News about Vibha-DSS Workshop

"Workshop With A Social Aim"

Over 30 social workers from 20 different organizations across India attended a three day workshop organised by Vibha, a social venture capitalist, in collaboration with its NGO partner Door Step School [DSS].

DSS and Vibha aim to propagate a tried-and-tested model of bringing quality education to the "Door Step" of underprivileged children.

In the hall packed with social workers of different organization but with the same aim to help the under privileged workers and their children, Dr D K Abhayankar, director-general of CREDAI addressed the public about various initiative taken by the Association of Promoters and Builders for the welfare of construction-site workers. Financial inclusion, health, sanitation and training were some of the issues covered by these initiatives. Rajani Paranjape, founder, DSS and Jayashree Joglekar, president, DSS were also present at the venue to interact with the attendees.

(Click on image to enlarge)

लोकसत्ताच्या 'लाऊडस्पीकर' फोरममध्ये इसीसी

अन्न, वस्त्र, निवाऱ्याबरोबरच 'शिक्षण' ही सहा ते १४ वर्षे वयोगटातील मुलांची मूलभूत गरज आहे, यावर २००९च्या शिक्षण हक्क कायद्याने शिक्कामोर्तब केले. हा कायदा अस्तित्वात आल्यापासून यात बऱ्याच सुधारणा झाल्या, भविष्यात होत राहतील. पण, शिक्षणाच्या प्रवाहापासून दूर फेकल्या गेलेल्या मुलांना न्याय देण्यात किंवा जे या प्रवाहात आधीपासून आहेत त्यांचे गुणवत्तापूर्ण शिक्षणाअभावी सुरू असलेले 'गटांगळ्या' घेणे थांबले आहे का, याचा विचार होणे आवश्यक आहे.  शिक्षण हक्क कायदा आणि मराठी शाळांचा प्रश्न या विषयावर पुण्यात आयोजित करण्यात आलेल्या 'लोकसत्ता-लाऊडस्पीकर' या कार्यक्रमात, शिक्षण हक्क कायद्याची आवश्यकता, त्याच्या अंमलबजावणीमध्ये उद्भवणाऱ्या अडचणी, शिक्षणाची घसरणारी गुणवत्ता, नियोजित मुदतीत सर्व तरतुदींची पूर्तता होणार का, कायद्याच्या आणि अनुदानाच्या सापळ्यात अडकलेल्या मराठी शाळांचे भविष्य, शाळाबाह्य़ मुले अशा विविध मुद्दय़ांवर शिक्षण क्षेत्रातील विविध घटकांच्या प्रतिनिधींनी चर्चा केली. चर्चेमध्ये शिक्षण संचालक डॉ. श्रीधर साळुंखे, पुणे शिक्षण मंडळाचे अध्यक्ष बाबा धुमाळ, शिक्षणसंस्था महामंडळाचे कार्यवाह डॉ. आर. पी. जोशी, डोअरस्टेप स्कूलच्या सदस्या भावना कुलकर्णी, शिक्षणतज्ज्ञ डॉ. रमेश पानसे, अ. ल. देशमुख, विविध शिक्षण संस्थांचे प्रतिनिधी, शिक्षक, स्वयंसेवी संस्थांचे प्रतिनिधी आणि पालक संघटनांचे प्रतिनिधी सहभागी झाले होते.

(Click on image to read)

Door Step School - Pune Documentary on YouTube

Dear Friends,

I am pleased to present  to you our new documentary film , done both in English and Marathi.  The documentary is designed to showcase all projects of Door Step School-Pune along with testimonials from children, parents and builders. The links can be added to the websites of your organisation for volunteers and donors who can get a quick overview of all our projects. DVD's are also available on request.

With donors and volunteers like you and with the untiring efforts of our field staff, Door Step School Pune will be completing 20 years next year. We will continue working as long as there is a child out- of- school , We look forward to your continued support.

 Best Regards,

Jayashree Joglekar
Director

www.doorstepschool.org
blog.doorstepschool.org

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Door Step School English
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LrjkupYArM&feature=youtu.be
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qy3KmcU6Ets&feature=youtu.be
 
Door Stel School (Aali Aali Shala Dari) Marathi
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5M5t7xclUM&feature=youtu.be
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaVM4YHiFQE&feature=youtu.be

Come, Join this Citizens’ Campaign...ECC!

