The Akanksha Foundation

• Growing up in Pune, India was incredible for me. The city played a significant role in shaping my identity as a proud Puneri. From indulging in delicious treats like Sujata Mastani Falooda and Sunday morning Misal Pavs to exploring the vibrant markets in the Peths, Pune offered a plethora of memorable experiences. And, of course, the grand celebrations of Ganpati added an extra touch of joy to my life.

During my school days in Pune, I had the privilege of being associated with Akanksha and Teach for India. These organizations opened my eyes to the world beyond my immediate family and community. It was through them that I discovered my passion for literature, public speaking, and advocating for my beliefs.

From a young age, I was drawn to projects and initiatives. I initiated a project called Sitaara, providing rural children in Karnataka with safe spaces for self-expression through theater, poetry, and storytelling. Later, I embarked on another project called Abhay Tarang, utilizing social media to give students a platform to voice their opinions during the pandemic. Working for and with my community felt like the right path, and I have been fortunate to witness the impact of these endeavors.

At 15, I had the opportunity to study at United World Colleges in East Africa. Living abroad has been transformative, from relying on my parents to navigating life independently in a foreign country with a rigorous high school curriculum. Interacting with individuals from over 60 countries has broadened my perspective. I cherished my time in Tanzania, working on projects such as directing documentaries on AIDS awareness and delivering TEDx talks on decolonizing cultures. Through these experiences, I have grown personally and intellectually.

Studying abroad in Tanzania has been one of the best chapters of my life. Venturing beyond our comfort zones allows personal growth and a new perspective on life. Seize the opportunity to leave home and embrace the experience. It's better to be away and miss home than to wonder what could have been.

For our Nagpur sports Day - the Nagpur teamed worked tirelessly to make it happen!

They decorated the venue, ensuring there was Akanksha art work and signage’s to create a better environment for the students.

Our children enjoyed a day in the sun with several sports for them to partake in!

Energy levels were high at all points in the day. The day saw races, pom-pom drills, march past, staff and parent games, school chants, and honouring special chief guests.

We had the privilege to have several notable individuals as chief guests across schools.

Gracing Akanksha sports day - Dr Sonali Kakde Patil, Dr. Anushri Mahurkar, Anchal Goyal, Additional Commissioner, Sadhna Sayyam Education Officer, Vinay Bagale, Additional Commissioner Officer and Mr. GuruDas Raut - Divyang Cricketer - Captian from 2011 to 2021 and winner of the T-20 Divyang World Cup in the year 2019.

Jallosh, initiated by the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), is an annual celebration of education, bringing together schools in the PCMC region to share best practices through collaborative events.

The goal is to strengthen education by promoting exposure, appreciation, recognition, and connections for all students within PCMC schools. The Akanksha team works closely with the leadership of  PCMC in planning and implementing this initiative.

Jallosh aims to highlight students' skills and talents in academics, sports, art, music, drama, and scientific thinking. It hopes to inspire positive changes in schools, emphasizing the importance of keeping children at the center of teaching and learning, supporting holistic development, and exploring opportunities through existing resources and collaborations.

In this collaborative effort, all stakeholders are invited to contribute to the design, planning, and implementation.
 
This year's Jallosh focuses on the theme inspired by the G20 - sustainable development goals, encompassing three main aspects:

Culture, Sport, Academic Showcase: Schools exhibit talents in various skills and sports. An innovation hackathon allows students to showcase problem-solving skills.

School -Evaluation: Schools undergo self and external evaluation based on diverse metrics, using tools adapted from the Shala Siddhi Framework. Noteworthy results provide schools with recognition opportunities.

Celebration: The event concludes with a two day celebration with exhibition, carnival and performances by children.

As competitions conclude at the school and zone levels, anticipation builds for city-level events. Best wishes are extended to all participants!

Mumbai, we are looking to hire:

📍 Pre - primary teachers - Khar, Andheri & Jogeshwari
📍 School Counsellors - Navi Mumbai (Seawoods)

If you are interested in applying, please scan the QR code below or reach out to [email protected] now!

Here are some glimpses from the Inter Akanksha Touch Rugby League that took place on 8th December, 2023.

Thank you to our gracious host, Bombay Gymkhana who supported us with the venue and refreshments for all participants.

Time is running out!

Last date to register - 13th December, 2023.

We only have a few charity bibs left for the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2024.

Register now and run with us to support education for children from underserved communities.

Your support could change the life of a family forever. Don't miss this opportunity to make a difference. Link in BIO!

📍 Akanksha is HIRING English teachers in Pune, PMC.

If you think you fit the role, send in your applications at [email protected].
We look forward to having you as a part of our Akanksha network.

We are thrilled to share our contribution to Wipro Foundation's Samuhik Pahal’s October Edition.

