International Literacy Day 2015
International Literacy Day – Rasayani
International Literacy Day was observed at Pillai HOC College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Rasayani on 8th September, 2015 in collaboration with Soroptimist International Bombay Chembur.
The theme for the event was ‘Literacy as a bridge from Misery to Hope’. On this day two educative sessions on Verbal, Numerical and Computers skills were conducted for all the women helpers and peons who come from underprivileged and economically backward communities. Thirty women attended the program.
The first session focussed on teaching of Basic Verbal and Numerical Skills in the classroom and was conducted y the students of the Pillai college. Subsequentl, a talk was given by Soroptimist member Dr. Lata Menon on education being a tool of personal empowerment and its importance in building self esteem. The second session was conducted in the computer laboratory where the basics of computer skills were taught and practiced.
These sessions boosted their confidence and they were committed to continue practicing what they learnt. The students of the Pillai college also promised to continue teaching them on a regular basis.
International Literacy Day – Khanda Colony
The student-teachers along with the staff members of PCER, Panvel have initiated a literacy program from 4th September, 2015 which is an ongoing project. This literacy program is an effort to create interest towards education among the 30 slum children and send them back to school. Student-teachers spend at least 2 hours each day towards their education.and teach the basics of language (mainly English) and Mathematics. Training is given on the basic skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking. The mothers of these children also join in the classes and sessions on health and hygiene, sanitation and meditation are conducted for them.
International Literacy Day – Chembur
Mahatma Night Degree College celebrated ‘World Literacy Day’ on 8th. September, 2015 in association with Soroptimist International Bombay Chembur by staging a drama for the faculty and students of the college.
“Stree Mukti Sanghatana”, a popular drama troop comprising of young activists who travel all over Maharashtra (State in India) performing dramas in Marathi, were invited to perform a drama called “Samte Kade Vaatchaal” meaning, “moving towards equality.” The theme of the drama was literacy for empowering women. The drama depicted the status of women in India over the years and how education alone could help women empower themselves to lead a life of dignity.
More than 120 students and faculty attended the programme. A discussion was organized by SIBC members post the drama where the students were invited to share their reflections on the same. The students actively participated in the discussion and mentioned that this drama left an indelible mark on their minds and enriched them.
International Literacy Day – Sadhana Vidyalaya for the Deaf
SIBC members launched the International Literacy day celebrations by organizing a visit for the physically challenged students of Sadhana Vidyalaya for the Deaf to the Nehru Planetarium in September 2015. 54 students and 10 teachers wholeheartedly participated in the event. The students were very excited about their very first visit to the Planetarium and were mesmerized by the film shown on the solar system. After this show, the students were taken for a “Discovery of India” exhibition in the same premises. The teachers thanked the Soroptimist members for this unique and practical manner of educating the students on the solar system The students were very happy and effusive in their thanks for this adventurous outing. SIBC members also presented a cheque for Rs. 5000 towards the education of Saniya Jadhav, a student of the school whose education was being sponsored by SiBC over the past few years.
Soroptimist members, Mrs. Seeta Desai, Dr. Celina Joy and Ms. Yvette Lee co-ordinated this activity.