tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11915844301650905422024-03-05T23:09:29.162+05:30Friends of ChildrenWe sponsor college education in Bangalore.Akashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828328984243799353noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191584430165090542.post-48591117230006808612008-09-19T23:33:00.002+05:302008-09-19T23:37:05.244+05:30Our Outstanding(OutGoing) Kids<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0"><tbody><tr><td valign="top">31st August 2008, Just end of one more month for lot of us, Day to expect Salary in our account for lot of us, But at Friends of Children it was time to Windup yet another eventful year and goodbye to our outgoing student who completed their Degree and will go into the big bad world to make their mark<br /><br />On second thought it was a day of reunion for lot of Volunteers who have been busy with their own life for various reasons..<br /><br />It was a quick decision to have the celebration on 31st, which left with very little time for preparation, but we as always count on our kids and our <strong><span style="font-size:130%;">R</span></strong>ing <span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>M</strong></span>asters to put up a great show at a very short notice<br /><br />The was given a great start with Song about beauty of Karnataka<br /><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLbaToDAlqQmieySLb_-_cJWPnmYBnk9MXTHfFmEdDZ9YucH-BtK-OGWSRveH-1vZ9fQ2LhMuoTeHjjVL01N2UX8JCyknsY3gJ5HZ8nljRw6STzmcIGlJh5L9GyQ4wm-hoc9Y30u_xjkg/s1600-h/DSC04438.JPG" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247180922041316242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLbaToDAlqQmieySLb_-_cJWPnmYBnk9MXTHfFmEdDZ9YucH-BtK-OGWSRveH-1vZ9fQ2LhMuoTeHjjVL01N2UX8JCyknsY3gJ5HZ8nljRw6STzmcIGlJh5L9GyQ4wm-hoc9Y30u_xjkg/s400/DSC04438.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Anchors of the show mimicked a News channel, including their usual goof ups, which kept the audience glued to the seat<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247180930514242146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8fro3r-1MVvHKfOrGwUZAX42Ov857REmA-CTk_M3scQ6M_BwrHMjMey3EDr6Yx4Zr3X5CZwin1NSRRwNEVFLedgPaa2OSavM0ho8eXm1e-snXKJMpCCbGbzAeaW4OSF1t7OwlkmV9N1w/s400/DSC04447.JPG" border="0" /> Due with clear fore waring of Boredom, the kids left the stage to Ravi to present the report of the year. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247787968227601554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGFyzc7Nj067YHqbEJDF6EQy98bJ0YqIPF5r_CrnqiW_ujS58swVxFvdExsak1o2RpliT9JUi74mjaAWUnMu4bARjnO-83-z-KuJ9iga-Ot7LWVZUSN-4FZG4EWQyIiFNBbQgzJqR9YDE/s400/DSC04439.JPG" border="0" />Our Patrons and supporters made the celebration a great success by coming in great numbers, it was really nice to have them around.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSvY-xbNb_fEKdLkrb4h6HDvboqPWj08Hod443jwM-jCypAgj1fti0J2mPBGoWLeCDALghBZ7IhcQpsBj_hn5Gw8cllPCPZKS2JWTkoueyt5bBIk2-AfXBlVFhywJofW9mA2F33sF42cM/s1600-h/DSC04441.JPG" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247180926202975138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSvY-xbNb_fEKdLkrb4h6HDvboqPWj08Hod443jwM-jCypAgj1fti0J2mPBGoWLeCDALghBZ7IhcQpsBj_hn5Gw8cllPCPZKS2JWTkoueyt5bBIk2-AfXBlVFhywJofW9mA2F33sF42cM/s400/DSC04441.JPG" border="0" /></a> Being part of Friends of Children family, Children were curious to share their experience and Emotions<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXsAC8MxY2ICOO9slbleo0UDSu8PPu25gUQ9Uz_PxfEU3fF5m_sSAkzMTzGRO3ws1RSakdkx5FlCeYeyl0ZwgEDnj-TOlBg1qdLapLUroFkYk4scCI2PTPc3oky0Fnm2z_PERtjq70mmU/s1600-h/DSC04444.JPG" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247180925340342146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXsAC8MxY2ICOO9slbleo0UDSu8PPu25gUQ9Uz_PxfEU3fF5m_sSAkzMTzGRO3ws1RSakdkx5FlCeYeyl0ZwgEDnj-TOlBg1qdLapLUroFkYk4scCI2PTPc3oky0Fnm2z_PERtjq70mmU/s400/DSC04444.JPG" border="0" /></a> How can a Function at FOCh end without some Rocking performance by our Kids...? </p><p>Skit : Victim of Anil Uncles Pussy...<br /><br /></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247181582068116018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL3k7cjGA49nfgyQwFYqQfCjBSFOUIzv1xPu4fS7nfOAyD3C6kdjBxMnMOM-hSaSQvY3DQ04yRlhmAV_igd1UJne-ftWTtXoQLHD6koW8EShXwEg4xiMlUWOjbsxqG9KlOlPWCR45AUJQ/s400/DSC04453.JPG" border="0" /></p><p> Skit : NOKIA - Connecting people. </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247180460158798274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivw4KIJyFskUP19FWoAMf2UEorwP-aYIxZP_oFZoU7VS9XUJ1RncRbhfCu4_DCaypDuWByBAVVb4CoPZbi5nWMBsmecxmCaORoKw5-Svny91ziW-CtCcBXr0BSCRNa_nFBXEN4WRulX-o/s400/DSC04454.JPG" border="0" /><br />Our Stars who Graduated this year with their mentor, teacher and Uncle...Mr. Prakash<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247180460436726050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCeMsMeV3Z_lWcXYPvUNjFUkGVc2JAFueACUMNCepX_hvTuzoaVouckQ6ZJuEjGxL2LqvBPH2JUO46BLcOEXEOWSh78aC5366kjANv1n0uu_4iUvV22mVfl0j-OfNNo5BavtVQLmt-epE/s400/DSC04458.JPG" border="0" /><br />The Celebration came to end with titbit Snacks.. </p><p><br /></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247180455456291042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOCX0cnHsCv868b8henzXNiQ-1TsrEFRb46Q9G7WziCslcFatZN-tw2Mh53yeoxquirD4-A0r5kOR6DsyuaUwI4aNpSZMvir4e82JsWjxtxKYisr9w6Si_6Mh5mciLLOpjVNrsrp323rA/s400/DSC04461.JPG" border="0" /><br />Wow...See the Gang...looks much bigger than the <a href="http://kalashree.blogspot.com/2007/08/one-fine-sunday.