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Smile

Individual Donor Makes Difference in the Lives of Hundreds

Individual Donor Makes Difference in the Lives of Hundreds
Individual Donor Makes Difference in the Lives of Hundreds

In a world where the differences between the privileged and the underprivileged remains too big to resolve, individual donors hold the power to create change that can change the economical and mental shape of a nation. The impact of their generosity extends beyond the immediate benefits of food, shelter and education.

It spreads through communities, fostering hope, resilience and the potential for sustainable development.

The Power of an Individual Donor

The story of many successful organisations began with the compassion and vision of a single individual. For instance, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the founder of Grameen Bank, started by lending small amounts of money to impoverished basket weavers in Bangladesh. His microfinance model has since empowered millions of people to lift themselves out of poverty.

Similarly, Scott Harrison, the founder of charity: water, started his journey after spending two years in West Africa, where he witnessed the devastating effects of dirty water. Compelled by what he saw, he returned to New York City and launched charity: water on his 31st birthday. Harrison’s initial efforts included asking friends to donate $20 for clean water instead of giving him birthday gifts. This simple act of giving grew into a global movement that has funded over 91,000 water projects and provided clean water to more than 14 million people.

These examples illustrate that the initiative of one person can lead to widespread change. When an individual engages with a cause, they are not just providing financial support but also endorsing the mission and encouraging others to participate.

Lessons for Children When Adults Give

Philanthropy is not only about financial contributions- it also serves as a powerful educational tool. When children observe adults engaging in acts of giving, they learn invaluable lessons in empathy, responsibility and community service. These lessons shape their values and attitudes towards the world.

  1. Empathy and Compassion: Children learn to understand and share the feelings of others. Seeing adults give to those in need teaches them to recognise and respond to the struggles of others with kindness and concern.
  2. Responsibility and Citizenship: Philanthropy instills a sense of responsibility. Children learn that they have a role to play in their communities and that their actions can contribute to the well-being of others.
  3. Generosity and Gratitude: Witnessing generosity encourages children to be generous themselves. It also helps them appreciate what they have and develop a mindset of gratitude.
  4. Equality and Fairness: By observing efforts to address inequalities, children understand the importance of fairness and justice. They learn that everyone deserves equal opportunities and support.

The Reality of Inequality

It is disheartening that in the 21st century, we still refer to some nations as ‘third-world countries.’ This term, rooted in Cold War geopolitics, unfairly labels countries based on their economic status and perpetuates stereotypes. The reality is that many so-called “third-world” countries are rich in culture, history and potential, yet they face systemic challenges that hinder their development.

An individual donor plays a crucial role in bridging these gaps. By supporting initiatives that promote education, healthcare and economic development, donors contribute to a more equitable world.

Promoting Equality Through Giving

Philanthropy can be a powerful tool for promoting equality. Here’s how-

  1. Access to Education: Donations to educational programmes ensure that children from underserved backgrounds receive quality education, which is a fundamental step towards breaking the cycle of poverty.
  2. Healthcare Initiatives: Supporting healthcare projects improves the quality of life and increases life expectancy in disadvantaged regions. This can lead to healthier, more productive communities.
  3. Economic Empowerment: Funding microfinance initiatives and vocational training programs empowers individuals to become self-sufficient and contribute to their local economies.
  4. Advocacy and Awareness: Supporting NGOs that advocate for policy changes helps address systemic issues. Awareness campaigns funded by donations can shift public perception and lead to societal change.

The Effect of an Individual Donor

When people witness acts of generosity, they are often inspired to give as well. This creates an effect, where one act of kindness can lead to many more, amplifying the impact.

For example, when an individual donor funds the construction of a school, they not only provide education to children but also create jobs for teachers, encourage local businesses to supply materials and foster a culture of learning in the community. The benefits of this single act of giving can influence hundreds of lives directly and indirectly.

Individual donors have the power to transform lives and communities. Through their contributions, they provide essential resources, promote equality, and inspire others to act. The founders of many NGOs including Smile Foundation’s started their journeys with simple acts of giving, demonstrating that anyone can make a significant impact.

Children learn invaluable lessons from observing philanthropy, shaping their values and future actions. As we strive for a more just and equitable world, it is crucial to recognise the role of individual donors in driving this change. By supporting initiatives that address systemic issues, donors contribute to a better future for all. The term “third-world country” may persist in rhetoric, but through collective generosity and action, we can work towards a world where such labels are obsolete, and every nation has the opportunity to thrive.

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Health

Understanding the Neonatal Burden of India

Understanding the Neonatal Burden of India
Understanding the Neonatal Burden of India

In 2022, out of every 1000 live births in India, 29 children below the age of five lose their lives. In 2021 and 2020, this figure stood at 28 and 30 respectively. Since 1990, when the mortality rate was at a massive 126.5, India has consistently managed to bring down this number. However, in the 21st century, when our world is moving into the era of advanced technology and artificial intelligence, the fact that even one child below the age of five loses their life because of reasons that could be avoided, is startling.

In India’s case, what is even a bigger concern is its neonatal burden. The United Nations data suggests that nearly 1,00,000 newborn babies in the country die because of preventable diseases and circumstances. As per reports, these diseases can be simply avoided through breastfeeding.

SDG 3.2, a key target within the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, sets a target of reducing preventable deaths of newborns and children under five to a mere 12 per 1,000 live births by 2030.  India has pledged its commitment. But the fight is far from over. Can India achieve these drastic reductions?

The National Health Mission (NHM) serves as India’s weapon in this fight. It aims to slash maternal mortality rate (MMR) to 90, infant mortality rate (IMR) to 23 and under-five mortality rate (U5MR) to 23 by 2025.  These ambitious targets highlight the urgency of the situation.

