23rd February 2009
We are happy to welcome Dinesh Anblazahan (based out of Bangalore), who has expressed interest in working with us. Thank you Dinesh, you strengthen our Partnership in community building
Bangalore - School Program
On 21st February 2009, we had our first major interaction with the children of the School. Starting from 08:30 am till 05:00pm events like running race, frog race, Musical chairs, lemon and spoon race, drawing competition, paragraph writing (both in Kannada and English), memory game, In & Out game, Rangoli competition were conducted for the kids of classes from First till Fifth standard. The children enjoyed the events, competed honestly and earned rewards. We also had the chance to speak to the parents of many kids - encouraging them to send their children neatly to school and send them regularly
There were prizes distributed for the first and second places for the games conducted (in most cases) and special prizes for children with good attendance and good performance
It would be next to impossible for a single individual to capture the events of the day in words. Hence request you to enjoy the snaps
http://picasaweb.google.com/saktyavesh/School_Program_21_Feb_2009#
It was a day well spent for the students, staff and friends (14 in number, without whom this would not have taken place)
Friends who were present for the occasion - It would be great to have your feedback regarding the event, what went right and what went wrong, all that you want to highlight about, so that we take the learning(s) forward and improve on our performance
Chennai – School Program
As the Teachers are going for a training program the events scheduled for this weekend (Saturday), stands postponed. We shall keep you all updated
Do share your thoughts/comments/feedbacks on our work process, good ones or otherwise. It helps us improve and work better
Feel free to spread the message of Saktyavesh in letter and in spirit with interested individuals and organizations
Bangalore - School Program
On 21st February 2009, we had our first major interaction with the children of the School. Starting from 08:30 am till 05:00pm events like running race, frog race, Musical chairs, lemon and spoon race, drawing competition, paragraph writing (both in Kannada and English), memory game, In & Out game, Rangoli competition were conducted for the kids of classes from First till Fifth standard. The children enjoyed the events, competed honestly and earned rewards. We also had the chance to speak to the parents of many kids - encouraging them to send their children neatly to school and send them regularly
There were prizes distributed for the first and second places for the games conducted (in most cases) and special prizes for children with good attendance and good performance
It would be next to impossible for a single individual to capture the events of the day in words. Hence request you to enjoy the snaps
http://picasaweb.google.com/saktyavesh/School_Program_21_Feb_2009#
It was a day well spent for the students, staff and friends (14 in number, without whom this would not have taken place)
Friends who were present for the occasion - It would be great to have your feedback regarding the event, what went right and what went wrong, all that you want to highlight about, so that we take the learning(s) forward and improve on our performance
Chennai – School Program
As the Teachers are going for a training program the events scheduled for this weekend (Saturday), stands postponed. We shall keep you all updated
Do share your thoughts/comments/feedbacks on our work process, good ones or otherwise. It helps us improve and work better
Feel free to spread the message of Saktyavesh in letter and in spirit with interested individuals and organizations
National Middle School,Pallavaram,Chennai 43
Name of the School: National Middle School
Address: No 31, Yashin khan streets, Near Kavitha School, Pallavaram, Chennai 43
Classes: 1st to 8th Standard
Staff members:
Teaching Staff
Shri B. Jemima Viola (Head Master)
Shri R. Sheela Devi
Shri S. Kasthuri
Shri S. Raji Aksal
Shri J. Omega Rani
Shri S. Saroja P.V.I (PreVocation Teacher)
Daily meals staff
Shri Kosiya Begam - Manager
Shri Vellammal - Cook
Shri Sendumalli - Helper
Number of Students: 220+
School Timings: 09:15am to 04:10pm (Prayer: 09:15am - 09:30 am; Lunch break: 12:45pm - 01:45pm)
Address: No 31, Yashin khan streets, Near Kavitha School, Pallavaram, Chennai 43
Classes: 1st to 8th Standard
Staff members:
Teaching Staff
Shri B. Jemima Viola (Head Master)
Shri R. Sheela Devi
Shri S. Kasthuri
Shri S. Raji Aksal
Shri J. Omega Rani
Shri S. Saroja P.V.I (PreVocation Teacher)
Daily meals staff
Shri Kosiya Begam - Manager
Shri Vellammal - Cook
Shri Sendumalli - Helper
Number of Students: 220+
