Friends of Children Trust aims to provide quality education to economically disadvantaged children through sponsorship, mentoring and skill development programs. They have supported over 80 students over the years, helping them complete their education from PUC to graduate and professional degrees. The organization raises funds through personal donations and uses it to cover educational expenses like fees, books, transportation and health care for the children. It also provides mentoring sessions on academics and personality development to help students achieve their goals. While many students have gone on to get jobs in top companies, the organization faces challenges in ensuring sustainability and addressing issues like dropouts and English proficiency.

1. FoCh Day 2010 Friends of Children Trust ®

2. Our Philosophy Every child has the right to lead a quality life through a quality education.

3. We are A team of individuals from various professional backgrounds

4. Our Goal A better future for children of economically weaker sections of society through quality education Our Approach Personal and professional development through sponsorship, motivation and mentoring

5. Our Inspiration Children who strive to attain their dreams despite all odds

6. Inspirational…. Meenakshi Preparing for IAS + self motivated + bagged a free scholarship for IAS coaching in Delhi. Nagarjun and Kiran First ones’ from FoCh to complete MTech from IIT Rajesh Exceptional determination shown in overcoming failures & completing PUC II Science Lohith Patent has been filed from IBM ISL

7. Inspirational…. Usha Helping FoCh with her art and creativity in events and activities Mukul Travelling >40 kms (from Doddaballapur) for volunteering Leema, Zahid Were selected in their respective companies for overseas assignments

8. Our Method Support Mentoring Selection

9. Identification Students from the nearby communities approach us directly. We approached nearby Govt Schools requesting references for students. References Schools Current and former students Prerana Volunteers, Friends and Donors

10. Selection Initial discussion with the student House visit to understand the condition of the home Discussion with the parents House visit and Assessment Recommendations

11. Support College fees Books Bus pass Skill improvement courses Health aid Partial Support Full Support Mentoring

12. Mentoring Weekend sessions at St. Teresa’s Academic Personality development Goal setting Interactions with parents Exposure visits and team building activities

13. Funding and its usage Fund raising is through personal contacts The funding is used for Fees Books Bus pass Lunch expenses for the children on Sundays Health Aid We have no overheads

14. Journey over the years … 83 students 67 girls, 16 boys

15. Students and courses – 2009-10

16. Financials Total expenditure : ` 4.61 lakh

17. Activities Regular mentoring – all Sundays BOOTCAMP – Personality development course by Oracle volunteers Disha Science workshop Science Exhibition Exposure visits and Outings have been planned Keeping in touch with passed out students – alumni group, placement assistance

18. Spreading the word Participation in Sunfeast Marathon Run 80 participants supporting our cause

19. Spreading the word … Times of India : City of Angels 31 st May

20. Graduates Praveen: 70% (BCom) Nishanti: 63% (BA) Shakthi: 61% (BBM) Shashi: 84% (BSc)

21. PUC Results Distinction : Vasanth Kumar ( 89% ) First class : Krishnaveni(72.5%), Kiran Kumar(65%), Suma(60.5%) Others (passed): Shantha Kumari, Nithya, Preetu, Usha M, Shalini R, Nalini, Shubapriya Yet to clear : 4 students

22. Top scorers in individual subjects Krishnaveni Kannada ( 90/100 ) Vasanth Kumar English: (74/100) Accounts: (95/100) Business Studies: (92/100) Economics: (90/100)

23. Successes and Challenges Our students are working with – Alcatel, Nokia Siemens, Oracle, HP, Amicorp, IBM, Bangalore Hospital, Citrix, BEL, TIDE, … Students looking beyond graduation M.Com, MBA, CA foundation, IAS, CPA, … Worked as informal group of volunteers for 10 years Sustainability: Students coming back and volunteering Improving Volunteer Student Ratio Addressing Drop out triggers Improving English & Computer skills

24. Our Requirements Projector Classroom presentation Jobs Part time, summer jobs, Graduates Volunteers Mentoring Personality development English classes Commerce/Science streams Skill training Laptops Basic computer skills

25. Our Thanks… St. Teresa Girls High School Donors Prerana Colleges - especially BMS, MES College Synopsys - Disha Iquest Belaku Dream School Foundation Anjula Gurtoo, Assistant Professor, Indian Institute of Science TOI Students!

26. Thank You Friends of Children http://friendsofchildrentrust.org [email_address]