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Author: Smile Editorial Team

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Education

Education Helps Us Live Longer

Education Helps Us Live Longer: Role of Education
Education Helps Us Live Longer

Looking to add more years to your life? Surprisingly, research suggests that education might be the key. While we often associate longevity with habits like eating well, sufficient sleep, and stress reduction, a recent study in the Lancet Public Health emphasizes the profound impact of education on life expectancy.

Delving into data from numerous studies spanning 59 countries, researchers explored the correlation between education and mortality. The results were striking—each additional year of education was linked to a 2% reduction in mortality. To put it in perspective, completing high school and college, and accumulating about 18 years of schooling, translated to a remarkably 34% lower risk of premature death compared to those with less education.

The protective effect of education against early mortality was comparable to meeting the recommended daily intake of vegetables. Conversely, minimal schooling increased mortality rates akin to the impact of heavy alcohol consumption or a decade of smoking ten cigarettes a day, as highlighted by Dr. Emmanuela Gakidou, a professor at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington School of Medicine and co-author of the study.

Contrary to expectations, the study discovered that the positive impact of each year of education did not diminish. In contrast to previous theories suggesting a plateau effect after a certain point, the researchers found that “education keeps on giving,” with every additional year contributing to a continued reduction in mortality risk.

The study, a comprehensive meta-analysis amalgamating data from 600 different studies, considered factors such as age, gender, and a country’s economic status. Surprisingly, the link between higher education and reduced mortality proved to be universal across these variables.

While the degree of benefit varied slightly by age, with younger individuals experiencing a more pronounced reduction in mortality, the study’s lead author, Dr. Gakidou, emphasized that the impact of education persisted across all age groups. The findings underscore the need for increased social investments in global education to combat persistent inequalities that contribute to premature deaths.

As co-author Mirza Balaj explains, “More education leads to better employment and higher income, better access to healthcare, and helps us take care of our own health. Highly educated people also tend to develop a larger set of social and psychological resources that contribute to their health and the length of their lives.” In essence, the research advocates for a global commitment to improving access to quality education, not just as an intellectual pursuit but as a fundamental contributor to a healthier and longer life.

India and Education

In a country with one of the highest populations globally, and boasting one of the largest youth demographics, the significance of education takes center stage for transformative change. The findings from the study highlighting the profound impact of education on life expectancy echo far beyond individual well-being, resonating with broader societal and economic implications.

India, with its diverse and dynamic population, stands at a crucial juncture where investing in education is not just a choice but a necessity. Education catalyzes social and economic development, creating a ripple effect that positively influences employment rates, healthcare access, and overall societal well-being. The revelation of the study that the benefits of education persist throughout the life of a person emphasizes the enduring impact that a well-educated population can have on the trajectory of the nation.

Furthermore, with a large youth population, India possesses a demographic advantage that can be harnessed through strategic educational investments. Providing quality education equips the youth with the tools to innovate, contribute to economic growth, and participate meaningfully in civic life. The result is a more resilient and empowered society that can navigate the challenges of the present and future.

Smile Foundation through its education initiative, Mission Education is making sure that children of low-income households all across India get a quality education so that education can open up possible futures for them, futures in which they are free of poverty and can live lives without constant worry for making three meals or even better, afford at least some of the luxuries that they dreamed of.

You can ensure that their education doesn’t stop, you can become an important part of changing their lives by making a thoughtful contribution here!

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Smile

How non-profits in India can benefit from technology?

How non-profits in India can benefit from technology?

NGOs in India— Transformation from Tech-Orientation to Tech-Savviness

NGOs in India, like every other growing sector, were at their most vulnerable during the peak years of the pandemic, but saw their most hearty and revamped comeback during 2021-22.

Amidst the overwhelming bounce back, many smart organizations, like ours are leveraging latest technologies to help better manage and optimize their organizations and automate several of their processes. These tech-oriented measures also improve their financial transparency, accountability and make them reach their audiences better. 

Data Speaks 

A recent Yale University study (Yale Insights) revealed that nonprofit leaders and staff want to adopt technology; that’s the good news. The bad news is, few integrate technology into their organizational strategy.

Identification and Implementation of Tech-deficient areas in the NGO

The first step is to identify which functional areas to spot and prioritize. The next would be to deploy suitable tech solutions in the focus areas which may include— making use of already stored data, project management efficiency, accountability, workforce synergy, decision making process, impact assessment or other areas that need an overhaul. 

Cloud Technology cutting costs and making interactions seamless 

Cloud computing solutions are able to save every organization valuable time and costs with their super efficient processes. A technology that can be used anywhere with an internet connection allows people to connect with stakeholders all over the world in real-time. This effectively makes an organization’s operations flexible and reduces the cash spent on papers and prints.

Besides simplifying internal operations like accounting and HR functions, they limit the requirement for a complex IT infrastructure so that the non-profits can utilize more time and energy towards fulfilling their actualised causes. Automation of software also means no purchase of new software— a great cost-saving measure.

Automation of Data Centralisation using CRMs 

CRMs, or donor databases, are some of the most favorable tools for storing, interpreting and utilizing your donor data. 

Saving a significant amount of the employees’ time by eliminating manual data entries, CRMs allow you to access all your data in one place. This data when analyzed closely can create a complete picture to gain usable insights on donors’ contributing patterns, which should inform your overall fundraising strategy. Additionally, many of the CRMs also provide customized communications and marketing features for nonprofits to reach donors directly.

