Transform Outcomes for Children at Risk In India

Literacy is the greatest gift a person could receive.- John Selinsky 

The truth in this quote is something that reverberated strongly on the day of the eight of the September 2014 for us.   

World Literacy day. A day recognized by UNESCO to realize the importance of  Literacy to individuals, communities and societies. At MAD, our vision is to empower all our children with education being a big stepping stone to them leading a holistic and fulfilling lifestyle. The smile on a child's face when their favorite teacher walks in to the class, or the radiating joy when they go over the shelves of books in their newly painted library is one of the most rewarding experiences for any MADster.  

This world Literacy day was the second edition of MAD's unique nationwide event to mark the day: Back-a-thon '14. An event to raise awareness about Literacy by symbolically walking backward. A community of young, passionate, enthusiasts walking the change with an aim to spread the message of literacy and to create a positive change in this society. 

This year close to 2000 change makers from across 19 cities in India  supported this initiative to push Illiteracy backward. The cause of bringing the light of Literacy was strengthened a bit more this year.

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How many of you have struggled with a Rubik's cube? I know I have wrestled with it for hours on end only to end up red faced and the faces a myriad of red, blue and green. Our children from St. Catherine's, Mumbai turned out to be pros when they got into a Discover activity with the VJTI college to learn the cube better. And what do they all make together? 

Check out the picture of what they made at the bottom! :)

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The success stories from on ground keep on coming. Meet Kavya from Bangalore. An eager 18 year old, she has been a part of MAD's Popel Project for over a year. Karishma, her 'wingman', recounts the first time she met Kavya.

When I first met Kavya, she was hung up on getting a job at a call centre. “What’s the point of going to college, I’ll get the same amount of money after getting a degree that I’ll get after my 12-boards.” Her mind seemed made up.

Lack of awareness, said Karishma, was what was holding Kavya back. She had no interest in Arts, drawing dance et al. There was no spark. 

Until she felt a change in Kavya. Karishma's regular chats and mentor approach with her had an effect. Upon being asked what she wanted to do after a few months, Kavya said, 'Banking'.  All thanks to MAD’s Discover Project that had conducted a banking activity which Kavya had attended. Somewhere, some-how, that activity had stirred her curiosity and eagerness. The Banking professionals had told her that anyone can becoming a banker by getting a college degree in B.Com. And Kavya, believed she could do it.

And now, almost a year later, Kavya is a student of B. Com in the RBANMS college, Bangalore. Studying to fulfil her dream of becoming a banker. The road was not easy. There were hardships. There were challenges. But, as long as you have someone to go over them and support you through thick and thin, it's all a game! 

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Up ahead, we have exciting times. MAD turns 8 years old this November. Instead of celebrating it the traditional way for a day, we take the party to the world. For a week MADsters all over the country go on ground to do random acts of kindness, called the MAD Week. From helium balloons, to cakes,to free hugs to accoustic nights in public places. 

We turn eight. Will you join us?

Because, happiness is contagious. :)