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Project ISR- NFBM
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Submitted by: Milova Sharan
ADM No: HPGD/AP14/1363
SOCIAL CAUSE: BLIND GIRL CHILDEN
NGO: NFBM (NATIONAL FREDRATION OF BLIND,
MAHARASHTRA)
PRIN. L. N. WELINGKAR INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT
DEVELOPMENT & RESEARCH
YEAR OF SUBMISSION: 2015
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DECLARATION:
I, Milova Sharan, student of Prin.L.N Welingkar Institute of Management Development &
Research, with admission no. HPGD/AP14/1363, hereby declare that I have completed
this project ISR- Blind Girl Children, NGO – NFBM, in the academic year 2015. The
information submitted is true and original to the best of my knowledge.
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Table of Contents
SOCIAL CAUSE: BLIND GIRL CHILDEN ................................................................................. 1
NGO: NFBM (NATIONAL FREDRATION OF BLIND, MAHARASHTRA) ................................... 1
DECLARATION: ........................................................................................................................ 2
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................................................... 4
Social Responsibility .................................................................................................................. 5
VISION LOSS / BLINDNESS…!! ................................................................................................ 9
WORLDWIDE PREVALENCE OF VISION IMPAIRMENT:........................................................10
Causes of Vision Loss and risk factor in children ......................................................................11
FEW NGO’S WORKING TOWARDS DEVELOPMENT FOR CHILD DISABLITY ..................13
Support equality ....................................................................................................................15
Campaign for change ............................................................................................................16
Prevent blindness and restoring sight ....................................................................................16
Blindness in the Indian scenario: ...............................................................................................19
About NFBM: ............................................................................................................................21
NFBM Branches ....................................................................................................................22
NFBM Schemes ....................................................................................................................22
NFBM Projects ......................................................................................................................22
NFBM PRIDE ........................................................................................................................23
Jagruti School for blind girls, Alandi, PUNE ...............................................................................24
Other projects under NFBM: .....................................................................................................29
NEWSLINE EVENTS FOR NFBM.............................................................................................34
Anandwan ......................................................................................................................34
CybageAsha lights up the lives of the visually impaired ..................................................37
Pune Theater workshop for Blind Girls ...........................................................................39
Musical concert to help state's blind girl students in Mumbai ..........................................40
Global Run: One BMC runs on one day for one cause ...................................................41
Well-wishers contributing towards NFBM: .................................................................................42
An Appeal: On behalf of NFBM .............................................................................................43
Bibliography/ Webliography: ......................................................................................................44
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The project attempts to give an idea about the various Individual Social responsibilities
(ISR) and awareness about the requirement of how we as individuals can perform our
social responsibility.
The social cause on which I have worked on in this project is “child with disability”-
blindness. A brief insight is given on NGO – NFBM, working on children (especially girl
child) with blindness. The aim of NFBM is to help these children so that they could have
a normal living and be included in the society. The same is the subject of the project.
Finally an attempt is made to capture the doing of NFBM in a video, highlighting their
work.
NFBM Jagruti School for Blind Girls is a special school which provides education (from
Std. 1 - 10) to visually challenged girls from rural areas of the State of Maharashtra,
India.
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Social Responsibility Social responsibility is an ethical theory that an entity, be it an organization or individual, has an obligation to act to benefit society at large. Social responsibility is a duty every individual has to perform so as to maintain a balance between the economy and the ecosystems. A trade-off may exist between economic development, in the material sense, and the welfare of the society and environment. Social responsibility means sustaining the equilibrium between the two. It pertains not only to business organizations but also to everyone who’s any action impacts the environment. This responsibility can be passive, by avoiding engaging in socially harmful acts, or active, by performing activities that directly advance social goals.
Social responsibility is sub divided into broadly two:
Corporate Social Responsibility CSR Individual Social Responsibility ISR
1. Corporate Social Responsibility:
We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” – Winston
Churchill.
Being Socially Responsible means that people and organizations must behave
ethically and with sensitivity toward social, cultural, economic and environmental
issues. Striving for social responsibility helps individuals, organizations and
governments have a positive impact on development, business and society with
a positive contribution to bottom-line results.
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Corporate social responsibility or CSR is "Making Good Business Sense". The
continuing commitment by business to behave ethically and contribute to
economic development while improving the quality of life of the workforce and
their families as well as the local community and society at large." CSR is one of
the newest management strategies where companies try to create a positive
impact on society while doing business. Evidence suggests that CSR taken on
voluntarily by companies will be much more effective than CSR mandated by
governments.
Corporate Social responsibility comprises of 3e’s
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Economic Responsibility – Education of employees and young technicians is
promoted by organizing on-going training and qualification courses. The
Companies have an apprenticeship program where students can learn in order to
gain professional experience. Means of economic responsibility ensure one of
the most important aspects of the Company‘s activity strategy – the highest
qualification for its employees.
Ethical Responsibility – Taking care of employees, their families, communities
and society. Corporates prepare annual events together; they also supports
those in the communities. They provide leisure opportunities for their employees
and as well as opportunities for self-expression: They support employee
initiatives to form clubs, and to establish professional unions. The corporates are
involved in projects for socially vulnerable community members (for example,
children from orphanage). Implementation of ethical responsibility helps the
Corporates to get closer to its personnel and surrounding communities.
Ecological Responsibility – The Corporates takes part in initiatives on
environmental management and also promotes initiatives, related to the rational
use of energy resources, sorting and recycling waste, etc. Labor and health
safety requirements are in force in the workplace.
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2. Individual Social Responsibility :
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) states:
“In the wake of increasing globalization, we have become increasingly conscious
not only of what we buy, but also how the goods and services we buy have been
produced. Environmentally harmful production, child labor, dangerous working
environments and other inhumane conditions are examples of issues being
brought into the open.”
