SHAKTII

Educate. Empower. Edify.

Project SHAKTII is an after school program to empower girl students from underprivileged backgrounds. We at Shaktii believe in a hands-on learning experience that focuses on delivering a wholesome education to these bright young girls.
SHAKTII was conceived in the year 2015 to create a model for meaningful engagement of students in arena of learning and self-development. SHAKTII is presently making its impact in New City International school and Satish Haware Junior college, Kharghar. We are moving to a new location for academic year 2019-20.

We are proud and happy to announce that Shaktii has completed 4 years!

Why Shaktii?

India has an impressive enrolment rate in primary school but the rate drastically reduces especially for girls as they proceed into secondary school.

It is estimated that for every 100 girls that enroll in school in rural India, forty reach grade four, seven reach grade 8, nine reach grade 9, and only one reaches grade 12(source: Infochangeindia.com). Therefore, only 35% of girls reach the upper secondary level of education in India.

These stark statistics show that girls need support to complete their school education.

Our Vision

We at Shaktii, will educate, empower and edify girls from the underprivileged sections of the society of India through a quality holistic after-school programme.

Mission Statements

EDUCATE

Educate holistically through academic support and enrich their social skills, soft skills, life skills and sports.

EMPOWER

Empower girl students from underprivileged society by:
Providing vocational training for those who cannot pursue their studies beyond Std X or XII,
Providing financial support to bright girl students to pursue higher education.

EDIFY

Edify by motivating and guiding girl students to pursue their dreams, and providing a safe and healthy environment for them.

Objectives of Shaktii

01.

Innovation

Create academic programme and implement using innovative teaching techniques, inviting experts, and field visits throughout the academic year.

02.

Mentoring

Provide mentoring for non-academic programmes to develop social skills, soft skills, leadership skills and life skills throughout the academic year.

03.

Vocational Training

Identify girls who are unable to pursue studies beyond Std X or XII and provide and vocational training.

04.

Financial Support

Identify bright girl students and provide financial support to enable them to pursue higher education.

05.

Complete Safety

Ensure emotional and physical safety of each Shaktii student in the classroom and on field trips.

06.

Learning Environment

Provide a healthy learning environment.

07.

Role Models

Mentors to become role models to establish values like integrity, teamwork, punctuality and commitment.

Meet the Founder

The Force Behind Shaktii

Shaktii was conceived by Ms. Vimala Nandakumar in 2015 as a direct outcome of her imperative to create a model for meaningful engagement of students in learning and self-development, as well as her years of work as a Principal and Teacher in India and abroad.

Ms. Nandakumar is inspired by the life of her mother and the lack of opportunities her mother faced due to social realities, despite all the intellectual potential she possessed.

Ms. Nandakumar feels a particular urgency in ensuring that girl students have access to quality education and the opportunity for development and realisation of their potential.

Our Beginning

Where It All Started

Ujjwala Rohankar Haware is the Trustee of the school. Shaktii team is eternally grateful to her for her support

SHAKTII's first class was held on 1st July 2015 at the New City International School and Satish Haware Junior College in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai.

Classes are held by a roster of volunteer teachers and some guest teachers from 12pm - 3pm, five days a week.

Classes cover a range of extra-curricular as well as curriculum-based subject matter, experiential learning skills, activity based learning along with occasional field trips.

Making them smarter

ACTIVITIES FOR 2018-19

Orientation Week (20th June 2018) to set the tone and to begin the successful 4th year:
- Public speaking and Communication Skills
- Important skills required today. Girls had a brief exposure and were taught some basic aspects
- Baking and Card Making
- Self Defense Workshop - Basics of self defense was taught to the girls
July 2018
- Art with Heart
- English Proficiency
- We Are The World Competition
August 2018
- Celebrating Guru Purnima
- Trip to KidZania
- Parent Interaction by Aarati Savur
Sept 2018
- Annual Dental Check-up
- The "I Love India" competition
Oct 2018
- Fun with Chemistry
- Pre-Diwali Fair
Dec 2018
- Reading Session and Creative Writing
- Making Hair Sticks
- Field Trip to Yusuf Meherally Centre
Jan 2019
- Motivational Session
- Poetry Lessons
- Movie Time - Nil Battey Sannata
Feb 2019
- Silk Anniversary, girls put up a show for the Final week of Shaktii

