Author: Smile Team

Bangalore : Saluting the spirit of Indian women, India’s ace footballer Robin Singh celebrated International Women’s Day with Smile Foundation beneficiaries. Around 15 girls who came forward to make an identity of their own from a difficult background were part of this celebration at hotel Monarch Luxur in Bangalore.

Robin who was in town was enthralled to be among this spirit. Pledging his support toward the cause he said, “Women empowerment is all about enabling the female segment of society to understand their real worth and be a part of all important aspects of life as the male. I completely agree with Smile Foundation’s theory of male involvement in women development. All these girls symbolize the spirit of fulfilling their dream if given a chance. I wish them all the best and take from them true fighter spirit of never giving up.”

All these girls were from the Livelihood program of Smile Foundation called STeP (Smile Twin e-Learning Programme). In this programme they are trained in a six month course to face the world professionally and then are placed also. All of them were excited to meet their football star. The occasion was celebrated with a cake cutting ceremony also.

Commenting on this occasion Mr. Vikram Singh Verma, COO Smile Foundation said, “Smile Foundation strongly believes in the fact that Empower a Women and the whole family is empowered. While the privileged section is already coping up with this term, the marginalized section still has a long way to go. I would like to thank renowned people like Robin Singh who come forward and encourage and motivate our beneficiaries to do well. We all can inspire changes in our own way this Women’s Day.

About Smile Foundation

Smile Foundation is a national level development organization reaching out to more than 300,000 underprivileged children, youth and women directly every year through 158 welfare projects on subjects such as education, healthcare, youth employability, and women empowerment across 25 states of India. Adopting a life cycle approach of development, Smile Foundation focuses its interventions on children, their families and the community.

Swabhiman programme for Women and Girl Child Empowerment launched in Bangalore

Bangalore : Swabhiman, Smile Foundation’s much recognised programme on girl child and women empowerment is introduced in Karnataka for the first time. The Swabhiman project centres begin operations in Hegganahalli and Ramanna Badavane settlements in Bangalore. Shankara Infra is supporting Smile Foundation in implementing the project in Bangalore in association with DANI Development and Social Action.

The project is focusing on Reproductive and Sexual Health of adolescent girls and young women. Covering a population of 10,000, Smile Foundation aims to bring pride and dignity in the lives of these girls and women by enabling them to discover and explore their full potential in every sphere, be it home, work place or community.

The project centre was inaugurated by the chief guest Mr. Sukumar Srinivas, Managing Director, Shankara Infrastructure Materials Limited. He addressed the programme by applauding Smile Foundation and DANI Development & Social Action for taking initiative for empowering the underprivileged women.

Swabhiman is a national level initiative of Smile Foundation. Various studies along with internal research of Smile Foundation have shown us that when women are supported and empowered, the whole society benefits. Swabhiman programme works on the ‘4 S Model’, an acronym for four novel approaches, namely Seeking Healthcare as a Behaviour, Support for Education, Supporters in Men through Male Involvement, and Sustaining the Change in Communities.

Initiated in the year 2005, Swabhiman was by and large conceptualized in accordance with the goals and objectives enshrined in the National Policy for the Empowerment of Women, and were overall mandated to create processes and environment for women and adolescent girls at the grassroots to realize their optimum potential in all facets of societal living and situations. The programme is specifically aimed at realization of both individual and collective self-esteem and inner strength for marginalized and socially excluded women and adolescent girls through innovative community practices.

Speaking about the association Smita Kalappa, National Director Child for Child programme, Smile Foundation, said, “Smile Foundation, through Swabhiman programme, identifies adolescent girls and women from the community and develops them into Change Agents, who in turn actively contribute to the community development process. We are happy to open our first Swabhiman centre in Karnataka and hope this project will be a huge success changing lives of many women. Since its inception in the year 2005, the programme has benefitted over 150,000 girls and young women to be suitably prepared and oriented for a dignified and empowered future.”

Pune : Smile Foundation, a national level development organization benefitting more than 300,000 underprivileged children and youth through 158 welfare projects got association from a power couple of Pune.

Dr. Tarita Shankar, Chairperson of Indira Group of Institutes (IGI) along with her better half Mr. Aditya Mehendale has joined hands with Smile Foundation for the cause of education. This power couple has decided to be patron for educating 50 underprivileged girl children under Mission Education programme of Smile Foundation.