The individual social responsibility includes the engagement of each person
towards the community where he lives, which can be expressed as an interest
towards what‘s happening in the community, as well as in the active participation
in the solving of some of the local problems. Being "socially responsible" is about
all individuals behaving ethically and sensitively towards social, economic, and
environmental issues. It is about being accountable for our actions and being
conscious of the impact your actions have on others, our communities, and the
environment. The individual social responsibility also could be expressed in
making donations for significant for the society causes – social, cultural,
economic or ecological
Pillars in ISR
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VISION LOSS / BLINDNESS…!!
Ever putting on a blindfold and pretending that you couldn't see?
We probably bumped into things and got confused about which way we were going.
But imagine if we had to, we could get adjusted and learn to live without sight.
Lots of people have done just that. They have found ways to learn, play, and work, even
though they have trouble seeing or can't see at all.
Visual impairment and blindness in children:
This pose a special problem for ophthalmologists, as many eye care practitioners are
not familiar with performing pediatric eye examinations and measuring visual acuity in
infants. Infants are unable to verbalize their complaints, and history from parents and
care takers may lack important details.
The burden of blindness measured in blind-person years due to childhood blindness is
second only to cataract – the most common cause of avoidable blindness in
childhood.2 Studies worldwide show that many of the causes of blindness in children
are either preventable or treatable (i.e., avoidable).
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Even children who have visual loss that cannot be clinically treated, can be helped with
low vision devices and rehabilitation. Childhood blindness affects the individual, their
family, and the community, as nearly 75% of early learning comes from vision.
The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies the causes of childhood blindness
according to the anatomical site most affected and the underlying etiology. Visual loss in
infants can be either prenatal (i.e., occurring at the time of conception or during the
intrauterine period) or postnatal (during or after birth).
WORLDWIDE PREVALENCE OF VISION IMPAIRMENT:
There are an estimated 180 million persons worldwide who are visually impaired. Of
these, between 40 and 45 million persons are blind (World Health Organization, 2001).
It is estimated that at least 7 million people in world become blind each year, with over
70% having vision restored with treatment. Therefore, the number of blind people
worldwide is increasing by up to 2 million per year (World Health Organization, 1997b).
Among persons who are blind worldwide:
20% are age 70+
43% are age 61-70
39% are age 41-60
28% are age 31-40
12% are age 21-30
8% are age 20 or under
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It is projected that by the year 2020, there will be about 54 million blind persons age 60+
worldwide (if no additional resources become available) (World Health Organization,
1997b).
Causes of Vision Loss and risk factor in children
Some babies are born blind or with severe vision loss. This can be caused by many
different things, including abnormalities in the development of the eye or injury to eye
structures from things like prematurity related retinopathy or infections or by
developmental problems or injury to the parts of the brain responsible for vision.
Some of the factors placing an infant, toddler, or child at significant risk for visual
impairment include:
Prematurity, low birth weight, needing to be treated with oxygen at birth, or bleeding in
the brain
Family history of retinoblastoma, congenital cataracts, or metabolic or genetic disease
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Infection of mother during pregnancy such as rubella, toxoplasmosis, cytomegalovirus,
HIV, and some sexually transmitted infections including herpes,
gonorrhea and chlamydia)
Problems with the central nervous system such as developmental delay, cerebral palsy,
seizures, or hydrocephalus.
There are many causes of vision loss. Some cause more severe loss than others. One
of the most common conditions is known as retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP): is an eye problem that occurs mainly in babies
born before 31 weeks of pregnancy. About 90 percent of all infants with ROP are in the
milder category and do not need treatment. However, infants with more severe disease
can develop impaired vision or even blindness. About 1,100-1,500 infants annually
develop ROP that is severe enough to require surgical treatment. About 400-600 infants
each year in the U.S. become legally blind from ROP.
Some other conditions that cause vision loss at the time of birth or in infancy include:
Genetic or metabolic diseases
Defects or abnormalities in the eye itself (coloboma, glaucoma, cataracts)
Infections, such as cytomegalovirus (CMV)
Neurological Visual Impairment (NVI)
Below pie-chart shows high level summary of the causes (diseases) that results in
vision loss
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FEW NGO’S WORKING TOWARDS DEVELOPMENT FOR
CHILD DISABLITY
1. SAKSHAM Trust:
India has the misfortune of having the highest proportion of blind and low vision persons
in its population. It is estimated that there are about 14 million blind and 28 million low-
vision persons in the country. The Saksham Charitable trust has been established with
the sole purpose to empower the persons belonging to the marginalized section of the
society. We believe that the empowerment of the persons and availability of
opportunities for such empowerment is the best help that we can provide. Saksham
trust was established in the year 2003 to undertake activities for empowerment of
persons with disability.
Projects they are working on:
a) Audio description of movies
b) Distribution center for Aids and appliances for person with low vision
c) Informal education (learning through fun)
d) Digital talking books producing center.
Saksham also has the support of many philanthropists like C V Chalapati Rao, a
director-grade scientist from the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute,
who keeps sponsoring ABRs for different schools.
Saksham is a joint effort of some of the most devoted and motivated individuals who
believe that physically-challenged people also have an equal right to excel in every field
like normal individuals.
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2. ANUGRAHA DRISTHIDAAN :
Vision:
Bringing light in the life of people and provide them "Right to Sight"
Mission:
Anugraha Drishtidaan’s mission is to provide quality and affordable services both
preventive and curative to public suffering from eye ailments and make sincere efforts to
sensitize all concerned to participate and contribute in eliminating avoidable blindness
with special care to poor, neglected, women and children.
