By Usha Pillai | Director
Dear Donors & supporters ,
Greetings from IDEA !
We are happy to present a report from the field to update you on the progress of our project. IDEA recently celebrated its 10th Foundation Day. We organized many programs for the children , parents and teachers during the months of January and February 2012. A brief description of some of the programs is given below :
‘ Joy of learning Science’
This year we have selected ‘ Joy of learning Science’ as the theme of our Foundation day celebration. The objective was to popularize Science education and to create awareness & generate interest amongst the school going underprivileged children in science and the role science plays in our everyday life.
1. Science workshop
Around 40 beneficiary children got a chance to attend a Science workshop. These children have come up with many interesting science projects for display. Two interns – Aakash & Suchitra from a famous Business school in Mumbai guided the children in making and presenting the projects they have made. Many volunteers were also actively involved in helping the children in the Science projects.
Children got an opportunity to display the project they have made and explain it to people during our foundation day event. This gave wider exposure to these marginalized children.
2. Multi –media presentation & talk on Science.
We organized interactive sessions for children with three eminent scientists - Dr. Prakash Tupe , Dr. A.A. Natu ( IISER,Pune) & Dr. Mukund Deshpande ( NCL, Pune) on 5th Feb 2012.
Around 70 beneficiary children attended the program . Dr. A.A. Natu spoke to children on the influence of nature on discoveries and inventions. Dr. Mukund Deshpande gave a very informative session on ‘Microorganisms-Friends & Foes’. Dr. Prakash Tupe- another well known Scientist held a session on astronomy-‘ A Trip to the universe’ .
These sessions were supported by Powerpoint presentation & video clips and were very interesting . It was a first time experience for the underprivileged children to learn from such experts and to interact with them .
An interactive session for parents & teachers.
As part of our education program for the parents as well as teachers, we have organized a talk from Dr. H. V. Sardesai a well known medical practitioner and orator on their role in the overall development of the child on 11th Feb. 2012. He said all children are capable of attaining highest position in life as they have the potential . But parents & teachers have to play a important role in exposing the hidden talents in children. The child should feel interested & happy to do things. For this a good physical & mental health is important. He gave excellent tips to the parents and teachers on how to engage a child to be interested in creative work and utilize his / her full potential.
The curiosity & confidence of the child should be developed by answering the child’s queries. The emotional development and its management should be done skillfully to make the child a good balanced person in today’s world.
The talk was followed by a question and answer session . The main focus was how to use science and technology for the positive development of children.
Celebration time for young mothers !
We organize programs and activities for parents, especially young mothers to get them involved in the developmental programs we organize for children.
Recently , we have organized a fun filled day for young mothers to celebrate a traditional custom – “Haldi Kumkum” on the occasion of Makar Sankranti festival. Haldi Kumkum ceremony serves as a platform for women to meet and wish each other for a blissful married life by applying Haldi ( turmeric) & Kumkum ( a red coloured powder)) on each other’s forehead.
We used this platform to give an opportunity for the poor mothers who are working as maid servants, rag pickers & casual laborers to participate in some fun games. Around 45 ladies came together & spent a few hours of relaxation. They got opportunity to play different games. They enjoyed & had spirit to win. The winners were given prizes.
Once again we wish to convey our sincere thanks to you all for your generous donation to this project. We request for your continued support .
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