Rajalakshmi Children Foundation

Sharada Pratibha Poshan Upakram (SPPU) is a set of initiatives for nurturing talented students from economically disadvantaged families, and to make high quality all round education accessible to all. This programme, which began in mid 2016, has the following activities. Spreading the beauty and joy of mathematics and science through school visits Identifying and nurturing talented, sincere students from economically disadvantaged families Imparting skill oriented technology education to government school children Helping children to develop all round personality Provide financial aid to talented students and strive to endure such students do not drop out of schools Enable government school teachers to deliver high quality teaching. To this end, develop high quality teaching resources made freely available to teachers. Teachers are also supported to participate in good quality workshops and training sessions.

Many children having talent, tenacity and interest necessary to pursue studies in the fields of Mathematics, Science, Engineering or Medicine are deprived of good quality education, guidance and financial support. The goal of Pratibha Poshak is to identify highly talented students, even from remote rural areas and urban slums, and enable them to obtain high quality online education by digitally connecting them with mentors and teachers. We are embarking on this project encouraged by our experience with the Sharada Pratibha Poshan Upakram, which we have been running since 2017. What is the age-group of students admitted into programme? Students having completed 8th grade (age 14-15) are enrolled in this programme. They remain in the programme until they complete 12th grade and enter university education. How are the students selected? At the first level, we use data from National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Examination (NMMS) conducted every year by DSERT, Government of Karnataka. Students having family income of less than INR 1.5 lacs ($2,000) per year and studying in Government or Government-aided public schools are eligible to write the NMMS Examination. At the next level, we conduct an independent test where we teach them a small new topic and assess their ability to understand and apply the concept to solve non-trivial and practical problems. We also interact with the parents of selected students. Where do these students live and study? Most of these students live in villages, small towns or in urban slums and obtain completely free or very low-cost education in Government or Government-aided, vernacular medium (Kannada) schools. We plan to begin with students from Belagavi and Dharwad districts and gradually extend it to students all over the state of Karnataka. Most of these students speak Kannada, but they can understand Hindi. How are the students enabled for online learning? Every student selected for this programme is given a tablet PC (a tab) with Wi-Fi and LTE support. Students are also given network data packs. A workshop is conducted on using the device effectively for online learning. A local coordinator is assigned to resolve any difficulties they may face. What happens after these students complete their 12th grade? After the students complete their 12th grade (two years of pre-university education) in Science, we ensure that they enroll for an undergraduate programme in pure sciences, engineering or medicine as per their inclination and merit. We help these students obtain education loan from banks. Students will continue to be in touch with the respective mentors even during their undergraduate studies.

Rajalakshmi Children Foundation has been instrumental in enhancing educational infrastructure in various schools. It established a computer lab equipped with 21 NComputing terminals, a Xeon server, and necessary furniture at GKHPS Mahantesh Nagar, benefiting 8 primary schools and 2 high schools in the cluster. Additionally, RCF funded a unique Social Sciences Lab at Government High School, Vantamuri colony, aimed at aiding comprehension of cultures, dynasties, geography, and other aspects through models and charts. In Bhutaramanahatti, a small village near Belagavi, RCF contributed to the establishment of a stimulating science lab called "Paramaanu" (Atom) at the Government Kannada higher primary school. Despite its compact size, the lab is equipped with essential scientific tools like telescopes, microscopes, biological samples, chemicals, and models, inspiring students to engage in scientific exploration.

The organisation delivers healthcare services to children in government schools, aiming for prompt treatment of minor illnesses, routine oral and eye checkups, growth tracking, and collaborating with local health facilities for further care. It also identifies and addresses chronic anaemia, which can affect both physical health and cognitive development. In a collaborative effort with Lakeview Hospital, they conducted a Mega Anemia Detection Camp for 2,000 students across 10 government schools in Mahantesh Nagar, Belagavi. Results revealed that 40% of children were anaemic, prompting immediate action: 110 severely anaemic children received specialized haematinics for three months under close supervision, while those with mild to moderate conditions were educated about iron-rich diets and encouraged to adhere to the Government's iron and folic acid supplement programme.

Tare Zameen Par, an initiative by the organisation, introduces digital planetariums into astronomy education. Within a short span, it has reached over 5,000 distant schools, impacting more than 1,000,000 young learners. By leveraging virtual reality, it offers an immersive educational experience, allowing exploration of distant spaces. This initiative aims to tackle the challenges unique to astronomy education by emphasizing mental model building, aligning with the core process in astronomy itself. Through digital planetarium shows and innovative outreach programs, Tare Zameen Par strives to transform education and foster immersive learning among children using science and technology kits.