mentor program for X+1 & X+2 students

A mentor program is planned for kids studying under scholarship in SDSE school in Patiala.

These kids have very less awareness for the kind of career opportunities available these days. If we can help them with some imagination - i am sure there are more opportunities to aim for other than simple engineering or medical stream.

The idea of this program is to create a group of volunteers who can mentor a kid from 11th class onwards. The purpose is to build a bond with the kid, so that over the period of time - the kid is able to discuss his/her interests , studies , difficulties etc etc. Ideally, the link should continue through the graduation studies as well. Think of it like the kid is your younger brother or sister - whom you would like to nurture through these formative years of his/her life.

What is required from a volunteer ?

Typically, to build a contact - through regular phone calls (say, once a month or twice a month) or as and when required. If you feel the kid needs some kind of help then we can share this concern among us and try to work out some solution for the kid.

Let me know, if you are interested to volunteer. It does not require any travel or change of routine for you - but a regular and sincere talk on phone with a kid.

I would love to have two volunteers for every kid ...

Vikram* admission update

In the latest list from Punjabi University, Vikram* has secured an upgrade to Computer Sciences branch.

He starts his studies this week , will keep you posted on his experiences :)

* name changed to protect the identity of student

Uttrakhand open university 6-month skill development program

This course at Uttrakhand open university is a six-month skill development program developed in collaboration with Tata Motors. The course is specifically for local kids from Uttrakhand state. It involves 2 month theory classes , followed by 4 month training project at Tata Motors plant, Pantnagar. As per my understanding, all good performers will be recruited by Tata Motors as trainees.

The eligibility for the course is :

1. Minimum 10th class education

2. Age between 18yrs to 25yrs

The fee for this course is 6000 INR , which includes the course material and training uniform.

There are 60 seats for this course, which are filled on first-come-first-serve basis. Last date for registration is 31st July.

If you know of some kid who can benefit from this course, please circulate this information.

Infosys supported NGO

If you come across bright students coming from poor financial background who have finished their 10th standard and scored more than 80%, please ask them to contact NGO-Prerana (supported by Infosys foundation). NGO conducts a written test and those who clear the test will be eligible for financial help for their further studies. Please ask students to contact people mentioned below to get the form:

580, Shubhakar, 44th cross, 1st A main road, Jayanagar, 7th block, Bangalore.

Contact numbers:

1. Ms. Saraswati - 99009 06338

2. Mr. Shivkumar - 99866 30301

Allotment letter for Vikram* admission

This is the letter from Punjabi University to confirm the admission

* name changed to protect the identity of student

Progress report & Accounts report

please follow the progress & accounts report at these link:

1. http://tinyurl.com/aksh-progress-report

2. http://tinyurl.com/aksh-accounts-report

Please provide your viewpoints,

thanks

First semester fee for Vikram*

The first semester fee for Vikram* is on its way to the college :)

I am sure, Vikram* is going to make an excellent career and life for himself,

I wish him luck , and say thanks to you all for your help , support and contribution :)

* name changed to protect the identity of student

Vikram* admission status

The first list of Punjabi University is online, and Vikram* has secured admission in Mechanical branch.

What i understand - there will be some upgrades in the next list, based on how many students opt not to pay the fee. It is very much possible Vikram* might get an upgrade to Computer Sciences branch.

We have to deposit the fee next week,

Thanks a lot guys for your help, support and contributions,

* name changed to protect the identity of student

Engineering qualification exam results declared

Guys,

Few days back, engineering qualification exam results were declared. Based on these exams, engineering colleges admit students to their courses.

Vikram* secured 975 rank in Punjab CET and 1500 rank in AIEEE (Punjab list)

Based on these marks , he is going to try for Punjabi University or Thapar University.

Right now, he is filling up counselling forms - will keep you posted on the admission news :)

* name changed to protect the identity of student

first post

Friends,

I want to share with you a thought which has motivated me and few friends to work on the topic of child education.

There is no need to go into the details or numbers , we all are aware about the skewed income in our country. Every year I hear my own engineering college increasing its fee many times. Sometimes, I wonder if I was required to pay today's fee structure - how feasible was it for my parents to fund my education !!

I strongly believe , education is the only way to help somebody make a sustainable future. If the person is able to graduate in a stream of his choice - for sure he can provide for himself and his family and ensure his kids will have better oppurtunities to choose from. It is most unfair , to miss out on such oppurtunities because of lack of money to fund the college fees.

All of us are truly blessed to be earning very good amounts of money on a regular basis. We fail to appreciate this - but when you observe how people with irregular source of income have to live their life - a realization of being lucky sets in. It did to me. It is also an oppurtunity for us to help students .. who are equally intelligent , equally capable to realize their own dreams.

Few friends discussed about this - and over a period of time , we are now in a position to better articulate our views on this topic. The fee structure for professional courses in India is such , that among ourselves I feel no-one can completely fund the 3 year or 4 year course. We plan to create a community where all of us contribute small amounts of money - which makes it comfortable for all of us - but collectively the money adds up to make for the fee for students who cannot afford to pay their fee.

The purpose to develop this as a community is to avoid any exclusivity. We are not looking for friends who can contribute 1,00,000 or similar amounts !! It would be easier to get few such "high worth" people and get the work done. But we feel - that is not a sustainable model. Instead, we wish many people to join us - with any amounts of contribution which they feel comfortable with. It is similar to how drops of water add up to make an ocean. Our collective contribution is worth much more than sum of our individual efforts. For example, to pledge 500/1000 rupees every month is not very difficult for most us. We spend this much money for a movie or dinner. But when added up , this is sufficient to provide an oppurtunity to change life for one student.

I know 1961-batch Thapar senior, who runs a school scholarship program. One of the students has got very good results in his engineering entrance examination. I am confident he will secure admission from a reputed college. There is no way his parents can pay for the fee. We made a deal with him - he is to get the marks enough to secure an admission , and we will secure the fee from him. He has done his part, and it is time for us to do ours. For this , I request your contribution.

On my part, I assure you complete transperancy. I will share with you the fee reciepts and student progress at regular intervals.

I am writing to you , with confidence that you will think about it this point.

If you wish to be part - please call me / email me

Always, your suggestions , experiences are most welcome. Do provide your viewpoint,

I am not very good with words, so if you wish to know more details - please call me.