April 2007 : Newsletter of Aseema
Time seems to have flown by since our November newsletter, and since then much has been achieved.
Our work in Igatpuri has come a long way. A survey was conducted by two TISS students from February 1 to 10. Data was collected to create a consolidated profile of the village, Awalkheda, and the surrounding ‘wadis’ Phanaswadi, Jambhwadi, Gowalwadi, Jambulwadi, Warachiwadi and Karachiwadi. It is estimated that 60 children will be the prospective students of the Balwadi, which Aseema will be setting up. Teachers have been appointed and Teacher Training has begun. For the first time a Sports Day was held for the children of the Anganwadi at Phanaswadi that Aseema has adopted. The children had a great time. Many parents came to see their little ones taking part. The event was such a success that the teachers have decided to organize their first Annual Day in April.
A very significant development in Igatpuri is the formation of a Village Committee of eight members, including the Sarpanch. This Committee and the government officials have appreciated the work Aseema is doing and have extended support. They recognize that education will transform their children’s lives and transform their villages. An Aseema Balwadi Mahila Mandal has also been established and the members meet every Tuesday.
An Eye Camp for the elders of the village was organized by Mahindra and Mahindra on 9 March which was co-ordinated by a member of the Mahila Mandal. 50 persons were examined, and spectacles given to 18.
A close bond has been struck between the Pali-Chimbai Municipal School (PCMS), Bandra and the neighbouring schools. Our students participated in the Family Fun Day at the American School on 2 December 2006. Soon after, students from Grades 1 to 6 of the American School visited PCMS. Aseema children have been involved in an Outreach Program at the Apostolic Carmel High School, and were invited to Friendship Day at Arya Vidya Mandir School, at Bandra Kurla Complex. Wilson College invited our students to their exhibition, ‘A Walk Through the Western Ghats’ which was a truly educational experience. A visit was organized on 24 February and 12 March to the City of Los Angeles Museum Matunga, where the children enjoyed viewing the Science and Geography exhibits. The Walt Disney Group invited 60 children for a day of fun and entertainment.
Children of The Kids Edutainment Centre at Juhu, Mumbai, organized their first “Pledge for a Cause” event on 18 March. At the fund-raising gala, the children performed numerous skits which were conceived, written and beautifully performed by them. They raised a very generous amount for Aseema and for the Indian Red Cross Society, Mumbai. The interaction between our children and those from a more privileged background, has led to mutual respect and understanding. A melting of boundaries is experienced.
The Annual Exhibition on 19 and 20 January at the Pali-Chimbai Municipal School, showcased the students’ academic achievements. Projects, models, interactive games, wall displays reflected the impact of quality education, where learning is a joyous and meaningful experience. The Deputy Municipal Commissioner, Mr. S. Shinde, and all the visitors wrote glowing remarks in our Visitor’s Book. Sports Day was held on 8 February for Std. I-VI, and on 15 February, for the Pre-Primary. Annual Day, held on 1 March, was a vibrant celebration of poetry, drama, music and dance. One of the guests remarked, “No longer are the children of Aseema poor, they are certainly rich in academic and artistic achievements.”
To celeberate 100 years of the Montessori Method, a Walk was organized on 7 February. About 100 Aseema Pre-Primary children participated with their teachers and helpers. The PCMS is the only BMC school that uses the Montesssori Method in an integrated way. Our little ‘shishyas’ overshadowed the film celebrities who had also participated – Suneil Shetty, Aamir Khan, Zayed Khan and Om Puri.
Aseema children have become Mumbai’s cultural ambassadors. Soroptimist International held a Poetry & Art Competition and ALL the Aseema participants from Grades II to VI won prizes in their respective categories. They sang, ‘Itni Shakti Hame Dena’ at the Immortal Legends Concert at St. Andrew’s Auditorium, on 15 December. The Lions Club of North Bombay hosted a Talent Contest on 14 January. The Aseema Girls’ Group Dance won First Prize. Ashish and Aaliya both won First Prizes for Solo Singing. Students of our Support Centre sang ‘Mumbai Meri Jaan’ at the Mumbai Festival on 24 and 25 January. Raell Padamsee organised a ‘Rhythm and Groove’ dance workshop for our children. As part of the Ongoing Mela, at the Kala Ghoda Festival, there was a sale of products based on our children’s art work.
Mr. Anand Mohan Naik is a renowned artist, who gives of his valuable time to teach Art to our children. It is a treat to see the creativity and spontaneous expression that unfolds. An exhibition of his excellent paintings was held at Dev’s Art Gallery in Goa. He has exhibited his work of art in different media including glass painting, broken glass collage, water colours and egg tempera.
Our child artists have gained recognition and admiration. At the JW Marriott, Aseema products are displayed and sold at the Bombay Bakery Company (BBC) Window. Dino Morea inaugurated an exhibition of our children’s paintings at Crepe Station Cafe, a restaurant in Bandra. The paintings have been beautifully framed thanks to the support of the University of Middlesex. Crepe Station in Juhu, has also held an exhibition of our children’s paintings.
We are grateful to the JW Marriott Group and to Fidelity Fund Management Private Limited for making Aseema’s presence felt at the Mumbai Marathon. About 35 participants from JW Marriott and 35 from Fidelity, ran the marathon, and the proceeds of the sponsorships were donated to Aseema. Shashikant Shetty, our Judo and Physical Education teacher at Aseema, along with two friends also ran the Half Marathon for Aseema.
Aseema was invited by Genesis to be part of their 101 Film Project. A hundred and one aspiring filmmakers made short, 5 minute films on 101 NGOs to capture the spirit of the organization its mission and achievements.
We invite you to a sale of Aseema Products, made from the childrens art work, which will be on display at the 12th Harmony Show, an exhibition of contemporary art. The exhibition is at the Nehru Centre, 2nd floor Worli, Mumbai. The show will remain open from 31 March to 8 April between 10 am to 7 pm. At this year’s Harmony Show, 16-year-old Roshni Jadhav and 14-year-old Rafiq Shaikh, students of the Aseema Support Center, won an award instituted by the Vasanti Muzumdar Trust. This will help these young artists in their schooling and art education. Aseema, has been working closely with the Harmony Show for the last six years. Over the years our childrens art work has been greatly appreciated by artists and visitors alike. Do come!
Aseema children have held their own; have made their mark, in a very competitive world, transforming their scant resources to explore ‘limitless potential’.
Email – contact@aseema.org