Aseema, Mumbai : Newsletter for November 2006
We are delighted to share this first online newsletter, education@aseema, with you. There are so many ‘firsts’ at Aseema to know about, which justifies the length of this newsletter.
Aseema upholds quality and value. These are not far away ideals to aspire for but is an experience that is real and effects transformation. This experience is reflected in all that Aseema is involved with – a holistic education for children, a staff who is committed and caring, and products that carry a stamp of excellence.
The Product Division extends this quality and value to products. The Division plans to become self-sufficient over time. This gives us a foundation to extend quality to a wider group of children and raise our levels of education.
India Knowledge@Wharton, the online journal of the Wharton Business School, was launched on 1 November 2006 in Mumbai. The inaugural issue had an article on Aseema from which we quote, “What Aseema’s story demonstrates is the practical solution to a very large problem.”
To read the entire article, go to: www.ikw.in
We are pleased to present our exciting new desk calendar for 2007. The vibrant paintings in this calendar are the works of our young Picassos in the making. By buying it and spreading the word – you are not only helping educate a child – but also helping us provide him/her with a nutritious meal, school uniforms, shoes & socks and school bag. Please do let your friends and business associates know about our lovely new calendar.
“Balvikas” sponsored by the Vidya Trust, was established in June 2006. It caters to children of five and a half to six and a half years. In a nurturing Montessori environment, children learn skills that ease their entry to Standard I. The Balvikas teachers Sushmita and Rowena spoke of how children’s lives are changed when the wonder of learning unfolds. This transformation reaches out to the family and the larger community.
To read more, go to: http://www.aseema.org/education.htm
A generous donation from Mr. and Mrs. Inam Rahman and their sons Aseem and Arun, has strengthened Aseema’s work in the Junior Balwadi. The donation honours the memory of their eldest son Amar, who was born on 29 November. The Rahman family “wish to celebrate his legacy in a manner that would reflect his deep concerns, especially for deprived children.” Aseema believes that the legacy of education impacts generations.
Walk into our Art Studio, at the Pali-Chimbai Municipal School and you will see child artists completely absorbed, working independently with freedom. Amit Romani, an artist in residence, who works with the children, regards them as co-artists. The Art Studio reflects the philosophy of a movement “Room 13”, where art is not “taught”, or imposed but is a unique expression of an individual child artist. ‘Professional’ art materials, i.e. charcoal, acrylic, canvas etc. are used. An Art Library sponsored by the Vidya Trust enhances creativity.
Another first – A Counselling Centre provides a space where a child knows that a caring adult hears what he/she has to say. It is not stating the obvious to say that at the Centre, children are listened to with empathy and respect.
The Jim Lynn Computer Centre, sponsored by Praxis, is run by our very own Aseema student Ramesh Ghayal. Ramesh conducts classes for students from Stds. IV to VI; each child works on a computer for an hour. Aseema has transformed Ramesh’s life and his contribution as a Computer Teacher is a natural consequence.
The K-yan Machine sponsored by the Kassam family and installed in the Computer cum Audio Visual Room, has stretched the horizons of our children’s learning. K-yan is a knowledge vehicle which brings together Computer, Multimedia and two thousand interactive lessons – a treasure house of educational resources.
A landmark for Aseema is our Rural Education Centre for Tribal Children at Awalkheda, Igatpuri. A 14 acre plot has been purchased for the proposed Centre. Educational and vocational training will be provided to achieve independence for the child and community. It is your support that has brought us this far, and we count on you to take us further.
At present, an Anganwadi (pre-primary school) in a village near Awalkheda has been adopted. Teacher training programs, educational materials, uniforms, nutritious mid-day meals and medical check-ups are being provided.
You, our Aseema friends, are the “wind beneath our wings”. Help us to fulfil our dreams.
At Aseema, dreams don’t last long. They are quickly realized.
Aseema inspires and transforms..
Aseema prerana hai simit jeevan ki,
sandhi hai jeeneki oomang mai rang bharaneki,
karm sikhata hai Koee….
Aseema, an inspiration in this fleeting life
Painting ambition with vivid colours
Teaching us our duty.
pyaar aata umad umad kar,
maasoom bachonpe hota nichavar.
in aakhonse muskuratahai Koee…..
Love flows in abundance for these
innocent children
God smiles through their eyes.
bade huye hum to bhool gaye bachpan,
namrata bhulaake bada hota hai mann?
bachpan se milatahai koee….
But we forget our childhood as we grow.
Losing humility over the years
Aseema brings us back to our youth.
choti choti baatonme badi badi khushiyaan.
binbulaaye aanevali dukhonki ghadiyaan
bachonsa jeeneka tarikha sikhaataahai Koee….
Immense pleasure unfolds in small moments.
Uninvited come the sad moments.
But we live life through a child’s mind.
dilse nikli dua,rahe sada harabhara Aseemaka chaman.
har phool khile,bane swawalambi, swabhimaani aur
prassann
aashaa poori karega Koee…
May Aseema bloom ever, prays the heart.
Let every flower blossom with self esteem,
be self reliant and happy.
Some One will answer the prayer.
Nirmala Rao
Head of Pre-Primary, PCMS
Email – contact@aseema.org