According to Dr. Tarita Shankar “There is no better way to thank God for whatever you are bestowed with then to give back to the society. We are a firm believer that education is a very powerful medium to curb all social evils in the society. Education can bring a great change in the society and a woman feels more confident when she is educated.”

Smile Foundation is working on subjects such as education, healthcare, livelihood, girl child & women empowerment across 25 states of India since 2002. Mission Education programme of Smile Foundation focuses on basic education and healthcare of underprivileged children. Through the programme, Smile Foundation promotes universal education and creates the process required to streamline the underprivileged children into the mainstream schools in a more sustained manner.

Mr. Vikram Singh Verma, Director – Operations, Smile Foundation, said, “We at Smile always feel real change can only be brought when civil society takes part in the process of development. We greatly admire the step taken by Ms. Tarita Shankar and Mr. Aditya Mehendale. These girls will be able to make a better society tomorrow because of their education.”

This couple has been a renowned philanthropist and educationalist in terms of their concern for the upliftment of the society. Ms. Tarita Shankar has provided service and support to the neglected section of the society which includes underprivileged children, physically handicapped people, senior citizens, girl child’s education, women empowerment. While education continues to be the mainstay of her involvement in society and to bring goodness, she has always been a great influence for children in providing them with education.

Mumbai : Smile Foundation, a national level development organization in alliance with Shakuntalam Charitable Foundation, launched its Mobile Hospital Programme, Smile on Wheels for Mumbai today. Smile on Wheels was flagged off by talented actress Sonakshi Sinha. Mr. Shyamashis Bhattacharya along with his wife Mrs Neelima Bajpai from Shakuntalam Charitable Foundation handed over the key to Mr. Vikram Singh Verma, Chief Operating Officer of Smile Foundation.

Speaking on the launch Mr. Shyamashis Bhattacharya Trustee, Shakuntalam Charitable Foundation said, “The city has advanced healthcare services but these remain inaccessible to the slum population as many of the ailments remain untreated. As a socially responsible organization Shakuntalam Charitable Foundation aims to fill this gap through Smile on Wheels for the underprivileged population. We are happy to be associated with Smile Foundation to promote primary healthcare services in the slums of Mumbai. Shakuntalam Charitable Foundation is sure the success of this innovative healthcare programme of Smile Foundation.”

Supporting the noble cause with her sweet smile and full enthusiasm Bollywood star Sonaskhi Sinha said, “Good health is a basic human right and sadly its one the most neglected thing in today’s world. I am really pleased to associate with Smile Foundation’s new initiative, Smile on Wheels mobile hospital. I am sure Smile on Wheels mobile hospital has proved to be a beautiful Diwali gift for the deserving communities in Mumbai bringing good health, survival and hope. I applaude the efforts of Smile Foundation for bringing best possible healthcare to the doorsteps of those who need it the most in the city of Mumbai,”

“Smile on Wheels mobile hospital programme in Mumbai aims to provide affordable and advanced primary health care service to the disadvantaged population residing in slum clusters. Special focus will be given to underprivileged women and children along with daily wage labourers working in and around the area. Smile on Wheels will provide preventive, and curative services through an efficient and cost effective health delivery system at their doorsteps, besides promoting health seeking behaviour amongst them. We appreciate the support from Shakuntalam Charitable Foundation which helped us bring Smile on Wheels to Mumbai,” said Mr. Vikram Singh Verma, Chief Operating Officer, Smile Foundation.

About Smile on Wheels

Smile on Wheels is a national level mobile hospital programme taking curative, preventive and promotive healthcare to the doorsteps of urban poor and underserved villagers benefitting 231,000 lives directly in a year through 19 projects in 265 remote villages and urban slums across India.The mobile hospital is equipped with latest medical equipments and competent medical staff comprising of project coordinator, Doctor, Lab technician, Nurse, Community Mobilizer and Driver.

About Shakuntalam Charitable Trust

With a deep rooted belief on the imperative need of fulfilling the social responsibility towards the weaker sections of the society, Shakuntalam Charitable Trust has been formed in 2012. Understanding the holistic structure of the society comprising of the various economical groups among which some are not so fortunate with resources to fulfill their absolute or even basic requirements; the trust aims to emerge as a dependable and trusted resource for those sections catering to their various wants and needs. The trust follows the noble belief that ‘part of whatever we earn, needs to be given back to the society’.