What’s more— CRMs can also be used to manage your employees, volunteers and other internal stakeholders using data from various employee management tools.

Pandemic-induced Challenges solved by Technology

Technology helped all kinds of nonprofits in India transition their various programs to remote access and their in-person events to virtual live-streams. The quick onboarding of software allowed smooth functioning of WFH and hybrid work structures leading to higher employee satisfaction, increased talent acquisition and retention, and more flexible collaborations across departments and geographical locations. 

Leveraging Social Media to its Full Potential

Social Media, like it should, is reaping benefits for NGOs in India in the last few years due to an increase in mobile and online donations. Social media platforms are increasingly helping nonprofits reach their target audiences who are more willing to give. The key to social media success is a mix of various strategies—

  • A consistent social media presence through regular posts, quick replies on comments, and an active engagement that demonstrates confidence and vigor of a nonprofit organization
  • Our donors— government organizations, individual and corporate partners get quick and transparent access to the data and stories behind the various interventions made by the NGOs
  • Social Media forces everyone to reimagine and realign their efforts towards creative inclusivity.
  • Tracking engagement metrics consistently helps identify the performing and non-performing areas to realign the social media strategy

Maximizing the efficiency of the various social media platforms would mean gathering information about the donors’ preferred engagement channels. Replacing general mass announcements with personalized, targeted content can result in a higher ROI.

Directly linking your donation links on social media platforms is essential for making channels available for current and potential donors who like to have access to everything through their smartphones. 

All these efforts need a fast, secure and reliable technology integration in place to fully reap the benefits of the tech-world advancements. 

The Focus of Technology On Human-Centered Design

Solving donor problems embodies what the individual or corporation values are based on. Why would they want to contribute towards your NGOs cause would mean identification and understanding of ethics, principles and beliefs. UX/UI (User Experience and User Interface) Integration is key to understanding the pain points of the donors and what makes them click on related links to become an active participant of the NGO. 

Tech Nonprofit 

“Tech nonprofit” is an emerging term that refers to a tech startup that is building software or web applications using a nonprofit model for social impact. Efforts are being made by start-ups to provide services completely dedicated to the unique needs of the NGOs. 

This shows that the market is actively looking for opportunities that the NGOs need great help with and is willing to hugely invest many of its important resources towards them. 

Technology Integration into NGOs shaping our today and tomorrow 

Nonprofits in India constantly compete for funds and talented staff to achieve felt impact and establish a reputation that makes their social work recognisable. Integration of relevant technology markedly helps in NGO Governance by streamlining the vital processes and being accessible at all times.

Technology for change backs up NGOs in India sturdily by enabling their multi-pronged efforts and enhancing transparency in the non-profit sector. Partners expect nonprofits to communicate in a transparent manner and digitally demonstrate their effectiveness— so taking advantage of the digital tools at their disposal would be the most logical step in building trust and establishing relationships. 

Becoming a tech-powered nonprofit is the only way to remain relevant in a landscape that increasingly wants data-driven results.

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Smile

Why is Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Needed in India?

Why is universal health coverage needed in India?

Healthcare is one of the aspects in India that is still underdeveloped even after 75+ years of freedom. Despite the fact that more than 65 percent of Indians live in rural regions, very few medical professionals are located there. Additionally, the execution of the Government-Financed Health Insurance Schemes (GFHIS) face recurring challenges. How does the concept of Universal Health Coverage fit into this context?

What is Universal Health Coverage?

Everyone will have access to medical care they require without facing monetary difficulties thanks to universal health coverage. A UN resolution was formulated in 2012 encouraging countries to work toward granting everyone access to inexpensive, high-quality healthcare services.

With the goal of providing all people with Universal Health Coverage (UHC), India has set an ambitious goal. The nation’s leaders believe that everyone deserves access to reasonably priced healthcare.

The Planning Commission of India established a high-level expert group on UHC in October 2010 with the goal of creating a framework for offering all Indians conveniently accessible and cheap healthcare.

There is a major rural-urban imbalance, with accessibility in rural regions being much lower than in cosmopolitan ones. Urban public and private hospitals have adopted technology at a rapid rate, yet these systems are dissimilar and employ various technological systems.

Due to a lack of interoperability, patients’ health data get stuck in silos and cannot be shared with other platforms and organisations.

Benefits 

The urgent requirement is to introduce a secure, digital system to keep electronic health records (EHRs) in accordance with pre-established standards in order to guarantee high-quality data.

The availability of patients’ medical information when and when it is required would be guaranteed by this digitised, standardised platform. In the end, this would combine all of a patient’s health-related data to promote better medical choices and better-coordinated treatment.

In addition to ensuring service equality, universal health care prevents medical professionals from specifically targeting and serving wealthy patients. The result is a healthier workforce and greater life expectancy since everyone receives the same quality of treatment.

A person may live longer and in better health and there may be less social disparity if they are provided with universal health care from birth.

Challenges

In order to address the issue of health and wellbeing, the government has taken a multifaceted approach, focusing on primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare as well as preventive and health promotion. It is encouraging to observe a change that has aided in the well-rounded formulation of policies pertaining to health. Planning and implementing a new policy is not without its problems.