Neonatal health in India

A newborn child, below the age of 28 days, is a neonatal baby. This is also the time when the child needs extra case to ensure that they survive. According to UNICEF, 19.11 out of every 1000 neonatal children in India died in 2023.

The highest mortality rate has been witnessed in Jammu and Kashmir, followed by Madhya Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan. Reports have found that several factors influence the Neonatal Mortality in India, like demographics, socioeconomic status of parents, care-seeking factors and also gender of the child.

There are many reasons why some newborn babies don’t survive their first month. Some babies might be born too early (premature) or too small (low birth weight). Others might have problems during birth, like getting stuck (obstructed labour) or not getting enough oxygen (perinatal asphyxia). Infections, breathing difficulties and birth defects can also be dangers for newborns.

Around the world, many newborn babies face challenges in their first month. Some babies are born too early (preterm) or too small (low birth weight). This can make them more likely to get sick or have trouble breathing.  Other big dangers include infections, problems during birth like not getting enough oxygen, and birth defects.  Thankfully, some of these dangers, like tetanus can be prevented with vaccines. It is also important for moms to have healthy pregnancies and deliveries to help babies have a strong start.

In India, maternal malnutrition, lack of access to antenatal care, and overall quality of nutrition and healthcare are big contributors to this neonatal burden of the country. Poverty, lack of sanitation and social practices like child marriage add further to this burden because of its impact on women’s health.

How to decrease the neonatal burden?

India has committed itself to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which includes promoting well-being and ensuring good health of people of all ages. Thus, as part of a global community, India has shown its forthrightness in dealing with this issue. Apart from this, as we have seen above, there has been a consistent decline in child mortality and neonatal deaths in the country. However, there is still a long way to go.

Government policies like National Health Mission (NHM) are focusing on improving overall maternal health and ensuring newborn health. There is an increase in awareness around the needed care for newborn babies, providing nutritional support to mothers and developing hyperlocal infrastructure. The Indian government’s Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) is formulated to promote institutional deliveries with the aim of solving this problem.

In addition to government initiatives, the non-government organisations are also working on the ground to provide essential support in reducing the neonatal burden. This is primarily through awareness around nutrition, childcare and supporting maternal health. There is a need for contribution of private sectors to provide solutions to this problem. It is only by developing infrastructure like premium quality neonatal ICUs at local level that we can ensure that newborns under the threat of losing their life can be provided necessary medical attention when needed.

Technology as part of the solution

One of the biggest shifts happening today are the technological advancements that are helping us to find innovative solutions to some of the biggest challenges. In healthcare, telemedicine, smart ICUs, mobile health solutions, etc., are already leading to a noticeable impact. These innovations also used in our healthcare programme are allowing healthcare facilities to reach remote areas where they could not reach previously. It also reduces the cost-burden a lot by bringing in effective low-cost solutions.

Therefore, when it comes to neonatal deaths and maternal health, these technological innovations can play a pivotal role. It can be used to provide consultation to new mothers through mobile, spread awareness and equip the local healthcare staff to deal with complex cases by providing them guidance from the medical experts without any geographical constraints.

Overall, what India needs to solve the problem of its neonatal burden is a collective action from all the stakeholders. A part of this solution is for the general population to raise more awareness around it, so as to prod the governments to take necessary action. As the youngest country in the world, India needs to focus on solving these problems in order to reduce its overall economic burden and achieve faster growth.

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Smile

Stories of Social Entrepreneurship from Grassroots Initiatives

Stories of Social Entrepreneurship from Grassroots Initiatives
A two-day Local Fund Raising (LFR) refresher training programme in New Delhi

Social entrepreneurship seamlessly integrates business principles with a dedicated focus on social or environmental impact. Unlike conventional entrepreneurship, which often centers solely on profitability, social entrepreneurs prioritise generating societal value. They pinpoint unaddressed needs, devise sustainable remedies and gauge success not only by financial metrics but also by social and environmental achievements.

Given their intimate connection to the communities they serve, social entrepreneurs possess unparalleled insights into local dynamics, challenges and the bespoke solutions necessary to address them.

Though these initiatives start with limited resources, they possess immense passion and determination. By mobilising community resources and building partnerships, grassroots entrepreneurs can affect meaningful change where it is needed most.

Social Entrepreneurs in India that are empowering grassroots 

  • Urvashi Sahni, Founder & CEO of SHEF

A renowned social entrepreneur whose organisation the Study Hall Education Foundation has been empowering underserved children with educational support by providing them with engineering or business scholarships. 

  • Hanumappa Sudarshan, Founder of Vivekananda Girijana Kalyana Kendra

An awardee of the Padma Shri Award, Hanumappa Sudarshan runs a well-known non-governmental organisation that works to provide quality education in rural India. 

  • Anshu Gupta, Founder of Goonj 

An awardee of the Ashoka fellowship and Social Entrepreneur of the Year award, Gupta’s NGO- Goonj has been meticulously working to ensure equal urban-rural distribution of items, where his NGO collects basic amenities from the urban section to distribute among low-income families and street children in India.

Looking at the phenomenal work of some of the best social entrepreneurs in India, the future of the social entrepreneurship landscape in India seems promising. Smile Foundation is working in India for over 20 years and is helping the grassroots levels of India with their problems. 

The Smile Foundation’s – ‘Change the Game‘ Academy has been working closely with Indian grassroots organisations across the country to empower them with resources and support that enable them to keep going forward with their initiative for their community. 

