| |
| KidSmart Summer Camp- 2010
|
|
| Summer vacations are synonymous with summer camps. Mahindra Satyam Foundation inaugurated the KidSmart Summer Camp 2010 for economically challenged children from the surrounding communities, at the Government Primary School, Lalapet, Secunderabad, Andhra Pradesh. The camp was inaugurated on 1st May, 2010, by Mrs. Zahida Begum, Deputy Inspector of Schools, Maredpally Mandal, Hyderabad. Also present at the inauguration was Mrs. Varalakshmi Mittinti, Sr. Manager, HR (US Immigration), Mahindra Satyam and Mrs. G. Savithri, Head Mistress of the school. There was an overwhelming response from children living in the vicinity of the School. Over 152 children aged between 4-12 years registered for the 35 days summer camp. On an average, 70 children attended the camp regularly. Speaking on the occasion, Mrs. Zahida Begum appreciated the services of Mahindra Satyam Foundation in supporting the children of under privileged of the society. She commended the Foundation’s efforts of educating the child with play and fun, providing them an opportunity to develop their creativity and talent during the vacations at the IBM KidSmart summer camp. She requested the Foundation to set up more KidSmart centers in the city.
|
|
| Mr. G. Indu Prasad, an avid volunteer from Mahindra Satyam BPO, Ms. Y. Sita Sravanthi, Volunteer from Mahindra Satyam, Ms. P. Ramamani, Vidya Volunteer for the Kidsmart center, Ms. Srivalli and Mr. Narsing Rao from Mahindra Satyam Foundation were also present on the occasion.
|
|
| The objective of the summer camp is to create an opportunity for urban school children from underprivileged communities to have fun while learning and discover new things. They are given an opportunity to learn to draw, paint, improve their reading and writing skills, learn puppetry, learn to use the computer, play games and sports etc. 20 Mahindra Satyam volunteers also attended the camp sharing their talent across crafts, songs, games etc.
|
|
| The children were formed into groups according to their age, with a leader nominated for each group. Activities for each day were planned according to the age of the children. A typical day at the camp started with a prayer followed by reading the news paper for 20 minutes. Small children were regaled with moral stories. The children took turns to spend half an hour each day at the KidSmart Young explorer Units. Assisted by the center vidya volunteer, the children had hands-on experience navigating the programs, learning to use the computers and having fun. Even children who attended convent schools were amazed at the technology and the software available.
|
|
| Family volunteer Mrs. Padmaja conducted sessions on Memory games, Fun games, Craft activities and trained the kids in Paper crafts, hand bags, decorative items made out of waste material etc., Children prepared beautiful and creative crafts after her sessions which are displayed in the Kidsmart center.
|
|
| Around 20 Mahindra Satyam associates participated in the summer camp every Saturday, interacted with every child, assessed their psychology, motivated them towards brighter future and conducted competitions, distributed prizes, biscuits & chocolates. Volunteers also brought home made food for the kids and enjoyed by playing with them from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.
|
|
| The children had a chance to play all the traditional games like hide & seek, snake & ladder, skipping, hop scotch, cycling, as well as chess, word puzzles, volley ball, caroms, tug of war, cricket, disk throw, running, frog jump, book balancing, lemon & spoon, musical chairs, blind folded walking and many more games, thoroughly enjoyed by the children.
|
|
| 108 ambulance along with the staff were invited to the summer camp who demonstrated emergency responding methods to the children. They also learnt why emergency services were needed, what constitute emergency situations, how the call center works, and facilities available in the ambulance etc.,
|
|
| Since the camp was conducted during summer, a Medical officer and staff from Government Hospital, Lalapet Secunderabad visited the Kidsmart center. Dr. Renuka and her team demonstrated the methods of stopping nosebleeds during summer and also explained how to protect themselves from summer heat to prevent sunstrokes. Dr. Renuka appreciated the services rendered by Mahindra Satyam Foundation for underprivileged children.
|
|
| Mr. Narra Bhupathi Reddy, President of Andhra Pradesh Upadhyaya Sangham, Hyderabad Unit, regaled the children with stories about heroes of Indian history and the sacrifices they made for the mother land, and moral stories. Similarly, Mr. C. Yadagiri, Administrative officer, Mahaboob College & High School, Secunderabad, taught inspirational and patriotic songs, conducted quiz on Indian traditions, Historic places and General Knowledge sessions.
|
|
| The valedictory function on June 5, 2010, marking the end of the summer camp was a gala affair. Mr. V.C. Kumar, Head & COO, Mahindra Satyam Foundation was Chief Guest. Mrs. G. Savithri, Head Mistress, Lalapet School; and Mahindra Satyam associates and their parents were also at the function. Children presented dances and songs, prizes were given away to the winners of sports event. The experience was so fulfilling that the children did not want the camp to end
|
|
|
Parent speak:
|
|
|
Mr. Yogeshwar, parent of two girls, appreciated Mahindra Satyam Foundation’s efforts of organizing the summer camp with fine programs to engage the children during their vacations. This is the first time that children of Lalapet had a chance to participate in a summer camp, learning new things, having fun, playing games, all in a hilarious atmosphere. The children loved the camp so much that they attended it every day without fail.
|
|
|
Check out the pictures from the event:
|
|
 |
| |
|
About
Us