For execution, policies and infrastructural facilities must work together. Making sure that the Indian countryside does not suffer from a shortage of physicians is the actual difficulty. Not only are doctors in low supply, but also beds, medical supplies, and nurses. In India, the doctor-population ratio is 1: 834 and we can do arrive at a better number in the coming years. It would be a good idea to encourage medical professionals to practise in rural regions, and using technology to support preventative measures can support ongoing reformative initiatives.

Smile Foundation’s Initiatives

Smile Foundation is working on a dual strategy in the present to actively promote and provide free healthcare services: first, delivering high-quality healthcare services to the doorsteps of the underserved in rural communities and urbans slums of India; and second, increasing health-related awareness seeking behaviour among them. Consider making a small, thoughtful donation here to make quality healthcare possible for those with very limited finances marked towards healthcare.

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Insights Women Empowerment

The Importance of Financial Literacy for Women

The Importance of Financial Literacy for Women

What is financial literacy?

Financial literacy is the ability to understand and effectively use financial skills, such as personal financial management, budgeting, and investing. In the world of investments and creating wealth through multi-channels, merely possessing money is not enough to make it sustainable. Financial literacy for women is thus very important to keep track of finances.

Financial literacy is the foundation of your relationship with money, and it is a lifelong journey of learning. The earlier you start, the better off you will be because education and its application are the keys to success when it comes to money. 

Both women and men should acquire financial knowledge to participate in money-related issues of their families effectively. But it has been observed that women in India have limited financial knowledge. This could be on account of women traditionally being ‘home-makers’ and not being concerned with where the finances are coming from and where they should go. However, with the changing economic scenario and the higher participation of women in the workforce, financial literacy for women should be given topmost priority.

Women and financial literacy

Financial literacy for women is an important aspect of their independence, financial and otherwise. Being financially illiterate can lead to a number of problems. You could be more likely to accumulate debt burdens, have poor spending habits, or lack long-term preparation. Financial literacy empowers people, especially women, to make independent decisions. During emergencies or unforeseen circumstances, an individual can take correct steps if she is financially literate.

A survey revealed that only a small percentage of women are able to build on and grow their existing wealth. Among those, only about 33 per cent, have the confidence to invest their money as they see fit. Given that women’s roles in the domestic and public sphere are on  the rise, these low figures show that financial literacy for women is still not part of mainstream discourse.

Why do women need financial literacy?

This is due to the following reasons:

  1. It prepares them for emergencies.
  2. Women can help deal with rising costs of living and inflation if they are financially literate.
  3. Children tend to be more influenced by their mothers than their fathers. Being financially literate sets a good example for your children as well.
  4. In most households, women are responsible for the day-to-day expenses. Thus, it is helpful for them to know how best to use the money.
  5. Women tend to live longer than men, and thus they should have the knowledge to carry on their day-to-day affairs and manage finances.
  6. Women who are financially literate gain more confidence in their own decision-making.

Prioritise financial independence

Financial literacy and women’s empowerment go hand in hand. Increasing your financial literacy can help you achieve your life and career goals more effectively. Financial independence serves as a cushion during unforeseen circumstances. Some studies show that women are often unable to leave abusive family situations or marriages due to financial dependency. Even for women who have careers, often their income is seen as just extra income and they are expected to take up additional responsibilities at home as well.

All the genders should gain financial literacy so that they can share responsibilities as well as make best use of their financial independence. Experts believe that knowing about financial literacy and actually implementing it in your life are very different things.

How can women gain financial literacy?

In this day and age, there are ample resources for women who wish to become financially literate. Online resources are abundant for those who wish to educate themselves. At the same, it is a stark reality that women in India may not always have the access to or know-how of the Internet to learn these things by themselves.

Session on financial literacy for women in Bengaluru
Session on financial literacy for women in Bengaluru

In such cases, self-help groups and organisations such as Smile Foundation can step in. For instance, the Swabhiman project, aimed at women’s empowerment, recently conducted a session on financial literacy. The session was held with 70 women in Guttahali, Bengaluru.

Sessions like the one mentioned above has the potential of bringing in people together with the same life-building aspirations. Financial literacy then becomes a process of learning through text books, experts and people with valuable experience of managing money in their own lives.

Financial literacy leads to financial independence and mindful expenditure– both essential for a higher quality of living.

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Smile

How to prepare the Indian Youth for the Future?

How to prepare the Indian Youth for the Future?

Youth is a stage between childhood and maturity when young people progressively grow to be acknowledged as adults through profound physiological, psychological, social, and economic development. It is a period in life that is characterised by vitality, excitement, and inventiveness as well as a growing interest in adulthood and careers.

Youth is a period of feelings, fast mood swings, and an unfamiliarity with the world. When a young person awakens to a new world; character and individuality begin to emerge. Every quality and ability is susceptible to overestimation and overabundance, and self-feeling and ambition are intensified. Indian youth have immense potential provided they are well-equipped to enter the workforce with technical skills and knowledge-backed confidence.

It is necessary to help children cope with unique pressures that arise during the time. Today’s adolescents must deal with external pressures as they struggle with physical and emotional transformations. Millions of young people are forced to assume adult tasks and duties before they are ready due to cultural, gender, globalisation, and economic demands.

In the current digital age, technology is essential to our very survival. From the minute we wake up until the moment we go to bed, technology drives all facets of our life–  personal and professional both. Additionally, the pandemic’s severe consequences have made digital the pivotal point for businesses. To solve issues and gain a competitive edge, we are undergoing digital transformations.

