Deepam Quarterly Newsletter (Oct-Dec13)

1|Page

www.deepam.in

Contents
Quarterly update (Oct-Dec13) ..................................................................................................................... 3 Events ............................................................................................................................................................ 4 Joy of Giving week celebration across Deepam .................................................................................... 4 Childrens Day celebrations @ Deepam ................................................................................................... 5 Field trips by Deepam Centers .................................................................................................................. 6 Christmas Day Celebrations @ Deepam ................................................................................................. 10 New Computer Lab @ PV Rao School ..................................................................................................... 11 Volunteer Meet....................................................................................................................................... 11 Featured Volunteers ................................................................................................................................... 12 Deepam featured in The Hindu ............................................................................................................... 14 Deepam Scholarship ................................................................................................................................... 15

For any queries or clarifications, please reach out to janavi@deepam.in

2|Page

www.deepam.in

Quarterly update (Oct-Dec13)

By JanaviShyam Deepam wishes all children, volunteers, school management, donors and well-wishers a very happy and prosperous New Year 2014 The last quarter of the year was a beeline of functions and activities at Deepam. Deepams centers rang in the festivities including Christmas, Childrens day and the Joy of Giving week. The events witnessed a heightened participation by both Volunteers and our children. The quarter also saw Deepams children being given the experience of visiting some of the citys important places of interest. Interesting locales like Wind Energy center and kids favourite spots like Guindy Park and MGM resorts were among the noticeable ones. Deepam also began its brand new computer lab that was inaugurated at its RA Puram Center at Dr P V Rao School in collaboration with IIT Madras' Shaastra 2014 committee. The lab will be a great source of learning for the centers kids and also be a landmark initiatives it will hopefully trigger a host of such additions in other centers as well Muthuselvi, Deepams shining star, was donated with Rs.96k towards continued support for her 2nd year college education. Deepams management would like to thank the ISB alumni for this kind gesture. The last three months of the year also saw scholarships being given and deserving volunteers get the featured volunteer award. Another round of induction for fresh volunteers held at the WM center in the first week of October and the mid-year assessment, that was carried out at all centers, rounded up the planned activities in Q4 2013. We would like to mention with great satisfaction that Income Tax Dept has awarded 80 G exemption to Deepam. This is great news to all donors as they can now get tax exemption for donations made to Deepam.

3|Page

www.deepam.in

Events
Joy of Giving week celebration across Deepam
By JanaviShyam TCS Joy of Giving Week celebrations

The children of Deepam had a special reason to celebrate Childrens day this year. Employees of TCS agreed to donate dresses for Deepam kids as part of Joy of Giving week. The gift distribution took place on 9th November 2013. All the clothes were gift wrapped and had childrens names on it. The gifts were distributed to children at all Deepam Centers. The kids were exhilarated all of them decided to show up in these dresses for Childrens Day function. From the bottom of its heart, Deepam would like to thank & appreciate the employees of TCS for coming forward and sharing their joy with Deepam.

As a token of love and thanksgiving deed all the kids wrote a message on a paper to their respective benefactors in English and Tamil.

4|Page

www.deepam.in

Deepam stall @ IIT during the Joy of Giving week celebrations

Deepam set up a stall @ IIT to celebrate the Joy of Giving week Run organized in the campus. The stall was an attempt by Deepam to invite volunteers and call for sponsors to donate generously to Deepam and its several programs

Childrens Day celebrations @ Deepam

By AnandLakshmikanthan

5|Page

www.deepam.in

WM center celebrated Children's Day Celebration which brought out the kids' English talent in a fun filled manner. After the prayer, Praveen V talked about Nehruji. The kids were split into 4 teams, Chocolate, Strawberry, Vanilla and Pista. First we had Bingo, in which each team was given a sheet of 4X5 table containing words and the team which crosses all the words wins. Then we had quiz based on pictures and the fun continued....

