NGO celebrates 10 years of service to society

Pune-based NGO, Global Research Education and Training (GREAT) Foundation, celebrated its 10th anniversary on March 31at Mahadji Shinde High School in Wanowrie. The foundation works with nine Pune Cantonment Board (PCB) schools with an objective to provide best possible education and training to poor children.

Executive president of the GREAT foundation Viney Kirpal and its board of trustees honoured the principals of the schools and its volunteers. Along with sharing the foundation’s future plans, Kirpal also commended the work done by the NGO over the years. On the occasion, students were also made to speak about their expectation from the courses. The GREAT Foundation first started its activities at Mahadji Shinde High School in 2002. The foundation work includes providing stationery, SSC exam form fee, setting up libraries, organising mind development sessions and sending volunteers to teach English, maths, science, art and dance in the schools.

The foundation has recently launched its employability skills training programmes with three vocational courses in mobile repairing, beautician, spoken English & personality development for standard X students.

TOEFL offers scholarship to Indian students
For the 2012 TOEFL® Scholarship Programme in India, the scholarship funding has been increased by 16% compared to 2011. The application deadline is April 13 in order to be eligible for the US$70,000 scholarship. Ten scholarships will be awarded to Indian students for undergraduation or graduation in 2012 at a college or university listed in the TOEFL® Destinations Directory. More information regarding the scholarship programme, including application materials and requirements, is available on http://www.ets.org/toefl/scholarships/overview/india/. The TOEFL test measures an individual’s ability to use and understand English and evaluates the ability to integrate listening, reading, speaking and writing tasks. By the end of April, students in India will be able to pay for the TOEFL test in rupees through online registration on the ETS website.

SLS organises unique alumni meet
The Symbiosis Law School (SLS) recently organised its annual alumni meet, giving importance to alumni as an integral part of the institution. Adding a unique flavour to the gathering, SLS started a concept called ‘Continuing legal education even for alumni’. Justice Pradeep Nandrajog (judge, New Delhi high court) and Saurabh Gupta (additional advocate general, Punjab) were among the dignitaries who attended the event. Director, Symbiosis Law School, Shashikala Gurpur, called upon the alumni to guide the present students in their careers. This was followed by unveiling of the alumni newsletter, an initiative of the alumni cell of the law school. The sessions were followed by an interactive session between the speakers, alumni, faculty and the current students.

Android education platform launched to create and sell courses
Bridging the gap in quality content and students, Vriti, a Noida based e-learning company has launched VLearnSmart, an education platform that brings authors, distributors and students together to find, create and sell courses.

The platform has been launched on Android, with multi OEM support and is available for free download on Android app stores. The platform allows students to access more than 500 smart courses ranging from standard I to degree courses for CBSE, ICSE, Maharashtra State Board and West Bengal State Board and even preparatory material for medical, engineering and MBA from leading content brands. VLearnSmart allows democratisation of content delivery, which puts the discovery of relevant learning material in the hands of the consumer. Students can get study material, videos, multimedia, tests, and assessment on any subject of their interest.

Enabling an eco-system for content providers, VLearnSmart gives programme authors DRM security on content and transparency in royalty payouts. Vriti brings smart interactivity and personalisation to the content.

(Compiled by Rajesh Rao)