Accessing Quality Education

One of the key pillars of prosperity is education. Students learn a lot more when education is easily accessible. The current employment market calls for supplementary talents in addition to technical knowledge. The future of the workforce consisting Indian youth will depend on abilities like creative reasoning, communication, and problem-solving. 

Encourage Entrepreneurship

The kids may harness their desire and ingenuity to help tackle problems when we encourage them. They have the potential to think about the nation’s problems and come up with answers. When given entrepreneurial chances, they come up with forward-thinking solutions to these issues, benefiting the country as a whole. Entrepreneurship is the power of youth in India.

The Necessity for Inclusion of Life Skills

Puberty, a shift in biochemical processes that result in a growing body marks the start of adolescence. For the huge youth population in India, it is a time of “Storm and Stress.” It is a period when children wander away from their parents. During this time, it’s typical for young people to spend more time with their peers and adapt to the opinions and judgements of them.

Because of how crucial this shift is, teenagers often struggle with issues like parent-child disputes, role dispersion, or negative identity. It leads to mismatched talents and goals, a lack of purpose, and an unpreparedness for the psychological challenges of adulthood.

The adolescent has times of insecurity, self-doubt, and disillusionment as a result of these internal tensions and societal expectations. The young person engages in risk-taking behaviours and takes chances under these circumstances. For these reasons, teaching young people life skills is essential to assisting them in overcoming obstacles they encounter on a daily basis.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), life skills are the aptitudes that enable people to successfully handle the demands and difficulties of daily life. The capacity for adaptable and constructive behaviour known as “life skills” enables people to successfully navigate their daily lives.

Life skills, in particular, are a collection of behavioural talents and soft skills that support healthy and successful coping, problem-solving, critical and creative thinking, effective communication, the development of good relationships, and life management.

It is crucial to situate in school life skills-based education within the larger framework of education system. In the end, life skills education must take place in settings that are inclusive, child-friendly, well-resourced, staffed with skilled and motivated instructors using participatory and experiential approaches. Starting in the junior grades and continuing through the upper grades, it should gradually apply life skills to more delicate and complicated topics.

Fostering an Atmosphere where Life Skills can be Practised

If the youth and adolescents feel in-charge of their lives and get respect and approval from others, including teachers and parents, they are more likely to make wise decisions. But poor future prospects, scant family support, low social standing, and few opportunities to influence community decisions all work against life skills training. 

Programs must provide opportunity for students to practise life skills outside of the classroom, challenge common assumptions, and foster support for the right to self-determination if they are to succeed.

Simply said, life skills will only be taught in the classroom only if the society is willing to let kids and teenagers actively participate in decisions impacting them.

Cultivating Community and Academic Support for life skills instruction

Through mobilisation efforts, it is necessary to increase community, school, and family support for life skills-based education.

Launching Livelihood Programmes

Young individuals who work not only earn money but also improve their knowledge, self-worth, and confidence. They also gain a positive view on what the future may bring. Youth might gain a variety of skills, including literacy and numeracy, technical, entrepreneurial, practical, social, managerial, and strategic ones, with the support of livelihood programmes. The students must participate in a variety of academic and occupational decision-making processes that have significant implications for the future. This is the stage at which vocational maturity experiences the greatest development and advancement.

Smile Foundation and Indian Youth

All of the promise is in youth. Smile Foundation with your support is supporting the skilling endeavours of the youth in need of encouragement to expand their knowledge with concerted efforts to place them in flourishing sectors. They will then have complete authority to guide India into its beautiful future.

Learn all about our livelihood initiative, STeP (Smile Twin e-Learning Programme) here.

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Health

5 Interventions Smile Foundation is Doing for Rural Healthcare

Treating Illnesses
Treating Illnesses

Healthcare is important because it directly impacts the well-being and quality of life of individuals and communities. Access to proper healthcare services ensures timely diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of illnesses, which in turn leads to improved health outcomes, increased life expectancy, and overall socio-economic development. Rural healthcare is a challenge that needs a different approach and we are here to discuss it.

Significance of Healthcare in Rural India

  1. Health Disparities and Access Challenges: Rural areas in India face significant health disparities compared to urban regions. Limited access to healthcare facilities, medical professionals, and diagnostic services exacerbates these disparities. Many remote villages lack even basic healthcare centers, forcing residents to travel long distances to seek medical help. This lack of accessibility can lead to delayed treatments, worsening health conditions, and even fatalities in critical cases.
  2. Maternal and Child Health: Healthcare is particularly crucial for maternal and child health in rural India. Access to prenatal care, skilled birth attendants, immunizations, and postnatal care significantly impacts maternal and child mortality rates. Lack of proper healthcare during pregnancy and childbirth can lead to complications, endangering both the mother and the baby. Adequate healthcare interventions are essential to ensure safe pregnancies and healthy childhoods.
  3. Preventable Diseases and Health Education: Rural communities often suffer from preventable diseases due to poor hygiene practices, lack of clean water, and inadequate sanitation facilities. Health education plays a vital role in raising awareness about proper sanitation, hygiene, and nutrition. Healthcare initiatives in rural areas can incorporate health education to empower residents with knowledge about disease prevention and the importance of adopting healthy habits.
  4. Agricultural Health and Occupational Hazards: Agriculture is a primary livelihood source in rural India. However, it exposes individuals to various occupational hazards, such as injuries from farm machinery and exposure to pesticides. Healthcare services are essential to address these specific health risks faced by farmers and agricultural laborers. Immediate medical attention can help mitigate the consequences of accidents and provide guidance on safe farming practices.