School Timings: 09:15am to 04:10pm (Prayer: 09:15am - 09:30 am; Lunch break: 12:45pm - 01:45pm)
Introduction of the School:
This School was started in the year 1935 by a Christian Trust, Madras Pentecostal Assembly, under the Leadership of Late Dr Vasu. Currently his son Dr Reverend Stanley Vasu is In-Charge of the Management. The backgrounds of the Children who come to this School are – Children who are orphans and stay in surrounding hostels, Children whose parents are daily wage earners etc... The Staff hesitate to ask admission fees and the charge for the rank cards which cost Rs 1 only, as the parents are unable to bear these cost. The Staff pool in their personal finances and meet these expenses. Till 5th standard ABL (Activity based Learning) teaching method is followed under the SSA scheme (http://www.ssa.mp.gov.in/)
Festivals like Republic Day, Independence Day, and Kamaraj Birthday, Teachers day, Children’s Day, Deepawali, Christmas, and Ramzan etc are celebrated. The correspondents are appointed by Madras Pentecostal Assembly, No 14, Thandavarayan Street, Royapet, and Chennai 14. The Management of the School supports the School by bearing only the cost of the building rent (Rs 5000 per month). The Teachers salary is paid by the Government
This School was started in the year 1935 by a Christian Trust, Madras Pentecostal Assembly, under the Leadership of Late Dr Vasu. Currently his son Dr Reverend Stanley Vasu is In-Charge of the Management. The backgrounds of the Children who come to this School are – Children who are orphans and stay in surrounding hostels, Children whose parents are daily wage earners etc... The Staff hesitate to ask admission fees and the charge for the rank cards which cost Rs 1 only, as the parents are unable to bear these cost. The Staff pool in their personal finances and meet these expenses. Till 5th standard ABL (Activity based Learning) teaching method is followed under the SSA scheme (http://www.ssa.mp.gov.in/)
Festivals like Republic Day, Independence Day, and Kamaraj Birthday, Teachers day, Children’s Day, Deepawali, Christmas, and Ramzan etc are celebrated. The correspondents are appointed by Madras Pentecostal Assembly, No 14, Thandavarayan Street, Royapet, and Chennai 14. The Management of the School supports the School by bearing only the cost of the building rent (Rs 5000 per month). The Teachers salary is paid by the Government
History of the School:
The School started with two staffs and 60 students. Father Jacob was Correspondent
The current situation/challenges:
Contributions by Saktyavesh so far:
We have partnered with school to start in the process of converting it into modern school. We have donated the following things to school:
• Books to library
• Television
• Donated almirah
The School started with two staffs and 60 students. Father Jacob was Correspondent
- In 1940: Shri Pankajam was The HM and Father Vasu was Correspondent
- In 1956 June: Shri Pankajam retried and Father Sokalingam was Correspondent
- In 1963 June: Total students were 140. Father Prabhu Das was the Correspondent
- In 1979: Shri Sarallal Liliy Craz became The HM and retried on 01.02.89
- From 1.03.1989 Shri Aileen became The HM & Dr Reverent Stanley Vasu the Correspondent
- From 2009 Shri B. Jemima viola is The HM
The current situation/challenges:
- The School runs on a very old rented building and the physical condition of the building is not good
- The classes are taken outside the building in the fear that the building might collapse. The building is used to store the things (like food grains, books etc…)
- The food grains which they have for the mid day meals are spoiled by rats and other insects Approximately half to one kilogram of grains are wasted every day
- The roof of the room used to store food grains is not good and water enters on rainy days
- On rainy days, rooms in the School building stink due to leakage of rain water
- Damaged flooring (Flooring work has been done on a temporary basis with the help of the students)
- The documents are kept outside and spoiled by insects due lack of cupboards
- No proper rest rooms for both Staffs and students
- No facility of water tank or cans to store water
Contributions by Saktyavesh so far:
We have partnered with school to start in the process of converting it into modern school. We have donated the following things to school:
• Books to library
• Television
• Donated almirah
Minutes of Saktyavesh Board Meeting held on 14-15/Feb/2009
Attendees: Ananth, Aneesh, Prakash, Vinay
Place: Chennai - Meeran, Mukesh & Prakash’s house
Deadlines: There was a discussion on whether to scrap “setting deadlines” since some important deadlines had been missed. It was later unanimously decided that we will set realistic deadlines and everyone will work with full commitment/sincerity towards achieving them.