Year wise cataract surgeries provided by this NGO to help children from 2004-2014
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3. SIGHT SAVERS:
Sight savers work to eliminate avoidable blindness and help bring about equality for
people with disabilities. In other words, they:
Help blind people to see
Prevent others from going blind unnecessarily
Support people to live independently if their sight loss can’t be undone
The reasons behind avoidable blindness run deeper than the eye diseases that cause
them. They result from – and lead to – poverty, and are often accompanied by social
exclusion and early death. So, instead of slapping a sticking-plaster on the problem, the
NGO works to ensure that people who are visually impaired or blind have access to
preventive, curative and rehabilitative services without financial hardship.
Approaches taken-up by Sight Savers:
Support equality
Supporting local organizations, governments and schools to train specialist teaching
staff. Every year they supply low vision aids like glasses, braille kits and learning tools
to people who need them, and educate communities to eliminate the stigma around
visual impairment and blindness. NGO also support people who are visually impaired or
blind to get an education, earn an income and live independently.
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Campaign for change
They work to influence governments, local organizations and businesses to strengthen
the systems needed to solve problems that cause avoidable blindness, including those
which most of the people take for granted – like access to clean water and sanitation.
They campaign to extend the outreach of preventive, curative and rehabilitative services
to areas where they don’t exist, and help ensure that timely support is provided to
people who need it.
Prevent blindness and restoring sight
The NGO promotes eye health by supporting our partners to conduct millions of eye
examinations every year. Refering people for eye treatment and eye operations;
distribute medicines to prevent blindness; fund eye operations for people who need
them, and train eye care workers and surgeons to enable them to help people who are
blind or visually impaired.
4. MANAS- Based in New Delhi
Purpose: Child Guidance & Mental Health for special children.
Manas Foundation, a New Delhi-based registered trust, was founded in 2000 by a
group of mental health professionals in response to our experience of the growing need
for community-based mental healthcare. For over a decade now Manas has been
actively upholding psychosocial health and wellbeing, in addition to addressing
psychological disorders. Manas is engaged in multiple awareness generation programs
via community programs and social forums, multimedia campaigns, policy advocacy
and partnerships with citizen sector organizations, corporate entities, and schools.
These activities are instrumental in integrating mental health concerns into general
health concerns of the society and creating a demand for mental health care through
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identification of concerns. Services include Saath; a mental health helpline, Career
counseling, psychiatry, educational and training programs, child guidance etc.
5. Kaumaram Prashanthi Academy - Based in Coimbatore
Purpose: A non-profit and service-oriented Institution established to meet the needs of
developmentally challenged students, to provide specialized education for students
suffering from Autism, Down Syndrome and other specific Disorders.
Kaumaram Prashanthi Academy run by Kaumaram Prashanthi Trust, (formerly Sri
Prashanthi Academy) is a school for children with different abilities (intellecutal
disabilities). The facility is based at Coimbatore Tamil Nadu, India. Kaumaram
Prashanthi Academy gained recognition for transforming lives of children, by enabling
education and empowering the children based on their intellectual, physical and
emotional requirements. Services provided here include Special education, Early
childhood education, Developmental Therapy, Occupational Therapy and vocational
skills training.
6. MINDS and SOULS -- Based in Kolkata
Purpose: Educating/informing our Indian Society on our Differently abled
children(special children/adults with behavior problems and Multiple Disabilities, like
Autism, Slow Learners, Asperger’s Syndrome, ADHD, Mental Retardation, Down
Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Hearing, Speech and Visual Impairment, etc.)
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The Non-Government Organization (NGO) is running a residential cum day care school
called "MINDS AND SOULS" dedicated to educate children with Multiple Disabilities,
Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Hearing Impairment, etc. and improves the health and the
quality of life of socially disadvantaged people living in Kolkata (Calcutta), Rural West
Bengal, and various other parts of India. Therapies provided include Special education,
Speech therapy, music and dance therapy, physiotherapy and computer therapy.
7. NFBM: National Federation of Blind in Maharashtra
The NFBM is one of the premiere registered social organization, which is “Of the blind”,
“For the blind”, & successfully run “By the blind “. It is the single largest self-helping
democratic organization of the blind; representing 7 to 8 lakhs visually handicapped
(VH) people of the Maharashtra State. NFBM is struggling to achieve equality of
opportunity for blind in their education, training & employment. It has several projects
which are located at Mumbai (H.Q), Pune, Nasik, Aurangabad, Nagpur, Amaravati,
Nanded, Jalna, Jalgaon & Kolhapur.
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Blindness in the Indian scenario:
India today presents an alarming picture with respect to the problems of the education
& rehabilitation of the visually impaired in India. There are nearly 13 million blind or
partially sighted peoples which means one out of 80 Indians is either blind or partially
sighted. And other estimate puts the number of low vision cases at 28 million. In order
to solve the critical problems faced by the Blind, National Federation of the Blind (NFB)
was set up in 1970 in India.
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Of the Blind
For the Blind & run By the Blind
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About NFBM:
The NFBM is one of the premiere registered social organization, which is “Of the blind”, “For the blind”, & successfully run “By the blind “. It is the single largest self-helping democratic organization of the blind; representing 7 to 8 lakhs visually handicapped (VH) people of the Maharashtra State. NFBM is struggling to achieve equality of opportunity for blind in their education, training & employment.
It has several projects which are located at Mumbai (H.Q), Pune, Nasik, Aurangabad, Nagpur, Amaravati, Nanded, Jalna, Jalgaon & Kolhapur. It has several schemes and projects in the offering by the Federation for the upliftment of our fellow blind brothering; especially those who stay far away within the State of Maharashtra through our Branches, Units and Service Centers.
