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)

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

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 !!

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)

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!

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!!

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.

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!

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.

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

Women of Door Step School

In this special series on Women of Door Step School, we will cover case studies of our women staff who have shown significant progress during their tenure at Door Step School.


Meet Ms. Laxmi Sibbalwad, who is currently a teacher at one of construction site schools. 

Laxmi joined us in 2006 as a house keeping staff for a center. Her duties were to sweep and clean the center and fetch water. Later she and her husband went back to their village and returned to Pune in 2009, at which time Laxmi rejoined at one of our Kondhwa centers as a housekeeping staff.  Her sincere and hard working attitude helped her move into a new role of  day care center staff at this center. During this time she observed how the teacher conducted the class and took initiative to help in teacher's absence. Seeing the potential in her, Door Step School enrolled her into Teachers' training program. After completion of the teacher's training, she was employed as a teacher in one of our centers.

Last month, Laxmi was given  "Best Teacher" award by the builder,  in recognition of her good work, sincerity and capability.

Laxmi is 10th standard pass and has been married for 6 years.

Our heartiest congratulations to Laxmi for her achievements and Best wishes for continued future success.

Special program on Clealiness and Hygiene - WASH

Last year Door Step School, Pune used "Swachacha Va Sundar Shala"(स्वच्छ शाळा सुंदर शाळा ) booklet published by Kirloskar Foundation to spread message on cleanliness among construction site school children. 
To promote 'cleanliness and hygiene' further in these children, Door Step School implemented Kirloskar WASH initiative at 20 sites covering 343 children. Majority of the activities were focused on 62 children who are now WASH Club Members. 

The implementing staff from Door Step School received formal training organised by Kirloskar Foundation which included topics such as Healthy Habits, Concept of Clean Water, Role of Soap, Introduction to Bacteria and virus etc.  Special Orientation for the DSS Supervisors was done followed by 'Theme' wise capacity building. 

Children learned importance of hand washing, clean water, personal hygiene through practical methods.  Significant impact is seen in many children in their awareness of these issues and they are seen in implementing them at home.

Science Day Exhibition

Door Step School children participated in a science exhibition organised by 'Quest" at their Sus road facilities on Feb 26th, 2012 to celebrate Science day.  A total of 24 students from various construction sites and from our Community Learning Center participated in the exhibition. Children demonstrated experiments such as solar powered equipment, effects of air pressure etc. 

A total of 75 children attend 'Quest" labs every week.

Project: A Teaching Method

"Parivartan" training center for Door Step School, Pune organised an exhibition  on 

" Project: A Teaching Method", where various project based teaching aids and techniques were displayed. Learning through projects helps children understand a topic easier due to the hands on experience it offers.  It also helps improve their creativity, concentration and attitude for exploration through fun and entertainment. The exhibition attempted to bring out ideas and techniques along with posters for information and step by step approach for implementation.

The project based display had a large number of familiar projects such as " House", "Helper", "Season" etc. In the display for "House",  homes for animals, birds, farmers, and various types of homes such as hut, igloo, bungalow, multistory building etc were displayed using simple easily available material at construction sites. All aspects about a house were explained along with the material used and benefits for a specific type of construction were explained. Similarly, in the display for seasons, seasonal clothes, care to be taken in each season etc was displayed. In the helper section,  postman, farmer, jeweler, painter, pharmacist etc were displayed along with details of their equipment and information about their work. 

Use of creativity  and imagination is crucial to comprehensive development of a child. Doing project with children helps them think outside their normal school curriculum. It is important that while teaching children through project based method, the teaches should encourage creativity. If their ideas are given priority in designing a project, children learn with extra enthusiasm. "Project - A method to teach" has attempted to display these techniques and ideas.

Children of the construction site  "Midori"  made this model of a playground with the help of their teachers.  

The project is made of waste material available at the construction site and  hard sheets used as the packing material for floor tiles. Children collected the material and made this model of a playground in a park. They have shown the slides, swings, water tank and animal zoo.

The project method for teaching is used in all our programs at Door Step School.

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