Making them smarter

Activities 2017-2018

Learning to paint Tanjore Paintings
1st Field Trip was a visit to KIDZANIA
Session on Elevator Pitches and Poetry Appreciation
Self-Talk sessions
Apple Crumble Activity
Archaeology Activity
Role Play in Crime Scene Investigation
Fashion Show by the Girls - Theme PAPER DRAPER
Weekly Talk on Issues Related to Environment
Birthday Celebrations at every month end
Learning about festivals and celebrating at Shaktii - Ganapathy, Navratri, Diwali, Christmas
2nd field trip to Mani Bhavan
Regular Art and Craft classes (Ganesh with terracotta clay, artificial rangolis, rakhis, paper art, umbrella painting and block printing)
Celebration of 3rd Anniversary (Leather Anniversary) of Shaktii on 26th Feb 2018

Making them smarter

Activities 2015-2017

Field trip to Mani Bhawan to expose the girls to Mahatma Gandhis struggles and achievements.
Hands on experience of working with tablets /laptops
Screening of the movie "Neerja" followed by a discussion
Screening of Blue Umbrella movie followed by Project on Blue Umbrella by Ruskin Bond(reading of the novel, painting of Umbrella blue competition, learning the title song and dance to the song)
Dramatics, Clay modelling, Pottery making, Origami, Warli painting and Quilling sessions were held for the students
Pictionary game for vocabulary building; Training by expert Rupak Shah of R2G (read to grow)
Expert talks by a dentist, beautician etc
Self awareness workshop
Festival celebrations

Current Mentors

Vimala Nandakumar

In my four decades of teaching, nothing excited me as much asteaching the girls of Shaktii. I learned a lot from the girls since the inception of Shaktii.

Shaktii is three years old now. The fact that we are making a difference to the girls gives us enormous satisfaction.

We look forward to providing quality education which makes learning fun.

Kalyani Basu

Mrs.Kalyani Basu is a teacher, full-time mentor and a great supporter of Shaktii. She has helped in raising funds for Shaktii. She was looking to find a purpose in life and found that purpose when she came to Shaktii. During her first year of association with the programme, she noticed immense changes in the girls. Mrs. Basu is a science graduate and extends administrative support to the programme and also teaches the girls biology and history. She is dedicated, reliable and hard-working.

Rupali Madan

Rupali Madan is founder of ERA for WOMEN. ERA for WOMEN was established to work with and for under privileged girls, women, special kids etc. ERAТs moto is (a) reviving ancient art & culture (b) recycling & increasing awareness of eco-friendly products. Rupali is a sculptor, artist and painter pa rexcellence. She has been a mentor at Shaktii since2016.
She introduced the girls to various types of art and craft such as Rakhi Making and painting ordinary umbrella as into colourful ones. Terracotta Ganeshji making and block printing are Rupali's favourite. She helps bring out the creative side of the students with her commendable talents and patience. She continues to be an integral part of Shaktii in spite of her busy schedule.

Aparna Saxena

Aparna Saxena has been a constant supporter of Shaktii.
She was the first major donor who provided Shaktii in the initial years with stationery, library books and art materials. Last year, she sponsored the scholarships for 19 girls. She has been a true contributor in spite of being based in Jakarta and has not let distance be a hurdle in her effort to enable the dreams of young girls at Shaktii.

