Annual Reports

Annual Report 2020-2021

April 1, 2021

Dear All, This year has been a difficult one for us all. Owing to the ongoing pandemic the National Society for Clean Cities – India Childrens’ Complex had to shut down all activities – Balwadis as well as vocational courses – and observe government regulations and protocols.

Over this time we have, however, supported all our staff, paying them full salaries through challenging circumstances. Whenever possible rations were distributed and we are very grateful to our many supportive donors for stepping in with supplies, toys, hygiene kits, gifts for children over the festive period and much more.

Online classes for our children commenced in October 2020 and were made possible by the remarkable team effort of our teachers and parents, ably supported and assisted by the computer department who worked tirelessly to make it possible. In view of the unprecedented times and difficult financial circumstances faced by our parents, we took a collective decision not to charge for admissions this year.

Details of all our activities are listed within the Annual Report.

I would like to thank our Trustees, members of the Executive Committee, General body members, all our office staff who were our true heroes and rallied round to keep the premises in good order, our dedicated team of teachers and our Director Ms. Joline Aranha who coordinated all the activities and challenges we faced and kept us informed.

We hope, that going forward, we shall be able to resume all our activities when the situation permits.

Kulsum Dubash
President

NATIONAL SOCIETY FOR CLEAN CITIES-INDIA (NSCCI)
Children’s Complex (Aurobindo Bal Kendra), Bandra East

ANNUAL REPORT 2020-2021

Report for the period – March 16th, 2020 to July 28th, 2020

Owing to the ongoing Covid pandemic the Children’s Complex was closed and all activities suspended in accordance with Government regulations.

No fees were collected for any of the programmes – Balwadis, Creative Art Centre, Vocational Training, Computer Centre, Remedial Teaching and Spoken English Classes.

Salaries were paid in full to all staff membes including retainers, Mr. Gopal our Accountant, watchmen and 14 part time daily wage Helpers.

Administrative staff – Ms. Joline, Mrs. Siena, Ms. Deepa, Mr. Gopalkrishnan, Mrs. Vaishnavi reported to the office from June 19th 2020 twice or thrice a week initially – observing social distancing norms and wearing masks. Balwadi Teachers also reported to the Children’s Complex to prepare reports and assessment papers for their students for last year and handed them over to the parents. Art Teacher, Ms. Vijaya used to guide the senior students through online classes.

Our daily wage Helpers who stayed near the Complex tended to the garden and toilets two to three times a week. They were served with tea and biscuits.

Watchman, Mr. Anwar Khan, in addition to his duties, took responsibility of the premises while also delivering documents when necessary to the Trustees.

Auditing of our accounts was completed on 14th July.

Dr. (Mrs.) Rakhee Vakil and Mr. Sameer Vakil distributed provisions to many needy parents on two occasions and also to our staff.

Saffola Oats and ‘khichdi’ packets were also distributed to the helpers and needy boys of the Art Class through the kind courtesy of Mr. Satish Tripathi on three occasions, while Mrs. Usha Devnani was instrumental in arranging for provisions and masks that were distributed among our Balwadi Staff and children.

OUR PROGRAMMES:

PRE-SCHOOL (BALWADI)

Play school classes were totally closed down and will continue for another year or two. After the distribution of progress reports for the last academic year, we received many enquiries from parents on admissions. Over the months of September, October and November we registered 151 children for online classes. Teachers were given the option to work from home or from the Complex.

From October 19th, 2020, we commenced online classes for 43 kids in Junior KG and 60 in Senior KG. Online classes for the Nursery group began from 19th November for 17 children. It was a big step forward as our Computer Section team were a tremendous support to our teachers and parents in this initiative.

On an average each teacher worked with 15 children. We received a very positive feedback from the parents who were very happy and collaborated with the teachers at the end of each day. Online classes began with Assembly after which, through a video, the child did oral learning followed by written work through a screen shot. Regular meetings with the parents were held to ascertain the progress of the child following the online classes. 50+ parents attended the meeting adhering to SOPs.