As a housewife, there were countless occasions when I paused in whatever that I was busy with and wondered, “Isn’t there something else worthwhile that I can do with my time? My children have grown up and lead their own lives. So then, where do I invest my energy and time?”
 

‘Seeing every child in school and learning well’ is a dream close to my heart. It pains me every time I see children who should be in school, roaming around. How often I have wished I had some qualities of a Pied Piper who could lead them to a nearby school!
When I saw an opportunity to volunteer for the Every Child Counts (ECC) Citizens’ campaign, I just knew I had to be a part of it. The campaign is working towards the common goal of admitting all 6-7 year old children in Pune in a PMC school near their home. These children are mainly from poor families who form the bulk of migrant laborers that move from one location to another in search of livelihood.

At the meeting held every Saturday for all the new volunteers, I was impressed with the total commitment and enthusiasm of the other volunteers. I was happy to be told that volunteers have flexible timings; in fact we ourselves have to decide the area and how many hours a week we can work for this campaign. We also have to choose the type of work we are interested in so that we naturally contribute our skills to the campaign.
The work is broadly divided into three steps: surveying sites to identify children; admitting them to PMC schools in their vicinity; and doing a follow-up to find the retention in schools. I was a little hesitant but decided to get to know the basics and so decided to accompany another ECC worker for a survey on a construction site the next day. I was gently advised to wear comfortable walking shoes!

The site supervisor had given us the required permission to meet the children in the labor camp. We wore helmets and accompanied him going past partially completed buildings. We walked by mounds of rubble and deep pits to reach a clearing with a number of huts arranged in rows. This was the labor camp. At a glance it seemed deserted but as we stood there and explained our work to the supervisor, curious eyes started peering at us. A few other workers stopped their work to find out what business we had in their territory! In the meantime, one person was sent with a message to the labor camp. Before I could ask ‘Are there any children living here?’ there was a sudden outpouring of little feet and a 50 metre dash to reach us!

There were 37 children of ages ranging from a few months to young teenagers. I was so shocked that I had no words. Statistical data translated into reality made an unbelievable scene! We took down the details of all the children over six years. They were asked if they would like to go to school. Some of the younger ones jumped up with excitement; the older ones who had some idea of a school they had attended long, long, ago were more subdued in their response. ‘Oh school! Very difficult to go and come!’ was the general refrain of the adults who had also gathered there. ‘The older siblings have to look after the younger ones and girls also have to look after the home!’

I soon realized there is very little awareness about the importance of education and its long term benefits. Their immediate requirement of food and shelter overrides all other possibilities and opportunities for their children.  Also the constant change in their environment – new surroundings, new language, new challenges in their day-to-day life makes them very apprehensive of sending their children to school. I also learnt that counseling parents is the most important intermediate step between identifying and admitting a child in school. The best results are obtained when the parents are strongly motivated to educate their children.  Obstacles of any shape and size are then overcome easily.

As the number of children was quite large, a school preparation camp was conducted to facilitate their entry into school life. A teacher was appointed and classes were conducted regularly in April and May. Unfortunately we could not interact with the parents on a daily basis as they would be at work.We sometimes stayed back or came early to meet the parents and convince them to send their children to school.

By mid-June 2012, these children had learned to sit in one place and write the Marathi alphabet. They were in short, ready for school and were admitted in a PMC school near their home. Today, some attend school regularly but many are unable to attend due to lack of transport or a suitable escort to take them to school. As the construction sites are far away from the main road, going by bus for 6-year-olds is not a practical option. Also, as their parents are busy earning their daily bread, nobody is available at home to ensure they go to school. In many cases ECC workers have arranged for their school transport along with an escort.

The ECC campaign has benefitted many such children. This is just the first step. We have a long way to go to not only ensure all children go to school,but also are retained there.
If you share the dream of seeing every child in school and can spare 3-4 hours a week, please do come forward and lend your might to this campaign. Whether it is in the field collecting data, admitting children in schools, following up, counseling parents, or helping in administration, research, compiling data, making teaching aids etc. your skills are most welcome.

Just getting out of my comfort zone and going into the field has given me the satisfaction of helping at least some children go to school. Their smiles are rewards in themselves and have acted as an impetus for further involvement in the campaign – wanting to reach out to more out-of-school children.

We have a daunting task before us because we know each and every child counts! Join this campaign and surprise yourself with your own achievements! That is a promise for now.