Field trips by Deepam Centers

By Abhishek Mundra, Sugumaran&Harini VRS Centers visit to the Birla Planetarium

With incessant rains through night, it looked like we wouldn't have enough kids to take for the excursion planned for 16 November. And so 3 of us went to the school to make sure the few who turned up went back home safely. Much to our surprise, we had a full strength of 20 kids and after lot of discussion, deliberation and confusion, we decided to stick to the plan and take the kids along in 2 cars and an auto. As expected, it turned out to be a memorable visit to the Planetarium.

6|Page

www.deepam.in

Children were super excited to see live models at Transport, Ocean, Electronic & Communication and Mirror galleries. Children were then provided some refreshments, followed by the astonishing 30 min cosmic show which was an absolute visual treat. The children were then taken to a 3D show with entertaining kids films. While the weather stayed spectacular from thereon, we returned to school after a magnificent outing. The photos will speak the rest of the story.
Olcott Centers visit to WIND ENERGY TECHNOLOGY and MGM EAST WOOD RESORTS

On 1st December, a team of 51 kids, 13 volunteers and 3 school staff first visited "CENTREFOR WINDENERGY TECHNOLOGY", an autonomous R&D institution under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India. 7|Page www.deepam.in

It was the best time for the kids to learn about different forms of energy and its conversion. This proved as a golden opportunity for them to interact lively with the Executive Director and Senior Scientist of the institution. It was informed that normally they dont entertain any school visits but were happy to explain about their project and information to our kids. Here, I should thank our volunteer Kamali who took maximum effort to make this happen for our lovable kids. The kids were taught with renewable and non-renewable energy and the process of wind energy and especially about 'Green House Effect'. After a small presentation, the kids were allowed to interact with the scientists regarding their explanation. After a great morning, we started for "MGM EAST WOOD RESORTS". Before explaining our fun part, we should thank Sri Lakshmi for her excellent contribution in arranging the trip. She had taken responsibility of selecting the resorts, Music system arrangement and transportation communication with the school regarding the safety of the kids, all single handedly @Eastwood - We were warmly received with welcome drink and since we reached there at lunch time, we separated the teams alone for event and winded off for buffet lunch. It is the first time for many kids to have a buffet lunch in a resort. After lunch, we conducted team building events and finally the day ended with DJ mix for the kids. Finally, for all the smiling faces, we gave 'Deepam Smileys' and concluded the days celebration.

KBM Centers visit to the Guindy National Park

Harinis account of her first day (7 Dec) in Deepams Kodambakkam Center as a volunteer was quite an eventful one. Lucky I must be, for my first session with the children in KBM was no normal classroom, rather was a trip to Guindy children's park! - One of the best ways to bond well with them :) When I reached the school, I found a bunch of kids (later came to know they were 23 in number), in full elation and excitement being instructed by the other volunteers and the HM of the school. 8|Page www.deepam.in

Just as I entered, all the children accepted me as one among them without any inhibition and before our volunteers could introduce me, the kids took the responsibility on them by screaming my name!! How adorable they were! En route to the park was fun-filled with the kids singing songs, awaiting the destination to reach soon to see the snakes and peacocks mainly (brave ones: P and few were disappointed that there were no tigers!) The children considering their age, were well disciplined and knew how to enjoy the visual treat with obedience. Many children tried to relate what they learned from books with what they saw and I think that adds to the success of the trip apart from bringing wide smiles in their faces. We played in the park and during the snack break, had a great time watching a horned deer and stealthily feeding it :P The children were inquisitive to know about the animals, their nature and few kids had the patience to read the displayed description and explain it to the rest. After a couple of hours, the tired children boarded the van and returned to school in silence except for a few who continued singing the songs played in the van. The children were as pleasant as the day's weather was and their affection was overwhelming. Just can't thank you enough Deepam for giving me such experience and I am looking forward to being with these kids though half-yearly exams and holidays have brought in an early break. The trip was meticulously organized and the warmth extended by the volunteers and the children never made me feel I was new to the group. :) First day with Deepam will be one of the most memorable days!

