WhizKid
Overview :
In the course of intervention through the SmartCamp Program and also through a well-defined open selection process, the Foundation identifies brilliant and hardworking students from low income and less-privileged families, who the Foundation believes, can achieve their ambition in life if supported, guided and mentored properly. SAF has supported more than 200 students over the year through this initiative.
Based on the experience, the Foundation strongly believes that these students do need special coaching and also close guidance and mentoring in all subjects on a daily basis to bring out their full potential and succeed in the competitive environment, in view of the adverse economic and social environment prevailing in their respective households.
As the Foundation, now, intends to support, guide and mentor 100 such students at any point of time, the Program is being named as Whizkid 100 Program. The Program covered 53 students of classes 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th during the academic year 2024-25. Next year this number might increased to 65.
- L&T felicitation
On 14th August 2024, a felicitation program was held at LNT for the students of Sai’s Angel Foundation, supported under LNT’s CSR initiative. The event commenced with the warm welcome of esteemed guests, including the Site HR Head of LNT, Mr. Dalal, who graced the occasion as the chief guest. Other notable attendees were the Principal of SSV School, Mr. Joshi, LNT CSR head – Mr A.P.Chhabra, , Ms. Khushali, Trustee of Rusvelt School, and Ms. Rameshwari, Manager of Sai’s Angel Foundation.
The highlight of the event was the felicitation of students who had successfully passed their 10th and 12th grades in March 2024. Impressively, the toppers in 10th, 12th Commerce, and 12th Science streams were all from Sai’s Angel Foundation, a testament to the hard work and dedication of both the students and the Foundation.
Following the felicitation, each guest delivered a motivational speech, encouraging the students to continue their pursuit of excellence and to aspire towards even greater achievements. The speeches were filled with wisdom, guidance, and inspiration, leaving a lasting impact on the students.
The event not only celebrated academic success but also highlighted the importance of support, guidance, and community in the educational journey of these young minds. The program concluded on a high note, with the students feeling motivated and appreciated, ready to take on the challenges ahead.
- Local Khoji
On 28 July, Sai’s Angel Foundation and Ramkrishna Mission organized a special session that brought together three groups of students from both organizations. Fifteen students from Sai’s Angel Foundation and others from Ramkrishna Mission participated, totaling around 100 students. The event also saw the participation of staff members and volunteers from both organizations.
The session featured experts Dr. Rachna Bhangaokar and Mihir Pathak, who led engaging group discussions and activities. These activities included exploring local streets to understand community issues, encouraging the children to think critically about their surroundings and their role in society.
The students from Sai’s Angel Foundation presented their ‘Local Khoji’ project, under the guidance of Mihir Pathak. They formulated questions, conducted basic surveys, identified problems, and created informative presentations using charts. These presentations showcased their findings and were shared with all participants, mentors, and experts.
The day was a great success, highlighting the collective efforts of the volunteers from Ramkrishna Mission, the staff of Sai’s Angel Foundation, the experts, and the diverse group of students. It was a Sunday filled with learning, growth, and inspiration.
- Open Mic
On Wednesday, 17th July, Sai’s Angel Foundation, in collaboration with Gupshap, organized an Open Mic event at Yuvalay’s Seminar Hall. A total of 37 students from 9th and 10th grades participated, sharing their poetry on various themes such as the Bhagavad Gita, friendships, and one sided love. Some students also performed patriotic songs and other pieces.
The stories shared were very insightful, and the jokes added a touch of humor to the event. Each student presented with great enthusiasm, making the event lively and enriching. Additionally, some students had the opportunity to anchor the event, showcasing their leadership skills.
At the end of the event, Snehal Sir shared his views on the Open Mic, and Kirti Ma’am honored all the participants by giving them postcards as a token of appreciation. The event concluded with everyone enjoying snacks and bidding a beautiful goodbye.
- Life skill Session by Rameshwari Mam
On 2nd October 2024, Sai’s Angel Foundation organized a life skills session focused on communication and teamwork. The session was conducted by Rameshwari Ma’am with the WhizKid students. The session was filled with fun and engaging activities that made learning enjoyable. Every student took part with great enthusiasm.
This session not only helped students understand the importance of communication and teamwork but also supported their academic and future professional growth.
