A push in the right direction

There are many hurdles in the education of an underprivileged child. The first step begins with enrolling the child in a school, and the final step is to ensure that the child is not merely content with a pass or fail tag, but actually feels the need to enter college and study further. It is precisely this gap that Friends of Children (FoCh) is looking to bridge.

For those children who have the will to study further but lack the means and
motivation to achieve the goal, FoCh ensures that the scholastic journey of the student continues into college or appropriate vocational courses. Those with the inclination and potential are systematically tapped and given every opportunity based on their talent and aptitude.

Birth of an idea
FoCh was started by a bunch of young collegians who were already volunteering with well-known NGOs like CRY and Bosco. On becoming successful working professionals, they decided to formalise their intentions and formed an independent trust in 2002, where they pooled in their common thoughts about service-oriented activity. The result was transforming the lives of over 300 young men and women.

This was largely achieved through a strong network of volunteers, according to one of the founders of the organisation, Ravi Vattipalli.

The fundamentals seem remarkably simple. It is the volunteer network that drives this NGO – they mentor, motivate and monitor the young achievers. On Sundays, which turn out to be working days for both volunteers and students, intensive classes are held at locations provided by well-wishers.

Sessions are held to enhance skills and create innovative ways of learning. The onus is on the volunteer to make the sessions as creative, engaging, educative and informative as possible.

Rohit, a volunteer of many years said, “I feel that I learned and gained much more than what I contributed. The challenge of being energetic around these children actually made me grow.” Sanjay, his counterpart nodded in agreement. He said that being able to transform the life of even one single person is enormously uplifting.

From sessions on personal health and hygiene to mock interviews to math camps, every aspect of a student's life is addressed. The focus is on the girl child and more than 90 per cent of beneficiaries are young girls.

Many students are first generation learners The home environment for them is definitely not conducive for studying. Repeated home visits and counselling go a long way in addressing problems and often home support has to be won over by the volunteer to ensure that the child is able to progress further.

Seeing them through

FoCh also ensures that the student secures a suitable job. Their networking with the Human Resource Departments in various companies has led to employment for may students.

Meenakshi from Anekal surmounted many challenges to try her hand at the IAS. Although she lost out at a preliminary stage, today she has enrolled for her PhD while lecturing at the University of  Bangalore.

Pooja, another star at FoCh, worked part-time while she continued studies at NMKRV College. She graduated with flying colours while bagging awards at college functions as the best outgoing commerce student last year.

Ravi Vattipalli feels that these students, while achieving a lot in the face of great odds, are role models for their friends and families.

For more information, log on to www.friendsofchildrentrust.org