| The Vidya
Trust U.K. Registered Charity 1084436 |
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| 20/11/07: Aseema
Activities Report 2006-2007 Aseema's activities report for 2006-2007 is now available here. 20/11/07: Autumn 2007 Newsletter Online Vidya's Autumn 2007 newsletter is now available here. 01/11/07: Vidya Launches New Science Project Vidya has just launched a new project to promote science in isolated rural schools in Arunachal Pradesh, a state in the east of India. Enrolment for advanced-level school science in this region is currently very low - students often lose interest in the subject because many schools in remote areas do not have the necessary equipment to conduct practical experiments. To help address this issue, Vidya will be supplying practical equipment and employing a science teacher to rotate around a selection of schools and lead practical work for the students. Further information about the project will be added to the website shortly. 09/10/07: Support Committee for Vidya Would you like to help Vidya with its work? We would also like to establish a support committee to help with fundraising and other activities. If you might be interested, please e-mail Ramesh Kapadia. 12/11/06: Autumn 2006 Newsletter Online Vidya's Autumn 2006 newsletter is now available here. 19/10/05: Autumn 2005 Newsletter Online Vidya's Autumn 2005 newsletter is now available here. 17/10/05: Aseema Activities Report 2004-2005 Aseema's activities report for 2004-2005 is now available here. (Warning: this is a large file and may take some time to download.) 09/10/04: Autumn 2004 Newsletter Online Vidya's Autumn 2004 newsletter is now available here. It includes updates on work at both Aseema and NAWA. 01/10/04: Animated DVD/VCD: "Raju and I" Aseema has produced a marvellous animated film on children's rights to education (based on the UNICEF Declaration). It tells the story of Raju (a generic name for many street children in India) and how for too many Rajus there is no access to the basic human right of education. The film lasts about 30 minutes and is available directly from Vidya as a VCD to show via computer. The story is told mainly in English and there are subtitles for the few sequences in Hindi. Though people of all ages are likely to find it of interest, it is particularly suitable for children aged 8-13. Provided you have a UK address, copies are free - if you would like one sent to you, please contact us. One of Her Majesty's Inspectors (now retired) saw the film as the first VCD he had ever watched on computer. He said that it was moving and inspiring. 31/07/04: Aseema Activities Report 2003-2004Aseema's activities report for 2003-2004 is now available here. 21/02/04: Bhangra Night in Oxford The Vidya Trust organised a charity bhangra night in Oxford in conjunction with Zindagi, HUM (Oxford Hindu Society) and the Oxford Sikh Society. Nearly 200 people attended, enjoying music from a DJ and a professional dhol player, along with Indian snacks generously provided by a number of local Indian restaurants. A total of £173 was raised for Vidya. 15/11/03: Diwali Event in Oxford The Vidya Trust organised a Diwali event in Oxford in conjunction with Zindagi and the Oxford South Asia Forum. Almost 100 people enjoyed a full Indian meal followed by live Indian classical music performances. A total of £245 was raised for Vidya. 24/07/03: Summer 2003 Newsletter Online Vidya's Summer 2003 newsletter is now available here. It includes updates on work at both Aseema and NAWA. 21/07/03: Aseema Activities Report 2002-2003 Aseema's activities report for 2002-2003 is now available here. 12/12/02: Launch of the Vidya Trust at Portcullis House The Vidya Trust was officially launched at a meeting sponsored by Edward Davey, MP, at Portcullis House (the New Parliamentary Building opposite the Houses of Parliament) on Thursday 12 December. The launch was attended by about 30 people, including a number of serving, past and retired HM Inspectors of Schools, prominent Indians and other friends of the Trust. In splendid surroundings usually reserved for politicians, Edward Davey provided us with a warm welcome. We then heard about the aims of the Vidya Trust and the work of both NAWA (particularly relating to the foundation of the Victoria Armstrong Memorial School) and Aseema from the Trustees. Finally, first hand accounts were given by Beryl Pratley and Susan Bullough, both of whom visited the projects in 2002. There were also photographs on display to explain the history of NAWA, and to show children from Aseema and from the Victoria Armstrong Memorial School at work and at play. Fundraising beforehand and at the launch itself raised £2,610, with further promises of £2,296 annually. We think you will agree that this is an excellent start for the Trust, and one on which we can build in future years. We would like to thank all of those that attended and also everyone who has made donations. 29/11/02: Comments on Aseema by a Former HM Inspector of Schools A former HM Inspector of Schools in England visited Aseema recently. She wrote: "My general impression of Aseema is very positive. The organisation is obviously very dynamic, and uses its business contacts well for financial support and sponsorship .The work being done by the boys in the preparatory class was very creative, and of a high standard. Children who live in extremely poor surroundings were being fed, given school uniforms so that they looked like all the other children, and were clearly very happy. Aseema has a good partnership with the maintained school system. Through a sympathetic local authority inspector, they have been given the use of part of a run-down local elementary school, with falling rolls. With their fund-raising expertise, they have drawn up plans to refurbish the building and the grounds, and by bringing in children from outside the immediate locality, they are increasing the numbers so that additional resources will automatically be allocated. This seems likely to benefit everyone involved." |
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