Successful Grassroots Initiatives by Social Entrepreneurs with Smile Foundation

Janki Vasant, Founder of Samvedna Trust Gujarat

A survivor of the Panama flight attack, Janki wanted to do more with her life after surviving the attack. She started Samvedna, with 70 children and seed funding from Smile Foundation to ensure that children and women get holistic nutrition, education and skill development. Over the years the partnership with Smile Foundation enabled Janki to expand Samvedna and benefit over 300,000 beneficiaries. 

After joining Smile Foundation’s programme, Janki learned the importance of documenting good work on paper to have a safer and transparent working module and the future of the organisation. 

Sandeep & Sunita Bhatnagar, Founder of Jupiter Academy, Uttar Pradesh

With a strong knowing in his heart, Sandeep never equated true contentment in life with money. In 1998, he started his social entrepreneurship journey of educating children. From an 8×6 ft room and two students, Sandeep began working towards educating children, later joined in by his wife.

Both of them laid the foundation of Jupiter Academy to empower underserved children with quality education. However, due to a lack of resources, their efforts were going in vain until the time they got the required support.

Today, the couple has successfully branched out their efforts in Lucknow with 8 branches of Jupiter Academy.

Prafulla Kumar Panda, Founder of Udiyaman Matrukshetra, Odisha

When just a college student, Prafulla Kumar Pande and his friends already knew that they had to do something for their community and its future. With a strong determination to empower their village’s children with education, the group started the Udiyaman Matrukshetra. It is a haven for children of the tribal community to come and garner quality education. 

The Udiyaman Matrukshetra partnered with Smile Foundation to develop their education center where they were supported with all the resources they required to continue their mission of empowering tribal children with quality education. Today, the Udiyaman Matrukshtera is a name represented by alumni studying in reputed universities and successfully established professionals in different fields. 

Change the Game Academy- Results of Social Entrepreneurship

Our Change the Game Academy is specially designed to cater to the new-age problems of the India grassroot communities with new-age solutions. Keeping itself aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development programme’s core of – “no one shall be left behind”, the academy aims at supporting community initiatives that shall help the community grow holistically while paving the way for a brighter and financially sustainable future.

By helping over 1400 community-based organisations, the academy is successfully empowering organisations across India. These grassroots organisations get training and support to align their goals and plans with a sustainable method. 

Change the Game Academy has helped organizations with- 

  • Fundraising training 
  • LFR activities training
  • Maintaining transparency through published annual reports
  • Donor expansion and retention 
  • Funding from Individual donors

Empowering social entrepreneurs is a win-win for all. It is through social entrepreneurship communities shall get closer. By involving stakeholders in the decision-making process, they build trust and ownership, leading to more sustainable outcomes. 

The aim is to solve social problems by applying advanced thinking in the day-to-day operations of the organisation. By using technology for grant-making techniques, and innovation to expand large-scale systemic thinking, the grassroots initiatives will move towards success.

The Change the Game Academy aims to make social entrepreneurship effective through rigorous measurement and evaluation of impact. It trains the upcoming social entrepreneurs to collect data and feedback. They can continuously improve their interventions and demonstrate their effectiveness to stakeholders.

In today’s time, grassroots initiatives are the real game changers of social entrepreneurship. These passionate individuals are turning their vision into reality, one community at a time. Thus, by learning from their successes and challenges, we can build a better future for generations to come.

Categories
Education

No Forced Labour, Only Education for Children

No Forced Labour, Only Education for Children
two children happy in their own world captured by the Smile Foundation photography team

In October 2014, an Indian man received the Nobel Peace Prize for his commendable work in the field of child rights (saving children from child labour). He shared the stage with Malala Yousafzai that year, a girl from Pakistan who was recognized for her courageous work for upliftment of girls and fighting for their education while going against Taliban and getting shot at because of it.

The man is Kailash Satyarthi. In 2023, Satyarthi published a book with the title ‘Tum Pehle Kyu Nahi Aaye’ (Why did you not come sooner?), detailing his journey of rescuing children from exploitative conditions, sometimes putting his own life in danger.

While these stories cover a wide range of issues like child abuse, domestic violence, gender discrimination, etc., one of the themes that kept re-appearing was the dark reality of child labour. In India, it is prohibited for anyone to employ a person who is below the age of 14 under the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) 1986. However, the implementation of this act has always been a challenge because of the many ways in which it can be violated.

The (lack of) data on child labour

The 2011 census found that 10.12 million children in the country out of the 259.65 million were employed as child labourers in different capacities, whether a household help or working in hazardous situation at factories and mines. This is a staggering number, especially because the Child Labour Act had been in force since more than two decades before the 2011 census report. Since then, India has not conducted another censure and, therefore, it is difficult to find the official data related to child labour.

While the current official figure from India is not available, the global trend in child labour is distressing to say the least. According to a 2021 report by International Labour Organization (ILO) and UNICEF, the number of children who can be classified as child labour has increased by 8.4 million globally, taking the total number to 160 million. The biggest of the reasons for this increase has been the challenges posed by Covid-19 pandemic which forced marginalized people across the world into precarious survival conditions, thus pushing them to put their children to work.

The child labour trend in India, until 2011 when the last census report was published, was showing positive signs and continuous decline in the number of children out of school or working as child labour. However, a Parliamentary Standing Committee report titled National Policy on Child Labour – An Assessment – revealed that India’s commitment to achieving the United Nation’s global SDG of eliminating child labour by 2025 was ‘practically not possible’. While the report made several recommendations to move in the direction of eliminating child labour, it also highlighted many loopholes in the current laws and the preparedness to achieve the goal.