Bangalore : Silver screen heartthrob Karthik Jayaram welcomed the New Year in style with Smile Foundation children. Karthik had planned many a surprise for the children of Smile Foundation and the air was filled with festive spirit.

Delighted to be amongst Smile Foundation children, Karthik Jayaram said, “We all celebrate New year big time by partying. This year though I want to do something different. Spending some time with these kids and celebrating New Year with them seemed like a perfect way to welcome the New Year with new spirit. I strongly believe that the children are the next change makers and education is the most effective tool to prepare them. With their innocence, warmth and smile I feel like being a part of their family. It feels great to be associated with Smile Foundation and be a reason for these kids to smile.”

Interacting with the children, Karthik did a cake cutting and also distributed surprise gifts to them. He also gave Smile Foundation children a tour on his film’s sets.

Mr. Vikram Singh Verma, Chief Operating Officer, Smile Foundation said, “This festive season is all about whishes, gifts and hopes for a new tomorrow, especially for children. It is a wonderful gesture on the part of Karthik Jayaram to make our children feel special. We appreciate his gesture and participation.”

New Delhi : Smile Foundation, a national level development organization, has pledged to liberate 5000 children from bondage of illiteracy and send them to school through its initiative Choone Do Aasman. Even as India celebrates its 66th Independence Day on August 15, 2013 around 12 million children will still be languishing in the clutches of poverty and deprivation, slipping further into a dark future. Through Choone Do Aasman, Smile Foundation aims to send 5000 children to school by this Independence Day as education holds the promise of ensuring a dignified life for these children.

Choone Do Aasman started in 2009, an initiative of Smile Foundation and supported by NDTV, with objective of enabling children from disadvantaged and difficult circumstances in realizing their dreams. It showcases dreams and aspiration of underprivileged children amidst difficult circumstances from across India.

The core belief behind the initiative is that children should be at the centre stage of development in order to effect a lasting change. Education was recognised as the main tool which could enable children to grow up as empowered individuals who would know about their rights, secure a dignified livelihood, make informed choices, and resist oppression; eventually coming out of the vicious cycle of poverty and suffering.

Since 2009 Choone Do Aasman has not only brought the difficulties as well as dreams of underprivileged children to notice but also sensitized millions privileged citizens to take a step further and contribute to the larger cause of child education.

Speaking about the initiative Mr. Santanu Mishra, Co-Founder and Executive Trustee, Smile Foundation said, “As a young and responsible organisation, we think that the efforts put in only by government as well as development organisations will never suffice to build an educated, poverty free and liberated society. This will happen when members of the civil society come forward and participate proactively in the development process. I would like to use this platform for requesting the privileged section of the society to come forward and support our initiative toward enriching the lives of those who need it the most.”

At Present Smile Foundation has 70 education centres under its Mission education programme across 21 states across India having benefitted more than 200,000 children. Through this initiative with support from NDTV, Smile Foundation aims to address the issues relating to lives of the under privileged children through the power of education, beginning with sending them to school, ensuring regular attendance, sensitizing their parents, equipping them with basic life skills to lead dignified and empowered life.

Besides Mission Education, Smile Foundation is undertaking many other national programmes such as Smile Twin e-Learning Programme, Smile on Wheels, Swabhiman etc.

New Delhi : Smile Foundation has been conferred with the “EDUCATION EXCELLENCE AWARDS – 2013” by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industries (ASSOCHAM) and The Education Post. The awards also felicitated Smile Foundation with certificate of ‘Leader in Social Venture Philanthropy in Child Education;

The awards aim to promote universities, institutes and individuals performing their best in education sector.

Entries had been invited from hundreds of Universities, Engineering Colleges, Management Colleges, Medical Colleges, Certified Training Centres, Academicians, NGOs working on education, and corporate working on education through CSR etc.

The recipients under other categories included IMI, New Delhi (Best Management Institute in Corporate Relation); Institute of Management IRMA University, Ahmedabad (Leader in Family Business and Entrepreneurship); FORE School of Management, New Delhi (Best Management Institute for Impact Potential); and NTPC Ltd. (Best PSU Promoting Technical Education), among others.

Mr. Bhupendrasingh M. Chudasama, Minister of Education, Govt. of Gujarat presented the Education Excellence Award 2013 to Mr. Santanu Mishra, Co-founder & Executive Trustee, Smile Foundation during the awards function in Ahmedabad.