Office Bearers are:
President: Mr. M.Y. Gurav
General Secretary: Mr. V. S. Hegde
Treasurer: Mr. H. M. Bhalerao
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NFBM Branches
The NFBM runs the following Institutions and schemes located at the following centers
Branches & Units: o Amravati o Aurangabad o Chalisgaon o Jalna o Nagpur o Nanded o Nashik o Pune o Sangli o Solapur
NFBM Schemes Placement Services, self-employment Aid, Medical Aid, Legal & Guidance Counseling
and Student
Aid are some of the Major Activities.
NFBM Projects
Jagruti School for Blind Girls - Alandi, Pune Vocational training and Rehabilitation Center - Nashik Industrial Vocational training and Rehabilitation Center - Aurangabad Braille Transcription Unit - Mumbai. Braille Books Library - Mumbai Braille Jagriti Magazine - Mumbai
The new initiatives of The National Federation Of the Blind Maharashtra (NFBM) where it is proposed to start work on development of the following set of innovative life improvement projects for our beneficiaries.
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NFBM PRIDE Objective is to establish a network of Public Reading Information and Education
PRIDE centers.
About NFBMPRIDE:
The NFBMPRIDE has been conceived as a unique education and skill development center with a view to develop and enhance the carrier potential of the visually handicapped beneficiaries. NFBMPRIDE location: NFBMPRIDE will be located at Block No. 12, Nehru Stadium, Swargate, Pune (The NFBM Pune office). Office size approx. 200sq.ft. NFBMPRIDE goals:
To develop the human resource potential of the visually handicapped (VH)
To provide exposure to trainees on state-of-the-art VH compatible reading technology
To develop world class & industry compatible students.
To develop the spirit of entrepreneurship in VH community.
To create a unique public reading facility for the benefit of nearly 2,500 college going visually challenged students.
To enable senior citizen access the benefits of auto-reading. About Reading Machines: The most daunting problem confronted by the blind and the partially sighted is the problem of reading of printed matters (Books, Newspapers & Periodicals). Reading machines, which made their debut 15 years ago in the west, provided the best solution to this problem. Projected Cost: No of Reading Machines required 4 Cost per Reading Machine Rs. 99,250.00 Total Projected Cost Rs, 3,97,000.00 Conclusion: An appropriate query which may arise is why the Rotary Club of Pune Uptown, Pune should fund a project like NFBMPRIDE the answer is simple and it straight appeals to the heart. The beneficiaries of NFBMPRIDE come from the severely discounted segment of society, which deserves support. Our modest request to the Rotary moment worldwide is say yes for a cause now.
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Jagruti School for blind girls, Alandi, PUNE
There are about 60 schools available in Maharashtra for the education of the blind and unfortunately not more than 3,000 blind children are taking education in these Schools. Having taken this into consideration NFBM started Jagriti School for Blind Girls on 4th January 1989.
This School is situated at Alandi Devachi, near Pune. At present it houses 147 blind girls.
Most of them are from the rural areas of Pune, Khandesh, Marathwada and Vidarbha. This school being residential in nature, the facilities provided are free to the students the cost of which includes Lodging, Boarding, Education and Medical Assistance. Obviously the expenses for the Hostel and School premises, the school staff, bedding, and food, medical and other miscellaneous expenses are borne by the NFBM itself.
Recently the School has been recognized by the Government of Maharashtra on a Partial Grant Basis. Regular Academic coaching is given to children here along with provisions for learning extracurricular skills like Vocational training, Craft, Sport and Cultural skills. Home Science and Music classes are specialties of the School. This School offers education up to 7th standard in its own premises, after which the students are shifted to the Integrated School at Sant Dynaneshwar High School at Alandi Devachi.
About Jagruti School
The three most critical aspects that are for every blind individual to bring about quality
improvement and betterment in their lives.
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Education
Training
Rehabilitation
There are 80 schools in Maharashtra state for the educating the blind, unfortunately not
more than 2500 visually children are benefiting from these schools. In response to this
situation, Most of them are from the rural areas of Pune, Marathwada, Vidarbha &
Khandesh.
The NFBM Jagriti School for Blind Girls provides free education, lodging, boarding
facilities to its deserving students.
Services offered at Jagruti School:
a) Education
In addition to regular classroom studies, children who are blind or visually impaired
need to learn specialized skills (frequently referred to as the Expanded Core
Curriculum) from teachers and others who are properly trained to teach such skills, such
as certified teachers of visually impaired children and orientation and mobility
specialists. The specialized skills children who are visually impaired must learn include:
Technology and computer proficiency—using computer equipment, such as a screen
reader, to read information on monitors or in print
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Literacy—reading and writing with braille, large print, optical devices, or training in
effective use of available vision
Age-appropriate career education—exploring career preferences, participating in job
experiences using nonvisual methods
Safe and independent mobility—using specific orientation and mobility techniques, long
canes, or other mobility tools
Social interaction—understanding body language and other visual concepts
Independent living skills—learning specialized techniques for personal grooming, food
preparation, money management, and other tasks
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Independence Day celebration at Jagruti School
b) Training:
Regular academic coaching is given to children here along with provision for learning
extra-curricular skills like vocational training, craft, sports training, cultural skills &
communication.
Home science and music classes are specialties of the school. This school offers
education up to the 7th standard in its own special school along with formal education.
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From 8th standard onwards the girls attend the normal school at the Saint
Dnyaneshwar High School, At Alandi Dev, Dt. Pune under the integrated Education
scheme. Their progress & enthusiasm is indeed commendable.
c) Rehabilitation:
The school’s hostel building of the ‘Jagriti School for Blind Girl’s’, Alandi provides shelter
to 105 girls
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The school’s hostel building of the ‘Jagriti School for Blind Girl’s’, Alandi was a dream
project of NFBM, which was converted into reality by generous donations from following
people/organizations
The Diwaliben Mohanlal Mehta Charitable Trust Rs 8 lacs
Union Bank of India Rs. 1,64,000
The Infosys Foundation Rs. 1,50,000
Bhavarilal Kankaria and family of Uma Precision Rs. 1,25,000
Mrs Anu Aga Chairperson Thermax Ltd. Pune Rs 1,00,000
Madhu Sudan Rathi Charity trust Rs. 1,00,000
Also generous contributions from several other invaluable caused oriented
supporters.