Concerns regarding child labour in India

The recommendations and highlighted concerns range from-

  • the ambiguity of current laws and the legal definition of child labour,
  • the economic conditions of many Indians living below the poverty line,
  • the lack of tough punishment for those employing children for work, and
  • the ways in which the existing law can be misinterpreted to employ children in hazardous activities.

However, the government has been taking actions to deal with these ambiguities and it further amended the 1986 Child Labour act in 2016 to add new provisions including the provisions for prohibition of employing adolescents in the age group of 14 to 18 years in occupations defined as hazardous.

Thus, the amended act not just prohibits employment of children within the age group of 5 to 15 years, it also prohibits employment of adolescents (14 to 18 years) in scheduled hazardous work processes. This shows that India is committed to eliminating child labour and is working consistently in that direction.

Having said that, the lack of data and stories of children suffering fatal consequences of being employed in seemingly safe work conditions continue to appear in the media. Most of these stories emerge from the urban centres, while the reality of smaller cities/ towns and rural India when it comes to child labour is still in dark.

The number of children employed in agricultural activities, small factories and manufacturing units, and domestic work can only be ascertained through a nationwide dedicated survey.

Education, not exploitation of children

While data and numbers are important to understand the problem of child labour, we don’t need staggering numbers to tell us that the problem needs to be solved. The physical and psychological impact on a child who is forced to work at a tender age can be immense. When we see children on the streets begging for food and money, selling small items, collecting scrap or engaged in other activities- it reminds us of the dire situations in which many children live in India.

There is a human tendency to protect children and, therefore, it is a natural desire to ensure that no child ever has to labour at an age where they should be free to play, explore, learn and grow. The negative impact of child labour is not just immediate, but also long term.

The children forced into work at a school-going age are deprived of the possibility of a good future. Without education, these children are pushed into a life with no way to come out of the vicious circle of poverty and drudgery.

Therefore, when we talk about child labour, we must also talk about education for children. The Right to Education act in India mandates free education for everyone till the age of 14. Further, there are various scholarships provided by Indian government for adolescents who want to study further and go off to colleges. The prohibition of child labour and the right to education work in tandem.

A developing nation cannot become developed without the welfare of its children

A developing nation like India must ensure that all of its children have access to good quality education. They must have the right conditions to make something good of their lives. So, the journey of ensuring that every child gets the childhood that he or she deserves is a long and difficult one. This is why it requires that everyone comes together like you can do it here supporting Smile Foundation to make this a reality where no child ever has to pick up work tools instead of a book.

Categories
Women Empowerment

Important Legal Rights of Women in India

Getting Women Out of Their Homes: Problems and Solutions
Swabhiman- smilefoundation’s women empowerment program certified more than 160 women under the financial literacy training during the Certification Ceremony held on 28th March 2023 at Shashi Garden, Delhi.


India has a rich history that has shaped its legal landscape over centuries. Throughout this journey, the legal system has evolved to reflect the changing social and cultural dynamics of the nation. However, despite considerable progress, women have historically faced significant disadvantages under the law.

Discriminatory and harmful laws have persisted, perpetuating inequality and injustice. In response, a movement advocating for legal reform has gained momentum. It strives to ensure fairness and equality for women across India. While significant strides have been made, there remains a substantial amount of work ahead. This blog provides a comprehensive overview of the legal rights of women in India and the laws in place to protect them.

Rights of Women in India

  1. Right to Maintenance: The Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, and the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, guarantee the right to maintenance for married women. This right ensures that every married woman has the legal entitlement to financial support from her husband, even if they are not living together. Section 24 of the Hindu Marriage Act allows either the wife or husband to seek monetary assistance if they lack the means to support themselves.
  2. Right to Equal Pay: The Equal Remuneration Act of 1976 mandates equal pay for equal work. This legislation prohibits gender-based discrimination in remuneration and ensures that both male and female workers receive fair compensation for similar roles or tasks.
  3. Right to Dignity and Decency: Article 21 of the Constitution guarantees every citizen, including women, the right to life and dignity. Various legal provisions, such as Section 354A of the Indian Penal Code and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013, aim to protect women from harassment and violence, both in public spaces and workplaces.
  4. Right against Domestic Violence: The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, provides comprehensive protection to women facing domestic abuse. Section 12 of this act allows women to seek legal recourse against perpetrators of domestic violence, ensuring their safety and well-being.
  5. Rights at Workplace: Women have the right to a safe and discrimination-free work environment. Legislations like the Equal Remuneration Act of 1975, the Maternity Benefit Act of 1961, and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act of 2013 safeguard women’s rights in employment and ensure their well-being.
  6. Right against Dowry: The Dowry Prohibition Act of 1961 prohibits the practice of dowry, aiming to eliminate dowry-related harassment and abuse against women. This act ensures that women are not subjected to undue financial burdens or mistreatment in marital relationships.
  7. Right to Free Legal Aid: The Legal Services Authorities Act of 1987 guarantees women access to free legal assistance when they are unable to afford it. This right ensures that women can seek legal redress and representation without financial constraints.
  8. Right to Self-Defense: Section 100 of the Indian Penal Code grants every individual, including women, the right to self-defense against violence or assault.

Without fear

While India has made significant progress in safeguarding women rights through legislative measures, challenges persist in their effective implementation. Issues such as lack of awareness, cultural norms and weak enforcement mechanisms continue to hinder the full realisation of women rights. It is important to address these obstacles and work towards creating a society where every woman can exercise her rights without fear of violence or discrimination. Only through sustained efforts like Smile Foundation‘s can India truly achieve gender equality and justice for all its citizens.

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Education

Are Report Cards relevant anymore?

Are Report Cards relevant anymore?
Are Report Cards relevant anymore?