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Previous year...</a><br /></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247180451897632786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-mqFtrVQoDVpRywJSKAHuMErKnPoELM93SFVEgNUbUiRybN1Rrmbgeu_WTey8IKJsnYYbKSgPvrDgPextqsrCc9PeI_qFBFWPKemap9yXx1CsTVli1wS0IdqZ88ht_d5x6pvrJ0rLt4/s400/DSC04464.JPG" border="0" /> </p><p>The Celebration ends for all....but starts now for "Pappu"....<br />Volunteers and kids putting their limited Dancing knowledge to the best use to Dance to tune "Pappu Can't Dance..."<br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNeNDAy4eJHFHgEYZRxsRRf-MZIuGov88qoIJjkcDPpzTI9Y9ZkZ558rr97bQPhEox5h1zeFD6Qmv97swntYI4qFcogqFeEH9X2tMpHCMBpSwkP3K6gYE9PN8Z3cDqgsY3kEczqmX2tXM/s1600-h/DSC04473.JPG" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247180444941051106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNeNDAy4eJHFHgEYZRxsRRf-MZIuGov88qoIJjkcDPpzTI9Y9ZkZ558rr97bQPhEox5h1zeFD6Qmv97swntYI4qFcogqFeEH9X2tMpHCMBpSwkP3K6gYE9PN8Z3cDqgsY3kEczqmX2tXM/s400/DSC04473.JPG" border="0" /></a> After a long celebration it was time to Say to Goodbye to all the Self Made Stars and Sit back and think..."What Next...?" </p><p>One more Challenging year to come.., which we are sure we cannot cross without your faith and support </p><p>Thanks for all the support and making <a href="http://www.friendsofchildrentrust.org/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Friends of Children </a>what it is today<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />--<br />Posted By Shrikanth Hampiholi to <a href="http://kalashree.blogspot.com/2008/09/our-outstandingoutgoing-kids.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">KalaShree</a> at 9/17/2008 07:17:00 PM</p><blockquote></blockquote></td></tr></tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191584430165090542.post-26708443700351537882008-03-30T19:31:00.005+05:302008-03-30T19:48:37.035+05:30Whazup?Well, Mohana Priya, who completed BCom in June-2007, is also selected for Oracle! She started working just few weeks ago. Well, that's not all. Our first batch student Karthik, who scored 88% in 10th, 83% in PUC in science, completed his BE in Electrical and Electronics from UVCE has joined in iGate this month. This was his campus interview selection and his selection date was finally given as this month beginning. Great to see the confidence boost that he got after this.<br /><br />Gopal [BCom final year], Shashikala [BSc 1st year] and Usha [MFA 1st year] got small amounts of scholarships for their consistent academic performance. Certainly they deserve a pat.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191584430165090542.post-11257760014501560802007-12-23T07:54:00.000+05:302007-12-23T08:01:13.683+05:30Usha in newsAs you know, Usha is being supported for her Master of Fine Arts at<br />Gulbarga. After she completed PUC when staying at Vatsalya, she was<br />supported for BFA at Chitra Kala Parishath. She is brave enough to go<br />to Gulbarga for her two year MFA.<br /><br />Usha's paintings are a part of the exhibition which was inaugurated<br />yesterday evening. I guess 14 of her paintings are selected for this event.<br /><a href="http://www.hindu.com/2007/12/23/stories/2007122354100500.htm">http://www.hindu.com/2007/12/23/stories/2007122354100500.htm</a> has some<br />details.<br /><br />This is certainly a very big moment for her as this is the first time her paintings are getting exhibited for public. Another major highlight is, 30% of the money which comes by selling the paintings would go towards supporting cancer research and cancer patients. That's a fantastic cause and gesture!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191584430165090542.post-27199229276931102682007-12-10T09:11:00.000+05:302007-12-10T09:37:28.317+05:30More updatesSome good news and and some not so good news. That's life.<br /><br />BCom students completed their 5th semester exams on Monday. Most of them have holidays for five weeks. While some students plan to prepare for aptitude etc, few others might go to their villages and a short break. Everybody seems to have written exams reasonably but for one subject: computer applications. The reason for not being able to do well was: lost of questions were asked from Tally software, in which these students didn't have exposure. All the students yesterday requested that they want to go to Tally course. Since many jobs now a days require a knowledge of Tally, it was suggested that the students should decide about the course, fee etc in this week itself, let the volunteers know about the plans and join the course ASAP.