Our teachers used the Navneet Teachers Online Classes App and YouTube videos to prepare for online sessions. Each day’s session was for about 20-25 minutes. The teachers attended school four days a week from October 5th, despite the fact that 3 of the 11 teachers travel from far, by public transport. From November, Teachers were offered the option to work from home or from the school. Books were distributed to the students of Nursery, Junior K.G. and Senior K.G.

Owing to the Pandemic and the unprecedented conditions prevailing, our Trustees made a decision to offer classes free of charge to our Balwadi children this year.

Thanks to Mr. Jinson of YMCA Khar Danda Centre we were introduced to The Breakfast Revolution Programme for underprivileged and malnourished children. In association with Decimal Foundation, an agreement was signed to provide a month’s provision of breakfast to 175 children over a period of 8 months. Their height and weight was recorded at the start of the program. Breakfast boxes were distributed at our Centre each month very systematically, whilst maintaining all protocols. The programme commenced in September 2020 and continued till April 2021. The height, weight and health of each participating child was monitored by 7 doctors in attendance.

Diwali break was between 13th to 16th November.

Thanks to the generosity of Ms. Arti Vakil of Wishing Well Foundation, Mr. Shabbir Karachiwalla, Mr. Khozem Chibba and Ms. Rashida Anees, our children received hygiene kits, snack packets, shoes and a gift item containing a drawing and colouring book with colour pencils and crayons etc. which was in keeping with the Christmas spirit of sharing and caring. We are grateful to Mrs. Khushie Curmally of West Wind School and Association for her generous donation and for the 600 toy sets and to Mrs. Rekha Talpade, Head Mistress, Cathedral and John Connon Pre Primary School for donating 100 chairs and a Jungle Gym for our Play Park.

MEDICAL CENTRE

During the period September 2020 to March 2021 a total of 280 patients, including staff members, were treated.

CREATIVE ART CENTRE

Over the years, our students have won over 3600 prizes and trophies in local, national and international competitions. The Centre was not active due to Covid-19. However 11 children attend privately online classes daily conducted by Team Spreading Smiles (TSS).

We are happy to report that –

At the state level All India Camel Colour Contest, three of our students won first prizes and two of them second prizes – Krupa Kadam, Maqdoom Ali, Sohail Shaikh, Vikrant Sahani and Sandeep Kori.

11 students are attending online art workshop organized by TSS from 16th June. In the online art competition for NGOs, Grishma Rane and Sandika Acharya won first prizes. Snigdha Shetty and Mehul Khushwa won second prizes

Sumay Yadav and Sandika Acharya won first prizes in an online drawing competition organized by Chetana College of Commerce and Economics.

11 students participated in a Poster making competition on the theme, ‘Climate Change and the Environment on the occasion of World’s Children’s Day on November 20 organised by UNICEF.

Kirtikumar Prajapati passed 2nd Year Diploma in Fine Art in First Class. Shweta Ambadaskar passed in First Class the Art Teacher Diploma Course and Rajesh Kore and Harshada Rane passed with Second Class. The Art Teacher Ms. Vijaya attended an Art Teacher’s Meet on Zoom orgainsed by Camlin on 17th September.

An online Art Competition on the theme of Christmas was held on 26th December in our Complex in association with Lions Club of Juhu. 50 children were invited by the Art Teacher to participate in a Zoom Meet set up by Dr. (Mrs.) Rakhee Vakil. The competition began at 10:00 a.m. The children enthusiastically participated and it was unique, interesting and wonderful to see them painting online. The parents were asked to come with their paintings to the Children’s Complex the same day for the prize distribution. Strict social distancing and sanitizing norms were maintained. Each participant was given a mask, Santa cap, a cup cake and a big travelling bag. There were three prizes in each of the three groups and the prize winners received a Cup and a gift. Dr. Rakhee Vakil and four other Lions Club Members were present on the occasion and gave away the prizes. We are grateful to them for organizing and sponsoring the entire event.

Shubham Mali, a senior art student took admission for the Art Teacher Diploma at Vikasini Kala Mahavidyalaya, Vasai.

Triya and Mehul were winners in the World Art Day competition on the theme, “What Covid-19 means to me”.

Our senior students, Kirti Kumar appeared for Advance Fine Art Exam, Shubham Mali for ATD (First Year Exam) and Durgesh Wagh for the Foundation Art Exam.