For more information:
http://everychildcounts-pune.blogspot.com
http://on.fb.me/eccpune

- Archana Vyavaharkar
(Volunteer with ECC Campaign)

A Small Step Towards Big Initiative: ECC News in Indian Express

News about Every Child Counts campaign published in The Indian Express of 14th November 2012.

(Click on the image to read)

Science Quiz news published in City Plus

Door Step School, along with Quest Science Lab and Vibha Volunteer Group, organized a Science Quiz for children living on construction sites in Pune. News published in City Plus - Aundh/Baner, November 9-15, 2012.

Diwali greetings from DSS Children

               

 

 

Wish you A very Happy and Prosperous Diwali 2012

                         From DSS - Pune

दीपावलीच्या हार्दिक शुभेच्छा

                             

                                                                   

  

 

 

DSS Offices will be closed for Diwali from November 9 - November 18th.  Construction site centers are closed during 12-15th November and will reopen on November 16th. 

DSS Calendar 2013

Door Step School presents Calendar 2013 designed using drawings by DSS children.

 

Calendars are available at donation price of Rs.200/- each.

Place your order at 9890682222 or pune@doorstepschool.org.

Science Quiz for Children from Construction Sites

Door Step School, along with Quest Science Lab and Vibha Volunteer Group, organized a Science Quiz for children living on construction sites in Pune. Around 100 school-going children from different construction sites participated in the quiz held at Golwalkar School, Aundh on Sunday, 21st October 2012. The quiz was conducted in two groups - Junior (age 6 to 10) and Senior (age above 10). Most of these children attend Quest Science Labs in Aundh and Pashan. Questions were asked related to Science, Maths, and General Knowledge. The teams were named after famous Indian scientists, such as APJ Abdul Kalam, Ramanujan, Homi Jehangir Bhabha, and likes.

Apart from participating teams, the audience, too, was well prepared to answer the questions.

One team from each of the two groups was declared as winner. However, main objectives of the quiz were to encourage children for public speaking, and to evaluate their capability of applying at right time, what they have learnt.

Mrs. Rajani Paranjpe and Jayashree Joglekar from Door Step School were present at the venue to appreciate efforts taken by children and their teachers. The team of Quest Science Lab, led by Malati Kelkar, helped in setting up the question bank. Entire organization of the event was done by Janardan, Neha, Anjeli, Akshat, and other Vibha volunteers. All children enjoyed the quiz, and the winners returned to their homes, flaunting their medals!

DSS Diwali Art Camp 2012

Door Step School, Pune organised Diwali Art Camp for children at Community Learning Center in Shivaji Housing Society, Senapati Bapat Road, Pune, on 20th October 2012. More than 50 children participated in activities like Diya Painting and Greeting Card making. Volunteers from corporates like Bitwise Solutions and Cognizant helped children in these activities. Bitwise also sponsored material and snacks for the camp.

Children busy in painting the Diya's...

Choosing which colours to apply...

Colourful Diya's painted by DSS Children...

Variety of design and colours...

Tracking Migrant children - A challenge

Migration is inevitable when working with construction site children.   But what is important is that the children of Door Step School continue their education even after leaving the site.  

Meet these DSS children who have migrated to a new construction site and were recently found by DSS staff, after school at their new location. 

It is always a big challenge to track down these migrated children. In spite of trying several methods for tracking, such as 'green card', 'My Book", phone tracking etc,  just about 10% children can be tracked. In absolute numbers, out of about 6000 children migrated last year about 590 children were tracked, out of which 569 ( 96.5%) were confirmed to have continued schooling in the new location.  These results are very encouraging and motivating for our staff whose painstaking efforts seem to be yielding positive results towards changing mindset of construction site parents.  

There are instances when parents take up a place for rent even after the site is closed, so that their children's education can continue. Many families have taken decision to take permanent accommodation in one place and father commutes to the site wherever he is assigned. These are great indicators of mindset changes.

Dattawadi Center celebrates its first graduates

Dattawadi Community Learning Center 10th std graduates

Please join us in congratulating students of Dattawadi Community Learning Center for having passed 10th standard board examination with flying colors. Most of these students are with Door Step School since the 1st std.  We are very proud to see them achieving this important milestone.

All are in junior college now and look forward to college degree in various different disciplines. Having gone from Marathi medium schools to English medium in junior colleges, as most of the junior colleges have English as the medium of instructions, our students find it difficult to cope up with the comprehension. Thanks to DSS Volunteers, who came forward to guide them in this critical need.