<br /><br />Dipankar Dutta, Pramila Joachim and Anu Kumar, volunteers from Oracle BootCamp came yesterday to St Teresa's to select students for the fourth batch. Yes, it is amazing to see the energy the volunteers bring in. The advice from previous BootCamp students [Nancy, Roopa Lakshmi and Sharada] strongly recommended the program to the new students. Following the last batch logistics, students from Prerana were also allowed to take part. The primarily consisted of BCom [around 20] and Diploma [around 20, all from Prerana]. Starting with introduction on BootCamp and time slot availability collection from students, stage is set to start the new batch - which might begin in January. Then there was a game [I don't know its name] whose objective was finally to give a message "In every communication, there will be key words and distractions. Understand the objective and catch or ignore parts of the content accordingly". Two teams of 20 each were asked to go from one end of the ground to another end. A bunch of old news paper sheets were given. The students are supposed to step only on those papers by putting them on the floor. They were supposed to device a strategy after discussing various alternatives. It was a very good team building exercise.<br /><br />English classes for PUC-I have been going on for the last three weeks. The classes are conducted from 10.30am to 12.00 noon by a lecturer from MES college. This is a very good activity to bring them up to speed in improving the language barrier issues.<br /><br />Bharat, [who is not financially supported by FoCh], had a partial paralysis stroke two weeks ago. Now he is recovering in BGS Global Hospital. He underwent many tests and fortunately he doesn't have to undergo any surgery. He goes to ACE for JEE/AIEEE coaching and is a bright student. He will have to be on medication for a long time.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191584430165090542.post-90341998557538919742007-11-25T18:27:00.001+05:302007-12-18T12:06:03.348+05:30Some updatesWell, "A" is out of station for six weeks or so. While he ensured he volunteered personally for the 'Disha' workshops, unfortunately we will miss his action for the exhibition. Remember his infamous speech (less??) during Disha'04 presentation ceremony? "Disha" is a separate topic on its own and hence let's come back to it in a separate discussion.<br /><br />Not many mails on egroup for last few months. We are missing quite a few updates. There has been lot of good news and updates to share with. Given that it is already close to six months since we started supporting new batch of PUC students, now is the time probably to keep documenting what happened. We might get some time as we now know which students are expected to come regularly, who are not coming, who are facing issues and what is their academic status as of now. We can probably start planning better based on the interaction so far.<br /><br />If I look at students from 2007-08 financial year point of view, I see that there are close to 70 students are on roll for FoCh. Here is the broad classification as of today:<br />Joined in 1st year PUC: 28 [3 boys and 25 girls]<br />Entered in BCom final year: 15 students [3 boys and 12 girls]<br />Passed BCom: 10 [All girls]<br />All others are one or two in their specific category.<br />Let me start with the ones who already completed their course.<br />All the BCom students [Sharada, Usha Rani, Lakshmi, Mercy, Mohana Priya, Sheela, Manju, Thenmoli, Renuka] passed with first class, but for one. Of these, Sharada [who scored close to 73% aggregate] and Usha Rani [who scored around 70% aggregate] got selected Oracle Financials. It is certainly a great achievement and hard work by them. The good news is, all other students also got some or the other job in accounting itself even before they got their results. They are happy. So are we.<br />Kalaivani, who was brave enough to go to Belgaum completed her diploma in nursing, passed with 76% and got a job in Vani Vilas Hospital.<br />Usha completed her BFA at Chitra Kalaa Parishath with 67% [my memory is too short. I am sure she got a little more than this]. In a quest of improving her skills, she joined in Master of Fine Arts at Gulbarga! Another one to go out of station for studies!!<br />It is equally and extremely rare to find students like Nancy [who topped her class with more than 80% in her final sem in her BE-InfoScience @ UVCE and secured a job at NokiaSiemens], Harish [who completed BE in ECE @ BMS and also got a job in Nokia Siemens], Nagarjuna [who completed his BE in CS @ BMS, got 98.8 percentile in GATE and joined MTech at IIT-Kgp], and Kiran [who completed his BE in CS @ Ramaiah, got 99.1 percentile in GATE and joined in MTech in IIT-M]. I don't think I should praise them further publicly as we have lot more expectations from them in reaching greater heights. Harish and Nancy now primarily take care of the PUC science students.<br />Gousiya has not been able to get her BE degree yet. However, if one wants to learn how to face difficult situations in life, fight against them and make progress, probably she is one of the best examples. After completing various mechanical CAD courses and waiting for few months to get a reasonable technical job of her domain, finally she has been able to get one. She is now even more confident and positive in her life.<br />There is certainly a very special place for Meenakshi too, who has not yet completed her studies. After successfully completing BSc with 72% in psychology, she joined in MSc in Bangalore University!! As Bhanu Kiran says, she is a rare gem and is probably "over qualified" for her selection for her masters admission. :-) [Her efforts require a separate write-up on her.]<br />Of the ones who completed BCom last year, few deserve a special mention: Leema, Jyothi are volunteering actively to give some free time to Prakash. And there is Kousalya, who manages her time extremely well, performing equally well in her BBA and volunteers at St Teresa's as well as Vatsalya! I feel all the volunteers have a lot to learn from her - at least I should.