In institutional education, few artifacts wield as much influence as the humble report card. These seemingly innocuous documents, often overlooked in their significance, are the focal point of an interesting journey into the history of school education. Wade Morris, a seasoned high school history teacher, published a book titled, Report Cards: A Cultural History.

The Genesis of Report Cards

Morris traced the inception of report cards back to the tumultuous era of the 1830s and 1840s. In common schools, teachers faced the dual challenge of garnering parental support and maintaining discipline among unruly students. What emerged from this experimentation was a means of academic assessment that quickly became a tool of control, crafted by educators at the grassroots.

Evolution and Impact

Over the centuries, report cards evolved from rudimentary assessments to powerful instruments with far-reaching implications. Report cards devolving from their initial purpose became agents of motivation, anxiety and even self-loathing. Despite their inherent flaws, report cards wield a remarkable influence. They shape not only the educational landscape but also college admissions, job applications and juvenile corrections systems.

Unveiling the Power Dynamics

Central to the discourse is the notion of report cards as instruments of documentation and surveillance. Drawing from the insights of Michel Foucault, these seemingly innocuous documents became conduits of power, exerting control through the prism of documentation and surveillance. In the educational ecosystem, report cards wield a unique influence, shaping power dynamics and perpetuating systemic norms.

While researchers and scholars acknowledge the entrenched nature of report cards within the educational milieu, they also invite introspection and exploration of alternative paradigms. There is a need for critical consciousness—a self-awareness beyond tradition and embracing the complexities of the modern educational system. As we understand the tension between assessment and learning, we shall arrive at a more holistic approach to education.

Holistic Progress Report (HPC)

Traditional report cards have undergone significant transformations, reflecting the need for a more comprehensive evaluation approach. The recent introduction of the Holistic Progress Card (HPC) by the National Council for Educational and Research Training (NCERT) marks a revolutionary step towards redefining how we assess student progress.

Gone are the days when students were evaluated solely based on their academic performance at the end of the year. With the HPC, assessment becomes a continuous process, encompassing inputs from various stakeholders including parents, classmates and students themselves. This student-centric evaluation approach not only focuses on academic achievements but also delves into cognitive abilities, socio-emotional skills, and creativity. The shift towards a holistic assessment framework is in alignment with the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) nurturing well-rounded individuals.

At the heart of the HPC lies the idea of working on self-awareness and self-esteem among students. By involving them in evaluating their own performance and their peers, the HPC promotes a culture of reflection and growth. Furthermore, parental involvement in the assessment process provides valuable insights into the learning journey of a child outside the classroom. It strengthens the home-school partnership.

There is excitement about it

The implementation of the HPC has been met with enthusiasm, with several states and CBSE schools embracing this innovative assessment model. Through successful pilot studies and feedback mechanisms, the NCERT has iteratively refined the HPC to suit the diverse needs of students across different age groups. Plans are also underway to digitise student records, streamlining the assessment process and ensuring easy access to student progress data.

Looking ahead, the HPC seems determined to play an important role in shaping the future of education in India. By providing a comprehensive evaluation framework that goes beyond traditional academic metrics, the HPC empowers students to take ownership of their learning journey. As we continue to adapt to the changing educational landscape with innovative initiatives like the HPC contours a more inclusive and student-centered approach to assessment.

Categories
Smile

Moving towards Socially Conscious Businesses

Moving towards Socially Conscious Businesses
Sila studies in Class 4 at Smile Foundation’s Mission Education Centre in Kandhamal, Odisha.

The rise of socially conscious businesses is a significant shift in how companies operate and interact with society. Businesses are built for the society, using the resources of the society, which is only fair, if it contributes to the social welfare too or at least doesn’t cause harm to the society.

These enterprises are not solely driven by profit- they are motivated by a mission to contribute positively to the world. This new business ethos is a response to growing consumer demand for ethical practices and sustainable products, as well as a broader societal call for corporate accountability.

The concept of social consciousness in business is not entirely new. However, its growing influence in mainstream business models has surged in recent years. Socially conscious businesses prioritise the welfare of people and the planet alongside their financial goals. They strive to address social issues such as poverty, inequality and environmental degradation through their operations and outreach.

What’s a socially conscious business?

Here are a few attributes that make a business be characterised as not only generating profits but also contributing positively to society and the environment-

Purpose beyond profit

Socially conscious businesses have a clear mission that includes making a positive impact on society and the environment. Companies that adopt this approach can drive significant change due to their resources and influence. They can create an effect that encourages other businesses to follow suit, leading to a more equitable and sustainable economy.

Integrity beyond profits

These businesses operate with a high level of integrity and ethics. Their core beliefs include ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, environmental responsibility and other sustainable practices to reduce waste and minimise their carbon footprint. Instead of focusing solely on short-term gains, they plan for long term goals . These turn out to be economically profitable for the business considering the future impact of their actions.

Business stakeholders

Business stakeholders comprise employees, customers, suppliers and the community where they operate. To make the business sustainable and profitable in the long run, socially conscious businesses must understand their needs and expectations to make more informed and responsible decisions. Businesses can also support local initiatives, encourage employee volunteerism and contribute to the welfare of society beyond CSR.

The ‘Triple Bottom Line’ Approach

One of the key frameworks guiding socially conscious businesses is the triple bottom line, which emphasises the three P’s: People, Planet and Profit. This approach encourages companies to measure their success not just by financial performance but also by their impact on society and the environment. It’s a holistic view that promotes a balance between economic growth and the well-being of all stakeholders.

