by Tushneem Dharmagadda, VP of US Operations
We have embarked on an exciting journey to scale our operations, slowly and carefully. With a successful educational method tested for two years in Rajugela, why not expand to other villages? We are proud of our staff’s determination to successfully manage two schools and provide consistent quality, despite the daily challenges of rural settings. Our teachers and our new principal Amit SIngh are passionate about their work, and this translates into an attendance rate of 82% – which is exceptionally high compared to other schools in Uttar Pradesh. Although our resources on the ground are limited, we managed to include a fresh daily meal to all students, nutritious and free of charge. Our two goals for the next month are to (1) purchase a small vehicle so the management team can more efficiently manage operations at the two schools and (2) offer a uniform to the 20% of students who could not afford one. So we need your help. Whether you choose to volunteer at one of our Chapters in the US and take part in a growing grassroots movement, or whether you want to donate or simply spread the word about our work, we need your help to achieve our mission. So drop us a line and tell us how you want to be part of ISF!
The ISF Chapter in Boston participated in several community events and recruited new volunteers this quarter. Annie Bertrand, President of ISF and Tushneem Dharmagadda who leads the US operations spoke about “Social Entrepreneurship and Challenges in Rural Education” at MIT and Dudley House at Harvard. Tushneem also spoke on a Social Media panel at ForSE 2009 (FORum for Social Entrepreneurs), an annual conference spearheaded by TiE Boston and Babson University that brings together social innovators, leading business professionals, investors, donors, government officials, academics, and students. Earlier in the quarter, ISF partnered with NetSAP Boston and BYFAD to host an ISF fundraiser Happy Hour at Whiskey Park in Boston. The event, which was attended by over 90 people, helped raise approximately US$400. More importantly, all these events helped ISF create awareness and recruit new volunteers interested in making a difference and in taking part in ISF’s ambitious research projects (curriculum development, talent retention policy and organizational roadmap). In order to streamline communications and outreach, the team also launched the new ISF Facebook page, Twitter stream, and Blog. Through these mediums, ISF will tap into new segments of people who are passionate about making a different in the lives of underprivileged children. As always, if you are interested in volunteering or launching an ISF group in your city or community please get in touch with us at contact@indiaschoolfund.org.