Excel sheet to be maintained on all current action items and regularly monitored. This file will be uploaded on to google docs. Audit to be done every fortnight on action items to check progress.
Website:
· Photos and the photo format on the website will be changed by Chary. Once this is completed, this work will be handed over to Gangadharan . Gangadharan will then check the source code related to the Mozilla firefox browser display issue.
· 3D logo of Saktyavesh is being designed by Chary. Once ready, this logo will be sent out to all board members for review. Based on the feedback, we can decide whether or not to change the existing logo with the 3d logo.
· Changes:
1. “How can I Contribute” to be added on the top menu of the website. This will contain brief information on how an individual can contribute to Saktyavesh’s cause. This page will also have a “Join Us” link at the bottom.
2. “Partners” will be moved from the top menu of the website to the menu on the right hand side under “Ideas”.
3. “Innovation” link to be removed.
4. Projects: This page will contain a list of all the projects which we have currently undertaken. Each project will contain a brief introduction about 4 to 5 lines. There will be a link which says “Click here for more details” below the brief introduction for each project. Once this link is chosen, there will be more details on this project on the entire page along with the link to the blogspot for this project. Also, all photos on the webpage will change to the photos linked to this project.
5. “Forum” to be replaced by blog.
6. Our current blog will also contain another sub section of blogs for each Project. This blog will contain all details about each Project. Prakash will look for templates to incorporate projects blog into the current blog.
7. Blog will be moved from the right side menu to the top menu on the website.
8. “Photo gallery” which will include all photos will be included on the right side of the website.
9. “Members list” will be moved from right side menu to top menu under “About us”.
10. “Join Us” will be included on right side menu and also on “How do I Contribute” page.\
11. “Join Us” will be made available on our website only after Savings bank account is created.
12. “News & Events” will be like a scroll on our main page with updates on current activites planned.
Bank Account: Transfer of bank account from current SBI Branch to another SBI Branch and then to create a new Savings account in same SBI Branch.
Future Board meetings to be held in May, August & November. Venue and date to be decided.
Conference call timings has been changed to 10.30 PM to 11 PM. Everybody to make sure that the call starts sharp at 10.30PM and to make sure that it ends by 11 PM. Agenda on the conf call to be sent out by Monday and further additions to be made by others if necessary.
Roadmap to be discussed in next Board meeting. No more postponements.
Org structure of Saktyavesh to be discussed in next board meeting.
Review of board member roles & responsibilities document.
Set clear expectations with the school that we do not entertain urgent requests on any items which the school might require. Inform them that we have to get approval from Saktyavesh board and hence they will have to give us at least 4 days to meet any urgent requirement (this will again depend on the approval by the Board)
Finalize the list of basic requirements of school. This list was earlier discussed in the previous board meeting held in Bangalore. This list will be further reviewed and finalized.
Rs.2000 will be the maximum amount which can be used without consent from other Board members to meet Urgent requests from school provided the requirement falls into the basic requirement list. If an Urgent request comes up more than once in a month, it will need to be discussed with the board.
Any Board member can send out Feedback(requesting feedback) mails. Make sure that the subject line includes “FEEDBACK REQUIRED”. 3 days will be the limit to provide feedback.
Rs.1000 will be the maximum amount which can be used for the monthly activity planned per school.
Mail to be sent out 1 week before the monthly activity is scheduled in school. This mail will contain the details of the events to be conducted and the items/prizes required to successfully accomplish the event.
Regulation of Activities:
· MOU to be signed with the schools. We will be jointly responsible for all events to be conducted with the school. We will be facilitators for all these events, however the primary responsibility will lie with the school.
· Emergency situation where an individual is injured or has health issues while conducting Saktyavesh activities – All contact information related to Ambulance, Police station, Doctor, nearest hospital to be always kept ready before any activity is conducted. Rs.10,000 will be the amount which can be used from Saktyavesh account during such emergencies. If the amount crosses 10K, then we will have to contact School/Parents/Others to collect the rest of the amount.
Attached excel sheet has all the Action items…
Please add if I have missed any points. If you need any further clarification on any points, please do let me know.
Place: Chennai - Meeran, Mukesh & Prakash’s house
Deadlines: There was a discussion on whether to scrap “setting deadlines” since some important deadlines had been missed. It was later unanimously decided that we will set realistic deadlines and everyone will work with full commitment/sincerity towards achieving them.