Priti Singh Roy

Priti took up mentorship at Shaktii as her Teacher, Guide and Mentor, Mrs Vimala Nandakumar asked her to come and join her and spend some time at SHAKTII. However, once she got into the routine, she started to enjoy every minute spent in the company of the students. Priti says "These kids give such unconditional love and respect that it can get overwhelming at times. They leave no stone unturned in appreciating your efforts to teach them"

Dr. Shubhangi Hinge

Dr.Shubhangi Hinge, a medical graduate (BAMS). did her schooling from AEJC. She was fortunate to have best teachers. One of them was Mrs.Vimala Nandkumar, who taught her maths in 9th and 12th grade (1992). After knowing about the noble work she was doing she wished to be a part of it.
She has been part time mentor at Shaktii for last 3 years. She says "Science has always fascinated me. At Shaktii, we have focused on practical knowledge. The teaching of science is incomplete without practical activities"

Lakshmi Ravindran

Lakshmi Ravindran, a banker by profession, loves to support the cause of Shaktii and she does it quietly behind the screen. She has been with Shaktii since inception. Updating the Website, FB posting, fund raising and many more tasks are managed by her. Empowerment of women and education of girls is her passion.

Dharamchand Sharma

Mr.Dharamchand Sharma, who owns and drives his taxi, hails from Himachal Pradesh. He is very patient, courteous and calm. He has been regularly providing transport to Mrs. Vimala Nandakumar and all the mentors to the centre and back for the last three years. He also makes sure that all the girls are dropped home safely in case they are not received by their parents at the gate of the centre. He has been instrumental in transporting luggage, ACS, books, shelves, etc for Shaktii. He does all of this with a smile. He contributes in a vital and unique way in educating, empowering and edifying the girls of Shaktii.

A.N.Nandakumar

I worked in Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai for over 35 years. I obtained my Ph.D. (Physics) from Mumbai University.

I am interested in being a mentor for the Shaktii After-school programme because I like to help kindle the enquiring mind in young individuals. Scientific temperament is essential in all walks of life. It is only by inquiry that knowledge can be gained. I have experience in teaching in India and abroad, matriculates, degree-holders and post-graduates on scientific topics. I expect to be able to increase the interest of the students of the Shaktii After-schoolProgramme in science and help them acquire and enhance scientific inquiry.

Neeta Rao

She holds a diploma in Early Childhood Education with 17 years of experience in teaching and pre-school teacher training. She has worked at various schools in India and abroad. Education beyond textbooks, beyond tuitions and exams is a cause she cares about. Shaktii does exactly that. A genuine after-school programme that seamlessly integrates academics and highly interactive co-curricular activities. A great learning experience for volunteers.

Vinita Dhupkar

She is a M.Tech. in Environmental Science & Engineering from IIT, Mumbai. She has appx 34 years of experience in environmental field with expertise in water and waste water treatment. Conducts various workshops and trainings on design, operation and trouble-shooting of waste water treatment plants and awareness in environment-protection. Music and Painting are her other passions.

Today, we still find discrimination between girls and boys and girls are not being treated and educated equally. It is necessary to create environment where girls will get the confidence and can make their own decisions. I joined SHAKTII as it aims to Educate, Empower and Edify girls in a happy environment.

Jai Sonwalkar

Jai has recently completed her Masters in Biodiversity. She feels everyone is a learner and feels delighted to evoke scientific curiosity in children through holistic approach. She believes Shaktii is able to identify the potential these girls have and by being part of Shaktii she can help bring about a positive difference in these girls' lives.

Lalitha Prakash

Management graduate with 27 yrs of experience in pharma Industry in senior position. Entrepreneur having own export business. She is also working as Director Student relation for Broward college South Florida - An American Undergraduate Program.

Priti Roy

Priti holds a Post Grad degree in Business Administration from University of Strathclyde and B Ed from Mumbai University. She has the experience of working in the capacity of senior Human Resource personnel for various corporates in India and abroad for 15 years. A call from her mentor Mrs Vimala Nandakumar, mentioning about Shaktii, the plans, the objectives etc and she decided that she has to dedicate some hours per week for a social cause.

