Pune, India

Introduction
The “Ten Children” international initiative, launched by Liesbeth Coltof and Dennis Meyer, was successfully held in Pune, India. Organized in collaboration with the Rainbow Umbrella Foundation, School of Media Activity, Research & Technology, MKSSS, and Seva Sahayog Foundation, this initiative previously gained recognition in the United States and Germany. Its primary objective was to raise awareness about critical social issues, with a specific focus on “Girls and Poverty” in Pune, India through impactful visual storytelling.

Event Overview
The two-day event named “Ti” (She), held at the Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Architecture of MKSS Auditorium, provided an immersive platform for participants to engage with various aspects of the theme. It featured a conference, theater play, documentary screening, and art exhibition. A book capturing the event’s key insights was also published.

The event commenced with a lamp-lighting ceremony by special guests, including the program’s founders, Liesbeth Coltof and Dennis Meyer, along with Dr. Nitin Kalmarkar, Ex-Vice chairpoerson of Savitribai Phule University, Chairperson Ravindra Dev, Secretary Dr. P.V. S. Shastri of MKSS and Dr. Vidya Yerwadekar, Dean of Symbiosis International University. Their presence and contributions set an inspiring tone for the event.

Key Sessions and Contributions

Day 1 Highlights
The first session, presented by Seva Sahayog Foundation, focused on the story of “Ti,” an adolescent girl from urban slums, illustrating her dreams and struggles within the constraints of poverty. The Kishori Vikas Prakalp (Adolescent Girl Development Project) was introduced as a significant initiative to support underprivileged girls. Siddhi Nighot beneficiary of Kishori Vikas paraklp was anchor for day 1 program. 3 girls from Kishori Vikas Prakalp and Shilpa Rajhans led this session. Additionally, Ruchita Pawar, coordinator of Kishori Vikas Prakalp conducted interviews of girl beneficiaries, parent and teacher from Kishori Vikas Prakp to share their insights and experiences.

Representatives from Green Tara Foundation, Nirman Sanstha, and Work for Equality shared insights on the challenges faced by girls from economically backward communities. Beneficiaries of these organizations, along with their parents and teachers, actively participated in the discussions, enriching the dialogue with their personal experiences.

Day 2 Highlights
The second day showcased the efforts of organizations such as Doorstep School, DeAsra Foundation, Snehalay, Dhyan Prabodini, Loksadhana and Tiruba. Each organization highlighted their unique approaches to addressing the challenges of economically disadvantaged girls.

Activist Anuradha Sahasrabuddhe delivered an enlightening session on child protection laws, including the Child Helpline and the POCSO Act. Yogita Apte, CSR Lead at Persistent, emphasized the role of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in solving these issues, while Dr. Neelam Gorhe, Member of the Maharashtra Legislative Council, discussed government initiatives to support underprivileged girls.

Both days featured interactive discussions, with 100 Kishori Vikas Prakalp beneficiaries, parents, and teachers actively attending these sessions.

Cultural and Artistic Contributions
Each day concluded with a screening of a documentary created by Tejas Kulkarni and Mahesh Khandare, which provided a poignant depiction of the challenges faced by girls in poverty. This was followed by a visit to the art exhibition at the Rama Purshottam Hall, showcasing creative works that reflected the event’s theme.

The event concluded with a play written by Vibhawari Deshpande and directed by Hrishikesh Deshpande. The play, which highlighted the resilience and struggles of underprivileged girls, left a profound impact on the audience. It showcased the stories of inspiring figures like Savitribai Phule, Kiran Bedi, Dr. Anandi Joshi, and Shewta Katti, whose legacies were brought to life through interactions with current adolescent girls, motivating them with powerful narratives.

A Positive Conclusion and Future Outlook
The “Ten Children” initiative ended on a hopeful note, emphasizing the potential for collective efforts to bring about meaningful change. The discussions and performances highlighted the importance of education, empowerment, and sustained support for underprivileged girls. The event fostered optimism for a future where such challenges can be effectively addressed through collaborative action and continued advocacy.

Conclusion
The “Ten Children” initiative in Pune was a resounding success, providing a platform for dialogue, awareness, and action. It brought together change makers, organizations, and beneficiaries to address the pressing issue of “Girls and Poverty” and explore sustainable solutions. Seva Sahayog Foundation remains committed to its mission of driving social impact and creating opportunities for underprivileged girls. This event marks a significant step towards fostering equity, empowerment, and hope for a brighter future.