- Time Machine: WhizKid 100 Residential Camp
Sai’s Angel Foundation organized a two-day camp for 23 WhizKid 100 students at Swarg Resort, Padra, with Mihir Sir (Learningwala). The camp was filled with fun, learning, and creative activities. The first day started with an opening circle led by Mihir Sir, where he explained the plan. Next, Nishta Ma’am led fun stretches to help everyone feel relaxed. After a delicious lunch, Prerana Ma’am guided a clay modeling activity where students created individual and group models like gardens and animals. In the evening, Aashish Sir led a music session, and students enjoyed singing along. The day ended with a visit to the adventure park for cricket, badminton, and archery.
The second day began with a mindfulness walk led by Nishta Ma’am, helping students connect with nature. After breakfast, Nidhi Ma’am conducted a tree drawing activity where students sketched trees together. Post-lunch, students enjoyed free time, choosing activities like clay modeling, music, or sports. The camp concluded with a closing circle led by Mihir Sir, where students shared their thoughts and experiences. This camp blended fun, creativity, and reflection, leaving students inspired and happy.
- Funday at GupShup
The Funday session at GupShup was an exciting event organized for the students of Sai’s Angel Foundation. Led by Snehal Sir, Jeel Chhaniara, and Suraj Kori, the session brought together ten students for a day of fun and learning. The event began with an engaging introduction activity where students shared three terms to describe themselves using the concept of “Flower, Bud, and Thorn.” This was followed by a spirited debate on the pros and cons of social media, which kept everyone energized and involved. After lunch, students explored the world of AI by learning how to use ChatGPT. The day concluded with an Open Mic session, where students shared their talents through poetry, storytelling, and humour. The session was a perfect blend of entertainment and education, leaving participants inspired and delighted.
- Digital Literacy Bootcamp
From November 5th to 8th, 2024, Sai’s Angel Foundation conducted a Digital Literacy Bootcamp for WhizKid students. Under the leadership of Suraj Kori, the four-day program aimed to equip students with essential computer skills. A total of 25 students participated and gained hands-on experience in Canva for graphic design, WordPress for web development, and Blogger for blogging. They also learned the importance of cybersecurity and data privacy while getting introduced to basic cloud technology concepts. The bootcamp not only enhanced their technical knowledge but also fostered creativity and problem-solving skills. This transformative experience prepared students to confidently navigate the digital world.
- Heartful Mind Sessions at Sai’s Angel Foundation
The Heartful Mind sessions at Sai’s Angel Foundation, led by Kirti and Jeel from LeadingLife, were designed to nurture emotional intelligence and holistic development in students. This series, conducted in collaboration with the Education Escalator program, engaged 20 students aged 14-16. The sessions emphasized the importance of self-awareness, emotional regulation, and compassion, providing students with practical tools for both personal and academic success. Through interactive and engaging activities, students learned effective strategies for emotional and cognitive growth. The program was made possible with the generous support of Ms. Rachna and Mr. Ashish Bhangaokar, who provided the venue for the sessions. This initiative highlighted the importance of mental well-being in shaping well-rounded individuals.
STEM Vadodara 2024
Overview :
The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) program was conducted by Sai’s Angel Foundation (SAF) in partnership with Transpek under their CSR initiative. Running from May 2024 to December 2025, the program aimed to inspire 100 children from the Ramkrishna Mission (Gyanganga Project) and TIL CSR Education Center. SAF provided training to staff, equipped them with STEM kits, and held weekly sessions with fun experiments, promoting critical thinking, creativity, and teamwork. Students gained hands-on experience, helping them build confidence in exploring science and technology.
Training of Trainers
This project has not only benefited students but has also provided immense learning opportunities for the trainers involved. Two Training of Trainers (ToT) sessions were conducted to enhance their understanding of STEM subjects and to equip them with effective teaching strategies. Through these sessions, trainers gained valuable cross-curricular learning outcomes, including improved communication skills, modern teaching methodologies, and the ability to connect STEM concepts with real-world applications. Additionally, the training fostered a collaborative learning environment where trainers could exchange ideas, co-create engaging activities, and reflect on their teaching practices to better support student learning outcomes.
