Microsoft joins for
NGO Connection Day
Smile Foundation in partnership with Microsoft Corporation India Private Limited organised ‘NGO Connection Day’ on role of ‘IT and life-skills in enhancing employability prospects of underprivileged youth’. Ms. Shakila T. Shamsu, Joint Advisor (Education), Planning Commission, Government of India was the chief guest.

The two-day programme was held on May 26 and 27 and saw the participation of many NGOs across India, representatives from corporate houses, partner organisations and other stakeholders. There were training sessions, panel discussions and presentations on various topics related to employability of underprivileged youth.

The seminar provided a platform to various partner organisations of Microsoft and Smile Foundation for networking, sharing and learning about each other’s activities.

Employee Engagement
Programme with Barclays

An ‘Employee Engagement Programme’ was organised for students of Smile Foundation’s Smile Twin e-Learning Programme (STeP) on July 18.

The focus was on tips on 'How to face an Interview'. Representatives from Barclays Bank, who are experts in banking and human resources, shared their experience with the adolescents.

A role play session was also organised, wherein the students learnt about interview sessions from the Barclays representatives.

Teachers’ Training
Programme
Smile Foundation organised a Teachers’ Training programme to sharpen the skills of the teachers working with its different partner grassroots NGOs in New Delhi. The two-day-long training programme was held on May 26 and 27. The programme aimed at enlightening the teachers on various aspects of child psychology, effective usage of innovative teaching & learning materials, and avoidance of teaching methods that disinterests the students.

During the programme, the teachers were appraised about the importance of non-formal education, the curriculum and the learning material to be designed keeping in mind the behaviour and ability of the child and the qualities of a moderate teacher.

Training programme
for IT Instructors

Smile Foundation organised a two-day training programme for the IT instructors of Smile Twin e-Learning Programme (STeP) in New Delhi on August 20 and 21. The programme focused on upgrading the skills of the IT instructors on the Microsoft Unlimited Potential (MSUP) curriculum.

The instructors were given training on the two modules of the curriculum — Digital Media Fundamentals and Web Design Fundamentals. The training began with an 'orientation session on various components of MSUP curriculum like certification, quick quiz, instructors’ evaluation form etc.
A ‘role play’ of the orientation session and a ‘mock session’ was also conducted to analyse the instructors' teaching aptitude.