Social Entrepreneurship

Teaching is twice learning

2009-01-03T22:46:00.000-08:00

A very warm happy new year wishes to all of you. May you have a wonderful and meaningful year.

Below is the first blog entry by our student volunteers from NSS wing of Kasturba Gandhi College for Women, Marredpally.

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Hello, we are R. Shilpa and K. Priya Darshini studying in B.Com. IIIrd year and B.Sc. Ist year at Kasturba Gandhi College in West Marredpally, Secunderabad. We are NSS volunteers in our college. We go to a Government Primary School every Wednesday for 1 hour. We interact with the school children and teach them and encourage them in learning English. The students enjoy being with us and enjoy while learning. We taught them basics in English, such as alphabets, speaking simple sentences, and names of fruits and animals. Even we came to know many things while teaching them which we did not know before. We came to know how to teach the studetns and how we can grab their attention and interest them in learning. The students are very enthusiastic to learn the matter that we teach.

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It is pleasure to see a response like this - two way learning process. I heard from a senior academician that " teaching is twice learning". I think this is very evident in this case. Infact i too had my share of learning while interacting with students in the recent past.

Lets join hands in this wonderful journey of helping a child educate for a wonderful future

Goodluck
Shyam S Mantha
+91. 995 994 1212(M)
Hyderabad

What a great way to begin the new year!

2009-01-01T01:47:00.000-08:00

What a great way to start a new year! Today, January 1, 2009, Smile has organized an event at its partner organization, DESIRE Society - Home for HIV/AIDS affected children who are either abandoned by their parents or orphans. Desire is located in IDA Boolaram, approx 15 Kms from JNTU, Kukatpally. Mr. Ravi Kumar is the founder of DESIRE who started this organization about 4 yrs back. Smile has formally agreed to support DESIRE and children in all possible ways especially w.r.t Education, providing faculty/teachers and other necessary resources which helps children in developing their personality.

It is very heartening to see all children who are so active and enthu about life. MOst of the children have participated in various activities conducted - Songs, Dance, Story telling etc. Prizes were distributed and also shared lot of learning kits like mind games, building blocks, and other knowledge based games which helps in developing their brain power. The idea is to help them develop themselves and acquire as much education as possible irrespective of the deasease or the life span.

It is also very sad to note that without their mistake, these children are suffering from a deadly desease. Majority is because of parents carelessness and lack of knowledge. It is every sensible and educated individual's moral responsibility is to educate less privileged and illeterates through awareness camps, interactive sessions etc

I was told by one of the government officials of APSAC that AP (all the 23 districts) is rated as A Grade state w.r.t HIV/AIDS affected population. Its a high alert and red flagged state.
Lets join hands for a meaningful cause and do our bit to the society

Regards
Shyam S Mantha
Founder Trustee - Smile for Life Foundation
+91. 995 994 1212 (M)
Hyderabad

Adding more schools to Smile's kitty

2008-12-06T21:40:00.000-08:00

It is very heartening to see that Smile is translating its vision and mission into action. As part of its first major project of adopting government schools and there by imparting education to the underprivileged, Smile has join hands with Kasturba Gandhi College for Women (KGC), Marredpally.

Dr. Vidya, Advisor to Smile is developing the course curriculum and helping Smile Volunteers to plan their day's / week's interaction with school students. She is also mentoring lecturers to guide their respective volunteers.

Smile is working with two groups in the college - 1) regular students of KGC and 2) NSS Students of KGC. Smile has adopted three schools and allotted the schools to the student volunteers. All the students have formed into groups of 4-5 students each, who will be visiting schools every day but as per their schedule. For example: One group will go on Monday and the other on Tuesday. Groups may change but one or the other groups will interact with students every day

I am fortunate to have Dr. Aruna Reddy and Dr. Anita Reddy as part of Smile Team. Dr. Aruna Reddy, Reader of KGC is guiding regular students of KGC along with 5 other lecturers and Dr. Anita Reddy, NSS Coordinator is guing all the NSS Students.

Smile is leaving no stone unturned in identifying and adopting under privileged / under funded / government schools. Smile is adding more schools to its kitty.