<br /><br />All the volunteers are really proud to be associated with each and every one of these students. Rather, probably the volunteers are more privileged to be able to help them in some way or the other. It is always amazing to see that these kids are so brave to fight the odds and still come out with flying colours. To be frank there are some students who never turned up after we pay the fee. And some may even drop out. However, those kids who are putting sincere efforts are the ones who inspire us and ensure the efforts are going on at St Teresa's on every weekend. Without them, there is no meaning of Friends of Children.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191584430165090542.post-18405140391722588332007-08-09T15:56:00.000+05:302008-11-13T13:20:00.068+05:30One fine sunday....<div align="justify">22nd July 2007, an Emotional day for Volunteers and Students of Friends of children Trust.<br /><br />Occasion was to bid good bye to the first batch of students who joined us when the trust took birth, or rather these are the children behind the birth of FOCh.<br /><br />The First Batch of students have finished their Graduation and have taken up jobs and two of our students getting into IIT to pursue M.Tech It really called for celebrations.<br /><br />The specialty of the program was it was fully planned and managed by the students except for little guidance and support from the volunteers.<br /><br />The day started with a Prayer</div><div align="justify"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5096625641383470850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Gmpz2dA-eX5qlCPaAjlzbnb7kxEefPufcCMFmf1QW6JZclekZgaKDSsXMrfryDvU6whSnqtCnC4LOj_ucfyyft3HmcdcXP-819XOgwDkKjzt90jKf01Z09z1k8hbOES2RAJH_8DGjEM/s400/DSC02726.JPG" border="0" /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTpnbODo8lslXWF_tdvqN4tVzf3LxLsmS8CFoQ3QyKg-mfmNTkkqKmHnxGJz-KElR8PpHgPWkN9gFh_DRNrQjSbGB2yXP_Hqz6uezsG2is4JY2Y_Fk06SUIYW9LAG2X4MTotzQcyIR9_s/s1600-h/DSC02686.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5096625607023732418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTpnbODo8lslXWF_tdvqN4tVzf3LxLsmS8CFoQ3QyKg-mfmNTkkqKmHnxGJz-KElR8PpHgPWkN9gFh_DRNrQjSbGB2yXP_Hqz6uezsG2is4JY2Y_Fk06SUIYW9LAG2X4MTotzQcyIR9_s/s400/DSC02686.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">It was time for the gang Achievers to share their thoughts, motivate the new students, Cry and become emotional....( was it started by me ??, hope not )<br /><br />Nancy is working with Siemens, after finishing her B.E in CSE from UVCE, Bangalore.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguC3OBG0uj4nuIk1nApCpFSlPv_FLaIg_CCTlI_Rmg14LRvFWKnbmATJubViCXpIxuveo9XsfdMQdqOQT1Gz9W5u9eLuja9UsJrbXQgbgKwubfllUMx_M7vFkN3jTwgTbTrEp_JhES-lU/s1600-h/DSC02704.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5096625615613667026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguC3OBG0uj4nuIk1nApCpFSlPv_FLaIg_CCTlI_Rmg14LRvFWKnbmATJubViCXpIxuveo9XsfdMQdqOQT1Gz9W5u9eLuja9UsJrbXQgbgKwubfllUMx_M7vFkN3jTwgTbTrEp_JhES-lU/s400/DSC02704.JPG" border="0" /></a>Kiran, who has been mentored for the last three years, secured a seat in IIT-Madras in MTech-Computer Science. Kiran ranked 5th in engineering entrance after completing diploma.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggAAZQfGym69uhyy3B0JWvB1HH0W1TTLDCILS7626FEQoC506w2OtqF0i0of1kJp6KVcYDiAyhi1ZPzzOSe_1mf_7kUUTk6QxGEKWEi5uTMMPn8bcpP1ete8MD9IK1vU5le8uGPAt_UZ0/s1600-h/DSC02712.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5096625624203601634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggAAZQfGym69uhyy3B0JWvB1HH0W1TTLDCILS7626FEQoC506w2OtqF0i0of1kJp6KVcYDiAyhi1ZPzzOSe_1mf_7kUUTk6QxGEKWEi5uTMMPn8bcpP1ete8MD9IK1vU5le8uGPAt_UZ0/s400/DSC02712.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><p>Among the guests we had were people from Oracle with whose partnership we conducted program called HOPE, Anil Birla who made an impact on our B.Com students giving them to commerce beyond academics. </p><p>The Achievers of the out going batch were felicitated by the guests</p><p>Sharada a Commerce feather in FoCh's cap</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5096630967142917922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbFhbc9iyQbcRS-hEecyy-bHjqbqQoQo2BwQjOxj4mW9YBEtK8BD84h5Q5cugJ9cVdRC9C-j7kPiUodcqgoXGIGZ6EX-jD4GykjnUyq3srCCjxhZ5T1Aoh6_MxS1XbqAkcQQmxv6vCbQ4/s400/DSC02714.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>While Ravi and Prakash are proud to call out the Names </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggCwxr9dLez39L6LrwD-nOutbmvTiCWTrh9yodcFOzsUARfX_vZKKv5wRLs5L0GArqmxSCUc5L9SUNZlIsXdmV35GOTg7tuW_-j4L1iwHAvgaN5aUo4xDlY7-p9bxolEUvsG33zB2qwFs/s1600-h/DSC02722.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5096625632793536242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggCwxr9dLez39L6LrwD-nOutbmvTiCWTrh9yodcFOzsUARfX_vZKKv5wRLs5L0GArqmxSCUc5L9SUNZlIsXdmV35GOTg7tuW_-j4L1iwHAvgaN5aUo4xDlY7-p9bxolEUvsG33zB2qwFs/s400/DSC02722.JPG" border="0" /></a></p><p align="justify">The Day ended with a BIG Group photo session and Snacks brought by BG entering their rightful place.<br /><br />With this we bid Goodbye to a Batch of a Bright students to pursue their career and make it big in life.