The Price of someone's Haircut = The Price of someone else's School Fees
Think before you spend !!!
24th November 2008
Hyderabad
On Tuesday (18th November 2008), there was a short meeting in Hyderabad to discuss on taking up projects in Hyderabad. We are working on this. If there are any inputs that can he shared, kindly do so
Bangalore
On Thursday (20th November 2008) we had a meeting with SAP Business Objects representatives regarding the funding for which we have applied. It was informal, basically getting to know the work we are doing and sharing information and answering questions. They wanted to visit the school that we are involved with. On Saturday (22nd November 2008) we visited the school after the Teacher was informed in prior about this. Around 9:15am we reached the school. The representatives from SAP Business Objects interacted with the Head Mistress and asked questions on the school, the helped offered from the Government and how we are playing a part there etc...
The Teacher was very cooperative during this process. Once the meeting was done, we went around the class rooms and the representatives were shown the physical infrastructure. Later we were told by the representatives that our presentation for our project would be on 27th November 2008 (Thursday). We have to prepare for this. If there are any inputs that can be shared, kindly feel free to do so. Your feedback will only enrich our presentation
The Teacher gave a list of things that are now needed by the school. Below is the list
(1) Patriotic songs cd
(2) Pictures/information/video cd's of – wildlife – sources of water – desert (different places) – rhymes – story telling – science experiments – National leaders life story
(3) There was also a request if there the children can be taken out one day for a educational picnic
If there are any items on which information/the source can be shared, kindly feel free to do so. Thanks to Rakesh, we had taken a lot of snaps during the visit
So we have our first presentation hopefully this week, where we shall showcase our work to a company. Hoping that we do our best here J
If there are inputs/feedbacks, do communicate the same
Feel free to spread the message of Saktyavesh in letter and spirit with interested individuals and organizations
On Tuesday (18th November 2008), there was a short meeting in Hyderabad to discuss on taking up projects in Hyderabad. We are working on this. If there are any inputs that can he shared, kindly do so
Bangalore
On Thursday (20th November 2008) we had a meeting with SAP Business Objects representatives regarding the funding for which we have applied. It was informal, basically getting to know the work we are doing and sharing information and answering questions. They wanted to visit the school that we are involved with. On Saturday (22nd November 2008) we visited the school after the Teacher was informed in prior about this. Around 9:15am we reached the school. The representatives from SAP Business Objects interacted with the Head Mistress and asked questions on the school, the helped offered from the Government and how we are playing a part there etc...
The Teacher was very cooperative during this process. Once the meeting was done, we went around the class rooms and the representatives were shown the physical infrastructure. Later we were told by the representatives that our presentation for our project would be on 27th November 2008 (Thursday). We have to prepare for this. If there are any inputs that can be shared, kindly feel free to do so. Your feedback will only enrich our presentation
The Teacher gave a list of things that are now needed by the school. Below is the list
(1) Patriotic songs cd
(2) Pictures/information/video cd's of – wildlife – sources of water – desert (different places) – rhymes – story telling – science experiments – National leaders life story
(3) There was also a request if there the children can be taken out one day for a educational picnic
If there are any items on which information/the source can be shared, kindly feel free to do so. Thanks to Rakesh, we had taken a lot of snaps during the visit
So we have our first presentation hopefully this week, where we shall showcase our work to a company. Hoping that we do our best here J
If there are inputs/feedbacks, do communicate the same
Feel free to spread the message of Saktyavesh in letter and spirit with interested individuals and organizations
17 November 2008
Bangalore:The school was declared Holiday on last saturday so we could not make it to school
Chennai:We have asked for the valuation of the request and list of request in the order of priority, so that we can take one by one which ever we could make it first.
Chennai:We have asked for the valuation of the request and list of request in the order of priority, so that we can take one by one which ever we could make it first.
10 November 2008
Bangalore:
We have been to the bank. For the current account passbook will not be given and only cheques. The cheques also has been delivered to the Vinay's address.We went to school in to take snaps of the children for the web site creation.
Chennai:
We went to school as a Team (Prakash,Senthil Arasu, Pandimurugan, Vignesh Babu , Antony Jasmine and Venkatachalem( Prakash's office staff)). The school name is National Primary school in Pallavaram. This school has 252 students from class I to VIII. It is running for past 75 years. It is running in the rented building. The management is not able to take care of the school, so the condition of the school is not good. We reached the school 7:30 in morning and we met the teachers.We had good discussion with the Staffs and children in the school. Then We attended the prayer in the school.
