Observing celestial bodies through a telescope at Apna Skool Dedupur Centre

Observing celestial bodies through a telescope at Apna Skool Dedupur (Rama ,Vishnu and Kalra-3 brick kilns children and Parents) by Khagolvani IIT Kanpur on 23/04/2026.

Ms. Tejpreet Kaur (Post doctorate) from IIT Kanpur, along with two PhD students—Satyendra and Shahbaz—organized a highly engaging astronomical session for children and parents. With the aid of a telescope, everyone enjoyed the magnificent views of the Moon, the Orion constellation, Jupiter, and Venus. In particular, observing Jupiter and its four moons proved to be a memorable experience for the children.

Using the telescope, they demonstrated the pits or depressions on the lunar surface—known as craters—and also pointed out those craters that have since been filled in by volcanic activity. During this session, the children were taught how to identify the Pole Star.

The entire evening 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm was filled with new insights and excitement for both the children and their parents. The older children were encouraged to write about this experience, and they will subsequently share their individual accounts. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed this activity.

Science Demonstration and Workshop at Maharajpur Center(30/03/2026)

Subject: Successful completion of the Science Workshop and Demonstration featuring IIT Kanpur Postdoctoral Fellow, Dr. Tejpreet Kaur.

Dr. Tejpreet Kaur (a Postdoctoral Fellow from IIT Kanpur), visited the Maharajpur center to conduct a Science Demonstration and workshop. Participation Overview The event saw enthusiastic participation from a total of approximately 130 students: 96 students from Apna Skool. 30+ students from local government schools. Collaborative Effort The success of this workshop was made possible by the dedicated contributions of our team members—Sadhana Didi, Muskan Didi, Mithlesh Didi, Sharma Bhaiya, Roli Didi, Swati Didi, Kalpana Didi, ,Ankit Bhai Ji, Mukesh Bhai and Sangeeta—who all worked together to make the scientific concepts meaningful and accessible. Workshop Objectives & Activities The primary goal of the session was to foster a mutual learning environment where both students and teachers could gain new insights to share with others. Dr. Tejpreet Kaur led interactive sessions on: The Solar System The Phenomena of Day and Night Activity-based Solar System models Dr. Kaur organized the students into groups for hands-on activities, which sparked great curiosity. The students of Apna Skool, Maharajpur, were particularly engaged, asking numerous insightful questions throughout the session. Conclusion The students thoroughly enjoyed the experience and expressed their gratitude to Dr. Kaur. At the conclusion of the workshop, both students and teachers presented her with handmade greeting cards as a token of appreciation and respect.

Eid Celebration(21st March 2026)

 Eid was celebrated at all the centres of Apna Skool. The children enjoyed sewai, made greeting cards, and embraced one another with joy.

Eye Camps with Sankara Eye Hospital & Health Camp with Community Health Centre

Sankara Eye Hospital and the Community Health Centre supported Apna Skool in organizing two eye camps and a health camp for students, brick kiln workers.

During these camps, doctors conducted thorough eye and general health check-ups. They recommended appropriate treatments including spectacles, medications, and surgical procedures where necessary. Apna Skool has committed to arranging free treatment for all affected students. Some individuals were referred to Sankara Eye Hospital for further examination and advanced care.

Dedupur Centre (21st February)

• Total attendees: 165
  • 40 students
  • 125 workers from two brick kilns (Rama and Vishnu)
• Most students were found to be in good health.
• 15 students were identified with eye-related issues:
  • Some were prescribed spectacles
  • Others were given medicines

Kalra-3 Centre (26th March)

• Total attendees: 98
  • 21 students
  • 77 brick kiln workers
• Most students were found to be healthy.
• 8 students were identified with eye-related issues:
  • Some were prescribed spectacles
  • Others were given medicines
• 2 individuals have been scheduled for cataract surgery

Women's Day Celebration 2026

International Women's Day is celebrated every year on March 8 to honour the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women around the world. It is also a day to raise awareness about gender equality and women's rights, as well as a call for action to accelerate the progress.

On this occasion meetings were held with migrant labourer women at all the brick fields where Apna Skool centres are functioning. Our teachers and coordinators addressed the gatherings and brought awareness on various issues related to the women, highlighting about women's rights and how to get those rights at the domestic level. They discussed the importance of general health and hygiene, family planning, consumption of healthy food and proper diet. Regarding education, they were asked to motivate their children to study well and continue the studies when they return to their villages, encourage their girl children in particular, to get enrolled in Kasturba Gandhi Residential Schools. They also motivated the

women to start saving money which is a good practice and will become helpful at needy times.

Holi Celebration

Apna Skool wishes you a very Happy Holi, and may your life be as colorful as the colors of Holi. Happy Holi to you and your family on this auspicious occasion of Holi, may you always be healthy, contented, and happy.

Educational trip to Kanpur Zoo (3 February, 2026)

Apna Skool organizes an annual educational trip to the zoo for our students to deepen their appreciation for wildlife and nature. This eagerly awaited day is always filled with excitement,offering a wonderful adventure to learn about fascinating wildlife and enjoy a full day of exploration. After a light refreshment, the students boarded buses and set off to the zoo premises—one of the oldest in the country.