Smile Foundation recognizes the importance of healthcare and has taken several initiatives to address healthcare challenges, particularly for underserved populations in India. Some of the key steps taken by the Smile Foundation through its healthcare programme include:

Mobile Healthcare Units

Smile Foundation operates Mobile Healthcare Units (MHUs) equipped with medical professionals and necessary equipment. These units are specially designed to reach remote and underserved areas where access to healthcare is limited. MHUs provide primary healthcare services, including medical check-ups, vaccinations, basic treatments, and health education. These units are vital in bringing healthcare directly to the doorsteps of communities that lack nearby medical facilities.

Nestled in remote neighborhoods, the remote population had to endure arduous journeys to access medical help. With the support of thoughtful corporate and individual donors, the Smile on Wheels (SoW) initiative is a lifeline that offers preventive, healing, and nurturing health services right at their doorstep.

Every day, the SoW mobile units embark on a journey of quality healthcare, visiting these communities with vital health services that encompass more than just medical aid. Conducting OPD sessions, diagnoses, distributing essential medicines, and ensuring seamless referrals. Together, we’re ensuring that no one is left behind when it comes to healthcare.

Telemedicine

Smile Foundation’s telemedicine initiative utilizes technology to bridge the gap between remote populations and specialized medical expertise. Telemedicine involves connecting patients with doctors through digital platforms, allowing consultations, diagnoses, and treatment recommendations to be conducted remotely. This is especially crucial for areas with limited access to doctors, enabling timely medical advice and reducing the need for patients to travel long distances for healthcare.

Smile Foundation has successfully established ten e-Arogya Clinics, a collaborative effort with the health department of Nuh and our valued corporate partner. This initiative aims to serve a significant beneficiary group of a million people.

These clinics offer virtual consultations with both general physicians and specialist doctors, alongside the free distribution of essential medicines. The clinics also play a pivotal role in screening for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and facilitating referrals to higher-tier healthcare services when required. Moreover, we’re committed to building the capacity of front-line workers and Community Health Officers (CHOs) through tailored training programs in collaboration with the Nuh district health administration.

The impact has been noteworthy, with over 35,000 individuals directly benefiting from these e-Arogya Clinics. An encouraging 52 percent of these beneficiaries are women, signifying that previously marginalized community members are now empowered to prioritize their health and well-being. This comprehensive approach has not only transformed healthcare access but also encouraged these communities to embrace their entitled health benefits and engage actively in affirmative health actions.

Static Clinics

In areas with slightly better infrastructure, Smile Foundation sets up static clinics. These clinics provide a more consistent healthcare presence in semi-urban or rural locations. They offer a wider range of medical services compared to MHUs, including diagnostics, minor procedures, and regular health check-ups. Static clinics become reliable healthcare hubs for communities that lack access to fully-fledged hospitals.

Truck Drivers often drive long-haul routes in confined spaces and ignore their health. In order to focus on their health and overall well-being, a static Health Clinic in Ranchi has been set up. The clinic titled Transport Aarogyam Kendra provides OPD services and physiotherapy services to the trucking community of the area.

The physiotherapy services are meant to meet the specialized health care needs of the truck drivers as they suffer from several health issues such as bone ailments, back pain, neck pain etc. The clinic aims to cater to up to 50 beneficiaries per day (physiotherapy and general check-ups).

As part of generating awareness on health-related issues, IEC activities are also conducted, including the distribution of pamphlets, display of posters, wall writing and audio-visual aids, etc.

Health Camps

Smile Foundation organizes health camps in remote areas to provide comprehensive healthcare services over a short period. These camps focus on specific health concerns such as eye care, dental care, immunizations, or maternal health. Expert medical professionals and volunteers come together during these camps to offer consultations, treatments, and health education. Health camps play a vital role in addressing the immediate healthcare needs of remote populations.

Smile Foundation, in association with the Govt. of Rajasthan, Sadbhavana Seva Trust and Jain Conference, conducted the Annual Mega Health Camp in Shahpura Block, Bhilwara District, Rajasthan at the beginning of this year, covering a population of 30,000 children, women and senior citizens.

In the two-day camp, more than 250 doctors and paramedical staff from surgery, ophthalmology, gynaecology, dentistry, orthopaedics, medicine, ENT, anaesthesia, radiology, paediatrics and pathology joined us on the ground, making the camp function like one large multi-specialty hospital.Close to 600 surgeries were conducted in 48 hours.

Government Convergence

Smile Foundation collaborates with existing government health centers to enhance their reach and capacity. This involves providing additional medical staff, equipment, training, and support. By strengthening government health centers, we ensure that they can effectively serve remote populations with quality healthcare services. This approach also helps in creating sustainable healthcare infrastructure in these areas.

Each of these initiatives showcases Smile Foundation’s commitment to improving healthcare access for remote populations. By combining mobile healthcare units, telemedicine, static clinics, health camps, and enhancing government health centers, Smile Foundation is effectively addressing the healthcare challenges faced by underserved communities, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes and improved quality of life.

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Education

Importance of Child Centered Education

World Book Day 2024: Nurturing Mind & Enriching Souls 
World Book Day 2024: Nurturing Mind & Enriching Souls 

Child-centered education in today’s world is based on the thinking that students must be encouraged to learn at their own pace. Their study exercises should be tailored following their specific needs and with an inclination toward their interests.