<br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5096626062290265874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3FoQneSvOv4wGjAwsKWmHI7HJVVdkx2AWd2DRLoaNfwYw2M8uBPikVAZw2AgW8Neg4pMSQ56efGbbEbdrgteLPXEjw4S4ShxgT5ebTLG7cA-Rr_oLCimcIp37Lo_94mzGtLe2dqsXAgI/s400/DSC02730.JPG" border="0" /> <p>But, how could we close the day without welcoming the new Volunteers, The out going batch has taken up the mentoring of new students. It really feels great.</p><p>If this calls you to be a volunteer yourself do not hold back just drop a mail to <a href="mailto:Ravi.Vattipalli@synopsys.com">Ravi</a>, <a href="mailto:Shrikanth.hampi@nxp.com">Shrikanth</a> or <a href="mailto:Akash.n@gmail.com">Akash</a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191584430165090542.post-25651499247443268462007-06-30T11:17:00.000+05:302007-06-30T11:25:16.188+05:30FoCh in news<a href="http://www.synopsys.com/news/pubs/insight/india/art6_reg_cr-v2s2.html?NLC-insight&Link=India_June07_V2_I2-India_Reg2">A brief write-up on Disha'06, the fourth annual science fair for government high schools in Bangalore.<br /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191584430165090542.post-87160383655906333252007-06-30T10:53:00.000+05:302007-06-30T11:14:48.306+05:30Success stories of some of our engineering studentsIt has been six years since Nancy has been mentored and financially supported by FoCh. She got her final sem results yesterday. Guess what, she is just getting better always and achieving more successes. She ranked 1st in the department (Information Science, UVCE) in her 8th sem. She secured a job in Siemens - Bangalore. She has also been volunteering all along.<br /><br />Nagarjuna, who has been mentored by FoCh volunteers for six years, secured a seat in IIT-Kharagpur in MTech-Computer Science. His other credentials include 92% in 10th, and 3rd rank in engineering entrance after completing diploma. Kiran, who has been mentored for the last three years, secured a seat in IIT-Madras in MTech-Computer Science. Kiran ranked 5th in engineering entrance after completing diploma.<br /><br />It looks simple when we read such stories now. But, it is purely their consistent hard work, focus and dedication all these years which made them reach such positions. All the best to them.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191584430165090542.post-81547527595974314292007-05-16T18:00:00.000+05:302008-11-13T13:20:00.432+05:30The next stepThis is the time of the year when students step from their schooling to college education. 10th standard results have come, Karnataka board has shown increased pass percentage. And, over 6o students, applied for scholarships with us.<br /><br />So, over the last several weekends, we visited their homes. Talking to their families, figuring out the social-economic conditions, and counselling the kids on application process.<br /><div></div><br /><div>When came across families that can fend for themselves, we move on.</div><br /><div>There are a lot of homes that strike a chord.....you are stunned and amazed at the poverty.....and yet the persevearance & the enthusiasm of the children to study further.......and the desperateness in their parents.</div><div></div><br /><div>I don't want to romanticize their lives. But would like to present a few impressions during the visits.<br /></div><div>Here is Chaitra, she kept calling me for weeks, as to when we would visit their house. And finally Nancy & I, landed one day, to find her, and her step-mother with a young child, smiling & waiting for us.</div><br /><div>We were led to their small home - zapped by Kalpana Chawla's pic all over....apparently Chaitra gave a talk on her at school.</div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5064457360130896130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UoD9P8u1M7o/RkiRIuq28QI/AAAAAAAAAYM/Oqe_b66vqAw/s400/House+visit2.jpg" border="0" /></div>A kannada medium student, she secured 82%. Daughter of a lorry driver, stays with her granny step mother, an infant, an uncle - whoz down with TB(Tuberculosis) and needs to be supported - A small house, no TV etc<br /><br />And....she wants to take up science....perhaps be an Engineer etc....on first looks it looks possible....but then coming from Kannada medium, taking up science, amidst the stiff competition may not be easy......we are still debating Science vs Commerce for her.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5064457342951026930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UoD9P8u1M7o/RkiRHuq28PI/AAAAAAAAAYE/yguvDiJi_u8/s400/House+Visit1.jpg" border="0" /><br />Of the 60++ house visits, various teams from us did.....here for the first time, Nancy was offered 'Arishina kumkuma' ;-)<br /><br />Moving on....two more cases.<br /><br />Nirmala.....daughter of a Nepali security guard (Goorkha)...Ram Bahadur......he gaurds a shopping complex on Lalbaugh road.....and behind the complex...in between the space between two buildings... a corridor is his house....I opened the door... walked in to a narrow corridor....a cot...and thats it.....mother no more......she has a younger brother... is determined to study. She got 80% in 10th...and she joined commerce at BMS college today.