In 2024, Smile Foundation continued its mission to provide quality education and holistic development opportunities to underserved children across India. Here’s a look at some of the impactful initiatives and collaborations that marked this year:
1. Employee Engagement at Mission Education Centres
- Gurugram Celebrations: Children at our Mission Education Centre in Gurugram experienced a day filled with games, activities, and Secret Santa gifts, thanks to the generous support of Holiday Inn Express Gurugram Sector 50. The event brought moments of pure joy and laughter, creating lasting memories for the young minds.
- Adobe’s Creative Contribution: Over 200 Adobe employees from the Delhi and Bangalore offices participated in a heartwarming activity where they painted plain shoes with bright colors and creative designs. These personalized shoes were then gifted to the children at our Mission Education Centre, bringing immense excitement and smiles. Such thoughtful gestures foster a sense of belonging and encouragement among the children.
- Google’s Notebook-Making Event: At the Google campus by GServe in Gurugram, employees came together with Smile Foundation’s children for a fun-filled notebook-making activity. The event was a beautiful blend of creativity, collaboration, and meaningful interactions, where every gesture of support and encouragement resonated deeply with the students. New friendships were formed, bridging gaps and nurturing a sense of community between the employees and our children. The day was further enriched by a tour of the Google office, offering the students a firsthand look at an inspiring work environment, sparking their aspirations and dreams for the future.
2. Empowering Girls in STEM
- Engineering Scholarship Program with Deutsche Bank: In collaboration with Deutsche Bank, Smile Foundation launched the Engineering Scholarship Program aimed at supporting young women from low-income families to pursue careers in STEM fields. By providing financial assistance and domain skills training, the program enables aspiring engineers to focus on their education and achieve their ambitions, thereby contributing to a more inclusive and diverse technological workforce.
3. Educational Outreach in Tribal Regions
- Kalahandi, Odisha: Hundreds of tribal children, like Rupali and Tulsa, are now experiencing the joy of learning at Smile Foundation’s Mission Education Centre in Kalahandi. Our dedicated teachers conducted door-to-door visits, gently convincing parents about the importance of education. Today, these families see hope and a brighter future through their children’s learning.
- Purba Bardhaman, West Bengal: In the villages of Ranisayer, Garadah, Koucha, and Andharsuli, over 250 tribal students, many being first-generation learners, are receiving quality education at our Mission Education Centre – SERVE. Despite economic challenges, these children display remarkable enthusiasm for learning. The centre provides education, nutritional support, and regular health check-ups, ensuring a holistic development approach.
4. Promoting STEM Education
- Collaborative Learning Initiatives: Smile Foundation’s STEM programme focuses on promoting collaboration and exploratory learning among students. By engaging in hands-on activities, students enhance their problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and decision-making skills, fostering a deeper interest in science and technology. Such initiatives are crucial in preparing the younger generation for future challenges and opportunities in the tech-driven world.
- Collaboration with Honda India Foundation: Project Daksh is a scholarship program launched in collaboration with Honda India Foundation, dedicated to empowering young minds to succeed in engineering and medicine. The program offers comprehensive coaching to 10 outstanding students, preparing them for competitive exams like NEET, JEE, and paramedical courses. By eliminating financial barriers, Project Daksh ensures that talent and determination are the only prerequisites to success. Alongside academic preparation, students receive training in life skills and soft skills, focusing on self-management and leadership development, thereby contributing to a future of innovation, leadership, and progress in science, technology, and healthcare.
- Preparing Rural Children for the Future: The NXplorers Junior Program, implemented by Smile Foundation, equips rural school children with essential skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), along with a solid understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This initiative aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, focusing on preparing young minds to tackle global challenges through innovative and interdisciplinary methods. By fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills, the program empowers students to become future-ready innovators.
5. Recognition and Awards
- Most Impactful NGO of the Year: We are honored to share that Smile Foundation has been recognized as the Most Impactful NGO of the Year for our Mission Education programme. This accolade celebrates the tireless efforts of our team, supporters, and community in making quality education accessible to underprivileged children across India. Such recognition inspires us to continue empowering young minds with the tools they need to dream big and build a brighter future.
6. Supporting Children with Disabilities
- Uttarakhand Initiatives: At Smile Foundation’s Mission Education centre in Uttarakhand, we support children with disabilities from an early age, helping them grow stronger and more independent. Through dedicated health, education, and livelihood programs, we walk alongside these children and their families, instilling hope and confidence to face any challenges. Our holistic approach ensures that every child is encouraged to rise above challenges and achieve their full potential.
7. Mental Health Awareness
- Session at Sapphire International School: Under our Child for Child (CFC) program, Smile Foundation hosted a mental health awareness session at Sapphire International School. The session explored how social media affects mental well-being, balancing its positive and negative aspects. Students discussed the shift from real-world connections to screen time and learned about responsible social media usage and safety measures to safeguard their mental and emotional health. Emphasizing overall well-being, the session focused on physical, emotional, social, and spiritual health, equipping students with knowledge to navigate the digital age mindfully.
In conclusion, 2024 has been a year of impactful initiatives and significant achievements for Smile Foundation in education. Through various programs and collaborations, we have supported countless children, providing them with opportunities to learn, grow, and envision a brighter future.