The traditional methods of teaching more often do not produce desirable results. It is leading to students losing interest, piling up of home assignments and poor mental health for teachers, students and parents.

Children love to learn when they enjoy their lessons. Child-focused schooling makes learning relevant and fun, giving even the tired students an incentive to keep trying.

The history of children-specific education began in the twentieth century with ideas from John Dewey, Jean Piaget, Lev Vygotsky, and Maria Montessori.  It is a reversal from the traditional teacher-centered understanding of the learning process and instead puts students at the center of the learning process.

Child-centered Classroom

Child-centered education begins with teachers involving students in a classroom to share in decision-making processes and believing in their capacity to lead. When a child learns about the relevance of the subject in a discussion it makes learning more interesting for them.

During creative learning when a child chooses the focus of the content he/she can use their imagination to come up with interesting takes on the same subject. Brainstorming and engaging in dialog together helps children to match their interests with the skills and concepts. It requires children to be active participants and responsible participants in their own learning.

Focus on All Areas of Development

The very core of learning centered around children is to help the child achieve holistic development. It includes the development of physical capabilities along with intellectual abilities, cognitive or mental abilities, emotional abilities, and social skills. Child-centered teachers engage in an “active learning” process to help the child develop the knowledge and skills needed in all areas.

The NEP 2020 has reconfigured the curriculum of school education to make students more responsive. The curriculum is more relevant to the developmental needs and interests of learners at different stages of their development. The policy states that classroom learning will regularly contain more creative, collaborative, exploratory and fun activities.

Importance of Play 

5 Ways to Raise Fierce Yet Gentle Girls

According to many studies, play acts as a medium of learning for children from a very young age.  It stimulates early brain development. It allows children to create and imagine, which is an important aspect of child-centered education.  Play promotes healthy development and critical thinking skills and reinforces memory.

Playing also provides opportunities for children to learn social interaction. When children play together they learn to cooperate, follow rules, develop self-control, and generally get along with other people.n

New Education Policy (NEP) 2020

While there are many challenges in implementing child-centered learning, these challenges can be met and overcome. In India, it has now started with the introduction of the New Education Policy 2020.

This style of child-centered learning is important for nation-building as it gradually develops independent thinkers, endowed with the tools necessary for lifelong learning.

To know more about Smile Foundation’s campaign on education visit here!

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Women Empowerment

Women of India

Women of India
Women of India

When understanding women empowerment in India, one needs to be aware of their rights like the right to vote, equal opportunities, property rights, freedom of choosing their partner, their legal rights, and many more. Empowering women is about their realization of their self-worth and making equitable conditions exist in a society where women can enjoy their rights just like their male counterparts.

When it comes to the population of women in the world, it’s around 50 % but in India, there is a disproportionate sex ratio resulting in a lower female population.

To understand the present state of things, we need to labyrinth our way into women’s empowerment in India throughout the years, from the ancient to the modern times.

What is women’s empowerment?

For centuries, unjustified treatment towards women went with them not allowed to have property, no share in their parental property properties, no voting rights, and no one to guide them towards making a career and a life where real freedom was a stuff of the dreams.

Now many women have control over their material assets, intellectual resources, and ideologies.

Ancient Indian Period

Women were treated as equal to men, and there was no gender-based discrimination. The society of the time considered women as Janani which means mother, with Hindu scripts considering women as Devi.

All the basic rights were thoroughly enjoyed by women where they were free to receive education and other skills deemed necessary for survival and thriving. Many famous women of the time were competitive with men in many fields with no restrictions binding on them. They also possessed great wealth and property and had a very strong say in matters concerning the welfare of the children.

In Taittiriya Samhita, women and men were considered as the two wheels of a cart- the existence of one dependent upon the functioning of the other. All lessons in the Vedas were great examples of equality between men and women.

The Medieval Period

Medieval India is well remembered because of child marriage. During this era, the birth of a female child brought shame to parents, who perceived daughters as a burden on the family. Consequently, parents hastily arranged marriages for their daughters. Another contributing factor to child marriages was the unfounded belief that mature girls were prone to engage in scandals. As a result, parents sought to marry off their daughters at a young age, with the girls remaining in their parental homes until reaching puberty. In this societal context, women were unfortunately regarded merely as marriage material, treated akin to commodities. This mindset not only led to a surge in birth rates but also contributed to the poor health of women, contributing to higher mortality rates for both women and infants.

No access to widow re-marriage

In the medieval period, widows were stigmatized as cursed and believed to bring ill luck upon becoming widowed. These women had to renounce all comforts promised by their husbands at marriage, facing exclusion from holy rituals and sacred places. Remarriage was forbidden, leaving them with no choice but to lead a life of seclusion, clad in faded white attire and adhering to specific dietary restrictions.

The fight for women’s empowerment in India gained momentum as society evolved. In the early stages of modern empowerment, notable figures like Begum Hazrat Mahal, Uda Devi, and Rani Laxmi Bai emerged during the East India Company era. Social reforms saw the active involvement of men such as Raja Rammohan Roy, Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar, Swami Vivekananda, and Swami Dayananda Saraswat, contributing to the restoration of women’s status.

