A library at his fingertips

Anmol-Vaid
Doesn’t Anmol look like a model student? When we visited the Pratham Center, we found Anmol delving through the center’s collection of books, picking out another story to read. The boy loves the center’s rich collection of books — it allows him to explore his passion for reading and writing. Anmol’s teachers say that he is a creative, thoughtful child with a unique understanding of the world. Reading and painting are two of his talents, and he aspires to become a writer.

You would never guess that Anmol first came to the Pratham Center because he was struggling in school. 10 year old Anmol is a student in Pratham’s Early Literacy and Numeracy Program (Balwachan), which is designed specifically for first and second grade students that are falling behind. Balwachan helps children develop and improve upon their reading and writing skills, recognize numbers up to 50, and solve simple addition and subtraction problems.

Balwachan includes creative learning activities that are not often part of the government school curriculum. Pratham aims to build both literacy skills and self-confidence through activities such as Picture Reading, where a child builds a story through pictures, and Story Time, where the students tell their own tale. Students also learn the concept of time and how to tell time.

For more uplifting stories and to see how your donation is making a difference, please visit the Pratham Readathon 2013 Campaign page and scroll to the stories section at the bottom of the page.




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Never too soon to start succession planning!

Chirag
The teachers at Trilok Puri already have a successor — Chirag! Indeed, the seven year old boy has decided to become a teacher to help poor children. The teachers at the center have been able to give him the special care and attention he needs, and Chirag has become a very good student.

Chirag is a student in Pratham’s Early Literacy and Numeracy Program (Balwachan), which is designed specifically for first and second grade students that are falling behind. Balwachan helps children develop and improve upon their reading and writing skills, recognize numbers up to 50, and solve simple addition and subtraction problems.

Balwachan includes creative learning activities that are not often part of the government school curriculum. Pratham aims to build both literacy skills and self-confidence through activities such as Picture Reading, where a child builds a story through pictures, and Story Time, where the students tell their own tale. Students also learn the concept of time and how to tell time.

Chirag’s hobbies include solving puzzles, coloring and reading story books.

For more uplifting stories and to see how your donation is making a difference, please visit the 2013 Readathon Campaign page and scroll to the stories section at the bottom of the page.




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Presenting a future “famous doctor”

Hanok
Seven year old Hanok is a student in Pratham’s Early Literacy and Numeracy Program (Balwachan), which is designed specifically for first and second grade students that are falling behind in their studies. Balwachan helps children develop and improve upon their reading and writing skills, recognize numbers up to 50, and solve simple addition and subtraction problems.

Balwachan includes creative learning activities that are not often part of the government school curriculum. Pratham aims to build both literacy skills and self-confidence through activities such as Picture Reading, where a child builds a story through pictures, and Story Time, where the students tell their own tale. Students also learn the concept of time and how to tell time.

Hanok is an enthusiastic learner — he enjoys his classes so much that he comes to the center every day. You may be surprised by his favorite aspect of his school – his teachers! He is delighted to see them each day. And his teachers are equally impressed with him, even if he needs to work on his concentration.

When Hanok grows up, he doesn’t just want to become a doctor, he wants to become “a famous doctor.”

For more uplifting stories and to see how your donation is making a difference, please visit http://pratham.seeyourimpact.org/readathon2013/ and scroll to the stories section at the bottom of the page.




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Creating problem solvers

Himanshu-Manesh
Himanshu Mahesh looks up from a puzzle he has just completed. Solving them is his favorite activity at the center, he tells us.

Seven year old Himanshu is a student in Pratham’s Early Literacy and Numeracy program (Balwachan), which is designed specifically for first and second grade students that are falling behind. Balwachan helps children develop and improve upon their reading and writing skills, recognize numbers up to 50, and solve simple addition and subtraction problems.

When Himanshu first came to the Pratham center, he was struggling with English and Math. His teachers commend him on his remarkable improvement, and he now has a firm grasp on all subjects.

Balwachan includes creative learning activities that are often not part of the government school curriculum. Pratham aims to build both literacy skills and self-confidence through activities such as Picture Reading, where a child builds a story through pictures, and Story Time, where the students tell their own tale. Students also learn the concept of time and how to tell the time.

When he grows up, Himanshu wants to join the army and serve the country.

For more uplifting stories and to see how your donation is making a difference, please visit http://pratham.seeyourimpact.org/readathon2013/ and scroll to the
stories section at the bottom of the page.




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A future leader

Dhruv
When we first encounter Dhruv, he is animatedly playing and laughing with his little sister and a group of children. He is a social little boy — his favorite part of the day is meeting other young children. But don’t let this animated little joker fool you — according to his teachers, Dhruv is an exceptionally talented student. And his aspirations are noble — Dhruv wants to be an army officer when he grows up.

Seven year old Dhruv is a student in Pratham’s Early Literacy and Numeracy program (Balwachan), which is designed specifically for first and second grade students that are falling behind. Balwachan helps children develop and improve upon their reading and writing skills, recognize numbers up to 50, and solve simple addition and subtraction problems.

Balwachan includes creative learning activities that are often not part of the government school curriculum. Pratham aims to build both literacy skills and self-confidence through activities such as Picture Reading, where a child builds a story through pictures, and Story Time, where the students tell their own tale. Students also learn the concept of time and how to tell the time.