CHILDREN’S LIBRARY:

No activities were undertaken in the Library due to the lockdown but the Librarian assisted in the online Balwadi admissions and the breakfast programme from September once or twice a week. 5 children took admission at the end of January for remedial teaching. All social distancing norms were followed.

COMPUTER EDUCATION:

Our Computer Centre is a recognized Centre for the MS-CIT examination by the Maharashtra Knowledge Corporation Ltd. (MKCL). They conduct the examinations and conferences at our Centre. MKCL conducted training sessions for our Teachers and Co-ordinator during the lockdown. The Computer Teachers came in regularly from August to train the old and new students online. These students were called on alternate days, 8 students per day.

During the year, 38 new students enrolled for the MS-CIT course, 1 for Graphic Designing and 6 students for Tally ERP9, 1 for Klic Diploma and 3 for Advance Excel. The examination for MS-CIT students was held in October for the students who were supposed to appear for the exam in March 2020, just when the lockdown began.

Two SBU ALC LLC Meetings and one training programme was attended online by the Computer Co-ordinator.

The Centre received Rs.7573/- as PPF Award. Rs.5000/- was refunded to the Society from the study material amount. The Centre also received the Business Booster Award of Rs.4728/-.

9 students received scholarships from Lions Club of Juhu and 49 students received scholarships from Ammada Trust. 6 computers were donated by the Trust.

SKILL ORIENTED COURSES:

Mrs. Amita Bhosale, In Charge of Vocational Training Courses and the Tailoring Teacher started attending from 17th November 2020. 4 students who had not completed the course because of the lockdown rejoined the class. Attempts were made to admit new students and to contact the remaining students, many of whom have returned to their villages.

Tailoring Class:

17 students completed the 6-month Certificate Course in Tailoring and Fashion Designing.

Mehendi:

9 students completed the 2-month Mehendi course.

Beauty Culture:

7 students completed the Beauty Culture course.

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES – TABLA& KATHAK DANCE:

The Dance Centre remained closed due to Covid. Ours is a recognized Centre for Examinations conducted by Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya (Deemed University) in Kathak Dance and Tabla. 4 students appeared for the Practical Examination in Kathak and Tabla on 26th February 2021. One student received Distinction, one First Class and one Third Class. The Tabla student got a Second Class.

OUR CELEBRATIONS:

Republic Day :

The National Flag was hoisted by our General Body Member, Mrs. Usha Devyani. The National Anthem was followed by the Jhanda Geet and other patriotic songs by our Balwadi Teachers. We were happy to have with us 7 members of Robin Hood Army, thanks to the courtesy of Mrs. Usha Devnani, who planted a few saplings of flowering trees. Only the staff and daily wage helpers attended. They were given snacks after the programme.

Founder’s Day:

Founder's day was celebrated on 18th February as 19th was a holiday. All present offered a small prayer in remembrance and sang a few songs that were the favourite of our Founder President.

STAFF MATTERS:

Administration : Mrs. Siena Pereira, Office Administrator attended office regularly during the lockdown for office work. She prepared the Application for tax exemption under Section 197 of the IT Act and assisted our Auditor, Mr. Saurabh Bhat whenever required. Besides, office routine work, Siena had drafted prepared all letters, reports and other documents especially with regard to the donation from Kotak Mahindra Bank. She has filled in the applications for Fixed Deposits placements and renewals and liaised with HDFC officials for the same.

Ms. Joline Aranha retired on 13th November as she completed 58 years of age. She handed over charge to Mrs. Siena Pereira, Office Administrator. She was given a break and was taken back from 1st January 2021. She helped the Society on important matters especially with regard to medical and financial help to deserving members of the staff.

Kitchen Staff & Daily Wage Workers: Mrs. Vaibhavi, Head Cook and Mrs. Pranali, Asst. Cook attended on alternate days to prepare lunch and tea for the watchmen, gardeners and a few staff members. Our daily wage Balwadi Helpers did a commendable job of sweeping and clearing the garden spending two hours every morning. Tea and biscuits were served to them.

