April 2014
Ashreya Charitable Society Impacting individuals, transforming Society
Another academic year has come to an end. There is much to relate and children having finished their final exams are looking forward to the coming holidays and a break from routine. Since our last newsletter which we sent to you in Dec' 13, there have been a number of interesting events. We have benefitted greatly from our association with L&T Prerna & Prayas Trust as well as L&T Kartavya. This association has enabled us to grow in stature. We are indebted to our dedicated members who guide the running of the Society, and we are also grateful to our teaching staff. We remain indebted to you our donors, whose support keeps Ashreya moving forward. 1. Sports Meet December 20 and 21 were red letter days. For the first time our students participated in an Inter School Sports Meet conducted by L&Tfor the four schools it supports under CSR. The exposure helped them to learn to compete fairly. Though they ended fourth, the students learnt that it is not only about winning, but about doing one's best by fair means.
2. Caring Souls conducted an awareness campaign on HIV & TB at our school premises on 6th Jan '14. At short notice, our higher class students collected Rs 5500/- from the local residents for this campaign and received certificates for their efforts. The teachers got mementos, and the school was also presented a memento on this occasion.
3. We had a Parent Interaction evening on January 28. Over 120 parents turned up. They were informed about the various activities and programs the school was conducting. Teachers interacted with parents about their child's performance. Suggestions from parents on how to improve the standards of the school were also welcomed.
4. Mrs. Komali Salomi (Assistant Professor, Dept. of Social Work, Andhra University) was deputed by L&T in January to carry out an independent evaluationof the school and its activities. The evaluation was to assess how well the school was being run and wha t else could be done to improve it. We are eagerly awaiting the report. Excursion 5. In February the students of the higher classes, numbering 120, had a special treat as they were taken to the Thatipudi reservoir and the ASR Gardens. L& T provided buses to take the children to the reservoir that supplies water to the city. The reservoir staff explained the working of the reservoir to the students. This was followed by lunch and a time of fun at the ASR Gardens.
6. We finally have got the school drainage system connected to the GVMC UGD plant in February this year. This will be a big blessing in keeping the standards of hygiene high. We hope the UGD works well and there are no overflows onto the road. We also intend to cover open drains to improve hygiene 7. On International Women's Day, L&T Prayas trust invited lady teachers to Daspalla Hotel for lunch. Besides an entertaining time together, the teachers were presented gifts by L & T. This was the first time our teachers took part in such an event and they felt honoured.
Team Ashreya 8. A new team took over the administration of the Ashreya Charitable Society with effect from 29th March '14. The team has three new members viz. Dr. John Wesley as President, George Sampath Kumar as Secretary and Ravi Kishore as Treasurer, besides two lady members and 4 other men who are all part of former team. Annual Day 9. The School celebrated its annual day on 5th April and Mr Ravi Kishore, Project Manager with ALBA and honorary Treasurer of the Society was the chief guest. He encouraged students to give their best and parents to inculcate in their children desire to tsudy so that they grow up to be good citizens. Mr. George Sampath Kumar, society secretary, presented awards to the prize winners
Child sponsorships 10. Among the new initiatives started by the Society is a plan to mobilise donors for children needing financial assistance for education. The Society hopes to mobilise donors for 85 - 90 children who find it difficult to pay all fees and buy books required. Each donor will contribute Rs 6000/- per annum and will receive a profile of the child sponsored, besides half - yearly updates. The donors will have the special joy of bringing hope to poor children and also enjoy a tax rebate. 11. Among visitors to the school were Dr. Sunil of Vijaya Diagnostic Centre, Miss Esther Kirk of Walsall UK, a social worker and also some lady volunteers. 12. The Society places on record its grateful thanks to M/S Aaron Technologies and to Alpha Literature Society for their contributions to the needs of the Ashreya School. 13. For the first time, photographs were taken of students (class-wise) with their teachers. We hope to create archives on digital media for various activities and programs of the school. Examinations 14. Final exams for the academic year 2013-14commenced on 11th April and completed on the 21st April. For the first time students attempted the CCE model exam which was recently implemented by AP Govt. Education Department. Exam resultswill be displayed on 30th April. The last working day was 24th April and a special lunch was served to all the children on the 23rd. School reopens on 10th June for the New Academic year.
Summer camp for children During the holidays higher class children will attend the summer coaching camp being conducted by L & T in drawing, dress making, spoken English and computers. Swimming classes are being planned for older boys at GVMC pool.
15. Future plans. Among the many plans for the year are following a. Upgrade school to the 10th standard and get AP Govt. recognition. b. Install a pump for the firefighting system and test its efficacy. c. Start a library with donated books for children to cultivate reading habit. d. Identify deserving children for scholarship from the Society for post X class studies. e. Starting Class IX Telugu and also a new section for English medium Class V. f. Starting a part time community college to trainwomen in tailoring, computers & other skills. g. Making teachers more proficient in spoken English so that children improve in English. h. Starting Ashreya Home in June Three orphans are expected to join. i. Buying a small plot of land (150 Sq. Yds.) for the Ashreya Home. 16. Ashreya School Needs. We also wish to let you know some of the pressing needs we have at the school for which we need donors. We will be grateful if you can help us with any of these. a.
Pin boards 8' x 2'
30
Rs,60,000
two boards / classroom
b.
LCD Projector & Screen
01
Rs 40,000
for audio visual learning
c.
Sports/games equipment
Rs.10,000
assorted(Indoor/Outdoor)
d.
Nursery play items
Rs.10,000
assorted items
e.
Floor Durries/ carpets
06
Rs.10,000
for programs and outings
f.
Security guard Kiosk
01
Rs.15,000
For all-weather protection
g.
Generator /Inverter 5.0 KVA
01
Rs.80,000
For use during power cuts
Please continue to support and encourage the activitiesof the Society so that it continues to be a beacon of Hope for the community, so children learn and develop good values and skills. We want our children to become responsible citizens of this country. Please visit our website www.ashreya.org and when in Vizag, please make time to visit our school. We will be very glad if you could volunteer for one day in a month to help us with our many needs. Thank you once again. Team Ashreya Please do call us or mail at ashreyacharity@gmail.com
Donations : All donations are 50% tax exempt under section80G of the Income Tax Act. Donations made by cheques are to be made out in favor of Ashreya Charitable Society, Visakhapatnam. Those who wish to transfer money through net banking can do so to the account named Ashreya Charitable Society which is with the Union Bank of India, Dwarakanagar, Visakhapatnam. The savings account number is 506102010013073 and the IFSC is UBIN0550612. Contact Us :
Ashreya Charitable Society 48-9-18/56 Ratnaveni Complex, Dwarakanagar, Visakhapatnam - 530 016, AP. Email id: ashreyacharity@gmail.com Phone: +91 9849829107 or +91 9849295426 and 08912559428 / 0891 6665047