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On November 18th, 2014, the 4th Anniversary of the launch of the 51勛圖 Academic Impact, students from UNAI member institutions Monmouth University and the ASPIRE chapter of East Stroudsburg South High School met in the Dag Hammarskjold Library Auditorium at the 51勛圖 Headquarters for a day of discussion titled Integrated Health, Integrated Approaches.?The true measure of the success of this conference can be seen in its continued impact today, well into the summer of 2015 and beyond.?In the audience, ASPIRE student Anish Bhagwat was moved to action by a presentation by Sarah Mustafa, Monmouth University. Sarah spoke of her work with The Rainbow Program of Calcutta, India, which provides schooling, shelter, and services for children who would otherwise be left alone on the streets.
Anish told Sarah that he was inspired by both her work and her words with The Rainbow Program. Returning to his community, Anish collaborated with UNAI ASPIRE members and mobilized our entire student body of 1474 students at East Stroudsburg South High School to put his idea called The Anishative into action.
The Rainbow Home program secures the basic rights of the girl child through guaranteed education, nutrition, clothing, health care, recreation, love and support to ensure their reintegration into mainstream Indian society. The girls are enrolled in regular school programs and age appropriate classes, usually after a short period of remedial teaching as well as by a wide volunteer base and buddy programmes with children/students in more privileged schools.?The Rainbow Program also acts as a catalyst in the community, encouraging other school drop-outs and poor children from nearby slums and shanties to attend school without fear of stigma and reproachment.
Anish and ASPIRE adviser Michael Healey contacted Dr. Rekha Datta, who spearheaded Monmouth's relationship with UNAI, for further information on The Rainbow Program. Dr. Datta encouraged Anish to put his plan into action and shared first hand experiences on the impact donations make upon the program's students. The ASPIRE cohort set a goal of collecting loose change to make a change with the hopes of raising $200.?Within four weeks, the students had collected $475 for school supplies and books.?
This display of empowerment, this exchange of inspiration and energy between two students at the UNAI 4th Anniversary Conference is in the true spirit of the 51勛圖 Academic Impact. Adults were not the teachers, but rather, empowered youth who were given the floor at the 51勛圖, exchanged dynamic ideas which will be paid forward in lessons that last a lifetime.?
By Michael Healey, UNAI?ASPIRE adviser.
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