Smt. Kamlaben Mafatlal Mehta Andh Kanya Chatralaya was inaugurated on March 29,
2000.
Other projects under NFBM:
About the Model School Complex Sin continuation of its mission to improve the quality
of life of the visually handicapped NFBM plans to set up a Model School Complex,
which fulfills all the educational, rehabilitation and recreation requirements of the
visually challenged.
The proposed complex will be constructed on 2 acres of land at Charholi Khed near
Alandi & 1 km away from the present school location.
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Project Goals
To provide quality education to the visually challenged students by making
available state of the art facilities in an obstacle free and barrier free
environment.
To develop innovative programs with a view to prepare the blind for the new
economic revolution by establishing an advance information training institute.
To develop rehabilitation center of excellence with the objective of preparing
world class industry compatible work force.
To create self-employment opportunities for the visually handicapped by setting
up sheltered workshops based on the visually handicapped standard design
factory HDF format.
To develop world-class sports and recreation facilities.
To provide training in the area of agriculture and food processing industry.
To set up a model medical clinic to provide affordable medical services to the
deserving beneficiaries.
Model School Project:
It is proposed to undertake the construction of a Model School along with a Rehabilitation Center of Excellence for providing quality education and training to the visually challenged.
NFBM is one of the registered social organization, which is ‘of the Blind’, ‘for the Blind’ &
successfully run ‘By the Blind’. It is the single largest self-helping democratic
organization of the blind, representing 7 to 8 lacs visually handicapped people of the
Maharashtra state. It is struggling to strive for equality of opportunity for blind in their
education, training & employment. It has promoted several schemes & projects for the
upliftment of our fellow blind brothern; especially those who stay on rural areas of the
state through the branches, units & service centers situated at Mumbai (H.O), Pune,
Nashik, Aurangabad, Nagpur, Amravati, Nanded, Jalana, Jalgaon, & Kolhapur.
Land for the Model School Project: The 2-acre plot of the land for the proposed ‘Model
School Complex’ for the Blind will be provided by the NFBM.
About Expectations:
1) They appeal to the funding body to provide funds (in full or part) to help convert our
dream into a realizable vision.
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2) They also request you to provide to us relevant aids and appliances for this project.
3) Technical inputs and guidance from the funding body.
Question arises WHY the NFBM needs to construct another School Complex when it is
already running one?
The answer to this question is fairly straight forward, the current school premises of
Jagruti are not owned by NFBM. And it is sufficient to meet even our current
requirements leave alone the future needs. Moreover the current Hostel building will be
converted in to a shelter for workingwomen, collage going girls, as there is no such
hostel facility for Visually Handicapped in Maharashtra.
Therefore the right question is not why, but why not?
About the Model design:
It is proposed to develop this school as a unique & innovative hi-tech education center
of excellence catering to the special requirements of the rural blind. This project has
been conceived with a view to realize the prior stated goals.
Total Projected cost:
Rs. Two Crore Sixty-Five Lakhs Only. (Rs. 2, 65, 00,000/-) USD Six Hundred Thousand
Only (US$ 600,000/-)
Since NFBM is a voluntary agency promoted by the Blind working with the Blind we
possess a vast Bank of Expert who have experience in the field of Rehabilitation of the
Visually Impaired. Quality Teaching.
In over a decade of experience they have developed a team of highly motivated and
committed teachers, administrator and caretaker staff.
Aids & Appliances: They also have at their disposal some appropriate aids, equipment
for the Blind such as a high take brail press, computers equipped with special software,
brail typewriter etc. which, can be transferred to this project.
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Braille Library project:
It is a fact that any support received at the right time can play a key role in the success of projects run by non-profit organization. At the NFBM Jagriti school for blind girls a couple of programs where planned for implementation in the academic year 2010-2011. A major quantum of funds as well as guidance and encouragement was required for this programs.
In December 2010, relationship with Tech Mahindra foundation began to take shape by April 2011. The NFBM Jagriti school was assured of a major support by the foundation.
Braille digital library
It has always been a dream cherished by this institution to open vast bank of literary knowledge for its VI beneficiaries in Braille with the help of TMF (Tech Mahindra foundation) they have been able to create a Braille digital library which will comprises of 5 Braille refreshable displays with the help of which our students will be able to read any digitized book stored on a pen drive or PC.
This device will enable them to not only read books in English but in all other Indian languages as well. Although the equipment for this library will be installed in February 2012. They have made continuous efforts to create digital content for this library already
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around 200 books have been converted by large no of volunteers trained by Mr. Umesh Jere which will be made available to us. They have also added 6 new titles to this by March 2012.
Student’s sponsorships
Due to kind assistance of the Tech Mahindra foundation were able to give admissions to 25 students in their school for the current academic year.
The foundation has taken entire responsibility of supporting the educational, lodging, boarding and medical expenses of this VI students by contributing an amount of Rs 250000/-, This students are showing a good academic performance in the school.
Support to the Abilities institute of IT management, education and research project AIMER. The NFBM Jagriti school for blind girls has been running a training center for all its 120 students in information technology.
This is a project AIMER which a state of the art computer lab equipped with a screen reading software’s like JAWs for windows which makes the computers compatible to the need of our VI children due to the support of Tech Mahindra foundation.
Regular training classes are been conducted between 7.am to 2 pm Monday to Sunday except Thursdays. In this computer lab the focus is on training our student in typing as well as in the basics of MS word. Excel and PowerPoint. Quarterly tests are conducted by our faculty to judge the progress of all the trainees.