Smile Foundation is a national level development organisation reaching out to more than 300,000 underprivileged children, youth and women directly every year through 158 welfare projects on subjects such as education, healthcare, youth employability, and women empowerment across 25 states of India. Adopting a life cycle approach of development, Smile Foundation focuses its interventions on children, their families and the community.

New Delhi : Mr. Jackie Chan, renowned Hollywood star and martial art legend visited a Smile Foundation community project to interact with children and to give martial art tips to young girls and women. Smile Foundation is a national level development organization. Mr. Chan is on a trip to India organized by India China Economic and Cultural Council.

The visit started with a welcome of Mr. Jackie Chan in traditional Indian style by Smile Foundation children. Mr. Chan along with his delegates visited one of the Mission Education programme centres of Smile Foundation and took a glimpse of the facilities such as computer room, classrooms, livelihood training centre for women etc. He spent quality time inquiring about the progress of kids along with sharing some light moments with them.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Jackie Chan said, “Children have a special place for me always and I believe the beauty of a country lies in its people, especially its children. Education to these kids is what we all wish for and it is our responsibility to get our future generation to be well educated and well equipped to lead a dignified life. I would like to congratulate Smile Foundation for doing commendable job in building the generation next.”

Children of Smile Foundation were happy to be with their favourite action star. They showed their love and excitement for him by performing dance numbers for him. Many kids also presented handmade cards especially prepared by them for Mr. Chan.

Mr. Jackie Chan emphasised the role of self defence for girls and young women. He also gave special display of few steps of Martial Arts to the girl children of Smile Foundation. The young community women also displayed their self defence skills to the star.

Smile Foundation has so far trained 150,000 young women on self defence and empowerment skills through its women empowerment programme named Swabhiman.

Thanking Mr. Jackie Chan, Mr. Vikram Singh Verma, COO, Smile Foundation said, “On behalf of Smile Foundation I would like to thank Mr. Jackie Chan for taking time out and spending time with our children.” He added, “I would also like to thank India China Economic and Cultural Council for facilitating Mr. Chan’s visit here and making a dream come true of our little kids.”

Always a very popular star among kids due to his good natured acting style, Mr. Jackie Chan came across as a motivation for these kids to rise high like him. A trailer from his upcoming film was also showcased at the event. Mr Chan. was honoured with a memento and a shawl from Smile Foundation. The visit ended with release of balloons into the sky representing hope and aspiration for the children.

Children’s Film Society India (CFSI), in conjunction with Smile Foundation, presents the North East Film Festival for Children, reaching out to privileged and underprivileged children of the region during March 7-24, 2013. Meant exclusively for the seven states of North-East India, the film festival will showcase six children’s films, some award winning like ‘The Prince and The Crown of Stone’, ‘Tora’s Love’, ‘Touching Wild Horses’, in the cities of Guwahati 1(North), Guwahati 2(south), Dibrugarh, Silchar (Assam), Shillong (Meghalaya), Dimapur (Nagaland), Imphal (Manipur), Agartala (Tripura), Aizwal (Mizoram) and Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh).

CFSI was founded in 1955 by Prime Minister Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru to produce, exhibit and distribute quality feature films, animations and documentaries for children, with the idea of stimulating their creativity, compassion and critical thinking. With an enviable catalogue of 250 films in 10 different languages, CFSI remains the prime producer of children’s films in South Asia. It also organizes film screenings across the country, reaching out to approximately four million children annually.

Smile Foundation will be the outreach partner for the festival as it has worked extensively on sensitization of privileged children to become ambassadors of change.

CEO of Children’s Film Society India Dr Shravan Kumar said, “CFSI’s objective is to reach the targeted audience in minimum amount of time with optimum resources, giving children’s cinema wider visibility within and outside the country. The North-east being a treasure trove of resources and cultural diversity has to be brought within mainstream of children’s cinema. Thus CFSI felt that it is the utmost need of the hour to showcase a film festival targeted towards the young adults of tomorrow, inculcating strong value systems and nurturing good values for citizens of the future. To promote the aesthetics of cinema as an art form amongst children, film appreciation and filmmaking workshops have also been envisaged as integral part of this film festival.”

For more details, visit www.cfsindia.org