1. What is the go forward plan of the management regarding the school? How are they planning to run, maintain and take the functioning of the school forward?
The management doesn't have any plan on running the school. The management pays only the rent of the building and they are asking the staffs to run the school.
2 .Need to be absolutely sure that the management has no doubts on functioning of school in future also.
Yes. There is not doubt that school will be functioning. It is Government aided school so it cannot be closed. The important point we observed here is each and every one of the student in this school have some problems in their family like many are orphans and some don't have father or mother. Even if they have parents, they are daily wages and they are not able to pay even for the admission fees. So if we join these students in normal school, they will suffer to survive.
3. Are they eligible or supposed to receive any kind of aid from Government for running the school? If that is the case, we can try out some options in those lines as well in addition to the support from our side.
They are already receiving help from the government for Mid day lunch, staff salary and under the SSV scheme they are receiving around Rs7000(not exactly) yearly , cards for teaching the students and some educational CDs also. They have given the petition collector and Minister for the help, as it is Government aided and the management is different the higher officials said they cannot help.
4. Have they approached anyone for help earlier and has anyone approached them with help earlier.
Yes. They have approached many people for help. But they have got help as one time and not further. They have got small help from Medical shops and some other people for benches and screens. No one/Group has come forward to help them fully.
5. Are they/are they not, working with the intention of spreading any religion?
No. They are not working in the intention of spreading the religion. They work fully in the intention of giving education and service mind.
6. MOU need to be signed saying that we are here working for the said purpose and what support we need/expect from the school/staff
We have talked to the staff and need to be done later.
7. Need to know if the school also wants to have classes for 9th and 10th standard also
The school doest have any good infrastructure and space to expand. So as of now it cannot be done.
8. Need to visit the school with the Team.
Done !
Their Urgent requirement
• Building for the school.(This cannot be done by us, we can get some help from other originations if possible)
• Roof of the Building.
• Whitewash to the existing building.
• Mats to the students to sit.
• Benches to the students (we have to discuss about this).
• Cans to store the water.
• Toilet facilities.
• screens to hide the sun light for the afternoon session
• Black Board
Photos of the school is uploaded in the given link: http://picasaweb.google.com/visitprakashindia/National_school#
If there is anything's that can be shared or questioned, kindly feel free to do so
Feel free to spread the message of Saktyavesh in letter and in spirit with interested individuals and organizations
We have been to the bank. For the current account passbook will not be given and only cheques. The cheques also has been delivered to the Vinay's address.We went to school in to take snaps of the children for the web site creation.
Chennai:
We went to school as a Team (Prakash,Senthil Arasu, Pandimurugan, Vignesh Babu , Antony Jasmine and Venkatachalem( Prakash's office staff)). The school name is National Primary school in Pallavaram. This school has 252 students from class I to VIII. It is running for past 75 years. It is running in the rented building. The management is not able to take care of the school, so the condition of the school is not good. We reached the school 7:30 in morning and we met the teachers.We had good discussion with the Staffs and children in the school. Then We attended the prayer in the school.
1. What is the go forward plan of the management regarding the school? How are they planning to run, maintain and take the functioning of the school forward?
The management doesn't have any plan on running the school. The management pays only the rent of the building and they are asking the staffs to run the school.
2 .Need to be absolutely sure that the management has no doubts on functioning of school in future also.
Yes. There is not doubt that school will be functioning. It is Government aided school so it cannot be closed. The important point we observed here is each and every one of the student in this school have some problems in their family like many are orphans and some don't have father or mother. Even if they have parents, they are daily wages and they are not able to pay even for the admission fees. So if we join these students in normal school, they will suffer to survive.
3. Are they eligible or supposed to receive any kind of aid from Government for running the school? If that is the case, we can try out some options in those lines as well in addition to the support from our side.
They are already receiving help from the government for Mid day lunch, staff salary and under the SSV scheme they are receiving around Rs7000(not exactly) yearly , cards for teaching the students and some educational CDs also. They have given the petition collector and Minister for the help, as it is Government aided and the management is different the higher officials said they cannot help.
4. Have they approached anyone for help earlier and has anyone approached them with help earlier.
Yes. They have approached many people for help. But they have got help as one time and not further. They have got small help from Medical shops and some other people for benches and screens. No one/Group has come forward to help them fully.
5. Are they/are they not, working with the intention of spreading any religion?
No. They are not working in the intention of spreading the religion. They work fully in the intention of giving education and service mind.