WM Centers visit to the neighborhood fresh vegetables & fruits shop

On 14th December, few of WM center kids were taken to a neighborhood Fruit shop and made to identify the fruits and vegetables. Later, the kids who performed well in the assessment were awarded prizes. The kids spotted the fruits and vegetables and told their names in English. Also, by the end of the day, those kids who performed well in the assessment were awarded with Books as prizes

9|Page

www.deepam.in

One funny incident that took place was: A kid was shown Cabbage and asked him what was that. He replied "Muttaikose." When asked again the English name for that, he replied "Eggkose". Translation at its best :) :)

Christmas Day Celebrations @ Deepam

By Anuradha Murali

Christmas Celebrations @ VRS center Dec 2013 Usually the picture that comes to mind when we think Santa Claus is a big rolly-polly Santa with a sack of goodies and a reindeer sledge. Times have changed. The children from VRS center were delighted to see a young, super-thin Santa who arrived on his motorbike, back pack in tact! But first the Christmas tree had to be decorated. As soon as the assessment was over for the Advanced group, all the kids were seated around the Christmas tree and each one got a turn with the decoration. Most of them had come dressed in the new clothes given by TCS not too long ago. The goodies to be given away included chocolates, chips, and a crayon box each courtesy Amritha, who repeated the gesture this year as well. While pictures were being clicked, Santa patiently gave away the gifts, with a Merry Christmas wish to each child. This was also a chance to teach the kids the song that wed like to leave you with We wish you a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year !!!

10 | P a g e

www.deepam.in

New Computer Lab @ PV Rao School

ByJanaviShyam

Deepam scripted a new chapter in their short history. The brand new Deepam computer lab was inaugurated on 28th December with collaboration with IIT Madras' Shaastra 2014 committee. Dignified delegates from IIT Madras, Deepam and Dr PV Rao school were present during the inauguration. Mrs. Vijayalakshmi, the first lady of IIT Madras, cut the ribbon and thereby inaugurated the ceremony. The secretary, KK, Mrs. Vijayalakshmi, Mr.Ganesh , Dr. John Bosco all spoke on the occasion. Our kids were quite enthusiastic in listening to all speakers The students from IIT had made all arrangements the previous day itself for the event. The school secretary was present before the function signifying his great interest. The event started exactly at 5pm and ended on the stroke of the hour. Deepam hopes to replicate this at all our centers soon

Volunteer Meet
By JanaviShyam

11 | P a g e

www.deepam.in

Volunteer meet was held at Deepams VRS center on Oct 27th. Fifteen volunteers attended the meeting including 3 new volunteers. After a short introduction, all volunteers spoke of their most memorable moment in Deepam. Discussions took place on the events for next two months and feedback on new curriculum. KK played an interesting video on qualities of a good teacher which was well received. Hari conducted an excellent and thoroughly enjoyable quiz - on Movies, Current affairs and memorable children's stories. Finally, Anand of WM Center was gifted a voucher for Featured volunteer of Sep'13" by Anu of VRS center

Featured Volunteers
By JanaviShyam

Gopal from Olcott center has been awarded the "Featured Volunteer of the Month" for Nov'13 A short write-up about Gopal from Sugumaran (Center head for OlcottCenter) "I am glad to nominate Gopal as the volunteer of the month (November) . I need a book to write about Gopal and his great contribution to our Deepam. To start, Gopal has been with Deepam for more than a year and he has contributed his valuable presence in many occasions. He is one of the leading back up
for me in the team.

Three points to explain his worth in a simple manner: 1) He is only one who always comes to class on time with Deepam T-shirt 2) The school teacher will be very happy despite my absence because of Gopal. 3) A student quotes about Gopal Gopal anna is doing more than you all and so why you haven't you awarded him until now?