Other miscellaneous activities
A few other activities were also supported by the Tech Mahindra foundation for the academic year 2011-2012. The foundation provided a grant of Rs 90000/- for purchase of 2 pairs of school uniforms for all the students of the school accordingly one pair was given to the students of 15th August 2011 and one pair will be given on 26th January 2012.
With the help of grant of Rs 30000/- the school was able to provide new educational kits to 100 students of our institution this kits consists of a Braille writing slate, a mathematics slate, a few other small items. The school was able to purchase a professional harmonium which was required for our music classes and an amplifier mike with the help of Rs 28000/- which was allocated for this purpose.
With the help of the Tech Mahindra foundation the school has been able to walk one step ahead in the direction of providing quality life to its 120 VI beneficiaries. There is a long distance to cover and many new projects to start.
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NEWSLINE EVENTS FOR NFBM
Anandwan
The association of Maharogi Sewa Samiti,Warora (MSS) with Tech Mahindra Foundation started from the year 2008-09 when Tech Mahindra Foundation has generously agreed to sponsor MSS proposal for ‘Funding Additional Students in Special Schools at Anandwan’.
The above proposal is in line with Tech Mahindra Foundation’s avowed objective of extending help and support towards providing Education to unprivileged children.
Since last four years the journey of MSS and Tech Mahindra Foundation is continuing successfully with both the partners’ commitment to come to the rescue of unprivileged children. During this period, Tech Mahindra Foundation not only extended support to MSS to meet the additional burden of providing education, study material, disability aids, uniforms, food and accommodation to the blind, deaf-mute students admitted over and above the sanctioned strength of 150 students in both the special schools but also supported our projects towards procurement of equipment disability aids such as Speech Trainer, Up gradation of Cost of Braille Printer, Pocket Hearing Aids, Group Hearing Aids, ABRAR Group Hearing & Recording Machine, Music Instruments and sports equipment i.e., Cricket Kit, Chess Board, Lezim Set, Discus throw & Band Set for the benefit of handicapped students of Anand School for Visually Impaired Children & Anand School for Deaf-Dumb Students and JAWS software 11.07 for the benefit of visually handicapped students of I.T.Training Centre at Anandwan.
In addition to sponsoring of the above referred projects, TMF has also sponsored for the academic year 2011-12, MSS proposal for Provision of Nutritious Breakfast to Children in Special Schools.
The beneficiaries of the projects generously sponsored by Tech Mahindra Foundation since 2008-09, are the blind, deaf-mute children, few blind, deaf-mute students (who continue to stay at hostels in Anandwan and prepare for the tenth class examinations after passing out 7th standard from the Special Schools) as well as the visually challenged students who learn MSCIT and basic computer courses at I.T.Training Centre, Anandwan.
Achievements:
The main objective achieved by MSS with the generous funding received from Tech Mahindra Foundation is to sustain the admission of additional blind, deaf-mute students
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year after year (for whom the admission is being given on compassionate grounds since the parents of these handicapped children could not arrange even for provision of basic education along with related academic, cultural and sports activities). Without the funding from Tech Mahindra Foundation, it would have been very difficult for MSS to continue to give admission to additional students.
Provision of basic and special education to the additional students with decent accommodation, quality food, entertainment, disability aids, study material, uniforms, health checkups has been made possible on account of funding by Tech Mahindra Foundation. The outcome of this project is that the additional children with their handicap since birth could enjoy a decent childhood since admission in 1st standard till 7th standard.
From 18th July, 2011 onwards Nutritious Breakfast is provided to all the children in both the special schools with benevolent funding from Tech Mahindra Foundation. The expected outcome of this project is that the children would gain weight appropriate to their height, develop resistance towards common infections, better participation in day to day academic, cultural as well as sports activities which would lead to overall improvement in academic performance. Improved nutritional intake will lead to better reproductive health of girl students.
The overall achievement is the uninterrupted continuation of academic, cultural as well as sports activities of the handicapped children studying in Special Schools at Anandwan, since 2008-09. This was possible only because of continuous support of Tech Mahindra Foundation to MSS.
THE IMPACT OF THE NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTATION PROJECT ON BLIND AND DEAF MUTE SCHOOL CHILDREN AT ANANDWAN
MSS (Maharogi Sewa Samiti) has 273 children with disabilities in special schools including the visually challenged and hearing and speech impaired in age group between 5-15 years.
These children come from poor families in remote areas of Maharashtra with rampant malnourishment and continue to stay malnourished throughout. Surveys of MSS showed that more than 93% of the young visually challenged girls in school continue to be underweight later in their life which leads to problems in reproductive period such as having low birth weight babies.
Anemia and intestinal worm infestations are common findings that act both as causes and effects of malnutrition. It is difficult to restore the health of such children with regular food that just supplements their dietary needs.
Malnutrition reduces attention span in schools which further impacts their scholastic performance and overall receptivity. Hence in their growing age, children need a
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balanced food consisting of a right mix of cereals, proteins, fats and vitamins as well as other essential minerals.
As per the WHO the total recommended calorie supplementation for the 10 year boy/girl per day should be 2150 (Kcal/day). As the government grant received on each child is less than 15 rupees a day (which is supposed to take care of meals, clothing and educational expenditure), considering current inflationary trends, it was impossible for the school authorities to provide healthy food to the children in long run.
At Anandwan, for the same target group, the calorie deficit per day of this target group was 800 (Kcal/day). In the growing age, kids need five to six meals a day because of their small appetites. However the school could provide only 2 or 3 meals owing to cost constraints. MSS identified that there was a gap of 16 hours between dinner (6 PM) and lunch (10 AM next day).
Thus there was an urgent need to intervene the problem. Hence MSS decided to go for a scheme that will break this cycle of fast by providing intermediate nutritious meals in the form of breakfast and afternoon milk and biscuits and also fortifying current meals with eggs.