6. MOU need to be signed saying that we are here working for the said purpose and what support we need/expect from the school/staff
We have talked to the staff and need to be done later.
7. Need to know if the school also wants to have classes for 9th and 10th standard also
The school doest have any good infrastructure and space to expand. So as of now it cannot be done.
8. Need to visit the school with the Team.
Done !
Their Urgent requirement
• Building for the school.(This cannot be done by us, we can get some help from other originations if possible)
• Roof of the Building.
• Whitewash to the existing building.
• Mats to the students to sit.
• Benches to the students (we have to discuss about this).
• Cans to store the water.
• Toilet facilities.
• screens to hide the sun light for the afternoon session
• Black Board
Photos of the school is uploaded in the given link: http://picasaweb.google.com/visitprakashindia/National_school#
If there is anything's that can be shared or questioned, kindly feel free to do so
Feel free to spread the message of Saktyavesh in letter and in spirit with interested individuals and organizations
20th October 2008
On Saturday, Vinay and I went to the bank (SBI - Kundhanahalli branch, Bangalore) and submitted form and required details for opening our Saktyavesh account. The bank manager verified it satisfactorily. The process is now initiated and we have to go on Wednesday and pay the money (Rs 10,000)
That's one important information to share
If there is anything's that can be shared or any comments/suggestions, kindly put them forward
Feel free to spread the message of Saktyavesh in letter and in spirit with interested individuals and organizations
That's one important information to share
If there is anything's that can be shared or any comments/suggestions, kindly put them forward
Feel free to spread the message of Saktyavesh in letter and in spirit with interested individuals and organizations
27th October 2008
Wishing you all a very Happy, de'lightful' and safe Deepawali
Perseverance pays. Second major milestone reached – we have successfully created our bank a/c (30533359540) in SBI. The account is in the name of 'Saktyavesh'. On Wednesday we received the a/c number and also deposited Rs 10,000 in the account. It will be a 'current' account. We will not get atm card, but we will have access online. We have to collect the passbook this week. Kindly do not transfer any amount to this account. Continue transfering contributions to Vinay's account. Once we have the online credentials, and are aware of the processes we can transfer contributions to this account
We have got an opportunity to apply for funding from Business Objects (an SAP company). We have applied for this. Attached document has these information. The first file has three sections (A), (B), (C). The details needed in (C) is put in a seperate document (second attached file). If there are any inputs do let know and we can go with the best possible strategy. Hoping for the best here
Thats the information to be shared this week
Do share if there are any thoughts/ideas for our project, collaboration works better :-)
Feel free to spread the message of Saktyavesh in letter and spirit with interested individuals and organizations
Perseverance pays. Second major milestone reached – we have successfully created our bank a/c (30533359540) in SBI. The account is in the name of 'Saktyavesh'. On Wednesday we received the a/c number and also deposited Rs 10,000 in the account. It will be a 'current' account. We will not get atm card, but we will have access online. We have to collect the passbook this week. Kindly do not transfer any amount to this account. Continue transfering contributions to Vinay's account. Once we have the online credentials, and are aware of the processes we can transfer contributions to this account
We have got an opportunity to apply for funding from Business Objects (an SAP company). We have applied for this. Attached document has these information. The first file has three sections (A), (B), (C). The details needed in (C) is put in a seperate document (second attached file). If there are any inputs do let know and we can go with the best possible strategy. Hoping for the best here
Thats the information to be shared this week
Do share if there are any thoughts/ideas for our project, collaboration works better :-)
Feel free to spread the message of Saktyavesh in letter and spirit with interested individuals and organizations
13th October 2008
The school is on leave till 26th October 2008. So no visits till then. We did not have any meetings also last weekend
On last visit to the school, the Teachers did convey their gratitude to all of us. There are three donated computers which need to be repaired (Hardware problem). We have to do that
We should now work on things on how we manage Saktyavesh and take it forward. We are now 36 friends (including 8 trustees). As per Saktyavesh "By law" we will have 10 trustees. Again, the only difference between a trustee and a member is that a trustee has to for sure respond to certain mails, participate in conference calls once in three weeks and a couple of more things. Attached are the roles and responsibilities of a trustee. Trustees will evolve with time depending on the willingness, interest and collectively all the trustees have a vote. Trusteeship is subject to vote after three years from date of inception (19th April 2008)
We are now sharing with you on the points which were discussed during the meeting which took place few days back.