We also would like to appeal to funding partners to come forward to provide us financial support for this center from next year. Please write to pune@doorstepschool.org.

Congrats Grads !!

ECC Campaign Status in August 2012

'Every Child Counts' campaign has initiated an ongoing 'survey--admission--follow-up' activity since last year. Efforts are being taken in order to bridge the gap between children and schools. The campaign team, along with citizen volunteers, has been trying to find out children, who need help in reaching schools. Most of the children not getting enrolled in schools, are from migrant labour families. So far, ECC has conducted survey at more than 700 locations where migrant labourers are found. (It is estimated that total number of such locations in Pune would be more than 2,000!) Out of these 700+ locations, around 450 had children who needed help in reaching schools.

Till August 2012, ECC could enrol around 600 children in schools across Pune city. However, it is observed that only 400 are attending schools regularly. Why are these 200 children still away from school? Here's a quick analysis by ECC:

1. A child of 6 or 7 years age cannot travel/walk/ride to school on its own. It needs some escort for daily commute. Preferably, this escort should be the child's parents, which is hardly possible in case of labourers working on daily wages. (Forget about child's basic psychological need of being with mother or father during its initial exposure to external world!)
Statistics: Out of 400, less than 10 children are being escorted to school by parents. Around 100 children have to walk to the school on their own or in groups.

2. Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and Education Dept (Shikshan Mandal) of PMC have committed to provide transport facility to children in question. However, the management and logistics part (finding a local van or rickshaw, identifying and verifying needy children, supervising daily transport activity, actual payments and reimbursements, etc) has held back the scheme till date.
Statistics: With the help of few concerned school staff members, close to 130 children are getting benefitted by some or the other means of transport (but with no assured provisions for entire year).

3. As an integral part of taking every child to school, ECC decided to make transport provisions on immediate basis, wherever required. Focus was shifted from new admissions to continuity of already admitted children. Local vans or rickshaws were identified by volunteers and field staff, and transport started at very non-standard rates. It is becoming difficult to arrange funds for everyday transport expenses. Not sure how many days ECC can transport these children. (And more than 50% admissions are still pending...)
Statistics: Around 150 children are using transport facility by ECC, since June 2012. Vans and rickshaws are charging anywhere between Rs.400 and Rs.800 per child per month. (PMC estimate on school transport is Rs.300 per child per month. Daily management and follow-up with rickshaw-wallas is a different story altogether...)

What are possible solutions?

1. Parents taking interest in child's education & attendance in school. THE BEST, but most difficult solution!
2. Schools and PMC arranging daily transport of children living away from school. Schools need to be empowered (financially and resourcefully) for handling this activity.
3. Local citizens volunteering to arrange and monitor the transport (and escort, if possible) on daily basis. A group of concerned senior citizens, professionals, students, ladies, can help the children reach school everyday, safely and surely.

The 'survey--admission--follow-up' process will have to be continued till every child gets its right to education. The campaign is a citizens' initiative. It believes in every citizen's contribution. And it believes - every child counts!

Project "Grow with Books"

School Intervention Program -- Project "Grow with Books": Door Step School works with Municipal Schools to conduct 90 minute reading classes in the primary schools. The goal of this program is to enhance reading capabilities of the children and improve overall educational performance of the children. 145,000 children have benefited through these programs over the last 5 years.

DSS in Textbook of Std-11

Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education, Pune has included a lesson on Door Step School in the English textbook 'Yuvakbharati' for Standard 11.

(Please click on the images to zoom)

Volunteering Opportunities with ECC

The 'Every Child Counts' campaign started school admissions from 15th of June 2012. Children surveyed till June are being enrolled in nearest PMC schools. Since the target group belongs to migrant labour families, it is difficult to declare the survey activity as 'complete'. With new constructions coming up in the city every day, more number of migrant labour and their children can be found everywhere. Hence, the survey--admission--follow-up activities will go on in different areas of Pune. Looking at the scope of work, ECC needs many more volunteers to contribute in their own area. Volunteers can participate in following ways:

1. Follow-up of children enrolled through ECC campaign: Sites and schools will be assigned to volunteers, based on their location. They can visit the school on Saturday or visit the sites in morning/evening time (or on Sunday) to track attendance of the children. Any difficulty/problem can be reported back to campaign team for further action.

2. Conduct extra-curricular activities at schools on Saturday: Depending on skills and availability of volunteers, activities like story-telling, art and craft, painting, etc. can be planned at PMC schools or Door Step School construction site classes.