Western Influences

The concept of empowerment originated during the civil rights movements in the USA in the 1960s. Empowerment, defined as an individual process of taking control over one’s life and responsibilities, granting human rights and social justice, played a crucial role in reshaping the status of women in India. The 19th century marked a global shift toward women’s education, influencing trends in India, where the qualitative excellence of education was maintained within a limited aristocratic circle.

British rule and missionary activities from Europe brought changes to Indian society, with the establishment of schools for girls in Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras. Post-independence, women’s empowerment movements faced challenges as many women returned home after the departure of colonizers. Despite constitutional promises of equality and adult franchise, issues like oppression, discrimination, dowry deaths, unemployment, and a declining sex ratio persisted.

Present Times

The term “human rights” has become ubiquitous, reflecting a broader discourse in contemporary times. The global women’s rights movement extends beyond reformation, focusing on the reconstruction and recovery of women’s status and their inherent rights.

One of the noteworthy areas of progress lies in legislative changes designed to bolster women’s rights and safety. Laws addressing sexual harassment, domestic violence, and gender discrimination have been enacted, marking a significant shift towards a more protective legal framework.

Educationally, India has witnessed a positive trend with increased emphasis on improving female literacy rates. Government initiatives and schemes are actively promoting girls’ education, contributing to a more inclusive and educated female population.

Political participation has seen encouraging developments, with more women occupying key political positions. Reservations for women in local bodies have played a pivotal role in fostering greater female involvement at the grassroots level.

Economically, there is a rising tide of women entering the workforce across diverse sectors and Smile Foundation is making efforts towards putting more women into the workforce. Entrepreneurship among women is on the ascent, reflecting a changing landscape of economic participation.

In conclusion, the evolving status of women in India reflects a dynamic interplay of progress and challenges. While strides have been made in various spheres, the journey towards women empowerment requires a concerted and sustained effort from all segments of society. By addressing challenges head-on, India can move closer to realizing the vision of a society where every woman is empowered to achieve her fullest potential.

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Celebrating India’s First Woman Teacher: Savitribai Phule

Savitribai Phule

Every year on January 3rd, India observes Savitribai Phule Jayanti, not merely a birthday but a day dedicated to honoring a remarkable woman who tirelessly advocated for girls’ education, igniting a revolution in India.

Born in 1831, Savitribai faced the injustice of being denied access to education during a time when girls, especially those from lower castes like herself, were barred from learning. Despite these challenges, she envisioned a world where every girl, regardless of background, could read, write, and stand independently.

Savitribai Phule boldly challenged the entrenched gender norms of the 19th century, a period marked by British colonization in India, where women’s issues were often overlooked. Alongside her husband Jyotirao Phule, she pioneered women’s education by establishing India’s inaugural school for women in Pune in 1848. Savitribai, becoming the country’s first female teacher, went on to create 17 more schools.

In their relentless fight against caste-based discrimination, Savitribai and Jyotirao Phule founded the Satyashodhak Samaj, a social reform organization aimed at dismantling the oppressive caste system.

A fervent promoter of widow remarriage, Savitribai campaigned against prevailing customs that condemned widows to lives of deprivation, advocating for their right to remarry.

Devoting their lives to social reform, the Phule couple combated untouchability and labored to uplift the lower castes through education and awareness initiatives.

Beyond her impactful social work, Savitribai Phule excelled as a poet and writer, penning powerful verses that brought attention to gender and caste discrimination, leaving an indelible mark on Marathi literature.

In recognition of her monumental contributions, Savitribai Phule is revered as one of India’s foremost social reformers. Smile Foundation celebrates Savitribai Phule Jayanti as a day to honor her enduring legacy and her profound contributions to education and social equality.

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Dreaming a ‘Child Labour Free’ India

Some of the kids we work with at Smile Foundation as part of our initiatives exhibit extraordinary leadership characteristics and become changemakers. These are the kids who grew up to work for change by challenging long-standing customs like child marriage, dowry, trafficking, and gender inequity and child labour in India. These kids have already made a difference in their communities or are well on their way to do so.

However, even in 21st century, the horrors of child labour still haunt India. The sooner it gets eradicated, the better. 

What causes Child Labour in India?

It’s critical to consider child labour from the viewpoint of the children, families, and communities involved while discussing the issue. The underlying factors that especially expose children to child labour are listed below– 

Inadequate access to Decent Education

The accessibility and calibre of education are among the most crucial elements. The school setting must be friendly, with reasonable class sizes, a curriculum tailored to the area, and fees easily accessible for remote areas. It is one thing to get kids into school and away from dangerous jobs, but keeping them there entails making high-quality education available to everyone.

Poverty

Poverty is unquestionably the main factor pushing kids into the workforce. Families are forced to send their children to work in order to boost the family income when they are unable to provide for their fundamental requirements, such as food, water, education, or healthcare. 

Given its connections to other major contributors to child labour, such as poor literacy and numeracy rates, a lack of adequate employment prospects, natural catastrophes and climate change, wars and mass migration, poverty is regarded as one of the most significant causes of child labour. 

Without addressing one, we cannot end the other; poverty and child labour are not mutually exclusive.

Wars and Mass Migration

“There is a significant relationship between child labour and war and catastrophe circumstances.” Children represent more than half of all those who have been affected by warfare, according to the ILO.

Owing to an increase in financial shakedowns, a collapse of peer assistance, schools, and basic amenities, and disruption of child protection services, these children are more exposed to types of exploitation, including child labour. Conflict-affected nations have a rate of child labour that is extremely high compared to world-norm. 

