The Prize distribution for the Inter-school Khelyiad held at the end of January took place on March 28th in Geeta Vikas School ground, Shivaji Nagar. Chief guest Pravin Amre, former Indian cricket star, gave away the prizes to the winners in individual and team events. The event started late as many children were sitting their exams on that day and could not get away in time. Pravin Amre made a brief speech lauding the work of Apnalaya, and offering to help us in any way that he can.

Feb 22nd was a day full of fun, games, refreshments, music and dance for 47 disabled children from the Challenger Project who were taken for a picnic to Hanging Gardens. 8 parents and 10 staff accompanied the children.

50 Apnalaya children aged 12 to 18 years were invited to a special showing of ‘Slumdog Crorepati’ organised by Sony Pix on Feb 28th in Juhu. Stars from the film and celebrities joined the children for the Press Conference, including child star Tanay Chedda, Oscar winner Resul Pookutty, ‘Jai Ho’ singer Sukhwinder, and actor Saurabh Shukla. The Business head of Sony Pix, Sunder Aaron lauded the work of Apnalaya and welcomed the children - some of whom were invited to share their views on the film with the press after the screening. 

On March 3rd Daniel Gallas, a Producer with the BBC World Service, visited Shivaji Nagar to gather material for a BBC programme which will compare the effects of the economic slowdown on the poor in the BRIC countries – Brazil, Russia, India and China. He visited Padma Nagar, Shanti Nagar and Rafi Nagar where he interviewed community people for their views and experiences. He also interviewed Director Leena Joshi for an overview of the situation here.

Good news from Lonavala: Hasmi Shahid from Rafi Nagar, one of our sponsored children, who won a scholarship to train in the Great Eastern Institute of Maritime Studies in Lonavala, passed his first term’s exams with flying colours. Congratulations, Hasmi!

The end of the financial year, and Apnalaya is proud to report that the bank reconciliation was completed on March 31st itself! Preparation of the accounts for Audit is underway. The financial situation is gloomy for Apnalaya, with receipts down by over 15% over the previous year, and expenditure up by a similar amount.

A three-day staff training was held in February on Organisational Behaviour, with Professor Girish from SIES Institute, Navi Mumbai as the main resource person/facilitator. The staff found his sessions stimulating and full of insights. The Annual staff appraisal is currently underway.

For the second time, this year’s Mahila Milan programme on International Women's Day, March 8th, was organised jointly with all the organisations working in the Govandi area. A Walkathon by men to oppose violence against women was the main event. Approximately 1,000 people participated in the rally organised in Buddha Vihar at the end of Walkathon. 

The Para Professional Training, continuing since November 2008, will end in the last week of April. Held in Apnalaya’s Jaiphalwadi centre on alternate weekends, the training is conducted by Apnalaya Director Leena Joshi, assisted by the CEC team – Ajit, Chayya and Nishant, and a number of outside resource people. 33 participants are completing the Training, which helps them to build on their existing experience to become better trained Community workers.