My request to the readers: Either you or your organization or your college or your friends are most welcome to join hands with Smile and help the needy children

Jai Hind
Shyam S Mantha
+91. 995 994 1212(M)

Article in "The Hindu" - Used Book Drive by SMILE Trust

2008-10-25T20:39:00.000-07:00

Many ways to make children smile

Build a library: By Children - for Children

If we are to teach real peace in this world, and if we are to carry on a real war against war, we shall have to begin with the children,” said Gandhiji. What better way to take this notion forward, than on Gandhi Jayanti?

Child by child

Smile, an organisation working for the cause of children, did just that! They organised a used-book drive at Shantibagh Apartments, Begumpet and Vaishali Gardens, Tarnaka, to build a library for the students of Government Girls School, Picket.

Smile was initiated in December 2004, by Mr. Shyam, who wanted to do something for the children. The group started off on a child-by-child basis, wherein the members started helping individual children in their education and other needs.

This is the first school-wise programme that Smile has taken up. The group proposes to build an English-language library, because English is a medium that is not easily accessible to the children of Government schools such as these. “We spoke to the District Collector with some proposals for schools. However, he informed us that he would be taking up similar activities and therefore, we chose to help schools in any area where the school feels it needs help,” says Mr. Shastry. What is strikingly different about this group, is the fact that this group does not take money in the form of donations.

“We do not want to take donations, until we know we can utilise it correctly,” says Mr. Shastry.

By the end of two hours, a sizeable number of books had been accumulated at each of the venues, all of which will be put up at the English library in the school.

The organisation is located at West Marredpally and you can contribute your bit, by donating old and used school books, story books and general books can do so.

Interested in reaching out to the lesser privileged children?

Contact: Shyam Mantha: +91. 995 994 1212, Anita Narayanasamy: +91. 970 100 0945, Hyderabad

Source: October 21, 2008: http://www.hindu.com/yw/2008/10/21/stories/2008102150211400.htm

Great response - Used Books Drive on October 2nd, 2008 - A moment to thank everyone

2008-10-02T10:54:00.000-07:00

Today, on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, SMILE planned its first public event ("Used Books" drive)in aid of Government Girls High School, Picket, Secunderabad. It is very heartening to note that the response has been great at both the locations - Begumpet and Tarnaka. We have collected quite a number of books on variety of children topics ranging from English, Maths, Science, GK, Stories, comics etc.

It was a great experience to interact with parents and kids who donated their used books.

I need to thank few people who made this event a great success in its own terms.

1. Anita Narayansamy, who pushed this drive right from the beginning till date. She has taken all the pains of running pillar to post in making key things fall in place like Designing posters, leaflets, banners, visiting cards and getting them printed.

She has taken the responsibility of getting them printed and borne entire cost of the work. She never took anybody's help in the entire process and pushed the printer to deliver stuff on time. Its really commendable.

2. Mallika and invisible supporters: I say this because, Anita has sent few mails to her friends across India and USA. That mail traveled from Hyderabad to other metros and finally to USA where Ansh (Anita's friend) posted it on Ryze Business Networking ite. From there Mallika picked up and sent it to her friend Suresh who works for NTV. Quickly he took action by inserting in scrolling advt.

It was a sheer surprise to all of us to learn that SMILE advt was coming in NTV. Even before we realized that fact, Anita started receiving calls from public from various parts of Andhra Pradesh. We were surprised and Anita decided to reach its end and crack the mystery. To cust the story short, Anita figured out that it was Mallika who shared this event with Suresh

It was happy ending and a great beginning too.

3. Farida and The Hindu: When Anita shared this news with Farida who works with The Hindu, she quickly informed her team to cover this event. They approached Sastry at Begumpet location, who is a SMILE member, Independent IT Consultant and Strategist.

4. On the day of the event: Anita and I looked after Vaishali Garden Apartments and Sastry and Chandra looked after Shanti Bagh Apartments. We didn't have major problem as people turned up quickly at our place. However, it took a while at begumpet to get the response. If it was not for Sastry, event may have taken U turn. Chandra was handling the counter and Sastry went floor by floor, door to door to remind about the event and made it a success.