Although the enclosures at Kanpur Zoo are designed to replicate the natural habitats of various animals, some of our students felt a bit intimidated when they saw wild creatures like tigers up close in a real miniature forest setting. Lions were lounging in shaded areas, while leopards had climbed trees, resting high above. The students observed crocodiles, really large amphibians. A beautiful aquarium showcased a variety of colourful fishes. It was fascinating to see birds from different parts of the world. The replica of extinct dinosaurs captured the students' attention with their lifelike appearance. A special enclosure dedicated to nocturnal animals, including bats, owls, and jackals, gave the children a thrilling glimpse into the eerie world of creatures active at night. After a delicious lunch and fruits, all the children had a blast playing their hearts out in the children’s park.

Overall, it was a delightful and educational experience, offering the students a rare opportunity to witness wildlife they don’t encounter in their daily lives.

77th Republic Day Celebration

All the brick kiln educational centers run by Apna Skool celebrated the 77th Republic Day

We celebrate Republic Day in India on 26 January every year to honor the day when the Constitution of India came into force in 1950. This day marks the birth of India as a sovereign, democratic republic.

Key reasons for celebrating Republic Day:

Adoption of the Constitution

On 26 January 1950, India adopted its own Constitution, which laid down the rules for governing the nation and guaranteed rights and duties to all citizens.

India became a Republic

From this day, India no longer followed laws made by the British. The country began to be governed by laws made by its own people through elected representatives.

Honoring Democracy

Republic Day celebrates the values of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity, which form the foundation of Indian democracy.

Respect for Freedom Fighters and Leaders

It reminds us of the sacrifices made by freedom fighters and leaders who struggled to give India independence and self-rule.

Visitor- Mr. Vijay Poduri from Asha SV (21 & 22 Jan. 2026)

 1.First Visit – Kalra-2 Center

Mr. Vijay Poduri visited the Kalra-2 Center, where he interacted with the children and asked questions related to their studies. The children of APNA SKOOL then presented science experiments and recited poems, stories, and songs.

Ms. Nirmala ji explained the teaching methods used at the center in detail. Mr. Mukesh and Ms. Sangeeta introduced Mr. Poduri to the parents of all the children. At the end of the visit, the children presented Mr. Poduri with greeting cards, which he appreciated greatly. He expressed that the children are learning very well.

2. Visit to Dedupur Center

Mr. Vijay Poduri also visited the Dedupur Center, where he first asked the children their names. The children presented topics on the solar system, recited poems and stories, sang folk songs, and performed the song “Yeh Bachchon Ki Phulwari Hai.”

The children actively asked Mr. Poduri several questions, such as where he came from, his name, the capital of the United States, and details about its culture, lifestyle, education system, and language. He was very pleased with their curiosity and engagement.

Teachers Mr. Kuldeep Singh Yadav and Ms. Raksha Ji explained the teaching pedagogy, teaching process, curriculum, and syllabus. They also described how children are taught using activity-based learning, cards, and games.

Afterward, Mr. Poduri shared a meal with the children. Ms. Sangeeta and Mr. Mukesh provided detailed information about the children’s family, social, and economic backgrounds. A meeting was also held with the parents, during which information about their income levels was discussed and expectations from the APNA SKOOL

Ms. Sunita Ji explained the health-related initiatives undertaken through APNA SKOOLand the various activities carried out to support children’s health.

3. Third Visit – Tatiyaganj Center

During his third visit, Mr. Vijay Poduri visited the Apna SKOOL Tatiyaganj Center. All children introduced themselves in English. Senior students explained their science projects and gave demonstrations.

Ms. Urmila ji and Ms. Ranno ji explained the academic process, including how children are taught computers along with their regular studies. They also shared that the children publish a magazine titled Phuljhadiyaan and regularly contribute poems and paintings to the monthly magazine Chakmak.

Mr. Mukesh, Ms. Sangeeta ji , and Ms. Sunita ji provided detailed information about the APNA SKOOL library, tree plantation activities carried out by the children, and students who are enrolled in mainstream education. Mr. Poduri mentioned that if the children wish, they may also interact with him online. At the conclusion of the visit, the children presented greeting cards and wished him a happy journey.

Youth Day & Swami Vivekananda Jayanti Celebration (12 Jan. 2026)

Wishing you and the entire Apna Skool team a very Happy Youth Day! Today, all the brick kilns run by APNA SKOOL held a meeting with the laborers and children. first explained to the children and laborers in detail why we celebrate Youth Day. The details are as follows:

(1) first explained the following points: Youth Day is celebrated to recognize the importance of young people in shaping the nation's future and to inspire them to live with purpose, discipline, and social responsibility. In India, National Youth Day is observed on January 12, the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. The day honors his teachings and ideals, which emphasize self-confidence, character building, and service to society. Swami Vivekananda strongly believed that youth are the driving force of national development, and his life continues to motivate young people to pursue excellence and moral values. Encourage youth to realize their potential and inner strength, promote values such as discipline, leadership, and patriotism, and motivate young people to contribute positively to society and the nation as well. Spread the teachings and vision of Swami Vivekananda.

(3) Discuss with the workers the following points.

- Discussions were held on children's education, family planning, saving money, and hygiene.

- The importance of Aadhaar cards, income certificates, caste certificates, residence certificates, and birth certificates, and the process of obtaining them, was discussed.

- Discussions were also held regarding obtaining labor cards.

-Information was provided on de-addiction programs, hostel admissions, and the necessary documents required. In addition, I urged all the workers to send their older daughters to school so that they, too, can become educated and aware of their rights.

"All power is within you; you can do anything and everything. Believe in that, do not believe that you are weak. -- Swami Vivekananda