Celebrating New Milestones with SMILE Foundation
The Smile Welfare Foundation, in collaboration with Namma School and the Government of Tamil Nadu, has successfully renovated WASH facilities at Mamandur and Vembakkam schools, enhancing safe and hygienic conditions for students. Our ongoing initiatives also focus on educational support and skill development for youth in the community.
Punnagai Paalam Tuition Centers
SMILE operates three evening tuition centers in Cheyyar, assisting over 60 students, with 24 from grades 9 to 12. Regular activities include general knowledge quizzes, yoga, and math table tests. In August, two new centers will open in Mamandur and Vembakkam, supporting academic growth for older students.
Sadhana Program Updates
The Sadhana-24 selection process, launched in May, received 96 applications, with 25 students selected based on merit. Of these, 12 await counseling for placements in fields such as paramedics, agriculture, law, and engineering. Initial financial support for selected students will begin in July.
Placement Training Initiatives
Weekend placement training sessions are equipping students with skills for the job market. Currently, 11 students are enrolled in HTML and Photoshop courses, while 15 are participating in online English coaching with Sri Sathya Sai Vidyahini. These efforts help students prepare for future employment.
Core Group Engagement and Platform Partnership
SMILE’s Core Group meets monthly to review progress, assess impact, and plan initiatives. In a move to support better coordination, SMILE has partnered with Glueup, an online platform that aids in managing events, reports, and community groups.
Completion of WASH Facility Renovations
With the support of the Tamil Nadu government and the Namma School Foundation, SMILE completed renovations at Mamandur and Vembakkam Government Higher Secondary Schools on July 5, 2024. The project, totaling ₹11.5 lakhs, included:
- Refurbishing toilet complexes for boys and girls at Mamandur.
- Installing new water tanks and a septic system at Mamandur.
- Building a drinking water sump and overhead tank at Vembakkam.
These improvements ensure that students have access to clean, safe sanitation facilities, supporting their health and well-being.