With contributions from different organisations in Samuhik Pahal, they have disseminated the topic of School Leadership in various dimensions.

Our article talks about the crucial role school leaders play in setting up the foundation of a school towards growth and transformation. Akanksha's school leaders are all visionaries, willing and open to learning at every opportunity. They play an important role in managing administrative affairs, fostering a collaborative environment, and creating a positive learning space for both teachers and students.

Our alumni in Mumbai got the opportunity to be part of the inaugural Bloomberg APAC Women in the Finance Initiative. This initiative is designed to educate, provide exposure, and offer invaluable experience within the finance industry to female university students.

The initiative aims to inspire and empower future generations of women; demystifying the world of finance, with a specific focus on emerging fields such as ESG and Fintech, and providing access to senior women leaders who have achieved remarkable success in their careers.

Afreen shares:
“Bloomberg APAC women in the Finance program is an excellent opportunity where Bloomberg is hosting us and helping us grow in the field of finance. They are doing it through practical training at the Bloomberg terminal, we are getting hands on practice at the terminal where we can design our portfolio. Also, there are various corporate visits and NSE visits which will help us grow and explore more about careers in finance.

I would like to thank the ASE team for providing me with such a brilliant opportunity. “

"Since I started volunteering at Akanksha, I feel like I have an identity of my own. It's given my life a new meaning."

If you're looking for meaningful volunteering opportunities at Akanksha, reach out to uma.mishra@akanksha. org today!

We are proud to share some key data points from an internal study and a comprehensive Youth Empowerment Study conducted by the research and advisory firm 4th Wheel.

The findings reinforce our belief that quality education has the power to impact not just students but also their families and communities.

Swipe for more stats!

We are excited to announce a collaboration with Saamarthya Foundation.

Saamarthya is thrilled to launch a comprehensive development model featuring

“Swayam”, their signature parent training program, LEND training for educators, and ASMI individual services for children.

The parent training e-modules (in Hindi) are designed by their founder, Dr Shivani Pandit, a special educator and an inclusion advocate. The objective is to increase access and focus on evidence-based practices for overall child development, early intervention, and different strategies to support the children’s learning at home.

Saamarthya will also pilot their social-emotional learning toolkit- the LEND (Learning Empathy Nurturing Diversity) for grades 1 to 5. This is an initiative by the Saamarthya Foundation to help teachers develop empathy and inclusive classroom space for students. The aim is to teach and propose the activities and learning tools that educators can use based on their students’ needs. The toolkit will imbibe empathy, talk on inclusion, how to communicate and accept one another & diversity among the students.

Finally, they will provide one-on-one direct intervention to the children with disabilities through their ASMI program. Their qualified special educators will conduct these sessions.

We are excited to see how this collaboration unfolds!

Happy Children’s Day to children everywhere! Today is your day ❤️

Happy Diwali from Team Akanksha! 🪔✨✨

Earlier this week, the Central and School Leadership teams at Akanksha took a step back to review, reconnect and plan the next phase of Akanksha’s expansion and growth. At the Leadership Stepback, we shared our deepest passions and what we desire for Akanksha in the next few years.

We discussed how to grow our own schools, build innovative schools and partner with governments to build capacity in teachers and school principals to improve student and educator outcomes.

We engaged to build a robust growth trajectory for our teams. We sought answers from each other to help with how one has deep conversations on growth and aspirations that our people have.

We connected to know each other better, shared fun, happy and memorable moments from our childhood. We shared about our heroes and our role models who made us who we are. We shared about situations and instances that changed our lives and the people who shaped our thinking.

We innovated in an interactive session about the future of education in India, we came up with ideas on reinventing the education our children are getting. We also discussed redesigning schools to be the vehicles of economic mobility.

We reflected as our team driving the 'City as a unit of change' initiative looked back on a year of successful partnerships and working with two municipal corporations - Nagpur Municipal Corporation and Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation and the challenges that came along the way.

We established the non-negotiables in learning for our children and laid the foundation in best pedagogical strategies, teaching practices and culture that can be maintained across our schools.

HIRING Teachers!

📍 Pre-primary teacher - Khar & Jogeshwari
📍 Secondary teacher, Hindi & Marathi - Dadar

If you are looking to re-imagine teaching with Akanksha, apply now through [email protected]

HIRING Teachers!

📍 Pre-primary teacher - Khar & Jogeshwari
📍 Secondary teacher, Hindi & Marathi - Dadar

If you are looking to re-imagine teaching with Akanksha, apply now through the QR code!

HIRING now!

The Akanksha Foundation is hiring:

📍 School Counsellors, Navi Mumbai
📍 School Admins, Mumbai

If you think you fit the role, apply now by scanning the QR code below.