MODULES COVERED:
Module 1: Robotics Games
Students played a soccer game using robotic cars, learning how motors and controllers work. They discovered how robots can be controlled to perform tasks and gained an understanding of the basic principles behind robotics. This fun activity helped them develop teamwork, problem-solving, and technical skills.
Module 2: Solar Car
Students built solar-powered cars and chargers, learning about solar energy and its role in green technology. They also learned about semiconductors, which are essential components in solar panels and many electronic devices. This activity encouraged them to explore renewable energy sources and their potential for a sustainable future.
Module 3: Fun with Chemistry
Students created atom models with clay and conducted experiments with potassium permanganate and glycerin to explore chemical reactions, energy, and fire. This hands-on experience allowed them to understand how chemicals react with each other and the release of energy, making chemistry fun and interactive.
Module 4: Forces and Pressure
In this activity, students built a balloon launcher to understand the concepts of force and pressure. They learned how force is applied and how pressure can move objects. This simple yet engaging experiment helped them connect real-world physics concepts to everyday experiences.
Module 5: Basic Circuit
Students learned how to build circuits using batteries, LEDs, and switches. They explored how current flows in series and parallel circuits, gaining a practical understanding of electrical concepts. This module helped students connect theoretical knowledge to hands-on applications, making learning about electricity exciting.
Module 6: Robotic Assembly
Students assembled a rope robot and learned how motors make it move. They explored the mechanical parts and how they work together to create movement. This hands-on activity introduced them to basic robotics and engineering, allowing them to experiment with real-world applications.
Module 7: Lens and Optics
Students built a periscope and experimented with light, prisms, and lenses to understand how light behaves. They explored the principles of reflection and refraction and how they are used in everyday devices. This activity sparked curiosity about optics and the science behind the movement of light.
Module 8: Area and Shapes
Students created shapes like triangles, hexagons, and circles with paper and measured their areas. They learned how to calculate the area of different shapes, improving their understanding of geometry. This hands-on approach made learning math enjoyable and helped develop spatial reasoning skills.
Module 9: DIY Motor and Magnetism
Students created an electromagnet using a nail and a battery, learning how electricity can generate magnetic fields. They also built a simple motor with copper wire, a battery, and a magnet. This module introduced them to electromagnetism and helped them understand the relationship between electricity and magnetism.
Module 10: Buoyancy
Students made a Cartesian diver using a water bottle, a U-pin, and a straw to explore how objects float or sink. They also conducted experiments to understand buoyancy and gravity, discovering how Archimedes’ principle works in real life. This activity helped students grasp the science of buoyancy in an engaging and hands-on way.
Learning Outcomes from the STEM Program
Enhanced Problem-Solving Skills:
Students developed critical thinking and analytical skills through hands-on experiments and troubleshooting in modules like Robotics Games and Basic Circuits.
Understanding of Renewable Energy:
By building solar-powered cars, students gained knowledge about solar energy, semiconductors, and the importance of green technology in promoting sustainability.
Practical Application of Physics:
Activities like the balloon launcher and Cartesian diver helped students understand key physics concepts such as force, pressure, and buoyancy in real-world contexts.
Teamwork and Collaboration:
Group activities like robotic soccer games encouraged students to work collaboratively, enhancing their communication and interpersonal skills.
Introduction to Robotics and Engineering:
Modules on robotic assembly and motor mechanisms provided a foundational understanding of robotics, engineering principles, and mechanical systems.
Appreciation for Chemistry:
Experiments with chemical reactions fostered curiosity and made abstract concepts like energy release and chemical interactions tangible and exciting.
Improved Spatial and Geometric Reasoning:
The Area and Shapes module strengthened students’ ability to visualize and calculate areas of geometric shapes, linking mathematical theory to practical application
Hands-On Electrical Knowledge:
By building circuits and electromagnets, students learned how electricity works, including concepts like current flow, series/parallel circuits, and electromagnetism.
Curiosity About Optics:
The Lens and Optics module sparked interest in light behaviour, teaching principles of reflection, refraction, and their applications in everyday tools like periscopes.
Increased Confidence in STEM:
Through engaging and practical activities, students gained confidence in exploring STEM subjects, fostering a sense of curiosity and a willingness to learn more about science and technology.