For more uplifting stories and to see how your donation is making a difference, please visit http://pratham.seeyourimpact.org/readathon2013/ and scroll to the
stories section at the bottom of the page.




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Manish has stars in his eyes

Manish
Eight year old Manish is a student in Pratham’s Early Literacy and Numeracy program (Balwachan), which is designed specifically for first and second grade students that are falling behind. Balwachan helps children develop and improve upon their reading and writing skills, recognize numbers up to 50, and solve simple addition and subtraction problems.

Balwachan includes creative learning activities that are not often part of the government school curriculum. Pratham aims to build both literacy skills and self-confidence through activities such as Picture Reading, where a child builds a story through pictures, and Story Time, where the students tell their own tale. Students also learn the concept of time and how to tell the time.

Manish’s favorite subject is Hindi, and he has proved to be a very talented writer. He also loves solving puzzles. When we first met Manish, he tells us enthusiastically about his dreams for the future. ‘When I grow up, I will be a doctor, and I will treat poor people!’

For more uplifting stories and to see how your donation is making a difference, please visit http://pratham.seeyourimpact.org/readathon2013/ and scroll to the
stories section at the bottom of the page.




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Back on track

Kamlesh
Nine year old Kamlesh studies in grade three in a low economic neighborhood of the Pansar District of Gandhinagar, the capital of Gujarat, India.

A Pratham intervention in that area showed that his learning level was way below his grade level, which meant that he was far from knowing or understanding what a third grader should know.

This was a major eye opener for his parents, who immediately decided to enroll him in a Pratham Learning Camp.

The pre-test conducted on day one of the learning camp showed that Kamlesh could only read single words and count numbers from 1 to 99. During the course of the camp, he was grouped with other children who were at the same level as him and taught via Pratham’s teaching methodology.

What a difference one week of teaching can make. By the end of the camp, Kamlesh could read full paragraphs and do addition and subtraction. And now, he knows all his numbers up to 1,000. In fact, all school lessons are easier for Kamlesh now.

Thanks to your donation, Kamlesh is a happy, confident learner. Thank you for making this possible.

For more uplifting stories and to see how your donation is making a difference, please visit http://pratham.seeyourimpact.org/readathon2013/ and scroll to the stories section at the bottom of the page.




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An artist in the making

Afzal
Three year old Afzal loves to draw.

The first thing he shows us when we enter the class is a picture he drew of Doraemon. Afzal loves watching mythological shows on television and is very inspired by Chhota Bheem. In a span of 20 minutes, he draws a series of things for us — fruits like mangoes, apples and bananas, things that he has watched on television as well as things that he sees around him such as trees and cars.

Afzal is part of the Pratham Balwadi Program, which helps pre-school children develop good school habits, including physical, social, emotional and cognitive development.

His teachers agree that he will become a great artist one day. “His observation skills and keenness to draw are no ordinary signs,” says his teachers as Afzal is engrossed in his sketch. “I have to force him to participate in activities apart from drawing and painting, as those are important too,” she adds.

Afzal wants to be Ravaan when he grows up!

Thanks to your donation, Afzal is a happy, confident learner, and a budding artist too. Thank you for making this possible.

For more uplifting stories and to see how your donation is making a difference, please visit http://pratham.seeyourimpact.org/readathon2013/ and scroll to the stories section at the bottom of the page.




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Himanshu learns and plays at the same time!

Himanshu
Pratham’s unique teaching style suits seven year old Himanshu very well. He likes doing activities through a method that allows him to combine play with work:  “It is fun as well as learning for me,” he says.  His teachers are very impressed with the boy’s academic ability — he learns quickly, and rarely forgets.

School wasn’t always easy for Himanshu. He joined Pratham’s Early Literacy and Numeracy program (Balwachan) because he was falling behind after just one year of school. Balwachan helps children develop and improve upon their reading and writing skills, recognize numbers up to 50, and solve simple addition and subtraction problems.

Balwachan includes creative learning activities which are not often part of the government school curriculum. Pratham aims to build both literacy skills and self-confidence through activities such as Picture Reading, where a child builds a story through pictures, and Story Time, where the students tell their own tale. Students also learn the concept of time and how to tell time.

What does the future hold for Himanushu? We hope to see him in uniform one day. He wants to join the police in order to keep the city safe.

For more uplifting stories and to see how your donation is making a difference, please visit the 2013 Readathon Campaign and scroll to the stories section at the bottom of the page.




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Discovering hidden talents

rsz_1gungun-300x224
Gungun is six years old and a student in Pratham’s Early Literacy and Numeracy program (Balwachan.) Gungun struggled in school and quickly fell behind, but now he is a model student. Through Pratham’s after-school program, Gungun has a newfound confidence and enthusiasm in the classroom.

Balwachan is designed specifically for Grade 1 and 2 students who are falling behind. The program helps children develop and improve upon their reading and writing skills, recognize numbers up to 50, and solve simple addition and subtraction problems. Balwachan includes creative learning activities which are not often part of the government school curriculum.

With Pratham’s help, children that normally struggle with the public schools’ systems can flourish in a creative and open environment. Gungun loves math and hopes to be a doctor one day. Thank you for supporting Gungun so he can receive a well-rounded education.

For more uplifting stories and to see how your donation is making a difference, please visit http://pratham.seeyourimpact.org/readathon2013/ and scroll to the
stories section at the bottom of the page.




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