Points discussed and finalized:
* Registration of new members - There will be no fees charged as registration fees
* Format of Application form for Registration of new members - this is as mentioned in the attached document file.
* Registration Process - Check PPT
* Invitation mail option will be available on portal once everything has been standardized (bank account creation and website completely up with all other details)
* There should be a link on website to send invitation letter
* There should be a link on website for Registration form
* Hard copy of registration form is not required. If anyone wants to join Saktyavesh and they don't have internet access, then we can take a print out of the registration form from the website
* The link for "ideas" (currently inactive) on the website will redirect to the "Ideas" topic on Saktyavesh blogsite
* Guiding principle for all Board members - Set realistic deadlines for each activity and make sure they are met
* Only after verification of email, Saktyavesh mailbox will get a mail that a new member has joined Saktyavesh
* How do we choose a Project?
a) The school/institute should be related to education
b) Visit atleast 3 schools in an area and check if they are lacking in basic facilities like seating (atleast mats) , pure drinking water, facilities like good teaching aids and other materials
c) If another NGO is playing an active role and they already have plans to improve facilities, then we wouldn't choose such a school
d) Preferably, the school should be conducting classes until 10 standard
e) School should have proper/clean toilets
Attached ppt on idea submission will help us refine and select project as and when we re receiving suggestions for help/partnership
* We will not be providing uniforms, shoes, socks and school bags
* What we should do better?
a) Make sure that there is pure drinking water at school. Installation of water purifier if necessary.
b) Donate indoor games and sports items to school. Meet with Principal of school and emphasize on having sports related activities for children
c) Donate Notebooks, Cursive writing books, activities books, story books
d) Distribute 1Re. Cadbury's chocolates to all children during the first visit to school every month
e) Conduct moral science, spoken English classes
f) Make sure to visit school atleast once every month
g) Personality development classes for high school students
h) Plan and conduct competitions and distribute prizes
i) If school doesn't have a toilet, we will have to build toilets if space is available. Check with localities of that area to collect funds for construction. If not able to collect sufficient money, then we will have to check if Saktyavesh can contribute money towards building toilet
j) Keep check on attendance and ensure that there is less dropouts
k) Further education plans/counseling for High school students
l) Arrange medical inspection
m) Active participation during parents-teachers meetings.
* If feedback mail is sent to board members, they should ensure to reply within 3 business days. All feedback requests to board members to be handled by Vinay
* Award children who have good attendance
* Blogspot ownership will be taken up by Prakash
* Continue adding ideas to roadmap for Saktyavesh. The roadmap of each board member can be discussed in next Board meeting.
* Ownership of editing photos and uploading them to website to be taken up by Ananth.
* Aneesh to regularly update the milestone PPT.
* Ownership of Conf call to be distributed among board members in a round robin manner
If there are any action items which you would like to take, please feel free to let us know and we will be happy to share the work. Together it will be fun working with each other for a noble cause
The whole point of putting across to all is to be as transparent as possible and share and work collaboratively. There is lies our success
Feedback regarding Finance: One of our friend, Shankar, has suggested that we need not expose our contributions on world wide web. There may be issues. His suggestions was that it should be fine if it circulated only within all of us
If there are any suggestions/cooments/constructive criticism on any of the points or many of them kindly reply to saktyavesh@gmail.com. It is important to know what you think on our go forward strategy. Dont hesitate to question any of them.
Lets work together truly on our shared vision, positively and selflessly
Feel free to spread the message of Saktyavesh in letter and in spirit with interested individuals and organizations
On last visit to the school, the Teachers did convey their gratitude to all of us. There are three donated computers which need to be repaired (Hardware problem). We have to do that
We should now work on things on how we manage Saktyavesh and take it forward. We are now 36 friends (including 8 trustees). As per Saktyavesh "By law" we will have 10 trustees. Again, the only difference between a trustee and a member is that a trustee has to for sure respond to certain mails, participate in conference calls once in three weeks and a couple of more things. Attached are the roles and responsibilities of a trustee. Trustees will evolve with time depending on the willingness, interest and collectively all the trustees have a vote. Trusteeship is subject to vote after three years from date of inception (19th April 2008)
We are now sharing with you on the points which were discussed during the meeting which took place few days back.
Points discussed and finalized:
* Registration of new members - There will be no fees charged as registration fees
* Format of Application form for Registration of new members - this is as mentioned in the attached document file.