Climate Change

One issue that is growing in importance is the impact of climate change and natural catastrophes. Farmers in rural regions who witness their crops being damaged by climate change are forced to put their kids to work. 

Extreme weather events, changed rainfall patterns, and soil erosion are particularly dangerous for rural communities whose livelihoods depend on predictable seasons. Families struggle to make a livelihood and are more likely to send their kids to work on nearby farms when crops are lost or farming land is devastated.

Difficulty Finding Suitable Employment

Children frequently have little option but to labour in dangerous conditions if they can’t find jobs that offer them social safety, fair compensation, equality for men and women, and a place to voice their thoughts. Hazardous employment performed by children who are older than the legal minimum age to work is also regarded as child labour.

Inadequate Knowledge About Child Labour

The common notion is that employment helps kids develop their skills and personalities. Parents are more inclined to send their children to work when they are unaware of the risks associated with child labour and how these risks affect their child.

Types of Child Labour in India

The three primary kinds of child work in India are industrial, domestic, and bonded child labour. The information on the aforementioned Indian industries that use child labour, as well as demographics, are provided below.

Commercial Child Labour

Children under 18 are most frequently employed in the industrial sector which is undoubtedly dangerous to them. Over 10 million children, including over 4.5 million females, between the ages of 5 and 14 labour in unorganised or tiny enterprises. 

Some of the major employers of children are small businesses, such as the garment industry, brick kilns, agriculture, fireworks industries, diamond industries, etc. Such businesses are occasionally run out of people’s homes, which makes it challenging for the government to take necessary action.

One of the biggest and most prominent employers of children in India is the unorganised industry. Working in roadside dhabas and cafes, tea shops, or grocery stores, children might be easily seen. Children are preferred by the operators of these tiny firms since they are manageable and simple to fire.

Using Children at Home

10% of all child labour in India is committed domestically. They include both boys and girls who work as domestic help for rich families to take care of their daily chorus. At a time when they ought to be in school and playing with friends, these kids have no choice but to help other families out. 

The primary cause of youngsters working as domestic helpers is poverty. Typically, parents consent in the hopes of receiving financial support and a secure home for their kids.

The statistics paint a bleak picture–  the majority of domestic employees, or 25% of all those working, are girls under the age of 14. These kids labour for the family as live-in servants, doing chores including cooking, cleaning, taking care of the family’s pets or younger kids, and other duties.

Child Labourers in Bond

A youngster who is forced to work as a slave to pay off his parents’ or guardian’s debt is said to be engaged in bonded child labour. Although the prevalence of bonded child labour has significantly decreased in recent years as a result of strong government oversight and legislation outlawing it, it still occurs covertly in outlying areas.

Children who live in rural areas and work in agriculture are more likely to be subjected to this kind of labour. Poor farmers who are heavily indebted to lenders sometimes agree for their children/siblings to work as labourers for rich lenders. 

Until the last ten years, there were thousands of bound labourers employed in a variety of businesses, but as of today, the numbers have greatly decreased, and the government asserts that there are no longer any bonded child labourers in India.

Laws prohibiting child labour and requiring children to attend school, as well as the combined efforts of UNICEF (United Nations Children Emergency Fund), NGOs, and other pertinent organisations, make this feasible.

How to Make a Child Labour free India

In order to stop exploitation by groups or multinational corporations, strict application of labour rules is necessary. The current legislation prohibiting child labour has to be amended significantly if effective controls are to be put in place. 

It is necessary to raise the minimum child labour age in India from 14 to at least 18. More professions that are not covered by the definition of hazardous activities in the legislation need to be added to the list. 

Solutions to Child Labour in India 

  1. To stop child labour, poverty must be eliminated so that impoverished people are spared from having to put their children to work in order to make ends meet.
  2. Because uneducated people are unaware of the consequences of child labour, awareness and education are powerful tools against the practise of child labour in India.
  3. Eliminating or controlling unemployment is another strategy for preventing child labour in India. Many families struggle to cover all of their bills due to insufficient work. They will be able to teach their kids to read and write so they may grow up to be respectable members of society if work prospects are improved.
  4. We must first alter our own perspectives in order to end child labour in India. First and foremost, we must make sure that no youngster is kept at work in our own house or workplace. We must keep in mind that when we compensate young children for their labour, we are not giving them any favours; rather, we are toying with their future.
  5. In order for people to comprehend how child labour is affecting India’s future, we also need to raise awareness of the issue. They will have to comprehend that India cannot progress if child labour weakens the nation’s youngsters both psychologically and physically.
  6. Owners of businesses such as factories and stores should swear an oath not to use child labour and to forbid others from doing the same.
  7. We want the effective execution of laws that impose severe penalties on vendors, merchants, and mill owners who hire children for low salaries in order to prohibit child labour in India.
  8. Additionally, India should enact stronger and tighter rules against child labour so that no one would dare use it.

Smile Foundation 

Smile Foundation, through its Mission Education (ME) initiative, has so far directly steered more than 200,000 kids toward empowerment through education.

You may assist a child in breaking free from the chains of poverty. For a little monthly and yearly commitment, you may provide that youngster with advantages that could change their life. Your online gift will make sure the kid has access to education, dietary assistance, and healthcare throughout every stage of their young life. You can help a young child achieve their dreams.

Donate for child education to assist us in our mission to enroll every kid in school and to help a child experience the true joy of learning

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