Shishukunj International Foundation (SIF) is a charity registered under Sec – 8 of the Companies Act, 2013; CIN No. U80211GJ2010NPL059940. It is our objective to extend support to children activities through value based approach, (Shishukunj philosophies) encouraging Charity (Seva Pravruti), Education (Shikshan Pravruti) and Child welfare (Baal Pravruti) activities for the upliftment of children.
In the recent years the following have been major activities of Shishukunj International Foundation.
School in a Box – Material Translation and Development
School in a Box, conceptualized by Director of Rishi Valley Education Centre, Sri Y.A. Padmanabha Rao, Smt. Rama Padmanabha Rao, and Rishivanam staff, is a comprehensive educational programme based on the multi-level, multi-grade methodology. Nearly 2000 illustrated study cards and other teaching aids completely equip an elementary school in the areas of Language, Mathematics, and Environmental Studies up to class 5. SIF took an initiative of translating the Telugu version of the material into Gujarati so that it can be used for the benefit of children in Gujarat. The material has been developed in both electronic and print form and has been distributed in some of the supported organizations of SIF.
Montessori Kit Development and Distribution
Shishukunj International Foundation has taken an initiative to develop Montessori Kits. Teachers from Mankuva Anganwadi worked with local carpenters and developed these kits, which are useful to different centres and project areas. SIF has donated these Montessori kits in more than 10 schools and is also spreading awareness about learning to use hands-on materials and facilitates with necessary materials.
Teachers’ Training Programmes
SIF organizes trainings and workshops for teachers of supported schools and organizations. Throughout the year, teachers undergo various trainings and workshops related to curriculum under guidance of experts.
Research in the field of education
SIF with Sinchan Education Society and Hunnarshala Foundation had organized Shikshan Chintan Shibir in Bhuj in October 2013. Shri Rajesh Dalal from J.Krishnamurti Foundation was the chief guest for the Shibir. It was a collective effort to do chintan on current education scenario with a more empathetic perspective and how individuals and institutions could bring about a more caring and effective approach. SIF also organizes various exposure trips for teachers and project officers so that they get better knowledge and experiences of various educational approaches.
Aiding Infrastructure Development in educational projects
SIF has been involved in providing support to organizations in infrastructure development. Some major projects include Montesorri Hall Development in Mankuva Aanganwadi, furniture and educational equipment in schools, development of Shishukunj International School, Bhuj.
“Seva Karya” (Charity Work):
Seva is an inseparable part of all Shishukunj activities. The following activities have been carried out by SIF as a part of Seva Karya:
- Lunch Boxes and Snacks Distribution
- Books Donation
- Welfare Donations to other organizations
- Sponsorship to students for higher education
- Sponsoring and supporting various initiative taken by schools
Pre-Vocational Programme
SIF is involved in developing and managing the pre-vocational programme, currently functional in one of the supported schools in Bhuj, under which students are imparted various skills like tailoring, tie and dye, block printing, etc. The programme is mainly oriented towards preparing the children to build on life skills and prepare them for performance in vocations as per their abilities – making them self-sufficient, build confidence and self-esteem.
School Support Programme
Since last few years, SIF is also supporting some organizations in the education field working with similar objectives. The support includes administrative, human resource, curriculum development and documentation. Project Officers spend designated days in those organizations and provide support for the progress of the organizations.
