BENGALURU: For Divya K, a student of Panchajanya Vidya Peetha in Rajajinagar, securing 96 per cent marks in SSLC would have remained a distant dream, but for Yuva Global Foundation (YGF).
She received free spoken English and computer training for four years from young volunteers of the organisation and it helped her in her academics.
“I did not know how to operate a computer or speak good English. These volunteers helped me learn. When they teach us they give us examples which are easy to remember and that is what helped me in my academics as well,” says Divya, whose education is completely funded by the organisation.
So, how did YGF start? The not-for-profit organisation is the brainchild of Kiran Sagar G, who works with HP. Kiran was inspired by three lines in a book by former President APJ Abdul Kalam, where he writes about Abraham Lincoln and how he played a major role in uplifting the US to its present position by inspiring its youth.
“Kalam urged individuals in India to contribute to making India a global leader. That is when I decided that I have to do something for the country and be part of the solution and not the problem,” says Kiran.
Turning his thoughts into reality, the 36-year-old founded YGF in 2008, with the simple aim of creating a better place to live for others. Ten years on, the Bengaluru-based organisation has adopted 22 schools in Bengaluru Rural and one in Bengaluru Urban districts. Today, it boasts of over 1,200 volunteers, comprising students and professionals who cater to the needs of 3,500 less-privileged government school children.
YGF works around four causes: Teach India, Educate India, Enable India and Empower India.
Kiran says it was not easy for him during the first few months when he wanted to execute the idea. “To start with, I went to nearby government schools in Malleswaram to teach children, without any template in mind. As the response of the children was overwhelming, I realised that the approach must be structured," he adds.
Finally, the Labourers Fellow School in Seshadripuram became his tour de force, where he started teaching children from the nearby slum every weekend. After a few months, Kiran and his friends got down to identify the immediate requirements of the school like toilets, drinking water, benches and desks. “We raised funds through door-to door old newspaper collection drives in the nearby locality and collected Rs 3,270. Several people came forward to help us and the first cheque I received was Rs 5 lakh,” he said.
Within four months, the school was renovated and provided with basic infrastructure. The organisation began empowering children through education. After that there was no looking back for this IT professional, who went on to expand the organisation. Currently, it runs four projects.
Sunil B V, one of the trustees and volunteers at YGF, says, “The children in these schools are quick learners. What we actually hear about government schools and what we see on the ground are quite different. In fact, the children are intelligent and all they lack is proper guidance, which we try to provide.”
The vision of YGF is simple: To create a peaceful, prosperous and progressive society by “igniting minds towards the righteous path”.
‘Make a difference’
Kiran Sagar, founder of YGF, has a message to like-minded people: Whenever you do something, the intentions matter. Have strong intentions and the rest will fall in place. Take some time and try making a difference in someone's life selflessly.
YGF'S FOUR PROJECTS
Sustainable Schools project, where a team of volunteers helps children with their academics.
Green Yuva, an initiative to contribute towards a cleaner, greener and better planet
Swachh Bharat–Swachh Vidyalaya ensures that schools maintain hygiene and sanitation
Digital India aims at empowering students with digital knowledge