Consumer-centric

Consumers wield significant power in shaping the direction of businesses. This consumer influence is a driving force behind the growth of businesses that prioritise social impact. Socially conscious businesses are responsive to consumer demands for ethical and sustainable products that include developing new products or services that benefit society. 

How to transition into a socially conscious business?

While the transition to a socially conscious business model is commendable, it is not without challenges. Balancing profitability with social impact requires innovative thinking and often, a restructuring of traditional business practices. To help the businesses achieve this balance we can adopt the following strategies-

Setting clear goals: Develop clear and comprehensive CSR goals that align with the expectations and priorities of key stakeholders. Companies can use metrics to track progress and make necessary adjustments to their strategies accordingly to ensure relevance and effectiveness. It also ensures CSR gets the necessary resources without compromising business goals. 

Technology and Innovation: Technology plays a crucial role in enabling businesses to achieve their social goals. From clean energy solutions to social media campaigns that raise awareness, the possibilities are endless. Companies can leverage technology to improve efficiency, reduce waste and create products that benefit society. Innovations also help in cost saving and give efficient results in the long run.

Communication is the key: When you communicate with investors and other stakeholders of your business about ESG matters and maintain transparency, it builds trust for the long run and also demonstrates the company’s commitment to care for the well-being of society. When you communicate, consumers also become aware of the business insights and willingly contribute toward the economic upliftment of the business.

Sustainable operations: Companies must adopt a holistic sustainable approach to their operations. Fair wages, work-life balance, supporting human rights and diversity in the workplace will make your employees happy and hence improve production. Managing a socially responsible supply chain ensuring product safety and implementing stringent quality controls are also paramount. Further collaborating with other businesses and learning from each other’s experiences can help build a socially responsible business community.

Accountability is important: Accountability is the key to ensuring the board’s commitment to CSR. Companies can use their data of ESG performance metrics and narrative accounts to show stakeholders how the company is achieving its purpose and improving sustainability to achieve their trust. This will allow for the pursuit of both social impact and financial goals simultaneously. 

The Future Awaits More Socially Conscious Businesses

The future looks bright for socially conscious businesses. As awareness grows and more companies adopt this approach, we can expect to see a more responsible and responsive corporate world. Society is moving towards sustainable lifestyle choices and healthier options- socially conscious businesses have a great future and a long way to go.

The shift towards socially conscious businesses is a testament to the changing priorities of both consumers and corporations. It represents a new era of business where success is measured by more than how soon it breaks open into Initial Public Offerings (IPOs). As this movement gains momentum, it paves the way for a future where businesses are partners in building a better world like corporates can do with Smile Foundation here.

Categories
Smile

Understanding the Needs of Mothers beyond Mother’s Day

Anaemia contributing to the Status of Maternal Health
Anaemia contributing to the Status of Maternal Health

A mother is inarguably one of the most beautiful creations of God. The role of a mother cannot be confined to labels such as working mother, full-time mother, or work-from-home mother. In reality, every mother is a full-time mother, and while their situations may differ, their child is always their top priority.

Mothers should be celebrated every year, beyond the special day set aside each year to express gratitude to God for their blessing.

The evolving era to focus on the needs of mothers

When we think of a mother, every generation has a different nostalgia related to the word. Starting with our grandparents, the silent generation, the mother was the lady of the house, whom everyone respected to the core. She was generally sitting by the stove, either cooking or taking care of other household chores. Then came the Gen X, who will always recall their mother as a strong boss lady, head of the house, and the best cook but also more worldly. They go to watch movies in the theatres with their husbands a regular feature of their lives impossible for previous generations.

Now the new mothers are millennials or from Gen Z for whom the most content is created. Mothers, over the years, though generally involved in nurturing roles, but along with it, they also discovered self-love, their basic rights, right to education, etc. While a diminutive percentage had their careers, most mothers remained at home while we their children were growing up.

New-age mothers have learnt lessons from the experiences of their mothers. They do better at voicing their opinions, and desires. Today’s mothers are multifaceted, often balancing careers, education, personal aspirations, and family life. They are CEOs, designers, entrepreneurs, teachers, engineers, doctors, etc. making choices and leaving behind impressions that are much more impactful for the coming generation. They are not only career-oriented but also caregivers and the emotional backbone of their families, like all the previous generations.

What changed?

What the previous generation missed, or aspired to do, the next generation went ahead and did. The definition of motherhood has changed over time, but what remained the same is the motherly love and care of a woman that she never compromises on. No matter in which part of the world, a mother is, one part of her heart will always be with her child. Hence, mothers evolved over time but motherhood, in essence, remained the same.

Understanding the needs of mothers

Addressing the needs of both generations and understanding each other’s concerns and experiences can play an important role in making the bond stronger and more reliable. To bridge the generation gap, we can adopt the following strategies –

  • Spending quality time: It includes active listening by encouraging open dialogue where both feel heard without judgment. This involves listening truly with empathy to understand each other’s perspectives and challenges.
  • Learning together: Both generations have had their fair share of learnings and experiences, while children can educate their mothers about new technologies and trends, they can learn a lot of life hacks from their mothers. These cross-generational learnings are better to be learned from each other rather than only surfing on YouTube and ending with incomplete knowledge.
  • Tailored modes of communication: Due to different experiences and evolved times, while one generation is more expressive than the other, they also prefer different modes of communication. While some may prefer face-to-face interactions, others might lean towards digital communication.
  • Sharing common hobbies: Learn the lost art forms and outdoor games from your mothers, and teach them your favorite mobile games. The crochet art that has been trending today was once your mother’s great hobby, why not learn it from her? Encourage her to dedicate more time to her hobbies and ask her to share her memories. This will help her re-create what she misses about her childhood or youth that she is unable to do anymore.
  • Cooking Together: Mother knows all your favorite dishes, but does the family knows any of her favorite foods? Let us role reverse and try to know her favorite dish, and cook it for her to express love and recognition for her hard work.