Excel sheet to be maintained on all current action items and regularly monitored. This file will be uploaded on to google docs. Audit to be done every fortnight on action items to check progress.
Website:
· Photos and the photo format on the website will be changed by Chary. Once this is completed, this work will be handed over to Gangadharan . Gangadharan will then check the source code related to the Mozilla firefox browser display issue.
· 3D logo of Saktyavesh is being designed by Chary. Once ready, this logo will be sent out to all board members for review. Based on the feedback, we can decide whether or not to change the existing logo with the 3d logo.
· Changes:
1. “How can I Contribute” to be added on the top menu of the website. This will contain brief information on how an individual can contribute to Saktyavesh’s cause. This page will also have a “Join Us” link at the bottom.
2. “Partners” will be moved from the top menu of the website to the menu on the right hand side under “Ideas”.
3. “Innovation” link to be removed.
4. Projects: This page will contain a list of all the projects which we have currently undertaken. Each project will contain a brief introduction about 4 to 5 lines. There will be a link which says “Click here for more details” below the brief introduction for each project. Once this link is chosen, there will be more details on this project on the entire page along with the link to the blogspot for this project. Also, all photos on the webpage will change to the photos linked to this project.
5. “Forum” to be replaced by blog.
6. Our current blog will also contain another sub section of blogs for each Project. This blog will contain all details about each Project. Prakash will look for templates to incorporate projects blog into the current blog.
7. Blog will be moved from the right side menu to the top menu on the website.
8. “Photo gallery” which will include all photos will be included on the right side of the website.
9. “Members list” will be moved from right side menu to top menu under “About us”.
10. “Join Us” will be included on right side menu and also on “How do I Contribute” page.\
11. “Join Us” will be made available on our website only after Savings bank account is created.
12. “News & Events” will be like a scroll on our main page with updates on current activites planned.
Bank Account: Transfer of bank account from current SBI Branch to another SBI Branch and then to create a new Savings account in same SBI Branch.
Future Board meetings to be held in May, August & November. Venue and date to be decided.
Conference call timings has been changed to 10.30 PM to 11 PM. Everybody to make sure that the call starts sharp at 10.30PM and to make sure that it ends by 11 PM. Agenda on the conf call to be sent out by Monday and further additions to be made by others if necessary.
Roadmap to be discussed in next Board meeting. No more postponements.
Org structure of Saktyavesh to be discussed in next board meeting.
Review of board member roles & responsibilities document.
Set clear expectations with the school that we do not entertain urgent requests on any items which the school might require. Inform them that we have to get approval from Saktyavesh board and hence they will have to give us at least 4 days to meet any urgent requirement (this will again depend on the approval by the Board)
Finalize the list of basic requirements of school. This list was earlier discussed in the previous board meeting held in Bangalore. This list will be further reviewed and finalized.
Rs.2000 will be the maximum amount which can be used without consent from other Board members to meet Urgent requests from school provided the requirement falls into the basic requirement list. If an Urgent request comes up more than once in a month, it will need to be discussed with the board.
Any Board member can send out Feedback(requesting feedback) mails. Make sure that the subject line includes “FEEDBACK REQUIRED”. 3 days will be the limit to provide feedback.
Rs.1000 will be the maximum amount which can be used for the monthly activity planned per school.
Mail to be sent out 1 week before the monthly activity is scheduled in school. This mail will contain the details of the events to be conducted and the items/prizes required to successfully accomplish the event.
Regulation of Activities:
· MOU to be signed with the schools. We will be jointly responsible for all events to be conducted with the school. We will be facilitators for all these events, however the primary responsibility will lie with the school.
· Emergency situation where an individual is injured or has health issues while conducting Saktyavesh activities – All contact information related to Ambulance, Police station, Doctor, nearest hospital to be always kept ready before any activity is conducted. Rs.10,000 will be the amount which can be used from Saktyavesh account during such emergencies. If the amount crosses 10K, then we will have to contact School/Parents/Others to collect the rest of the amount.
Attached excel sheet has all the Action items…
Please add if I have missed any points. If you need any further clarification on any points, please do let me know.
16th February 2009
Board Meeting:
As planned we had our 4th Board meeting in Chennai, the first in the year 2009. The following are the topics that we discussed
(a) Website – (technical fine tuning, checking vision & mission statements, 'mail templates', discussion forum, website maintenance (new member addition, photo changes), etc…..