Our deep gratitude to all the Trustees, Members of the General Body, the staff and all donors who have been helping us year after year. Special mention must be made of our regular donors, H.T. Parekh Foundation, Bombay Gow Rakshak Trust, Kotak Mahindra Bank and Bombay YMCA.

(Mrs.) Licy BharuchaHon. Secretary

Report of Khar Danda Centre for the year 2020 – 21

Khar Danda Centre organized several phases of relief operations for the residents of the eleven slums surrounding it. We were able to provide them with dry rations and groceries. Cooked meals were distributed to several slum dwellers, daily wage earners, migrant workers, street beggars, rag pickers and construction workers, etc. The activities and programmes organized during the year are listed below:

Food Grain Kit Distribution: With help of our well-wishers and donors we distributed the food grain kit to 1000 needy and deserving families from our community during April 2020 to August 2020. Vastra Charitable trust, Life Foundation, Muthoot Finance and Srujana Trust were the major sponsors’ of this distribution.

Cooked Meal:With help of our VTC Teachers, Balwadi helpers and Ketsugo senior students we distributed 6000 packets of cooked meal in May 2020. Rotary Club of Versova sponsored this distribution programme.

Cloth Mask Distribution:During the month of June 2020 Khar Danda Centre had distributed 1000 mask to 500 community women. This was sponsored by Vastra Charitable Trust.

Corn Flakes Distribution:During the months of June and July 2020 Khar Danda Centre had distributed 500 packets of Corn Flakes and 500 packets of Chocos to our Balwadi Children with the help of Decimal Foundation.

Rotary Annapoorna Meal Distribution held in July 2020, with help of our local volunteers from the Khar Danda Centre distributed 9500 packets of cooked meals to needy and deserving people in the area of Khar Danda, Gazdhar Bandh, Varin Pada, Patil Pada, Madhla Pada, Gulab Nagar &Chuim Village.

Iron Folic Tablet Distribution:On 3rd and 4th August 2020, Khar Danda Centre distributed 1000 strips of Iron Folic Tablets to community ladies who were anaemic. The tablets were sponsored by Decimal Foundation.

Independence Day Celebration:Mr. Sandeep Agarwal Trustee of Vastra Charitable Trust hoisted the flag on the occasion of Independence Day at YMCA Khar Danda Centre. Refreshments were distributed to all participants.

Free COVID 19 Testing Camp:KharDanda Centre organized COVID-19 testing camp in collaboration with BMC health department H/West ward for KharDanda Community on 26th September 2020. 50 people had come for rapid antigen testing and RT-PCR testing. Subsequent follow up for the positive cases done by the Health Department. MLA Adv. Ashish Shelar visited our Center during this camp.

Free Lawn Tennis Coaching has been started for KharDanda Community kids since 20th January 2021 with the help of Trinity Tennis Academy. Kits were sponsored by Cedar Tennis Academy. Total 30 underprivileged boys and girls getting benefit out of this programme.

Republic Day Celebration:Mr.Niles Gonsalves (Hon. Treasurer) hoisted the flag on the occasion of Republic Day. Mrs. Fouzia Gonsalves & Mr.Stanislaus Louis were present. Refreshments were distributed to all staffs.

Basketball coaching for underprivileged: We have started coaching for 7 KharDanda children for free from1st February 2021. This coaching was held twice a week for 1 hour each (Fridays and Saturdays).

Farmer’s Market: Earth – friendly and organic Farmer’s Market (Ms. Kavita Mukhi) is being held on every Sundays for our neighbours since 6th December 2020 from 9 am to 4 pm. More than 500 people visit this weekly market for purchasing various products arranged by different vendors.

RECYCLE – Collection Drive:

With the help of 5-RCYCLE Foundation, collection drives (e-waste and dry waste) were organised for our neighbouring societies on following dates: 13/02, 21/02, 14/03 and 28/03. This was organized to create awareness of 5R- Refuse, Reduce, Repurpose, Recycle and Reuse which leads to a Greener earth. The feedback from the community was remarkable.