Community Learning Center:
Sai’s Angel Foundation (SAF) strongly believes that Community Learning Centre (CLC) can play the role of the catalyst in the holistic development of the children that SAF works with.
The Community Learning Centre was established by SAF in Khiskoli circle slum area organised outside the formal education system, aimed at shaping self-discipline, attitude and behavioural development of the children and at the same time providing them and community at large, opportunities to develop various learning capabilities, skills and innovation to improve their quality of life. At the centre along with regular studies various holistic development activities were carried out throughout the year. CLC had 41 children.The program has been supported by Transpek Industry Ltd under their CSR.
STEM ACTIVITY:
- Lava Lamp Creation: Children learnt about the interaction of oil and water, and how density and chemical reactions create fascinating visuals.
- Balloon Bottle Pump: They explored air pressure by building a simple air pump using household materials, learning practical applications of physics.
- Air and Pressure Experiments: Demonstrating how air pressure works in various environments, sparking curiosity in basic scientific principles.
- Microscope Workshop: In the microscope workshop, students explored various objects like tree leaves, salt, and mosquito under different zoom levels. The session provided a hands-on learning experience, teaching children about microscopes and their usage.
- Reflection, Refraction, and Current Flow: – CLC students enjoyed a STEM activity led by Suraj Kori, exploring Light & Optics and creating Paper Circuits while learning about Reflection, Refraction, and Current Flow.
- Pin Roll Camera and Helium Straw game: –Saturday’s session was full of creativity. The topic was “Pin Roll Camera,” and the game was “Helium Straw.” In this session, students learned how to use creative ideas for the game. The Pin Roll Camera activity was outstanding, and students enjoyed working with colored paper to create their projects.
- Robotics Activity: Students engaged in an activity where they assembled different parts of a remote-controlled car. Each participant is contributed by assembling various components of the remote controller and the main body of the car. Through this activity, they learned about the two main devices in every remote-controlled system: the transmitter and the receiver. They also enjoyed the experience by playing with the RC car they built themselves.
Nature Activity:
- Birds Activities: The CLC students participated in bird-related activities, learning about different species and conservation. They discussed local birds and those becoming extinct, developing their knowledge and appreciation for wildlife. The children also identified birds by their sounds, gaining a valuable skill. This activity encouraged learning about the natural world and conservation.
- Nature Hunting & Nature Art: CLC’s students started an innovative project, storing natural materials such as dried leaves, pebbles, twigs and other organic elements. Upon their return to the classroom, they gathered in groups and used their creativity collectively to produce a series of artistic pieces. Consolidating the dried and green leaves, they made elegant bouquets and carefully made small packets. In addition, they used this material to create complex rose flowers. This engaging activity not only allowed students to tap into their inherent talents but also encouraged environmental consciousness by repurposing naturally sourced materials into distinctive works of art. The purpose of the session is to sensitise students for nature.
- Natural Colours Making: The CLC children collected natural materials like turmeric, onion leaves, beetroot, and lemon to create eco-friendly dyes. After collecting the materials, they began the colouring process and successfully created nine different colours and the children then utilized these natural colours to create vibrant and imaginative artwork.
- Eco System Around the Tree: – CLC students immersed themselves in nature, exploring the ecosystem around trees, and recording their observations through artwork, fostering curiosity and environmental awareness.
Other Activity:
- Training Session for CLC Teachers: A training session was organized on 20th July 2024 for the teachers of CLC. In which different teaching methods were taught to the teachers of CLC by teaching expert Charu Madam. TLM talked about how to learn and how to involve children in learning. Then teaching games and stories were taught.
- Teachers Training Session: – On January 11th, a session on Teachers Training was held for teachers. This training was conducted by Mihir Sir and Nidhi Mam. In this session, teachers aimed to inculcate new initiatives and skills in students. The training utilized innovative tools like movies and games to facilitate learning. The objective was to provide teachers with new insights and knowledge, enabling them to enhance their teaching methods.
- English Expert Session: The CLC students participated in an engaging English language session led by Ms. Alka Tambe. The session covered essential communication skills, including greetings and introductions. Students learned to confidently share their identity in English. They were taught special greeting words and the days of the week and months of the year. The session was made interactive with games, promoting fun learning. This approach helped students develop their English language skills effectively.