(b) Time table for every thing we do (board meetings, monthly meetings, school visits etc…..)
(c) Regulations for events (taking children our, communication for monetary help etc……)
(d) Roadmap/Activities at school
(e) Setting deadlines and meeting them
(f) Leadership for Saktyavesh
(g) Feedbacks
The discussion lasted approximately 8-9 hrs. It was an opportunity to discuss and debate our actions, our past present and future actions. The majority of the time was spent on discussing about our "website". It's important as this is our face on the web. A lot of deadlines emerged from the discussions. One thing was clear - If we have to be successful, we have to stay committed & focussed, set realistic deadlines and honor them and work and succeed with integrity. If each one of us work and contribute in our own little way, however we can, then it will be a certain path to achieving our Vision with great team work
Bangalore School Activity:
We have planned to have our first School activity in Bangalore on 21st of February 2009. Attached is the planner given by the Teacher (Ms Sheela)of this School. We have golden opportunity to meet the Parents of the Children and talk and encourage them to send their kids to School
That's the news/activities over last the week. If there is anything 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
As planned we had our 4th Board meeting in Chennai, the first in the year 2009. The following are the topics that we discussed
(a) Website – (technical fine tuning, checking vision & mission statements, 'mail templates', discussion forum, website maintenance (new member addition, photo changes), etc…..
(b) Time table for every thing we do (board meetings, monthly meetings, school visits etc…..)
(c) Regulations for events (taking children our, communication for monetary help etc……)
(d) Roadmap/Activities at school
(e) Setting deadlines and meeting them
(f) Leadership for Saktyavesh
(g) Feedbacks
The discussion lasted approximately 8-9 hrs. It was an opportunity to discuss and debate our actions, our past present and future actions. The majority of the time was spent on discussing about our "website". It's important as this is our face on the web. A lot of deadlines emerged from the discussions. One thing was clear - If we have to be successful, we have to stay committed & focussed, set realistic deadlines and honor them and work and succeed with integrity. If each one of us work and contribute in our own little way, however we can, then it will be a certain path to achieving our Vision with great team work
Bangalore School Activity:
We have planned to have our first School activity in Bangalore on 21st of February 2009. Attached is the planner given by the Teacher (Ms Sheela)of this School. We have golden opportunity to meet the Parents of the Children and talk and encourage them to send their kids to School
That's the news/activities over last the week. If there is anything 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
09th February 2009
We are pleased to introduce Vasanthan and Pawan who shall be working with us on our shared dreams of providing better education and healthcare for the economically underprivileged and the needy, going forward. Vasanthan is currently based out of Bangalore and Pawan is based out of Chennai. Thank you both and we believe it will be great working together for the common cause
Planned School Events
We are now getting prepared for the events which are scheduled to be held in Bangalore and Chennai Schools. Listing of events, their time table, the number of students planned to participate all this in great detail to make the event successful and truly enjoyable for the kids and the volunteers. This is for sure one great way to engage the children, inculcate the learning attitude and invoke the interest to come to School. We have also planned for prizes to be distributed to encourage the students
Thank you for the ideas/feedbacks/suggestions, do keep them coming. It motivates us to work better
Feel free to spread the message of Saktyavesh in letter and spirit with interested individuals and organizations
Planned School Events
We are now getting prepared for the events which are scheduled to be held in Bangalore and Chennai Schools. Listing of events, their time table, the number of students planned to participate all this in great detail to make the event successful and truly enjoyable for the kids and the volunteers. This is for sure one great way to engage the children, inculcate the learning attitude and invoke the interest to come to School. We have also planned for prizes to be distributed to encourage the students
Thank you for the ideas/feedbacks/suggestions, do keep them coming. It motivates us to work better
Feel free to spread the message of Saktyavesh in letter and spirit with interested individuals and organizations
02nd February 2009
Attached is the balance latest balance sheet detailing all the monetary and material contributions till date. Thanks a lot once again sheet will be attached later
The competitions that were scheduled to be held at the schools, both in Bangalore and Chennai, has been postponed as the Teachers had to attend a meeting the at their respective locations
That's the news/activities over last the week. If there is anything 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
The competitions that were scheduled to be held at the schools, both in Bangalore and Chennai, has been postponed as the Teachers had to attend a meeting the at their respective locations
That's the news/activities over last the week. If there is anything 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
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