REPORT OF THE GHATKOPAR BRANCH FOR THE YEAR 2020 – 2021

During this past year, the COVID-19 pandemic has turned our lives upside down and changed not just the way we live and work but also how we think and behave. Every part of the world has been affected, and every aspect of life has been impacted. Our everyday routines were brought to a stop in mid-March 2020, and all sense of normalcy was lost. While we stop and look back, we cannot help but realize that we cannot take anything for granted. But however the past year during the pandemic has been a great time of challenge and learning.

Since all the activities at not only our Centre but all over had come to a standstill due to the Lockdown announced by the government, it was a time to respond to our calling; Isaiah 61:2 “…… to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and to provide for those who grieve in….” Shops were closed, public transport was suspended. Efforts to reduce the spread of the virus, included physical distancing, quarantine, and stay-at-home orders. Everyone was asked to stay inside their homes with whatever provisions that they had. Migrant workers had no jobs, few provisions and no way to go back to their homes. It was during this time many organisations came forward to do the relief work and Bombay YMCA units networked with Rotary clubs in Mumbai with their volunteer force and joined the relief work by distributing cooked food to the needy in the pavements and slum. We have catered to around 4500 persons.

Our Centre also joined with Muthoot Finance in distributing provisions for the deserving community members in and around our Centre. A total of 700 kits were distributed through our Centre

During our COVID 19 relief programs at Ghatkopar, on 12th April 2020, we came across this lovely little girl, Miss. Sureka V. Londhe, with a delightful smile that captured our hearts and thus became a poster girl for our relief drive. The girl coming from a poor background has been sponsored for her studies with help of the Rotary Club of Mumbai Queen’s Necklace and has now been secured admission at Divine KG Class, Pestom Nagar, Chembur.

During the lockdown period, online Basketball coaching was conducted for our youth members and when the lockdown was eased out gradually starting September 2020; physical activities at the Centre resumed.

Though the lockdown period was challenging, it had its own impact. The response for physical activities like coaching in Basketball, Roller skating classes and Martial Arts was phenomenal. Since Government had placed a restriction on numbers for maintaining social distancing, in the gymnasium we were able to streamline members in one hour’s batch each which helped the members who were serious about their workouts.

Starting of Computer training classes for the community: We have received a donation from Sumitomo Corporation India PVT. Ltd. for purchase of 4 computers, 1 printer, 1 Overhead projector, 4 computer tables and a Laptop to be utilized to serve the students who are not able to afford a personal computer of their own.

Our deep gratitude to our Donors……

1. Kotak Mahindra Bank

2. Bombay Gow Rakshak Trust

3. Bombay Young Men’s Christian Association

4. Ammada Trust

5. Mrs. Rashida Anees

6. The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Ltd.

7. Mrs. Saroja Iris Melville

8. Mr. Imran Ali Khan

9. Mrs. Indrani Alikhan

10. Mr. K. Kasthuri through Mr. Srikkanth

11. Mr. Alan Lobo

12. DR. (Mrs.) Licy Bharucha

13. Dr. M.R. Khwaja

14. Mrs. Nayar

15. Mr. Ajay Sanghavi and Mr.Manish Kapasi

16. Helping Hands Foundation through Mr. Anil Hebbar

17. West Wind School – Mrs. Khushie Curmally

18. Mr. A.B. Dubash

19. Lions Club of Juhu

20. Dr. (Mrs.) Rakhee Vakil

21. Mr. Shabir Karachiwalla

22. Mr. Khozem Chibba

23. Ms. Ambika Chauhan Aibara

24. Mr. Narendra Dangarwalla

25. Mr. Arun Kapur

26. Mr. Ranjit Singh Daggar/Usha

27. Mr. Hoshie H. Malgham

28. Mrs. Rekha Talpade, Cathedral & John Connon Pre-Primary School

29. Mr. Satish Tripathi

30. Ms. Arti Vakil, Wishing Well Foundation

31. Ms. Namitha S. Shankar

32. Well-wishers and friends of the Society

27th August, 2021.

To
All Members of the National Council

Please find enclosed Annual Report for the period April 2020 to March 2021 for your perusal.

It was a pleasant surprise that Mrs. Siena Pereira, Office Administrator, prepared this detailed report and sent it to Mrs. Hasmina Khan and myself for approval. Thanks to her.

With regards and best wishes,

Yours sincerely,

Licy Bharucha