* Registration Process - Check PPT
* Invitation mail option will be available on portal once everything has been standardized (bank account creation and website completely up with all other details)
* There should be a link on website to send invitation letter
* There should be a link on website for Registration form
* Hard copy of registration form is not required. If anyone wants to join Saktyavesh and they don't have internet access, then we can take a print out of the registration form from the website
* The link for "ideas" (currently inactive) on the website will redirect to the "Ideas" topic on Saktyavesh blogsite
* Guiding principle for all Board members - Set realistic deadlines for each activity and make sure they are met
* Only after verification of email, Saktyavesh mailbox will get a mail that a new member has joined Saktyavesh
* How do we choose a Project?
a) The school/institute should be related to education
b) Visit atleast 3 schools in an area and check if they are lacking in basic facilities like seating (atleast mats) , pure drinking water, facilities like good teaching aids and other materials
c) If another NGO is playing an active role and they already have plans to improve facilities, then we wouldn't choose such a school
d) Preferably, the school should be conducting classes until 10 standard
e) School should have proper/clean toilets
Attached ppt on idea submission will help us refine and select project as and when we re receiving suggestions for help/partnership
* We will not be providing uniforms, shoes, socks and school bags
* What we should do better?
a) Make sure that there is pure drinking water at school. Installation of water purifier if necessary.
b) Donate indoor games and sports items to school. Meet with Principal of school and emphasize on having sports related activities for children
c) Donate Notebooks, Cursive writing books, activities books, story books
d) Distribute 1Re. Cadbury's chocolates to all children during the first visit to school every month
e) Conduct moral science, spoken English classes
f) Make sure to visit school atleast once every month
g) Personality development classes for high school students
h) Plan and conduct competitions and distribute prizes
i) If school doesn't have a toilet, we will have to build toilets if space is available. Check with localities of that area to collect funds for construction. If not able to collect sufficient money, then we will have to check if Saktyavesh can contribute money towards building toilet
j) Keep check on attendance and ensure that there is less dropouts
k) Further education plans/counseling for High school students
l) Arrange medical inspection
m) Active participation during parents-teachers meetings.
* If feedback mail is sent to board members, they should ensure to reply within 3 business days. All feedback requests to board members to be handled by Vinay
* Award children who have good attendance
* Blogspot ownership will be taken up by Prakash
* Continue adding ideas to roadmap for Saktyavesh. The roadmap of each board member can be discussed in next Board meeting.
* Ownership of editing photos and uploading them to website to be taken up by Ananth.
* Aneesh to regularly update the milestone PPT.
* Ownership of Conf call to be distributed among board members in a round robin manner
If there are any action items which you would like to take, please feel free to let us know and we will be happy to share the work. Together it will be fun working with each other for a noble cause
The whole point of putting across to all is to be as transparent as possible and share and work collaboratively. There is lies our success
Feedback regarding Finance: One of our friend, Shankar, has suggested that we need not expose our contributions on world wide web. There may be issues. His suggestions was that it should be fine if it circulated only within all of us
If there are any suggestions/cooments/constructive criticism on any of the points or many of them kindly reply to saktyavesh@gmail.com. It is important to know what you think on our go forward strategy. Dont hesitate to question any of them.
Lets work together truly on our shared vision, positively and selflessly
Feel free to spread the message of Saktyavesh in letter and in spirit with interested individuals and organizations
03 November 2008
Last week, Prakash (from Chennai) visited one school in Pallavaram, near to Tambaram, Chennai, as part of our plan to kick start a project in Chennai. The name of the school is National Primary School (Govt aided school). It has class from 1st to 8th. We are currently evaluating this project and shall keep you all updated with more details. We are also looking for schools in Hyderabad
@ Friends from Chennai, Hyderabad,
If there are any schools (preferably Government) do let us know and we can collaborate with them
Thank you for the suggestions/feedbacks on the proposal inviting funding from SAP. The proposal is now put forth and we shall keep the status of this informed as and when we get to hear more about this
If there is anything's that can be shared or questioned, kindly feel free to do so
Feel free to spread the message of Saktyavesh in letter and in spirit with interested individuals and organizations
@ Friends from Chennai, Hyderabad,
If there are any schools (preferably Government) do let us know and we can collaborate with them
Thank you for the suggestions/feedbacks on the proposal inviting funding from SAP. The proposal is now put forth and we shall keep the status of this informed as and when we get to hear more about this
If there is anything's that can be shared or questioned, kindly feel free to do so
Feel free to spread the message of Saktyavesh in letter and in spirit with interested individuals and organizations
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