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In the afterglow of Atma’s 5th Anniversary party at Blue Frog, we are reflecting on the collaboration that it takes to pull off NGO events. It’s easy to put on an enormous event with a big project budget and an extensive, skilled team to work with. What if you had to host a concert without spending a rupee?

Atma’s UNITE! Concert at Blue Frog was held in recognition of our 5 year anniversary as an organisation. Over 400 people came out to celebrate 5 years of Quality Education with Atma.  Some of these people contributed in a bigger way, giving of their time and energy to allow the event to happen. Tara Humphries of BREED shared her thoughts on the importance of community collaboration and what was required to pull off an event at such a scale.

“UNITE! was an amazing success that literally personified the name of the event, by “uniting” individuals from various backgrounds to come together and support Atma’s cause in strengthening organizations and growing education.  While being an Atma volunteer and being heavily involved in the music scene in India, it was really exciting to see fellow musicians, fans, event organizers and music lovers both participate in and eagerly support this event with such enthusiasm.  Each artist, photographer, media person, radio spokesperson, sponsor, programmer, designer or fan that contributed some of their time was so happy to do so. This created a very positive resonating effect, even after the event. The event made it clear that the city and community of Mumbai is filled with people from all walks of life, all of whom are ready and willing to contribute to a cause. However, sometimes they’re not sure how to do so.  Atma has been hugely successful at reaching those people by bringing them together to support a cause. UNITE! was a perfect example of how they continue to find innovative ways to do so.”

Three bands, one venue, one press sponsor, one travel sponsor, one accommodation sponsor and ten volunteers made the evening happen, and made it a success.
Community collaboration towards a common cause is what made Atma’s anniversary event possible, and we are so grateful to each person and organisation who chose to celebrate 5 years of Quality Education with us.

Our previous tagline was “Partners in Educational Development.” We wanted to create a new tagline that would truly embody Atma’s true vision and mission as a nonprofit organisation.

Thanks to each and every person who voted to help us decide on Atma’s new tagline. We appreciate your input and are excited to announce the winner of our poll!

Atma:

Strengthening organisations to impact Education.

Over 38,000 individuals from across India and the globe participated in the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon last Sunday, January 15th. Atma participated in the Marathon for our 5th year in a row with over 230 runners.

The 2012 Mumbai Marathon was Atma’s single largest fundraising event to date. It was an incredible day for our organisation and the entire Atma family.

We want to say an enormous thank you to each person who participated, pledged raised or supported Atma in the 2012 Mumbai Marathon. We couldn’t have done it without you!

All photos by Rob Katz.

Dear Atma Family,

As we enter 2012, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on where we have been in the past year and where we are going. We have one very exciting goal for the upcoming year.

2011 has been a milestone year for Atma, celebrating 4 years as an organisation. In 2011, we saw many people join the Atma family who helped to grow our vision and direction. We also saw people leave Atma: most significantly the transition of Lee, our founder. Transitioning the founder of an organisation is no easy task, and something that organisations much older than ours do not dare to take on.

Atma is a 4 year old organisation, and still in many ways a “start-up”. However, we have depth and conviction of a much older organisation.

To me, this conviction comes from a deep belief in our organisation and in our ability to end educational inequality. We are but one part of a bigger movement, but the work we do is integral to bringing quality education to children and young people in India. By building the capacity of NGOs, we are creating sustainable institutions which will be the key to ensuring high quality education to those currently unable to access it.

Atma has the incredible privilege of working with determined and dynamic NGOs from many different fronts in the battle for quality education. The lessons, energy and dedication we draw from them makes us a stronger organisation and better individuals.

Atma was never founded to be a small organisation. With fundraising chapters in 3 countries, Atma has a big mandate. We plan on living up to that mandate in 2012-13. Currently at 6 Atma partners, we have set the BIG goal of reaching 20 partners by March 2013. It will take many people and a lot of hard work to reach this goal, but I know we can do it.

We couldn’t be where we are today without you: your individual support and love has helped us make it this far. I want to take this time to thank you for being part of Atma’s work and for your dedication over the last year.

Atma has big plans for the New Year, and we can’t wait to realize them.

Thank you for your ongoing support. Happy New Year!