Mother’s Guilt Treat

Everyone in the family needs to acknowledge and respect a woman’s space and her significant role within the family. However, the mother must assert her rights, secure her place at the decision-making table, and prioritize her physical and mental well-being.

Whether she is a stay-at-home mom or a working mother, both experience mother’s guilt despite their best efforts. They need to change the narrative from guilt to positive affirmations about motherhood. Here are a few ways in which mothers can prioritize self-care and overcome feelings of guilt –

  • Self-compassion: Mothers need to understand that no one is perfect, it is okay to make mistakes. Be kind to yourself and recognize that you are doing your best and do not need to prove anything to anyone. Mothers need to take care of their physical health, balanced diet, and nutritional requirements, and prioritize their well-being as much as they care for their kids. 
  • Communicate your needs: Do not hesitate to express your feelings with your family. It is better to convey your thoughts than to resent them later in life and live with regret and harsh feelings. Build a network of friends, family, and a community of mothers who understand what you are going through and can offer assistance. You can also seek professional help when needed, as mental health is as important as physical health.
  • Ask for help: Sharing responsibilities can lighten your load. Hire help, and delegate less important tasks both at home and at work. This will save you time and help you meet the deadlines faster.
  • Unlearn before you learn: Ages of social conditioning have molded women such that no matter what they could not let go of their mother’s guilt the moment they try to think about anything else but their children and family duties. Mothers need to unlearn it and not pass it on to the next generations. They need to schedule time for self-care and relaxation to recharge their batteries. They need to maintain their identity that is beyond motherhood by pursuing interests and hobbies that make them happy.

Happy mothers are the best

Let us celebrate mothers by truly understanding and responding to their needs. It is about creating an environment where they can thrive, feel supported, and have their contributions valued. Let’s get one thing clear – only happy mothers are the best ones, and it is our responsibility to put a smile to their faces whenever we can.

Categories
Health

Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) for Better Health of All

Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) for Better Health of All
Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) for Better Health of All

In 2019, India witnessed more than 1.3 crore cases of acute diarrhoeal disease, 24 lakh typhoid cases and over 5 lakh vector borne diseases like dengue, malaria etc. Even today, foreign visitors traveling to India are advised to take typhoid shots even when they are visiting urban areas.

The burden of hygiene and sanitation related illnesses is high in the country imposing a huge cost on our economy. Not just that, it also puts the already insufficient healthcare infrastructure under massive burden. There is the regular influx of patients suffering from these easily avoidable diseases.

Therefore, it is extremely important to focus on improving the overall Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities in the country by building more toilets, keeping them clean, and adopting proper sanitising techniques for our public areas. The Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent measures adopted to stop its spread have already taught us various lessons on maintaining a healthy hygiene in our public facilities to fight the spread of diseases.

Let’s talk some numbers

Research by WHO has shown that half of the world’s population does not have access to clean and safe toilets. However, solely updating the infrastructure may not provide the necessary results. An overall behavioural change is also necessary to achieve this goal. Behavioural change for better hygiene not only prevents diseases, but it also reduces malnutrition. All this leads to improving the well-being of children and adults.

The government of India too is tryin to to promote hygiene and sanitation, including behavioural changes. One of the biggest campaigns of the government has been about making India defecation free. In 2019, the government declared that India has become an Open Defecation Free (ODF) country. While there are questions around the practice having been eliminated, the work towards building toilets and spreading awareness around the issue has certainly made a huge difference.

So, what are the ways to achieve behavioural change? Where does WASH fit into all this?

  1. Washing hands properly at critical moments

History shows that the reduction in diseases and increase in human population correlates with the invention of soap and better hygiene facilities. A simple act of washing hands regularly and properly, especially at critical moments like coming in contact with a possible contaminant, or before eating can go a long way. Many of the hygiene related diseases spread because of eating food with dirty hands that may carry harmful bacteria. Therefore, this is the most basic habit that one needs to adopt in their daily lives.

  1. Water management

Another major cause of the spread of diseases is poor water management facilities in our public spaces. Poor water treatment and improper storage facilities for drinking water can lead to contamination, which may cause water-related diseases. This is also common in a country like India where sewerage systems are still not equipped with the rapidly expanding urban spaces. Poor water management also lead to vector borne diseases because of these spaces turning into a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

  1. Sanitation facilities and faecal management

Studies in the past have shown that faecal matter is found in the street food in different cities of India. This is primarily because of the lack of standards around hygiene for these establishments and also an acute shortage of clean sanitation facilities. This leads to poor faecal management and may cause serious contamination in the food that we ingest.

Change from within with WASH

It is critical that best-in-class sanitation facilities are provided while also working towards improving our own hygiene behaviour. To avoid such contamination, food material can be handled with care or the consumers can make better decisions of eating from outside keeping in mind the overall hygiene of the place.

Apart from this, there are several other behavioural changes that are required and encouraged, like menstrual hygiene and food hygiene. It is especially important to promote hygienic behaviour among children as such habits can be learnt the best during early years. While maintaining hygiene in institutions, schools and public spaces – children can also be taught about WASH through formal education.

At the same time, we cannot forget about the need for improving sanitation infrastructure in the country. This is especially for the marginalised sections of our population forced to live in poor conditions with extremely bad facilities, open drains shortage of drinking water, etc.