<br /><br />As we were winding up the selection process...one of the newly selected student, brought her friend along...RajaLakshmi.....Father security guard...1.5k....Mother house maid.....another 1.5k.....some more money with over-time work....a younger sister who moves to 8th std now....money not sufficient....and she has been working......she has been working part-time at a Fancy store near her home...5:30pm to 8:30pm kinds...during her 10th std....earned 850 per month....and passed with 66%........in the holidays she works fulltime and is paid 1350. And, she wants to persue commerce.<br /><br />Girls (& boyz) like them.....define life.<br /><br />Yes, we need funds to sponsor their education....we have identified around 20 students for full support, and a few with partial support.Akashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828328984243799353noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191584430165090542.post-76278950414073802062007-02-09T18:24:00.000+05:302007-02-05T12:42:35.532+05:30New academic yearWhen? Really? I am not studying in a school or a college! How does it matter to me? Or, even to you? [Well, I mean to say that I am not odd man out :-)]<br /><br />A businessman hopes his child to become a businessman. A engineer does. A doctor does. A minister does. And, every successful person does want his/her kids to do better. And, gets admission in the best schools. Perfecly fine.<br /><br />Can't the maid servant, a construction labourer or even any other daily wage earner hope his/her child to lead a better life of what they themselves have been leading? Should they migrate to a city for better education, which slum they settle in? What if they fall sick for few days?<br /><br />We expect our maid servant to come exactly at specific time. Every day, without fail. We expect the daily wage labourers to work for full 8 hours. [By the way, this reminds me one more thing: I work in a software company which allows flexi-hours or even work from home once in a while, if I would like to do so.] Commute from wherever they are; in search of work. There is no way their kids can compete with the kids who are polished through various coaching systems.<br /><br />When I go to a petrol pump to get the fuel filled for my vehicle, every helper there is supposed to have passed 12th standard by rule. No space for "less" educated! Suffocating!!<br /><br />The other day, 46 boys ran away from a juvenile (remand) home in Madivala. Why? Don't they have all the facilities required to continue stay over there? May be providing educational support would change at least some of their lives?<br /><br />There are many many kids who just do not know what to do by getting educated. With corporate world setting shops of all kinds, including groceries and huge malls, no doubt there are more job opportunities for lower middle class families. And even the so called "eco-system" (?!) is built around that with call centers and so on.<br /><br />For many of them, going to a vocational course or a skill training is good enough to be able to start leading a respected life. For this, we need to identify courses, institutes, selection process and so on.<br /><br />At FoCh, every day is a new academic year. Watch out for deserving students. Anywhere. Anytime. They don't necessariy have to have outscored the rest. Having a willingness to study should be enough. It has been obseved that it is too late trying to identify students "after" the results are announced and trying to take them to the next level. If you find anybody who is inclined to study, the least you can do is to keep in touch with them at least to pass on the information.<br /><br />It is more than five and half years since many kids have been with us all along. Few might have lost touch in between. But, they do come back. In search of better future. That's all we hope.<br /><br />India shining, poised and what not. May be, may be not. I don't know.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191584430165090542.post-75055885203036735682007-01-19T00:12:00.001+05:302007-01-19T12:51:31.076+05:30Disha THE event<div text="black" style="color:white;"><span class="q"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:arial;">An earlier writeup on Disha 05....</span> </span></span><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6195/1266/400/0966.jpg" border="0" /><span class="st" id="st" name="st">Disha</span> is a workshop and an exhibition of science experiments for high-school children, predominantly from Govt. schools. An annual event for the last 3 years, initiated and pursued by the volunteers of Friends of Children and sponsored by Synopsis India. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6195/1266/400/PC032415.2.jpg" border="0" /></span></p><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6195/1266/400/PC032414.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6195/1266/400/0934_small.jpg" border="0" /> The idea was to encourage science at govt. schools. To get the students & teachers involved. So, we decided on a workshop for the students by a professional, soon followed by an exhibition of science projects done by the students. </span></p><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6195/1266/400/0977_small.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6195/1266/400/0953_small.jpg" border="0" /><br />We invite one or two teams of 2 students each from schools with emphasis on larger participation from the govt. schools.