First I thank my team - Anita, Sastry and Chandra for their continuous support. Then Anshie, Mallika, Farida and Suresh. Then the printer Srinivas.

Last but not least, Mr. Gomez, secretary of Vaishali Apartments, Tarnaka, who immediately accepted my request and allowed me to tie banners, display posters, distribute leaflets and help me setup the counter. Another person who helped us alot is Shanker, resident of Shanti Bagh Apartments. Without his help, we couldn't have done this event at his apartment complex. He was kind enough to support us and honour Sastry's request to setup a counter.

Thank you again for all your support. Look forward to your continuous support in the coming event

Warm Regards

Shyam S Mantha
Founder Trustee
+91. 995 994 1212 (M)

"Used Books" Drive on October 2, 2008

2008-10-02T10:21:00.000-07:00

You are all cordially invited to join SMILE Team either at Tarnaka or Begumpet. Details of the event are in the poster

Look forward to meeting you all at the event

Regards
Shyam S Mantha
Founder Trustee
+91. 995 994 1212 (M)

October 02, 2008 - "Used Books drive" at Tarnaka and Begumpet

2008-10-01T11:14:00.000-07:00

"Used Books drive" is being organized for the benefit of Government Girls High School, Picket, Secunderabad, which SMILE has adopted recently to create good library facilty, provide tutors to take up Communicative English classes, Basic Computer lessons, creative way of learning Science and Maths thru' fun and interactive sessions

This is organized on October 02, 2008 at Vaishali Gardens, Tarnaka and Shanti Bagh apartments in Begumpet between 10 am - 12 noon. For more details, you are most welcome to contact Mr. Shyam S Mantha - 995 994 1212 or Anita Narayasamy - 970 100 0945

SMILE Vision2020 - Project EduBillion - "Each One Teach Ten"

2008-10-01T11:08:00.000-07:00

"Project EduBillion - Vision 2020" with a motto "Each One - Teach Ten"

2008-09-25T20:56:00.000-07:00

SMILE so far in last 4 years restricted only to helping few needy, underprivileged children in and around Hyderabad. Now, SMILE has taken a giant step launched an initiative called "Project EduBillion - Vision 2020" with a motto "Each One - Teach Ten".

The objective of this project is to help all the needy, underprivileged and destitute children and their dependents across India. Each one of us who are privileged in many aspects compared to the ones less privileged can take up the task of teaching only 10 people and help them raise their bars of education, standard of living, social acceptance in the society and so on...

Through this initiative, 10% of our population will be helping other 90% of the population.

In this process, SMILE has adopted its first government school in hyderabad with 182 girl students (6th to 10th standards) who are part of Telugu medium syllabus. SMILE will focus on helping them learn english thru' Communicative English sessions, helping students to create interest in learning Science and Maths thru' fun and innovative based sessions , create good library and computer lab facilities and provide some basic amenities which creates a better learning atmosphere for students.

SMILE also has plans to conduct various events, EduTours, Science fairs, innovation sessions to bring out the best from students and inculcate the habit of managing time properly to develop overall personality

In the process, SMILE volunteers will also interact with their parents on a periodic intervals to know the progress and understand their lives at a deeper level for better support

Regards
Shyam S Mantha
Founder Trustee
+91. 995 994 1212(M)
Hyderabad

How can we empower educated rural youth to create better society tomorrow?

2008-08-15T12:15:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends

I always think what Mr. CK Prahlad had said in his recent book "The Fortune at the bottom of the pyramid". Now what is this pyramid? Who lives at the bottom? How are we connected? How we can make a difference? How we can take advantage of this situation?

All these questions started bothering me for quite some time now. He also said, 4 billion people are living under $2 per day. Now if we start exploring the enormous opportunities available around us and use of this resource pool - then only sky is the limit.

Now, 20% of 4billion lives in our own country. May 1% from our own village or town or our own neighborhood. How do we reach them? How can we empower them to lead a significant life? How can we develop them so that they can be part of this developing nation and make it a developed nation. They are the future.

