Founded in 2016, the Aequs Foundation has steadily grown into a cornerstone of community development around its campuses in North Karnataka. In this interview with TheCSRUniverse, Chairperson Ms. Mai Melligeri takes us through their journey from conducting basic health camps to implementing comprehensive STEAM programs. With a focus on holistic development, Aequs Foundation now impacts over 27,000 students across 150 schools through its multifaceted initiatives. These include the Cognitive Development Program, Health & Hygiene Awareness Program, and STEAM Literacy Program, all designed to foster educational excellence and empowerment. Key projects like the Anasuya Melligeri Science & Technology Centre and Mobile Science Labs offer hands-on learning experiences, preparing students for future challenges. As the Foundation looks ahead, its commitment to nurturing potential and promoting sustainable change remains unwavering.
Read the full interview here:
Q. Please elaborate on Aequs Foundation's journey since establishment. How have your focus areas and approach evolved over the years?
A. Founded in 2016, the Aequs Foundation, the compassionate CSR arm of the Aequs group, has been a beacon of hope for communities around our campuses in North Karnataka. Driven by a deep commitment to the holistic development of underserved students from local government schools, the Foundation first made its mark with an eye check-up camp at two schools, where over 600 students received life-changing spectacles. From these humble beginnings, the Foundation's initiatives have blossomed to include robust STEAM programs, now at the heart of its mission. Facilities like the Anasuya Melligeri Science & Technology Centre in Hubballi and various Mobile Science Labs have become critical in bringing these educational programs to life, illuminating young minds across the region. Now, nearly eight years into its heartfelt journey, the Aequs Foundation partners with 150 schools and touches the lives of 27,000 students across the districts of Belagavi, Hubballi, and Koppal. Through its major initiatives—the Cognitive Development Program, Health & Hygiene Awareness Program, STEAM Literacy Program, and Student Excel Program—the Foundation fosters not just learning but a brighter future for these children, contributing nearly 30 million learning hours towards nurturing their potential. Through education and empowerment, the Aequs Foundation is not merely speaking, but actively transforming lives for long-term goals.
Q. Please take us through your initiatives for promoting STEM education, such as setting up of Innovation labs. What are the outcomes so far?
A. Initially focused on STEM, our program has evolved into a comprehensive STEAM initiative, integrating Arts into it. The Aequs Foundation's flagship program includes key projects like the Anasuya Melligeri Science & Technology Centre in Hubballi and four Mobile Science Labs, offering hands-on learning in physics, chemistry, math, biology, and computer education to government school students.Our Innovation Lab, a recent addition, emphasizes on design thinking and problem-solving skills, preparing students for real-world challenges. The program also includes evening classes in villages, teacher training, and an annual science fair.These initiatives have sparked a significant increase in student curiosity, confidence, and scientific knowledge, enabling them to apply their learning. Partnering with the Agastya International Foundation has been vital in delivering these transformative educational experiences, positively impacting countless young minds.
Q. You have included Arts in your initiatives, transitioning from STEM to STEAM education. What prompted this shift and how do you envision it contributing to your corporate social responsibility objectives?
A. STEAM is a global movement, and we have embraced its evolving landscape by integrating the Arts into our educational framework. In today's rapidly advancing technological era, it's crucial to foster not only analytical skills but also creativity and lateral thinking. The inclusion of the Arts enriches our STEAM programs, promoting design thinking and innovation among students. This approach equips them to stand out as they explore the realms of science and technology, ensuring they develop a well-rounded perspective that celebrates both logic and imagination.
Q. The "Humara Gaon Project" in association with the Pratham Education Foundation has impacted thousands of students. What are the primary components of this initiative and what indicators have been finalized to assess the impact of the same?
A. The project aims to improve basic literacy and numeracy for children aged 3-14 through the Hamara Gaon initiative. Operating in 25 villages in Karnataka, it provides in-school and in-community support, focusing on Anganwadis and primary schools. Dedicated instructors are employed in schools, while in communities, mother and children's groups ensure learning continues beyond school, benefiting around 5000 students.This project stands out because it not only empowers children but also involves mothers, making it a comprehensive package for both. By including mothers, this project offers a learning experience for them alongside their children.Our success is measured by the children's ability to read, write, and perform basic math, and we've seen remarkable progress in these areas, thanks to our partnership with the Pratham Education Foundation.
Q. The Health and Hygiene Program targets government schools in Belagavi. Please share some specific outcomes or success stories resulting from this program.
A. Aequs Foundation's health and hygiene program focuses on fostering lasting behavior change regarding hygiene and sanitation practices. This initiative includes providing essential infrastructure such as toilet blocks, water purifiers, and benches to schools, alongside implementing health education to promote their proper use. Acknowledging that infrastructure alone may not suffice, the Foundation also offers a comprehensive health education program covering various hygiene aspects like personal, environmental, and community hygiene, with specialized sessions on adolescent health and menstrual hygiene. These efforts are gradually leading to healthier practices and improved health indicators among the target schools. Additionally, the Foundation conducts periodical health screenings, including advanced eye and hearing checks, emphasizing its commitment to student well-being.
Q. Have there been any setbacks or persistent challenges that you came across in any of your projects? What strategies helped you in addressing the same?
A. The Anasuya Technology Centre stands as the embodiment of our Foundation's vision, with a profound goal of enhancing the learning journey for deserving students. Our approach blends long-term aspirations with the reality of short-term projects, each serving as a stepping stone toward our overarching mission. These short-term endeavors not only sustain our momentum but also lay the groundwork for achieving lasting impact.
While our sights are set on a grand future, we acknowledge the importance of addressing immediate challenges. Securing internships for our students is currently a hurdle we face. However, we recognize that overcoming this obstacle is vital to our growth and ability to fulfil our long-term vision.
Q. Lastly, what are Aequs Foundation's future plans with respect to the ongoing projects? Are there any new initiatives or partnerships that you are looking forward to?
A. We are truly moved by the transformative impact a passionate teacher can have on numerous lives. To enhance our effectiveness, we are pursuing projects with a one-to-many impact. The Yuvacharya program exemplifies this approach, as it has far-reaching effects, benefiting many individuals. Designed for B. Ed college students, this initiative offers personalized teaching and learning interventions, enriching their skills at a pivotal stage of growth. Presently, more than 600 students from our operational districts are reaping the benefits of this program. Through our one-to-many approach, we aspire to ignite a chain reaction of positive change. We wholeheartedly trust that by empowering our future teachers, they will in turn illuminate the path for countless students, paving the way for a brighter and more hopeful future for all.
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