the children in IDEA’s study centres with the help of a team of doctors from Sahyadri Hospital, Pune. We have made the participants of this camp aware of the importance of health and immunity. We have distributed first aid kits, snacks and masks to all the children and insisted that the children on follow and develop a disciplined hygienic routine.

Dear donors, we are greatful to you for supporting us and enabling us to continue our work throughout these difficult period. We request your support in the coming months too.

Thank you!