With love,

Mary Ellen Matsui

Executive Director, Atma

The 2012 Mumbai Marathon is only two weeks away. Atma has participated in the Mumbai Marathon for the past 4 years. This year, the Atma Marathon Team consists of over 260 people, running in the 6KM Dream Run, the Half or Full Marathon categories on behalf of Quality Education.

The Mumbai Marathon is India’s largest fundraiser. A core goal of the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon is to raise funds and awareness for charities and NGOs across India.

We’re proud to have the commitment of corporate companies and individuals for the Atma Marathon Campaign. These people are running for Atma because they believe that Education is what will lead India into a bright future.

All contributions through the Mumbai Marathon go directly to support the Atma Partnerships Program. Running the Marathon with Atma means supporting Atma Partners and their work in making Quality Education accessible for underprivileged children and young adults across Mumbai.

Of our 260 Atma Marathon Team members, many have chosen to pledge raise to make an even bigger impact on Education in Mumbai. Some individuals have already raised over Rs 25,000 each, and are continuing to raise money over the final two weeks before the Race day.

It’s not too late to contribute to the Atma Marathon Campaign. Whether you are running as an individual or not running at all, you can join the Atma Marathon Team by making a contribution to support the Atma Partnerships Program.

To donate in India (pan card holders):
www.atma.org.in/donate

To donate internationally:
www.atma-australia.org.au/#!donate

Thank you for  your belief in the ability of education to change a child’s future. Contribute today to join the Atma Marathon Campaign.

Today, Atma held a farewell lunch for Atma volunteer Jay. Jay came to Atma from Hong Kong and has been volunteering with Atma Graduated Partner CHIP over the past three months. Stay tuned for Jay’s blog post about his Atma experience!

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Atma works in collaborative partnership with dynamic educational NGOs in Mumbai, supporting their changing organisational needs through the Atma Model: a unique blend of consultancy, skilled volunteers, workshops and advocacy.

Atma’s consultancy service is the base of the Atma Model. The Atma Partnerships Director meets with each Atma Partner regularly to strategise and create area-specific growth plans.

Summer Starr has been with Atma since October 2010 as Partnerships Director. She has supported our current Atma Partners on a holistic level, facilitating their growth and expansion over the past year. Summer’s dedication to high standards for individuals, organisations and for the development sector as a whole have inspired each person she has worked with to raise the bar and apply best practices to their organisations and their own job roles.

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This commentary on the Right to Education Act was written by Farida Asrani from CHILDReach and Bronwyn McBride from Atma.

The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act came into effect on April 1, 2010. The act serves to ensure that every child has the right and entitlement to a quality elementary education and that the State, with the help of families and communities, fulfills this obligation.

The Right to Education Act is a positive milestone for India: it aims to guarantee access to education for children for low income families and to ensure that every child completes a minimum of 8 years of schooling. However, certain sections of the Act pose challenges for schools offering alternatives to a mainstream education.

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Photo by Kainaz Amaria

A young girl works with her teacher to make a paper chappal, the craft for the day. The little girl is a student at Muskan School, a progressive kindergarten run by Reality Gives.

Atma Partner Reality Gives visited the Atma office this morning to discuss strategy plans for the upcoming year. This year will be their 3rd and final year working with Atma before they become an Atma Graduated Partner. We are looking forward to a great year with Reality Gives and are excited to continue to report on their dedicated work for children and young adults in the Dharavi community.

The Foundation for Mother and Child Health India (FMCH) improves the lives of mothers and children by providing programs focused on preventative healthcare, education, and nutritional interventions to underprivileged communities. Founded in 2005 in Indonesia, FMCH believes that a child’s development in the early years of their life is a foundation for their future educational and personal development.

Malnutrition in children is the result of several factors, most of which fall under a lack of access to resources and education. A limited family income, poor knowledge of basic nutrition and hygiene practices, and limited access to medical support, safe water and proper accommodation all contribute to the issue of child malnutrition. FMCH’s mission is to tackle malnutrition in innovative ways. Through medical clinics, health talks, home visits and cooking and parenting classes, FMCH approaches early childhood development and health from multiple angles. By addressing health issues and malnutrition in pregnant women, infants and young children, and by teaching proper nutrition, they focus on the holistic development of the child and empower women to make smart health choices for their families.

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