3. Help in making teaching aids: Some of the volunteers can visit DSS training center to learn making teaching aids. Volunteer groups can then plan this activity on Sundays for all other volunteers at their own locations.

4. Write about own experience: Volunteers involved in survey and admission activities can write about their experiences. We will share them with other volunteers, will publish on blog, and will try to send to newspapers. Volunteers can also help by spreading the word about ECC campaign and immediate needs like transport and follow-up.

Please write to us if you want to join the campaign and help children get their right of education!

Environmental Education Programme by iVolunteer

iVolunteer conducted Environmental Education Programme for Door Step School children, on 30th June 2012. 5 Volunteers from this group planned and executed this event for 36 children. 3 teachers, 5 supervisors, and 2 coordinators from Door Step School assisted the volunteers.

Children were divided in different groups to carry out different activities:

Children from 2 groups were instructed to draw environment-related pictures. Children themselves spoke about the pictures and explained what message they wanted to give.

Children from 2 groups were asked to cut pictures from newspapers and make collage regarding environment. Children were then asked to talk about the message given through collage.

Volunteers explained the procedure to sow plants in pots.

Volunteers also discussed following topics with the children:

• Thoughtful use of electricity and fuels.
• Why we should stop cutting trees.
• Maximum usage of non-conventional energy sources.
• We should stop water wastage by closing the running taps.
• We should use electric appliances only when required.
• Maximum utilization of paper, before throwing it as garbage.
• How to save fuel by cooking food in covered pots.
• Why we should not use plastic bags.

Children participated in all activities with great enthusiasm. Their response to discussions and their environment-friendly ideas were worth appreciating.

Thanks to iVolunteer group for organizing such an interesting programme at Door Step School!

ECC Presentation - July 2012

Engineering his way to future...

Sunny Prakash Bhosale

Sunny with his mother Rekha

Construction site "Golden Trailies"

 

Meet Sunny, a 4th grader from one of the DSS construction sites "Golden Trailies", in Balewadi area.

Sunny was enrolled in DSS construction site center in 2010. Prior to coming to this location, he was going to school in the earlier location. When Sunny came to DSS, he already knew the basics of reading. DSS staff enrolled him in 3rd standard of a nearby municipal school.

However, due to shortage in funding for school transport, Door Step School could not provide school transport to the children from this site. Sunny lost interest in school. He stopped going to school and started to work in a nearby tea stall. Other children followed the suite and stopped going to school.

Door Step School staff had a uphill task to turn the situation around. Daily discussions and  persuasions with the family and the hotel owner finally led to Sunny going back to school. The parents sent the younger sister to school as well. Realising importance of sending the children to school and continuing their education, they made their own arrangement for school transport. Sunny's mother is a 6th standard pass and father is 8th standard pass. Both the parents have the resolve to ensure that the children complete their education.

Sunny is one of the toppers in the class and last year he cleared entrance exam for "Vidya Niketan Schools". Vidya Niketan Schools are municipal schools targeted for top ranking students from various municipal schools. Now Sunny gets government supported free of cost school transport right from his doorstep, a privilege for students of "Vidya Niketan School".

Sunny is a born leader; he loves to play cricket and marbles. He is strong in mathematics and gets full marks in the subject.

When asked what he would like to be when he grows up, prompt came the reply "Mechanical Engineer".

Congratulations Sunny!!

शाळेची सुरूवात - डॉ. प्रकाश आमटे

चंद्रपूर जिल्ह्यातल्या भामरागड परिसरात 'माडिया गोंड' आदिवासींसोबत काम करतानाचे अनुभव डॉ. प्रकाश आमटे यांनी आपल्या 'प्रकाशवाटा' या पुस्तकात लिहिले आहेत. या आदिवासींना मुख्य प्रवाहात आणण्याचं, त्यांची पिळवणूक थांबवण्याचं, आणि त्यांना माणूस म्हणून जगण्याची संधी मिळवून देण्याचं स्वप्‍न बाबा आमटेंनी पाहिलं होतं. त्यासाठी 'शिक्षण' हेच एकमेव माध्यम समोर दिसत होतं. हेमलकशाच्या भागात शाळा सुरू करताना त्यांना आलेल्या अडचणी आणि त्यावरचे उपाय त्यांनी 'प्रकाशवाटा'मध्ये लिहिले आहेत. १९७६ साली आदिवासींसाठी शाळा सुरू करताना आलेल्या अडचणी आणि २०१२ साली पुण्यासारख्या शहरात मुलांना शाळेपर्यंत पोचविण्यात येणार्‍या अडचणी यांत कमालीचं साधर्म्य आढळतं...