I am just speaking out loud: Can we setup education / literacy centres in every district which imparts only those skills which are essential for any person from the above pool to lead a good. The training may include, basic education, life skills, basic language skills, etiquette, vocational training such as any job oriented courses etc. The challenge may also come from Roti/Kapda/Makaan. How do we help them in this context. Unless you meet these basic needs, he/she may not continue further with us.

However, this exercise cannot be a one time affair. It has to be long term, self sustained and continuous learning process. For this, the team which initiates the project may not be in a position to spend their entire time on project and one location as this is going to be a nation wide initiative. For this, a structure has to be evolved, check points have to be defined, progress have to be monitored and ultimately results must be measurable.

To make this happen, every one has to support whole heartedly for the benefit of entire society not just their village or town or locality. Important players in the whole process will be Government, Private parties, Companies, Individuals, Local Chapter leaders and the beneficiaries themselves.

You can share your thought about this posting

Jai Hind

Shyam S Mantha
Founder Trustee
August 16, 2008

What is the fate of Child Labor?

2008-08-15T11:37:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

It is very saddening to hear from a senior official from the government, during my recent meeting with him, that he and his team were very effective in enforcing the Child Labor Act but failed in taking next step in helping that child. He said, instead of pulling them out of houses on the name of Child Labor Act and leaving them on roads, better they work for somebody and earn their daily bread, shelter and some money. This is something like "Operation successful but patient died". What an irony!

Somehow i was not comfortable after hearing such an experience from one of the most authoritative man in state government. It started bothering me even hours after i left his office. I shared this experience and piece of information to all the people i met after my meeting with him till next morning. I couldn't sleep for hours. I didn't know what to do? Only one question was going aruond in my mind - How to respond or react to such situation. However, i started my day as usual, next day. Sometime after lunch hour, i started working out a plan and thought of going back to the same senior official. But then i couldn't dare to call or meet him. So i shared this plan with my well-wisher who actually took me to the officer couple of days ago. She was excited with the idea but then that exciting moment didn't last for too long.

She told me that you may start well with all good intentions but you may not timely support from government for various reasons or you may be busy with your other engagements or localites may intervene in your plan and spoil the whole show.

This again set me thinking in different direction. How about involving Private companies, individuals and initiate the project at a large and mass scale say one centre in every district. Thats how my project was born - "Vidyadan for every khandan". This means education for every individual in the house. Thats how you can empower every human being.

The idea was to

work on child labor project. SMILE’s role in the project commences after the government enforces the child labor law and sends the children to SMILE Campus
SMILE is working on establishing its own campus in association with public and private involvement. First campus will be in the vicinity of Twin Cities. In 36 months, one campus in each district. The campus will be a self sustained campus with all facilities like Accommodation, Canteen, Education centre, healthcare centre, vocational training centre and recreational centre.
partner with Government, Private organizations, Corporates, Individuals and foreign agencies for funding to ensure the project takes well.
provide food, accommodation, rehabilitation, education, healthcare and vocational training to at least 100,000 underprivileged & normal students in 5 yrs.

The Child Labor project is only an idea for now. There is a Hercules task ahead of us in making it a reality. Even in the absence of support from concerned officials or government department in regard to Child Labor initiative, initially SMILE shall initiate similar project and later seek support from concerned officials.

Till date, SMILE Trust was helping very few, handful of needy children with practically no financial support. Now, it has taken the giant step of making it public and share its experience with as many people as possible across the globe to join hands for a cause.

Lets join hands in making this dream a reality

Jai Hind

Shyam S Mantha
Founder Trustee
August 15, 2008

Kasinadh Lakkaraju - Born for the Blind

2008-02-24T09:38:00.000-08:00

May god bless everyone with abundance of everything in life!!

I am born into a family, where every member believed in helping the needy. Everyone strictly to this principle which cascaded down to all the members in the family. Right from my great great grand father (who worked as Deewan in Vijayanagaram Maharaja's kingdom) - till my generation, each one of our family members spent their entire life dedicated their lives to the poor and needy people.