<br /></span><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6195/1266/400/13A_0195.jpg" border="0" /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6195/1266/400/0930.jpg" border="0" /> <img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6195/1266/400/102_0224.0.jpg" border="0" /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6195/1266/400/102_0241.jpg" border="0" /><br />Mr. Hari Paramesharan of Dynam has been conducting the workshop for us. Very lively, every student gets a kit. Lotz of experiments are conducted over the day. And, science is introduced/illustrated in a simple, thought-provoking way. Mr. Hari leads the way, explaining, asking, & demonstrating it. And, the students find it very interesting. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6195/1266/400/IMG_0212.0.jpg" border="0" /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6195/1266/400/IMG_0229.jpg" border="0" /> <img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6195/1266/400/IMG_0259.jpg" border="0" /><br />Usually, a science teacher accompanies the students. And, this year, we wanted to have a workshop exclusively for them too. In came Mr. Balluragi, a retired highschool teacher from Dharwad. He is known for popularising science amongst schools, has authored a few books, and is known for his simple experiments & explanations. It was such a privilege to have him with us. Volunteers, who witnessed his workshop were bowled, and the teachers very impressed. Ravi thanking Shri Balluragi. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6195/1266/400/100_0019.jpg" border="0" /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6195/1266/400/PC032387.jpg" border="0" /><br /><span class="st" id="st" name="st">Disha</span> 2003: 12 schools; 7 govt+5 aided; 40 projects; 80 students; 14 teachers<br /><span class="st" id="st" name="st">Disha</span> 2004: 35 schools; 17 govt+18 aided; 75 projects; 154 students; 38 teachers<br /><span class="st" id="st" name="st">Disha</span> 2005: 31 schools; 27 govt+ 5 aided; 31 projects; 67 students; 31 teachers </span></p><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><span style="color:#000000;"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6195/1266/400/PC032395.jpg" border="0" /><br />And....in 2003 & 2004, the events happened at St. Theresa School, Chamrajpet. This year, we moved it to St. Josephs Indian High School. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6195/1266/400/0924.1.jpg" border="0" />Organising an event like this is a huge challenge. Visiting schools, talking to the head-master, science teacher, etc. Getting their confirmations. Then the workshop happens. Usually, we have had problems like unconfirmed schools dropping in, throwing the planning out of gear. Its fun, and very challenging. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6195/1266/400/PC032400.jpg" border="0" /></span></p><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;">And then the exhibition day, which is typically a fortnight after the workshop. The teams are re-embursed up to 500rs for the project. The students arrive with their projects, set up stalls, start explaining, crowds pour in, mostly students from host & neighbouring schools. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6195/1266/400/0940_small.jpg" border="0" /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6195/1266/400/0961.jpg" border="0" /> <img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6195/1266/400/PC032407.0.jpg" border="0" /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6195/1266/400/0987.0.jpg" border="0" /> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;">Judges. Yes, we have had some very fine judges, some of them from Synopisis, and the rest mostly with IISc connections. The judges go meet the teams, and then arrive at a decision. Here, the judges being introduced to the students and then they meet the students, and finally they are discussing. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6195/1266/400/1013.jpg" border="0" /></span></p><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;">And, finally, certificates for all, and prizes for the first few are given away. Apart from the first three prize winning trophies, we have had other sponsorers pitching in with gifts, from books to NIIT courses. Bhanu Kiran - the spirit behind FoCh - giving away prizes. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6195/1266/400/0954_small.jpg" border="0" /></span></p></span><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;">Yes, apart from Science experiments, this event has had an equally important goal for us. Passing the message to students that, if you are interested in studies and are unable to continue it for financial reasons, we are there to help you out. The Friends of Children gang has been sponsoring college education for quite sometime now. An informal group of volunteers, we sponsor their education and mentor them on weekends. Mentoring/academic doubt clearance happens at St. Theresa school, Chamrajpet. