The Smiley Children Society News: A Beacon of Hope for Underprivileged Children in Andhra Pradesh The Smiley Children Society, established in 2019 by founder Mr. Prudhvi Moses, stands as a testament to the transformative power of community-driven efforts. Comprising dedicated graduates from Andhra Pradesh, the Society is unwavering in its mission to improve educational access for underprivileged children in the region.
Their noble endeavours have not gone unnoticed, earning commendations from the District Project Director, a Group 1 IAS Officer of East Godavari District.
Table of Contents
Identifying the Needy
At the heart of the Society’s operations lies a meticulous process of identifying children in need. With five years of experience in the NGO education field, Mr. Prudhvi Moses leads the Society in selecting villages for their surveys. The team embarks on an area-wise survey, visiting every household to inquire about school-aged children and their attendance. Through these surveys, the team uncovers various reasons for non-attendance, including the absence of parents, single parenthood, and economic hardships that force children into labour.
Furthermore, the lack of legal documentation often presents a significant barrier to school admissions.
- Comprehensive Support: The Smiley Children Society’s support extends beyond mere identification. They provide a range of services to ensure that children have the necessary resources to attend school and thrive academically.
- Legal Documentation Assistance: Obtaining essential documents such as birth certificates, and Aadhar cards, and adding children to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) ration card is crucial for school admissions.
Smiley Children Society’s bureaucratic processes
The Society assists families in navigating bureaucratic processes to secure these documents.
School Enrollment and Supplies
Once legal documentation is in place, the Society enrols children in local government schools. To ensure that children are well-prepared for their educational journey, the Society provides uniforms, bags, and shoes annually. Additionally, stationery is distributed every three months to meet ongoing academic needs. To address nutritional needs, the Society ensures that children receive free lunches at school. They also organize free evening tuition classes, with dinner provided when sponsors are available.
Support for Vulnerable Families
Recognizing the unique challenges faced by children cared for by elderly guardians, the Society offers medical assistance and transportation to government hospitals. Volunteers play a crucial role in delivering monthly medicines on behalf of these guardians, ensuring that children’s health needs are met. Empowering Women: The Smiley Children Society understands that empowering women is key to improving family livelihoods. They plan to train women in skills such as pickle-making and stitching, enabling them to generate income and contribute to their family’s well-being.
Recognized Efforts
The Society’s efforts have garnered recognition from the District Project Director. In a show of support, the Director has pledged to provide manpower for the Society’s surveys and recommend the enrollment of identified children in government schools. Furthermore, the Director has committed to taking action against businesses employing child labour, including cancelling their licenses if necessary.
This partnership signifies a significant step towards eradicating child labour and ensuring that every child has access to education.
Conclusion
The Smiley Children Society exemplifies the profound impact of community-based initiatives in addressing the educational challenges faced by underprivileged children. Through comprehensive surveys, targeted interventions, and collaborative partnerships, the Society is making significant strides in improving educational opportunities for children in rural Andhra Pradesh. Their work serves as an inspiring model for other communities, demonstrating that with dedication and collective effort, meaningful change is possible.