I am continuing the same tradition and imbibing the same philosophy and principles to my 4 year old daughter - Sai Meghana. On whose name, i have started a charitable trust called SMILE (www.smileforlife.org) (Sai Meghana Institute of Learning & Exploring) on her day of naming ceremony when she was 3 months old .

One more person who influenced me on the social service front, other than my parents, is Mr. Kasinadh Lakkaraju. He is the first person who inspired me in this direction and i would like to start writing in my blog with his reference.

The way he dedicated his life to service, impressed me a lot and inspired me to take some steps in life towards active service to the society in my own capacity.

Of the many selflesss activities he does, i would like to recall few of his. He is a man, 'born for the blind'. He is known nationally within a close circuit of service oriented people. He is doing lot of sevrice to Blind children in Hyderabad in Dar Ul Shifa (blind children hostel), in the form of Manonetra (the eyes of the mind) and also an active volunteer in Seva Bharathi activities.

He organizes and conducts several events across twin cities. His motto is only one thing:

You need not give money. Just join hands with few good people around you. Things will automatically take shape. God will bless everyone and get things done as per his wish.

If you too wish to join hands for a good cause of helping blind people around you - join hands with Kasinadh ji. He is always open to talk, discuss, share and inspire every individual for a good cause.

He can be contacted either through email: klakkaraju@gmail.com or reach him on his mobile: 09849642699 (Hyderabad)

Warm Regards

Shyam S Mantha
Mob: +91. 995 994 1212
Hyderabad
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Co-Founder - ATraC
Co-Founder - TrainersXchange
Founder Trustee - SMILE Charitable Trust

I too can make a difference....

2008-02-20T08:40:00.000-08:00

Hello friends

How i can make a positive difference in somebody's life?

What did i do today, which is worth mentioning ?

How, I could have utilized my time better today....We need not have great plans for years to come but if we can spend this minute productively - i think the purpose is lived

Some of these questions haunt me... One evening, finally i sat down and started introspecting myself and looked for people around me who also share same thoughts.

If not me, is there somebody who is doing service in these lines - full time or taking some time out from his / her hectic work schedules...

The same thought promted me to come up with series on "Social Entrepreneurship". I felt i too can make a difference by bringing those people closer to you who are making a positive difference in people's lives in this society. This is my contribution for now

Hope you will appreciate the series and effort that goes into bringing the information to your mailbox...

As and when i come across a heart touching story, i will pen down brief background about the person and the positive difference he / she is making in somebody's life in this society.

It is also appreciated and a great service, if you can send in details about the person who belongs to this category

May glod bless with abundance of everything in life

Warm Regards

Shyam S Mantha
Mob: +91. 995 994 1212
Hyderabad
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Co-Founder - ATraC
Co-Founder - TrainersXchange
Founder Trustee - SMILE Charitable Trust

Helping Hand

2006-11-20T04:03:00.000-08:00

Its very sad to see some children deprived of their basic needs like food, clothing, shelter, education, healthcare etc. To meet the basic needs by themselves, these children go around working for somebody or indulge in some kind of undesirable act or resort to malpractices. These are the kids who become anti-social elements in future for want of something in life which is undesirable. This happens because of no proper guidance, lack of proper care, lack of direction in life and lack of love & affection.

If we, the blessed ones, can join hands and care for these kids, provide basic needs, create healthy environment around, organize events & conduct awareness programs for self improvement, inculcate good habits, good living, healthy thoughts, nurture their dreams, pursue their interests, and so on....these are the kids who will be the next generation warriors to build a great nation.

SMILE has plans to open School for destitute children. The school creates a platform for the kids to learn & explore the life in the areas like sports, music, arts, studies or anything of their interest.

SMILE helps destitute children in the following areas-

a) Meeting basic requirements like food, clothing, shelter, healthcare and education

b)Professional development: Identify inner talents and interests in the children, provide professional guidance and mentorship either through individuals or by sponsoring into a professional organization.

Today's generation have the urge to give back something to the society, uplift the down trodden society and help underprivileged in several ways to create a healthy environment and better society tomorrow.

Come join hands to care for these kids and nurture their young minds....