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6195/1266/400/102_0230.jpg" border="0" /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6195/1266/400/0945_small.jpg" border="0" /> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;">Another issue of concern is rationalism. Science should imply rationalism. Unfortunately, in our country, Science is just another subject. A curious mind, understanding the science behind, can all happen. But soon, we start having a whole lot of superstitions in the name of personal faith & tradition. Especially with impressionable minds and coming from under-previleged societies, it becomes necessary to talk 'bout rationalism, to talk 'bout the science behind 'miracles'. A gang that has worked hard towards pushing rationalism in our society has been the </span><a onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)" href="http://www.ee.iitkgp.ernet.in/~soumitro/bt/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;">Breakthrough Science Society</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;"> and herz a </span><a onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)" href="http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2003/09/22/stories/2003092201630200.htm" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;">news article </span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;">on them. For us, they have been conducting 'miracle bursting' programmes: expose the 'miracles' performed by false swamies. Hope to involve such groups in <span class="st" id="st" name="st">Disha</span>.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6195/1266/400/102_0252.1.jpg" border="0" /></span></p><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;">Yes, <span class="st" id="st" name="st">Disha</span> for us has been taking the excitment of science to govt. school children and teachers. Telling the children that higher education is possible. And, someday hope to talk 'bout rationalism as well. Here, Shrikanth talks 'bout the options available after 10th std. </span></p><span class="q"><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6195/1266/400/0997_small.0.jpg" border="0" /></span></p><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;">Disha also means event management of the highest order. The number of schools, teams, children, teachers, judges, prizes, certificates, VIP's. Its a challenge. We have reached out to less than 30 govt. high schools in Bangalore. There are hundred's of govt high schools in Bangalore alone. Can we reach out to them ? And, what about the rural schools, can we think on those lines, reaching out to smaller towns, away from Bangalore. Can we replicate this model elsewhere ? Thats the challenge. Money is not an issue, but dynamic volunteers to make it happen.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;">Special thanks to Synopsis India for sponsoring the event all these years. And, if you are interested in volunteering for <span class="st" id="st" name="st">Disha</span> 2006 (Nov-Dec) or with Friends of Children, dash a mail to </span><a onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)" href="mailto:ravi.vattipalli@synopsys.com" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;">Ravi</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;">.</span></p></span><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;">Snaps from various sources cover <span class="st" id="st" name="st">Disha</span> 03, 04 & 05.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;"></span></p></div>Akashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828328984243799353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191584430165090542.post-86619435728124723602007-01-17T21:20:00.000+05:302007-02-02T14:38:58.452+05:30Friends of ChildrenChildren....nice sounding name....well, if you don't agree, then you must meet Bhanu Kiran. Every line from him would have 'children' uttered atleast twice. Soon, you get used to it, and start liking it. And, very soon you would get to meet these 'children', who will call you 'uncle' or 'aunty'........and soon they also become YOUR children.<br /><br />These children are not so small, infact all of them are out of school, and are busy chasing their dreams. A beautiful dream. But strangely, you & I may not have had such dreams.<br /><br />A dream to study.<br /><br />Yes, we sponsor their education & mentor them. We would like to see them persue their basic right of education. To blossom.<br /><br />India has a lot of her children like these. And, ours has been an attempt to do our bit. We are an informal group of volunteers, having established a trust, we have raised money through our contacts, and have continued to identify, sponsor, & mentor such children for the last 7 years. And, we have reached out predominantly to the girl child.<br /><br />We have had both happy& sad stories.<br /><br />Happy stories include a lot of girls standing on their feet. Getting to good jobs, leading better lives, and reaching out to their families. We have students getting into Engineering & Medicine. Students getting jobs in Infosys, TCS & HP. A dream come true.<br /><br />And, we also have failure tales. Students discontining their studies: parental pressure to work or get married.<br /><br />Thats the reason we emphasis on mentoring them, establishing strong rapport & bonds with them. Ensuring they don't get distracted, they study well, and life is smooth.<br /><br />Thats where you can come in. Mentor them, teach them, sponsor their education.<br /><br />There are a lot of children having nightmares, and we strongly believe in getting them to sleep well & dream of making it big.<br /><br />Friends of children for you, ladies & gentlemen.Akashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06828328984243799353noreply@blogger.com1