MSS has successfully launched the scheme of provision of nutritious breakfast to children in special schools from July 17th, 2011 with the help of Anandwan dairy. Under this scheme, a plate of nutritious breakfast is served to all the children before the school starts at 8 AM daily. The breakfast includes a plate of Indian snacks such as poha, upama, idli or other items that are wholesome meals. In the afternoon, during school break, a glassful of milk (200 ml) with 2 biscuits is served. Anandwan dairy prepares the breakfast and the milk for children and also arranges for distribution and storage of milk. Over the past six months it is evident that due to the intervention MSS now can take care of a deficit of upto 455-525 Kcal per day with the addition of a simple breakfast regime of the visually challenged and hearing and speech impaired unprivileged children.
A quarterly check of height for age, weight for age and hemoglobin levels indicates that there was a good amount of increase of weight of 2-2.5 Kgs and haemoglobin levels increased by 2-3 grams in every child, especially the ones under 7 grams. MSS expects to have haemoglobin levels of all the children above 10 grams in next six months which may be considered to be good indicators of project success.
70 % children who were in some grade of malnutrition, have crossed the malnutrition grade by +1. The head teacher and the councilor of the school said that, “Children look fresher, healthier, more active and happy. Their attendance level, attention span and over all participation level has increased in the school activities.
Children with disability are vulnerable to become malnourished once they go to their villages for holidays. Such type of nutrition project may provide them an opportunity to
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break free from the evil which will aid their overall development. However this will require continuous efforts to bridge the gap.
Anandwan and TMF are exploring the possibility of making the milk supply sustainable.
A concept of lending some funds from the project as revolving fund to the dairy which in turn will provide milk to the school on a sustainable basis is been explored. The dairy manager, school teacher and the project coordinator are very keen to explore this option.
CybageAsha lights up the lives of the visually impaired In yet another sincere effort for the needy, CybageAsha presented a Braille version of Class X English Digest to the Jagriti School for Blind Girls at Markel Road, Alandi. In an event organized in the school campus on 14thDecember, 2013, Mrs. Ritu Nathani, Director, Cybage Software Pvt. Ltd. unveiled the book. On this occasion, Mrs. Sakina Bedi, Adviser, Jagriti School for Blind Girls, felicitated CybageAsha volunteers for their whole-hearted contribution to this noble cause.
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As part of the ambitious, four-month-long venture, around 16 CybageAsha volunteers worked hard despite their hectic schedules to convert the 256-page book into a soft copy. Later, the school authorities converted this soft copy into a Braille format, and printed the digest. These specially-produced Braille books are expected to help improve the education of visually-impaired students, who cannot access quality school education due to a lack of adequate study material. The Braille book is an attempt to help prepare students to clear their SSC exams. While releasing the book, Mrs. Nathani, said, “The conversion of this book into a Braille version is our small effort towards promoting literacy among the visually impaired. It’s amazing to see how the advanced technology has enhanced the scope to make knowledge accessible to people with special needs, an appropriate use of which will only help them overcome their limitations and shape their future better.” She added, “I congratulate each CybageAsha volunteer for stepping forward and extending support to Jagriti School.” Speaking about the lack of quality education material for visually-impaired students of Class I to X, Mrs. Bedi said, “The only accessible study materials available in Braille are the textbooks. Digests, self-study books, and workbooks have never been produced in Braille. The NFBM Braille publishing center is the first to create this material in Braille for the students of Classes IX and X. This has been possible only due to the efforts taken by the CybageAsha volunteers, who have given their valuable time and converted the hard copies of this book into soft copies.” About CybageAsha CybageAsha and Cybage Khushboo, are CSR arms of Cybage Software Pvt. Ltd. CybageAsha was established in October 2003 to fulfill the responsibility of Cybage towards constructive development of the society. Through its four important initiatives, namely, rural upliftment, alcohol de-addiction, social welfare, and go-green, CybageAsha aims at the betterment of the less fortunate. From adopting a village and conducting various infrastructural, educational, and development programs, to providing free medication and counseling facilities to alcohol addicts in slums and creating awareness on environmental issues, the Trust has always made its presence felt. Moreover, CybageAsha collaborates with various NGOs and social service organizations to enhance its beneficiary base and spread smiles.
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Pune Theater workshop for Blind Girls
Theater Workshop for Blind Girls 17th and 18 April 2015 from 10 to 5pm by
SWATANTRA THEATRE organized by- Rotary Club of Pune Central, coordinated by:
Sakina Bedi, Project Director NFBM JAGRITI-School for Blind Girls, ALANDI (PUNE)
Swatantra Theatre is known to be the most active theatre Group in Pune. This
activeness is not only pertaining to the growth of the group and its members but we at
Swatantra move with the philosophy of social contribution through which society and its
vital flow gets benefitted.
They conducted a 2 day Theatre workshop at NFBM Jagruti School for the blind. The
experience of having breaking the bars and moving in a different world altogether was
brilliant. Not because it could be a successful workshop and the team could put up a
play at the end of it, but because the girls could empower, feel confidence, and could
tap imagination and creativity through it. Looking beyond the materialistic benefit that
the girls received was a strong sense of stage confidence, self-motivation, and the
feeling that they are wanted and are loved.
Theatre gives a way to express emotions, express what is in the depth of each person’s
heart and there we feel that Theatre can be of prime importance.
Theatre helped develop the self-confidence, perfect voice projection and leadership
qualities in them, and working for this cause has tremendously helped the girls and left
us with deep sense of satisfaction, that our art can bring smiles and nurture someone’s
life to perfection.
It’s great that the experience in the field of theatre proved to be a major source of
inspiration for 40 young girl participants.