प्रकाशवाटा - १

प्रकाशवाटा -२

प्रकाशवाटा -३

प्रकाशवाटा -४

प्रकाशवाटा -५

Back to School

Ready to get on the school bus

We love school, but please give us transport

Look at my handwriting

Schools have reopened. Children at all our construction sites have been enrolled in schools.  With the help of all our funding partners, schools transport is provided wherever possible.  There are still over 400 children waiting to get school transport arrangement, as the group in the second picture. This group of children is not able to go to school simply because there is no transport. They continue to learn at the construction site school run by Door Step School. 

The cost of school transport per child per month is Rs. 300. 
Your donation of Rs. 3000 will help send a child to school for the entire year.

Would you like to help? 
Please write to pune@doorstepschool.org.

Educating Every Child - City Plus

News about school admissions started by Every Child Counts campaign...

City Plus - Kondhwa/Wanowrie, July 8-14, 2012, Page 7

(Click on the image to read)

विद्यार्थ्यांचं स्वागत करणारी शाळा...

खेडेगावातली एक शाळा नवीन शैक्षणिक वर्षाच्या सुरुवातीला विद्यार्थ्यांचं मिरवणूक काढून स्वागत करते. सर्व शाळांच्या शिक्षकांनी असा उत्साह दाखवायचं ठरवलं तर...?

Changing their views...and lives!

Vikas lives with his parents on a construction site in Pune. He has been enrolled in a nearby government school. He also attends study classes run by Door Step School at the site. On a recent occasion, Vikas expressed his views about school and study, through these wonderful slogans :-

"Aadhi Roti Khayenge, Phir Bhi School Jayenge"

"Maa-Baap Ki Ek Hi Ichha - Bachche Paaye Poori Shiksha"

"Khushboo Ho Har Phool Mein - Bachche Ho Saare School Mein"

This is what right environment does with children. It changes their views...and lives!

Well done Vikas!

Changing their views...and lives!

Vikas lives with his parents on a construction site in Pune. He has been enrolled in a nearby government school. He also attends study classes run by Door Step School at the site. On a recent occasion, Vikas expressed his views about school and study, through these wonderful slogans :-

"Aadhi Roti Khayenge, Phir Bhi School Jayenge"

"Maa-Baap Ki Ek Hi Ichha - Bachche Paaye Poori Shiksha"

"Khushboo Ho Har Phool Mein - Bachche Ho Saare School Mein"

This is what right environment does with children. It changes their views...and lives!

Well done Vikas!

Civic schools to remain open on Sunday

The school board of Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has decided to keep the civic schools open on July 1, a Sunday to facilitate admissions of poor students in municipal schools.

PMC runs 294 schools in the city with Marathi, Urdu and English as mediums of instruction. Over 80,000 students are studying in these schools. A large number of students represent the lower income group.

"The parents of many students work on daily wage basis. They works as construction labours or workers in the fringe areas of the city. If they don't work even for a day or two, they find it tough to make both the ends meet. So these people don't tend to spend their time of weekdays for works like taking admissions for their wards in schools. This affects overall admissions of needy children," said officials of the municipal school board.

"The main aim is to provide schooling to students representing lower strata of society. But practical problems like parents not getting leave, are creating obstacles in the admission process. So we decided to find a solution and the idea to keep the schools open on Sunday to facilitate admissions was mooted," said Ramchadra Jadhav, education officer, municipal school board.
He said that board has directed PMC run schools to keep the admission process open on July 1. The principal of the schools will be present in the school along with other required staff to carry out the admission process. The age certificates and other required documents can be submitted to schools during this period. We have also asked various non governmental organizations , educationists and activists to remain present at the schools on Sunday to help the admission process of these students.

(News in The Times Of India - Jun 28, 2012)
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/Civic-schools-to-remain-open-on-Sunday/articleshow/14466214.cms

PMC School Admission Form

This is the ONLY document required for enrolling children in any PMC school.

Schools have been instructed not to ask for any other document, such as Birth Certificate, Transfer Certificate, etc.

However, it has been observed that some teachers are asking for all these documents, just out of habit! If any volunteer or parent is being asked about any document other than this, please contact 'Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan' or 'Every Child Counts' immediately!

