July Round up
The month of July had a little something for everyone including our children, donors and corporates. Highlighting the spirit of youth to bring about change, the month was successful in celebrating World Youth Skills Day (July 15th) through the eyes of Anushka Balaraj, a budding artist committed to social service, Palak Prashant, an SOS Buddy trying to understand the trend of development sector in India and Muruga and Hena Pore, who have shone bright through all these years, upholding the dignity of SOS India!
1. Summer Camp Activity 2018 (1st June-23rd June)
Commencing on June 1st, the summer camp activity 2018 was organised to engage children in various activities not only for fun but also for learning and skill building. This year, the summer activity was divided in two parts:
(a) Part 1: A team from Indus Towers, one of our corporate partners, visited SOS Children’s Village Bawana to spend fun-filled time with children. They facilitated several activities, engaging children at its best throughout. This included providing support to children to complete their holiday homework along with other sports and cultural events.
(b) Part 2: The SOS CV Bawana Team along with the support of volunteers, hired staff and regular team members organised a month long summer festival for children. This included activities like:
- Morning Yoga Session for children, aunts, mothers and other staff
- A self-defense training session organised in collaboration with the Parivartan Cell- Delhi police for 90 children
- Skill enhancement in the field of art, craft, drawing and painting
- Cultural performances by children
- Exposure visit to historical places like Kurukshetram India Gate, Lal Quila and Rajghat
- Picnic day for children
- Visit to National Rail Museum and Science Museum
- Visit to Akshardham Temple.
2. Saying YES to Dental Health!
A dental camp by the Rotary Club of Indira Gandhi Medical College was organised for children and youth on 15th July 2018 at SOS Children’s Village Puducherry. A team of 30 dentists visited the Children’s Village for the same.
After an elaborate screening of all members of the Children’s Village by dental professionals, a tooth cleaning drill was executed for all those who required the same. In addition, an awareness talk was also given on the importance of dental care and hygiene by Mr. Senthil Kumar, Head of Department.
Anushka Balaraj, daughter of Mr. KP Balaraj, Co-founder & Managing Director of WestBridge, is a budding artist, who strongly believes in working for the community. Keeping in mind the perfect blend of her passion for art and her desire to create a social change, an art exhibition was organised by the Balaraj family at The Oberoi Hotel, Bengaluru, on 21st July 2018. Funds raised from this exhibition were then donated to support the education of children at SOS India.
Mr. KP Balaraj and his family have been sincerely supporting SOS Children’s Villages of India since 2015.
About Anushka Balaraj
Anushka is a 16 year old girl, who is not only passionate about art but also contributing in social service. She believes that doing what one loves can go hand in hand with a strong commitment to community and social service. She is also the Co-founder of The Coconut Project, a non-profit group that lives by the motto: “Good things in life come in small packages.”
4. The Marks & Spencer Team visits our children
A team from Marks & Spencer visited SOS Children’s Village Guwahati and Kochi on 29th June 2018. Not only was it an enriching experience for the M&S employees, it was also very pleasant for our children. Spending time with mothers and children, the M&S Team tried their best to bond with everyone in the Children’s Village.
Along with the precious time that they gave to visiting our projects, they also gave out gifts brought for children, making them very happy! Encouraging children to work hard and excel in whatever they do, they talked about their aspirations, dreams and future plans. Children thoroughly enjoyed spending time with the M&S Team and hope to see them soon again in future!
5. Lead to Life: The Vision of Youth
Written by Palak Prashant, one of our SOS Buddies, this article shows the conversation between Palak and two other young girls, who talk about their views on the growing trend of working in the development sector.
6. India’s Youth; The Face of Tomorrow
United Nations General Assembly has dedicated July 15th as the World Youth Skills Day to raise awareness on the importance of investing in youth skills. Among the many talented youth from SOS India, this article sheds light upon Muruga and Hena Pore, who paved their way to success solely with their hard work and dedication.
