August 2024
IIT Bombay and Smile Foundation ignite tech dreams in children
Through a year-long series of workshops, conducted by IIT Bombay, over 1000 children have been mentored in Tinkerers’ Laboratory, 3D printing, Aero-modelling, Robotics, Astronomy, and more. The workshops, designed to engage students from grades VII to X, are aimed at making STEM learning fun and inculcating scientific temper and aspirations among children early in their school days. Our students delved into the science behind hovercrafts, experienced flight simulators, and constructed DIY hovercrafts.
Annaprashan Ceremony to sensitise mothers on infant nutrition
To spread awareness and celebrate the first bites of infants, a community-based ceremony— “Annaprashan” was conducted under the Swabhiman Programme of Smile Foundation, supported by Honda India Foundation. In the presence of Anganwadi workers, dedicated Honda volunteers, and the community beneficiaries of Greater Noida, the programme educated the community about the importance of infant nutrition and introduced locally sourced solid foods along with breast milk to keep up with their growing needs.
Upgrading Primary Health Centres in Maharashtra & Tamil Nadu
NCR Corporation and Smile Foundation have come together to enhance healthcare in the villages of Varvand, Rahu, Vasa, Dhundalwadi, and Meenakshipuram across Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. Under this initiative, five primary health centres have been upgraded, focusing on improving the quality and accessibility of medical services for local communities. The project seeks to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who rely on these facilities for their healthcare needs, marking a step forward in rural health advancement.
Solar-Powered Digital Classrooms introduced in Govt Schools
Smile Foundation is introducing digital classrooms in government schools across Assam, Meghalaya, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Haryana that are powered by solar energy. By incorporating solar energy, the project emphasizes sustainable practices within the educational sector. The primary goal is to enrich the learning environment in a manner that supports both students and teachers, fostering an atmosphere conducive to education.
Career Counselling Fair in Darjeeling, West Bengal
Under the Child For Child Programme of Smile Foundation, a Career Counselling Fair was held in Darjeeling. This is a collaborative effort with the Darjeeling Welfare Society and underscores a commitment to the educational and career advancement of school children in Darjeeling. Over 500 students from 12 schools, ranging from 10th to 12th grade, participated in this event. The fair provided a valuable platform for students to explore various career paths, helping them make informed decisions about their future.
5000+ girls from Rajasthan complete On-the-Job Training Programme
Over 5000 girls from six districts in Rajasthan completed Project Manzil’s On-the-Job Training (OJT) programme, opening new avenues for their future careers. The OJT programme is aimed at enhancing employability skills in young women by offering immersive 80-hour training across eight vital trades, including IT, healthcare, beauty & wellness, security, automobile, agriculture, apparel, and retail. Carefully structured for maximum impact, the program involved direct counselling and group meetings in schools to mobilize participants.
Making STEM Learning Better for Children in Kerala
Smile Foundation recently organized an orientation session for Head Masters and Teachers of government schools in Thrissur, Kerala, aimed at promoting the NXplorers STEM Program and bringing about a change in the learning of the future makers. The event was graced by the presence of special guests, Mr. A. Ansar, District Education Officer (DEO), KAS, Thrissur, and Mr. Jibin Jose, Mentor, KDISC, who encouraged the participants through the program.
Pune students present innovative models at Annual Science Fair
An Annual Science Fair was held at the PCMC Annasaheb Magar School, Pune under Smile Foundation’s Mission Education program, supported by Atlas Copco India Private Ltd. Over 160 dedicated students from eight Centres of the Pimpri Chinchwad area presented 90+ models of science covering various topics such as Pit avoider robots, Service robots, Sumo Fight robots, Smart bridges, and Smart plants using components like Arduino, sensor pumps, battery, joystick, Bluetooth, etc.
Shahapur Villagers Benefit from Free Health Camp
Over 100 women and children of Shahapur village (New Delhi) availed free healthcare from Health Checkup Camp, conducted under Smile Foundation’s Women Empowerment initiative - Swabhiman. The camp, supported by Hari and Anjali Agarwal Charitable Foundation, provided free consultations and medicines, addressing both chronic and general health issues. Alongside treatment, the camp played a crucial role in spreading health awareness among the villagers, educating them about preventive care and healthy living practices.
Tech bridges gaps in education for marginalized children
Post the pandemic, technology has been recognized as a key enabler in making education more accessible, dynamic, and inclusive. Sushant Kumar Bhuyan, Director - Programmes at Smile Foundation, recently shared Smile’s experience of using technology to improve the learning outcomes for children from marginalized communities, at the National Summit on the Futuristic Landscape of Education in India, by the CSR Research Foundation. He talked about leveraging technology to bridge learning gaps, in alignment with the National Education Policy 2020.
100+ women entrepreneurs attend Hunar Haat in Tamil Nadu
The special Hunar Haat event in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, was a colorful celebration of more than a hundred women making their business dreams come true. Organized under Smile Foundation’s Swabhiman programme, with support from IndoStar Home Finance, the gathering brought to light the journey of women entrepreneurs, from initial concept to impactful realization. It provided a platform for these women to share concepts, skills, and innovation, showcasing their creativity and determination.
Pratibha Puraskar recognizes STEAM talent in Siddharth Nagar, UP
Smile Foundation, in collaboration with Aditya Birla Capital Foundation, organized the annual Pratibha Puraskar ceremony to inspire interest in STEAM learning among students in the aspirational district of Siddharth Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, with support from the Department of Basic Education. Students from 36 schools presented their projects and were recognized by dignitaries including Mr. Jayendra Kumar (IAS) (Chief Development Officer), Ms. Amanika Maurya (Sub-Divisional Magistrate), Mr. Surendra Srivastav (District Coordinator of Girl Education), and Mr. Dharampal (Block Education Officer).