The work has begun now...

'Every Child Counts' was launched as a citizens' campaign to ensure every child's right to get education. Most important part of the campaign was school admissions! During last few months, citizen volunteers and social groups, NGO's have been busy finding out 6-year-old children who need to be in schools. Almost all outskirt areas of Pune have been surveyed - Kondhwa, Dhayari, Hadapsar, Balewadi, Baner, Dhanori, etc. More than 2,600 such children were identified. The enrollment drive needed a sound plan like:

1. Locating nearest PMC or ZP schools for children found through surveys;
2. Checking current capacity of these schools with respect to additional enrollments through this campaign;
3. Discussing the situation and immediate possible solutions, with school heads and teachers;
4. Taking the children and their parents to schools on the day of admissions.

The capacity assessment of schools gave big shortfalls at many schools. Discussions with the school heads and teachers went well; however no proactive measures for shortfalls were promised.

PMC schools opened on 15th June. Some transport facility is being arranged by ECC on the first day; however no further plans for everyday transport yet. Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and Shikshan Mandal of Pune have offered some solutions like - (i) free PMPML bus passes for school-going children; or (ii) schools to arrange local transport through auto-rickshaw or vans, and get reimbursement from PMC. None of the solutions have been finalised yet.

Children are found very very excited about going to school. (A major reason for excitement could be the school bus that they are seeing on day-one...) There is still some resistance or ignorance from some of the parents; however, overall sentiment looks positive. People want their children to be educated; but are holding back - some due to lack of knowledge about schools and admission procedure, others due to fear of fees and academic expenses. A lot of parent awareness is required!

Some parents are visiting the schools along with ECC volunteers. This is a very positive sign, according to the school teachers. This can be considered as a personal success of ECC volunteers. They have worked hard to convince the parents, not only for sending their children but also for being present for the admissions. As of now, the parents are saying that they would look after their children's regular attendance in schools. However, this needs a strong follow-up.

Children across Pune city are being taken to nearest PMC schools. This process will continue until all the children are enrolled in schools. Looks too ambitious? Yes, it is! The survey also looked 'too ambitious' when we planned in November 2011. Apart from school admissions of these children, a 'hidden' agenda of this campaign was to involve citizens in the RTE implementation. To some extent, this campaign has been successful in doing that. Citizens from all over Pune have come foreward to contribute in surveying, teaching, enrolling, and talking-writing-discussing about the Right To Education Act! The school admissions will continue for some time, then facilities at government schools will be checked, then quality of education will be monitored. All this will be done through citizens' force!

Thank you volunteers for your hard work! Sorry, but there's no time for rest. The work has begun now. Hope you all are and will be with us... Because, every child counts!

शिक्षण क्षेत्रातील योगदानाबद्दल बांधकाम व्यावसायिकांचा गौरव

            दिवसागणिक विस्तारत चाललेल्या पुणे शहरातील एक महत्त्वाचे उद्योगक्षेत्र म्हणजे बांधकाम व्यवसाय. आधुनिक तंत्रज्ञान, स्थापत्य कौशल्य, आणि व्यावसायिक यशासोबतच या क्षेत्राचा एक अविभाज्य भाग म्हणजे मनुष्यबळ. केवळ मोठमोठे प्रकल्प व नफ्याच्या गणितांपलिकडे जात, बांधकाम क्षेत्रातील असंघटीत व विस्थापित कामगारांच्या कल्याणासाठी, त्यांच्या मुलांच्या शिक्षणासाठी योगदान देणार्‍या बांधकाम व्यावसायिकांचा 'डोअर स्टेप स्कूल' संस्थेतर्फे नुकताच सत्कार करण्यात आला. 'डोअर स्टेप स्कूल' ही संस्था कामगारांच्या मुलांसाठी पुण्यातील सुमारे १०० बांधकाम साईटवर वर्ग चालवते. या कार्यामध्ये संस्थेला सहकार्य करणार्‍या बांधकाम व्यावसायिकांचा संस्थेतर्फे 'एज्युकेअर अ‍ॅवॉर्ड' देऊन गौरव करण्यात आला. शनिवार, दि.१२ मे २०१२ रोजी नवी पेठेतील 'निवारा' येथे आयोजित करण्यात आलेल्या कार्यक्रमास क्रेडाई (बिल्डर्स असोसिएशन) पुणे, कामगार-कल्याण समितीचे अध्यक्ष अनुज भंडारी उपस्थित होते. 'डोअर स्टेप स्कूल'च्या संचालिका जयश्री जोगळेकर यांनी वार्षिक अहवाल सादर केला. बांधकाम मजुरांच्या मुलांच्या शिक्षणासाठी क्रेडाई व बांधकाम व्यावसायिकांकडून मिळणार्‍या सहकार्याबद्दल त्यांनी आभार मानले. यावेळी आपले मनोगत व्यक्त करताना श्री. भंडारी यांनी संस्थेच्या कामाचे कौतुक केले. आपल्या मुलांच्या शिक्षणाची काळजी घेतली जात असल्याने, कामगार अधिक कार्यक्षमतेने व आनंदाने काम करु शकतात, ज्यामुळे कामाची गुणवत्ता सुधारुन बांधकाम व्यावसायिक व ग्राहक, दोघांनाही फायदा होतो, असे ते म्हणाले. शिक्षण क्षेत्रातील बिल्डर्सच्या योगदानाबद्दल त्यांचे अभिनंदन करुन, भविष्यात हा सहभाग वाढत जाईल, अशी अपेक्षा श्री. भंडारी यांनी यावेळी व्यक्त केली.