We are hiring!

📍 Pre-Primary and Primary (Language, Math, Science) teachers - PCMC School, Pune
📍 Primary and Secondary English teachers - PMC & PCMC, Pune

Stepping up to build a community is a powerful act of civic engagement that reflects a deep commitment to the well-being and prosperity of the people who call a particular place home. It signifies a willingness to go beyond individual interests and invest time, energy, and resources into collective betterment.

Our Akanksha alumni contributed to the Step up program that happened in Pune LAPMEMS for school beautification . Elementary and intermediate exam that happened in KCTVN where in 42 alumni participated and supported the team for logistical arrangements in the month of September and October. We had 26 alumni who participated in the event from LAPMEMS and 42 alumni from KCTVN .The zeal and enthusiasm that filled the room was impeccable.

This sense of responsibility not only strengthens the social fabric but also ensures that the community thrives, addresses challenges, and grows in harmony. Ultimately, stepping up for the community is a testament to the strength of human connections and the positive change that can be achieved when individuals come together for a common cause.

Akanksha students in Nagpur got busy in their art class making crowns for themselves!

The activity emphasised creativity and self expression. Students were encouraged to personalise their crowns. Each one with elements that reflect their interests, talents, and qualities, as a reminder of how special and individualistic they are.

This self love activity was aimed at motivating students to study better. Boosting their self esteem and confidence can have a positive impact on their overall motivation and performance!

Aditi Shah shares her experience volunteering at Akanksha:

With a bittersweet feeling, I announce that my period as a volunteer at The Akanksha Foundation has come to an end. I have made incredible memories at KCTVN in last 3 months and none of the work I did ever feel like a responsibility. From conducting English powerhouse classes, making geography charts and quizzes, aiding Math classes and even playing sports, this experience helped me grow as a person and gave me a chance to influence and empower many young minds. I closely witnessed how innovative methods are implemented to bridge learning gaps and how the Akanksha community strives for the betterment of children by creating a healthy learning environment. Volunteering at KCTVN and Akanksha has given me a newfound perspective towards life and also helped me contribute in my own little ways. This experience would stay with me lifelong as it has helped me grow as a human being.

I would extend my utmost thanks to our VC Suraj Singh for making sure that this journey was smooth and enjoyable. Thanks for always making me think and being there to solve my problems at all times. Also grateful to Uma Shankar Mishra for helping out at each and every step and making the process effortless.

As I embark onto a new chapter, I will try my best to make a positive impact and never stop giving back to the society!

An important session on Financial Literacy by Bank of America N.A. Mumbai has given our students new aspirations to become bankers!

The bank employees conducted an enriching session, in their office, for students of grade 10 of Akanksha’s Shindewadi Mumbai Public School. They delved into India's banking systems, various types of banks, smart investment techniques, banking history and more.

The students showed great curiosity and asked questions around banking and finance careers. Questions like 'What sets wholesale and retail banking apart?' and 'What path to take for a career as a Corporate Banker?' were among the many raised.

Another engaging activity focusing on wise money investment and maximising returns was also conducted. The students were challenged to virtually allocate 1-lakh rupees across various investments, comparing their returns after a set period, and applying other financial concepts they had learned.

Witnessing the enthusiasm of our students during this activity was inspiring. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Bank of America for sharing their time and knowledge with Akanksha students!

On September 26, a remarkable event unfolded in partnership with The Akanksha Foundation, Nagpur Municipal Corporation and Leadership For Equity in Nagpur city. A group of headmasters (HMs) from various schools under the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) visited the Raman Science Centre, and dove deep into the fascinating world of science and education.

The day began with a ‘Science on a Sphere’ show that displayed our planet on a massive sphere. The adventure continued with a 3D show, an experience that transported HMs to another dimension, sparking their imaginations. The Water World gallery was a true highlight of their visit. It had interactive exhibits explaining various water based models, fostering a deeper appreciation for our aquatic ecosystems.

Another captivating stop was the ‘Vaccine's Story’ exhibit, stating interesting facts about various vaccines and their role in public health. It showed the vital connection between science and the natural world.

The visit ended with an important lecture by Mr. Abhimanyu Bhelave, the Education Officer of Raman Science Center. He emphasised how small, hands-on experiments could kindle students' interest in learning. His words ignited their passion for teaching science in a more engaging way.

The impact of this visit was reflected in the feedback received from the HMs. They couldn’t wait to share their experiences from the science centre with students, and commended the organising team for coordinating this entire visit.

This visit to the Raman Science Centre was not just an outing; it was an experience that rekindled the educators' passion for science and education. As they left the centre, they carried with them not only memories but also a renewed commitment to make science education engaging and unforgettable.