The government and non-government bodies including development organizations are responsible for work in this area. Improving hygiene and sanitation infrastructure in these areas is beneficial for everyone. It reduces the overall disease burden and stops its spread to the rest of the population as well. Not just that, it can also free-up our healthcare facilities so that we can focus on fighting more critical illnesses.

Smile Foundation’s work

Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, Smile Foundation through its ‘Health Cannot Wait’ nation-wide initiative provided hygiene kits to less privileged families. Hygiene and sanitation are an area in which the organization continues to work through necessary interventions at different levels. India has, over the years, seen a number of campaigns /initiatives to spread awareness about this issue. As we move towards becoming one of the largest economies in the world, it is time that we go back to the basics and promote WASH for better health for all.

Categories
Women Empowerment

Beyond Mother’s Day: Celebrating Moms Every Day

On 12th May’24, as the world gears up to celebrate Mother’s Day, let’s collectively remember that this special day is not not just about flowers and cards, but about respecting every mother and her choices she makes to nurture her child; As times have changed, mothers grapple with new set of challenges while navigating a complex landscape, embracing the joys and challenges of raising children in an increasingly technological world. Yet, amidst these advancements and the hustle and bustle of the world, the essence of motherhood remains constant- nurturing their child with the utmost care, good health, quality education and capabilities to stand on their feet when they grow up.

A mother’s journey is often difficult, as she paves her way through the new life of being a mother and taking care of her child. Thus, in such a scenario, it is the responsibility of the community to acknowledge a mother’s struggle and give her and her child the space to build their one-of-a-kind relationship without any prejudices.

Celebrating Mother’s Day 2024

Countless things remain unsaid and actions undone in the 21st century. The breakneck speed of evolution and the desire to improve lives often keeps families apart, making it difficult to show gratitude and love.

The International Mother’s Day, falling on the second Sunday of May yearly is an opportunity for sons and daughters to thank their mothers in their unique ways. It is what mothers deserve: their selflessness and hard work have been the cornerstone of success since time immemorial.

It isn’t easy to raise and manage children, but mothers do it seamlessly. They’re the world’s greatest artists, investing their time, skills, and love to make their children finished and well-rounded human beings. They face challenges but, like writers, find ways to overcome them and mould their children into stories worth remembering.

How Raising a Child is Like Writing a Book

Writers and mothers share parallels. Their journey is similar, full of challenges, struggles, and euphoria.

Children, like books, are unique. They have their own stories, with the plot and subplot changing as they grow. Drama, emotions, and characters in children’s lives also change, like in books, with their mothers dictating it to an extent. They’re the authors in their child’s life, guiding them as writers guide their readers to the next chapter.

Raising a child also requires extreme patience. Every child develops at their own speed, requiring tremendous patience and dedication from moms. They cannot rush the natural process: doing so might affect their child’s development and adult life.

However, mothers must be equally flexible as writers with their stories. Children sometimes grow quicker than expected, and their next life stage requires a different skill set from moms. It is the same with writers: they might get ideas for their next chapters in one go and adapt the transition quickly in their minds.

Children and Books

A child’s life moves exactly like the chapters in a book. The early years represent the beginning of their story, setting the stage for the rest of their life. Like writers establish the premise, to an extent, in the first few chapters, moms shape their child’s stories in their early years. The foundation is vital as only then can a story have substance and produce the desired effect in life.

Subsequently, as children grow and develop, their story becomes complex, like the turning point in a novel. They emerge out of their home comforts and step into the real world, where they must rely more on their skills. The challenges they encounter shape them as a person and decide, to an extent, their future.

Mothers play a vital role as their children step into the real world, as writers do with their characters in the vital chapters of their books. As writers do with their characters, mothers provide guidance and try their best to steer their children in the right direction. They guide them through the twists and turns of life but give them the freedom to make their mistakes and learn from them.

When things get tough, as they’re bound for mothers, they rely on collaboration to shape their children. Like writers seeking inspiration when faced with a mental block, mothers rely on their spouses, relatives, and friends to ensure their child’s story stays intact. Mothers know the value of collaborative effort in their child’s development, as do writers with their stories.

Getting a helping hand can also help mothers give their children unique perspectives as they enter youth and go their own ways. As children hear different opinions and take on life, work, etc., their minds broaden, much like characters in a book.

Closing Thoughts on Mother’s Day 2024

Writing books and raising children share parallels, but differences also exist. Unlike a writer working on a book, mothers cannot go back in time and fix their child’s past. They have no control over it and can only think about the future.

Writers have the freedom to change things. They can introduce new characters, add new elements to previous chapters, and even change the main plot altogether.

Raising a child is more rigid, and the story doesn’t end with the last page, unlike a book. As children become youngsters and later adults, their story evolves and grows with their experiences. Their story doesn’t end until they die, unlike books. Let’s do Mother’s Day 2024 differently.

Regardless, raising a child and writing a book are equally daunting. Therefore, mothers are artists and deserve tremendous praise and respect for their sacrifices. They represent the best of humanity: selfless, kind, hardworking, and optimistic.

This International Mother’s Day 2024 is an opportunity to remember that and reflect on the role mothers play in shaping their children’s stories.

Smile Foundation and Working with Mothers

Smile Foundation launched its women empowerment programme, Swabhiman to reach out to marginalised women, young mothers and adolescent girls. The aim since then has been to capacitate them through innovative community practices, support them in education and livelihood, development of life skills, empower them to seek healthcare and bring sustainable changes in the community, and also engage men and boys in creating a gender-equal society.

The programme aims to enhance their access to basic healthcare, nutrition, and knowledge about the different government schemes and bring an overall improvement in the quality of their lives. Potential women entrepreneurs are identified and supported with dedicated programmes to build an ecosystem for them to progress and excel.

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