            'डोअर स्टेप स्कूल'च्या संस्थापिका रजनी परांजपे यांनी 'एव्हरी चाइल्ड काउंट्स' अभियानाबद्दल माहिती दिली व पुण्यातील सर्व सहा वर्षाच्या मुलांना शाळा-प्रवेशात मदत करण्यासाठी, या अभियानात सहभागी होण्याचे आवाहन केले. प्रोजेक्ट डायरेक्टर रविंद्र महामुनी यांनी सूत्रसंचालन व आभार-प्रदर्शन केले. पुण्यातील नामवंत बिल्डर्स व त्यांचे प्रतिनिधी, तसेच संस्थेचे देणगीदार, स्वयंसेवक, कार्यकर्ते, व नागरिक यावेळी मोठ्या संख्येने उपस्थित होते. संस्थेतर्फे राबविण्यात येणार्‍या विविध उपक्रमांशी संबंधित प्रदर्शनास उपस्थितांनी भेट देऊन संस्थेच्या कार्याबद्दल आनंद व्यक्त केला.

Builders felicitated with EduCare Awards

           Construction industry is a significant part of rapidly expanding city of Pune. And manpower is an important ingredient of this industry. Sustaining the cultured image of Pune, builders in the city have moved beyond huge projects and profit calculations, and have been actively contributing to build the future of their labour’s children. Door Step School, an NGO that runs study centres for construction workers’ children at more than 100 construction sites, felicitated supporting builders with ‘EduCare Awards’ on Saturday, 12th May 2012. The function held at ‘Nivara’ hall in Navi Peth, was chaired by Mr. Anuj Bhandari of CREDAI (Builders’ Association) Pune, Labour-Welfare Committee. Jayashree Joglekar, Director of Door Step School, presented annual report of the organisation. She thanked CREDAI and builders for supporting the NGO in educating construction workers’ children. Mr. Bhandari appreciated the work done by Door Step School. ‘Since their children’s education is taken care of by someone at the site, the labourers - usually both parents - are found to be working more efficiently. This improves quality of the product and benefits the builders as well as the customer,’ he said. Mr. Bhandari congratulated the builders for their contribution to the cause, and expected increased support from the community in future.

           Rajani Paranjpe, Founder-President of Door Step School, spoke about ‘Every Child Counts’ campaign, and appealed to the citizens to join hands for ensuring 100% school-enrolment of six-year-old children across Pune city. Project Director Ravindra Mahamuni presented vote of thanks. Eminent builders and their representatives, donors, volunteers, staff members, and citizens were present in large numbers. Attendees visited and appreciated the exhibition of various projects run by Door Step School.

ECC Presentation

'Every Child Counts' Presentation

ECC Survey Summary Report

ECC Survey Summary Report - till May 2012

'Every Child Counts' campaign team along with volunteers, has so far surveyed 600+ locations in Pune, identifying 2,600+ children of 6-7 years age. Here is a summary report of children and school data.

DSS Annual Presentation 2012

Door Step School, Pune invites you for the annual presentation

on 12th May 2012, 10am

at Nivara Hall, Navi Peth, Pune.

DSS will felicitate builders supporting us in the education initiative

for children of construction workers.

The EduCare Awards 2011-2012