Empower 17 girl children to follow their dreams

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“I will use my voice to solve the problems in our world. That is why...”

What If you had the power to change a life?

Shakthi, all of eleven years, believes talking to others without fear is the way to go forward. She is aware of her potential to stand up for herself and others like her. She is one among our class of 17 students, who each have a special way of looking at the challenges around them. From art, drama to singing and debating, they “show” their thinking with their unique strengths. They not only use such diverse medium to voice their views about the world, but also enact their role in being part of the solution.

What is stopping them from scripting a success story? While my students want to create a new reality for themselves, the hard truth is they are completely disconnected from the elements of a changing world. Majority do not know the meaning of the word Internet, some struggle with understanding simple science without experimental kits for hands on learning. However, their commitment to learning is immense. I have seen them do all it takes to make projects with everything they can find at home, to avoid burdening their parents.

Literacy is another challenge. As someone who grew up with a love for the written word, I strongly believe that each child should have access to books - to experience the joy of reading. A classroom library can not only bring to life their imagination, but also prepare them to be global citizens who can read, communicate clearly and make themselves understood.

Imagine a world where you and I can empower them in transforming their lives.The possibilities are huge.

I am Shalini Ilanahai, a 2016 Teach For India Fellow. I am currently teaching class 7 students at Corporation Girls Higher Secondary School, Nungambakkam. And if you think you can contribute in any way for our classroom, please take a look at our needs for this year and contact me at: Shalini.i2016@teachforindia.org.

My students and I would be grateful to you for your partnership in our journey for this year. Let’s do this together.

S.No	Requirements	Cost (In Rupees)
1.	Stationery(Pens,Notebooks,Pencils Workbooks, Maps, White board)	12,500
2	Registration fees for Talent Exams	1500
3.	Technology Integration in classroom	20,000 (for 2 years)
4.	Science experimental kits and practical exposure amenities + Field trips ( 17 students at approximately Rs.200 per student and 2 trips)	8000 (for 2 years) 7000 (for 2 years)
6.	Elemental Medical and Hygiene Needs for girl children	3000
7.	Setting a leveled classroom library(Fiction and Nonfiction books(Olympiad prep materials)	9000 (for 2 years)
8.	Miscellaneous(Print outs of worksheets, reading material, assessment sheets)	4000 (for 2 years)
9.	Educational games and sports equipment	3000
10.	Cupboard for storing books and student folders	2000

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21st March 2017

Dear Supporters,

With your support, students of Shalini were provided dictionaries and workbooks. Some students were also taken to science workshop, organised as part of the Hindu Lit Fest, in January. They thoroughly enjoyed the exposure to a range of scientific activities which kindled their curiosity for science. Apart from this, demos and projects were taken up in class by students to understand the why of every lesson. They learnt to apply their scientific temperament to create imaginative projects on E-waste for inter-school competitions.

Here are some recent pictures,

Additionally, stationery items and folders were also purchased to help them stay organised throughout the year. Students practice a wide range of reading material and levelled passages to build their analytical skills (printouts) to increase not only their reading and comprehension levels but also critical thinking skills.

Students will be introduced to a Digital literacy programme in the coming year (post their exams) which will be integrated with their Samacheer curriculum content. This will help the students apply the digital skills they learn in real time.

Thank you for the support in empowering the lives of these students.