Educational Sponsorship for 120 Children - India

Dear donors and supporters,

Greeting from IDEA! 

Final results were out in June and IDEA sponsored kids were thrilled to see their success in 10^th and 12^th. 22 students have a first class (above 60%) in 10^th and 15 students have a first class in 12^th. Average performance of the remaining 51 students is 50%. 2 sponsored girls have scored above 90% in 10^th. How could we forget to honor their achievement? These children worked really hard in difficult circumstances.

Career Guidance Workshop

Many young girls and boys in slum communities want to study further but do not know the sources of information. They need career guidance especially during crucial times in their academic life. IDEA Foundation fills this gap by organizing Career Guidance Workshops for them. This summer, it took place on 12^th June, 2014, for Idea sponsored students in 10^th, 11^th and 12^th class. Resource persons from various fields gave their inputs on professions in Science, Commerce, Nursing, Law, Commercial Arts and technical branch.

An IDEA volunteer talked about science stream and said that one should choose a career considering personal strengths, interests and abilities. Another resource person spoke about a Nursing profession and shared his own career journey in nursing. He gave information about ANM (Auxiliary Nurse Midwife) and GNM (General Nursing Midwifery) courses which one can pursue after 10^th and suggested few strategies to get rid of the fear of speaking and writing in English. Another speaker delivered a lecture on commerce and gave an emphasis on completion of graduation. He requested all the students to take an aptitude test and then choose their career path.

One of the IDEA volunteers is pursuing law. She presented various opportunities in the field of law such as criminal law, domestic law, labor law, corporate law, cyber law and Civil Law. Another resource person talked about opportunities after 10th. Hotel Management, Fashion Designing, and Mobile Repairing could be a different path of career. He also described various courses available in private and government Polytechnic Colleges. One of the present beneficiaries of sponsorship program shared her experience of science stream she is studying in.

Thank you donors! You really contribute a lot for building our future. 

Success story of Seema:

Seema (name changed) lives in Shastrinagar community which is a low income locality. Her father is an auto driver and her mother conducts private tuitions for children from 1^st to 7^th. Her Brother has a diploma in Mechanical engineering and wants to get a further degree.

Seema lives with her family in a single room which has no source of ventilation. According to her mother, Seema is an intelligent, quiet and sensible girl from her childhood. Her parents tried to educate their children but could not afford it. That time, IDEA Foundation pitched in like a blessing, they said. A new avenue opened up for Seema. She picked up several opportunities to develop her personality. She participated in Spoken English class, various workshops, lectures and exposure visits organized by IDEA.

She lives in a slum with poor living conditions, lack of hygiene, overcrowding and crime. She comes across people who quarrel and use foul language. All of that contributes to the vicious circle of poverty and illiteracy. But Seema dared to sprout up in such environment and achieved 87% in 10^th.

When her mother was ill, Seema helped her mother in the household chores. She used to study for three hours every day. Her parents are encouraging and supportive. She has started learning Kathak dance in the vacation. She takes initiative in extra-curricular activities.

Now she is looking forward to complete her graduation in science and study even further.

Dear donors, many girls like Seema are looking forward to your continued support. Tomorrow (16^th July) is a bonus day. Please donate through Global Giving and IDEA will get 40% match for your contribution. Matching begins at 9 am EDT and lasts until funds run out or 11.59 pm EDT. Please pay for the cause of education.