12 | P a g e

www.deepam.in

Anand Lakshmi Kanthan from WM center has been awarded the "Featured Volunteer of the Month" for SEP'13. A short write-up about Anand from Praveen (Center head for WM Center) "A model volunteer for our center, Anand has acquitted himself with great dedication and love for the kids from his beginning at Deepam in 2012. Taking ample initiative, be it in helping with field trips, annual day or having a camera ready for every event, he amazes all with his 'can do' attitude. Never once has he sulked in travelling long distances every week from Vandalur to West Mambalam, or shall we say from one zoo to another. The children always adore him, and so do we ... Kudos Anand !!"

Srividya from the VRS center was awarded "Featured Volunteer of the Month" for Oct'13 A short write-up on her by the center head Abhishek Mundra is given below... "Srividya is an extremely committed volunteer and has been an active volunteer with VRS for almost 2 years now. She participates pro-actively in all our efforts and makes valuable contribution when

13 | P a g e

www.deepam.in

required. She was deeply involved in the 'Curriculum Planning' exercise and her spirited participation and involvement were a motivation to the Deepam Curriculum Team. Srividya commutes an hour every Saturday, but that is no deterrent. She currently teaches the kids of the Advanced Batch at VRS and is very effective in her interactions with the kids. Kudos to her for a welldeserved 'Featured Volunteer of the Month' award"

Deepam featured in The Hindu

By thehindu.com

Offering children the precious gift of education

Sparing a few hours every Saturday, volunteers of Deepam do their bit to teach the underprivileged. VIPASHA SINHA on the groups efforts The noble idea came to them while enjoying a jog on a chilly January morning in 2008. Ram Viswanathan and KarthikeyanVijaykumar always wanted to do something for the underprivileged. Discussing it over a run, they decided to start Deepam. A few months later, along with a group of volunteers they undertook the first project at Perungudi, where they taught children to browse the Internet, send mails and work on Microsoft Office. Today, they function from five centers, reaching out to hundreds of students. We teach in governmentaided schools in Alwarpet, West Mambalam, Kodambakkam, R.A. Puram and Besant Nagar. Students are trained in spoken English and computers at three levels basic, intermediate and advance. We see it as value-addition to regular learning. Our volunteers also train students in life skills and personality development, says JanaviShyam, coordinator for Deepam. They dont stop with just teaching, but also fund education of deserving children. We have a scholarship programme, where we identify bright students from each centre and arrange funds for enrolling them into good neighbourhood schools, says Janavi, adding that they receive funds from Deepams well-wishers and sponsors.

14 | P a g e

www.deepam.in

The World Bank recently sponsored notebooks and uniforms. They were previously supported by HP, which gave HP Elite Books and other computer equipments. The volunteers are selected through an induction programme.From college students to working professionals, people from all age groups are a part of Deepam.Every Saturday, they go and teach in various schools.Until recently, we didnt have a fixed syllabus, but now we have designed one that the volunteers follow. We even have a featured volunteer concept, wherein the best volunteer is rewarded, she says. Deepam has 60 active volunteers and they are looking for more.

Deepam Scholarship
By Praveen

Rakesh becomes the of our Deepam scholarship for promising students for the 3rd straight year. Ms. Roopa, a kind benefactor at Deepam, has become a guiding light in the life of Rakesh -- a student at West Mambalam Center. Heryearly contribution started in 2010, has pushed Rakesh to perform admirably both at school and Deepam classes moulding him into a Deepam Star. Rakesh, in V Std, is a good well behaved student who shows keen interest in English and Computers. He continues to be regular at Deepam classes, along with his sister who takes after him. The scholarship money for Rs. 10000/- donated by Ms. Roopa this year was handed over to Mrs. Sumathi (Rakesh's mother) on 19th Oct 2013at the West Mambalam Center. We, the Deepam family, express our heartfelt thanks to Ms. Roopa for her continuing support.

Those who are interested in Deepam with respect to volunteering/ Donations/ Events for kids/ other information, please reach out to janavi@deepam.in For more information, checkwww.deepam.in or visit us at www.facebook.com/deepam.chennai 15 | P a g e www.deepam.in