Charu Joshi Trivedi

Charu holds an MPhil in Modern history and a B Ed degree. She has diplomas in classical music, light music and folk music and has sung for TV serials. She was convinced that our education system does not cater to holistic development especially for those who are underprivileged.

Plans Ahead

Open more centres (in Mumbai as well as other metros in the country)

CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING (FY20)

Training on public speaking by Geetha Poduval
Quizzing by Aparna Saxena
Story Telling by Aparna Muralidharan
Training on debating by a debating club from New York

FUND RAISING

tie-up with NGOs and Organizations to train X & XII std pass girls for employable skills.
Build a corpus for Shaktii and to also secure institutional funds for the next 3 years.
Pay honorarium to committed teachers.
Obtaining funding support from big corporates for the girls wanting to study beyond std X and XII.

BUDGET FOR 2019-2020

Shaktii has worked out a budget of Rupees 10 lakhs for this academic year and is looking forward to receiving donations to make a crucial impact in the lives of these underprivileged girls.

IMPACT STORIES...

— Aarati Chavan
— Adwita Kotian
— Raveena Lohar

— Samriti Lohat

Samriti Lohat is special in many ways. She is known for her ability to think out of the box. Her poem was published in Robinage magazine recently. She is the author of the write-up on mentors. While each girl came up on the stage and said that they want to become a doctor or a fashion designer, Samriti Lohat had something different to say.

Her wish was to help the poor in all possible ways except give them money!!!

— Pooja

Pooja is a confident, bright girl who has just gone to class X. She has been part of Shaktii classes for the past 2 years. She hails from a family with a poor economic background. She reluctantly began Shaktii classes and ever since she hasn't looked back. She has been a regular student and she has now inspired many of her friends to join the classes as well.
Her mother is proud of the vast improvement her daughter has made in the last two years In her own words, "My daughter is so confident these days that I am not scared to send her out anywhere. She can manage anything on her own. She travels everyday from Turbhe to Kharghar to get to school early in the morning. She speaks English so fluently these days and I just keep seeing her when she talks!"

Such has been the impact of Shaktii classes on Pooja, she has ensured that her younger sister has also joined the classes this term.

— Simran

Simran has just written her 9th std exam and her dream is to become an IPS officer. She has learnt to talk in English after attending Shaktii classes last year. This according to her is the first step to achieve her IPS dream. She hails from a very poor family and has a brother with whom she now practices her spoken English. She has been a regular student and plans to tell friends in 7th and 8th std to join Shaktii classes.

Her mother is extremely happy and proud of her daughter. When we met Simran's mother to ask her how Shaktii has helped Simran here is what she had to say: "She is so proud when she hears Simran speak in English eventhough she does not understand a single word. She is thankful to Shaktii for that. She was also so happy when Shaktii reimbursed Simran's fees. She and her husband are determined to make Simran an IPS officer. She is a tailor who works from home. She is ready to do 2-3 jobs to ensure Simran achieves her dream."

Help us make a difference

We are entering the fifth year with gratitude for the support we get. We hope to provide better infrastructure in the coming years, with more goals to achieve we move ahead to help the girls realize their dreams. We know you are with us in this incredible journey!

Donations for the following are welcome:
1) Scholarship - Rs 4,800 per girl
2) Field Trip(s) - Rs 10,000 per trip
3) Stationery - Rs 500 per girl
4) Transportation - Rs 14,000 per month
5) Birthday Celebrations - Rs 500 per girl
6) Prizes for Competitions - Rs 500
7) Art Class - Rs 2,500 per year
8) Corpus Fund - Min Rs.10000
8) Student of the Year - Rs. 5000
8) Laptop - Rs. 28000

Donate Now

Donations to Shaktii Girl's Education Trust are exempt from Income Tax U/S 80G of the Income Tax Act 1961 vide Certificate No.CIT(E)/80G/1695 (2015-16)/(2016-17) dated 21st December 2016.

Shaktii Girl's Education Trust does not have any other branch