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The National Federation of the blind Maharashtra Jagriti school for blind girls,
invited SWATANTRA THEATRE for conducting acting / theatre workshop for blind
girls.
This event was jointly sponsored by the Rotary club of Pune.
Musical concert to help state's blind girl students in
Mumbai
Shabdanchya Palisade (meaning beyond words) - a musical concert depicting
journey of three generations of Marathi music in aid of Jagriti Blind School, Alandi held
at MES Balshikshan Auditorium on June 9, 2015.
Renowned Singers Ravindra Sathe, Anuradha Marathe, SaReGaMaPa fame Saee
Tembhekar, Shrirang Bhave, and little champ Sharayu Date will participate besides
musicians namely Sachin Jambhekar, Anay Gadgil, Amit Kunte, Abhishek Kate, and
Aditya Apte.
"After I performed for the school once, I got to know that National Federation of Blind,
Maharashtra (NFBM), whose all members are blind, managed such schools in very
limited resources. Education, training and rehabilitation are the three most important
necessities to a blind individual for the betterment of his/her life. There are about 60
schools which serve blind in Maharashtra have the strength of over 3000 children,"
revealed Saee who is spearheading the charity.
"Considering this they chose this school situated at Alandi Devachi, near Pune. At
present it houses 147 blind girls from the rural areas of Pune, Khandesh, Marathwada
and Vidarbha. This school being residential in nature, the facilities provided are free to
the students the cost of which includes lodging, boarding, education and medical
assistance besides miscellaneous expenses borne by the NFBM itself. A government
grant to the school is only for 40 girls and hence the endeavour," she added.
"To overcome the individual constraints of donations I have come up with this unique
musical masterpiece to donate generously from the event proceeds. Participation of
eminent singers such as Ravindra Sathe and Anuradha Marathe is the major attraction.
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Global Run: One BMC runs on one day for one cause
On Saturday, November 8th, 2014, BMC sites across the globe will participate in a first-
of-its-kind "Global Run".
Each BMC site is conducting a charity run of 3KM, 5KM, or 10KM. For every BMC
employee that runs – BMC India CSR will contribute $10 towards the infrastructure
development for Jagruti School for blind girls in Pune, which is promoted by the National
Federation of the Blind Maharashtra (NFBM).
Their Appeal reads:
This pioneering school project aims at serving the deserving visually challenged girls
belonging to rural areas. They also have to our credit a Braille book production center in
Pune, a Braille transcription unit at Mumbai and a vocational training center at Nasik
and Aurangabad. Moreover, also have a scholarship scheme which provides financial
assistance to deserving students
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Well-wishers contributing towards NFBM:
Most Appreciative Thanks to the following Well Wishers who by their generous
contribution and support have made to possible for NFBM to achieve all their dreams
and set new project initiatives.
Shri Madhukarrao Choudhary - Ex - speaker of Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha and Life
Member of NFBM
Shri Annsaheb Joshi - Ex - Member of Parliament
Dr. Vasantrao Pawar - Ex - Member of Parliament
Shri R.G. Karnik - Chairman, Maharashtra State Government Employees Confederation
Dr. Madan Gopal - Opthalmologist
Shri Balasaheb Ahire - Eminent Social Worker
Shri Shashikant Thakur - ( Guruji ) Social Worker
Shri. V. D. Mehta - President V D Mehta Charitable Trust Pune
Advocate Sharad S Pathak. - Eminent Social Worker
Shri Ahilyatai Rangnekar - Ex - Member of Parliament
Shri P.R. Krishnan, General Secretary, CITU Mumbai.
Shri Bhagatramji Mittal - Social Worker- Chinchwad.
Shri Mamanchandji Agarwal - Chairman Shri Sadguru Jangli Maharaj Co-op Bank,
Chinchwad.
Shri Bhavarilal Kankaria - Social Worker, - Pune.
Shri M.B. Suratwala - Social Worker - Pune.
Shri Subhashji Chuttar - Industrialist, Pune.
Shri Kantilal Khinvasara, Eminent Social Worker - Pune.
Shri Madhubhau Rathi - President, Rathi Udyog - Pune.
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Shri Mohanseth Surana - Eminent Social Worker - Pune.
Smt Anutai Bhagwat - Eminent Social Worker - Pune.
Smt Nilimatai Mehendale, Industrialist - Pune.
Smt Sugandhatai Awchat - Social Worker - Pune.
Shri Jayraj Kalsey, Reputed Ghazal Singer Pune
Smt Vasudhatai Gokhale - Social Worker Pune.
An Appeal: On behalf of NFBM
At The National Federation Of the Blind Maharashtra (NFBM) take this opportunity to appeal to people to contribute generously to their cause oriented projects.
The NFBM has promoted the Jagriti School for blind girls at Alandi. This pioneering school project aims at serving the deserving visually challenged girls belonging to rural areas. They also have to credit a Braille book production center in Pune, a Braille transcription unit at Mumbai and a vocational training center at Nasik and Aurangabad. Moreover they also have a scholarship scheme which provides financial assistance to deserving students. NFBM believes in achieving equal status by enabling the visually challenged through education, employment and entrepreneurship. It is in this context that it’s an appeal to all readers to exercise their generosity by donating to their noble mission. This is an assurance to all contributors, will go a long way in converting the dreams into a realizable vision.
All Donations to NFBM are exempt under section 80-G of the income tax act and are entitled to avail 50% tax exemption.
SAY YES FOR A CAUSE TODAY
Donations made to NFBM are eligible for Tax relief under section 80-G of Income Tax 1961.
Cheques / DD may please be drawn in favour of "NFBM Jagriti School For Blind Girls" or "National Federation of The Blind Maharashtra".
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Bibliography/ Webliography:
http://www.nfbm.org/
http://www.nfbm.org/jagriti.html
