About
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Headquarters
Pune, Maharashtra
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Since
2006
Friends of Children (FoC), operates in Maharashtra, providing financial aid and support to underprivileged college students to pursue higher education Read more and secure sustainable livelihoods. Established in 2003, FoC started with 26 students and has since grown to support around 250 students annually across various regions in Maharashtra. In addition to financial assistance, FoC offers supplementary services like textbooks, trainer camps, skill sessions, mentorship, and guide networks to help these students thrive. The organisation's reach extends to several villages in Pune, Narayangaon, Ale Phata, Junnar, Manchar, Rajgurunagar, Saswad, Someshwarnagar, Ghodegaon, and Sangli. Run entirely by dedicated volunteers, Friends of Children continues to evolve and expand its impactful initiatives in the educational sphere.
Cause Area
Sub Sector
Programs
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Umeed Workshop Programme
FoC introduces the "Umeed" workshop programme, focusing on the holistic development of its sponsored students. The participants are divided into smaller groups based on their college course and year, allowing them to attend workshops that cover essential life skills and aspects of personality development. These sessions are especially beneficial for rural students who lack exposure to such platforms. The positive feedback and increased confidence displayed by the students over the years have reinforced the effectiveness of this workshop schedule.
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Unnati Residential Programme
The organisation offers a comprehensive residential programme called "Unnati" to equip senior students with essential pre-recruitment skills for the professional world. During the 3-day programme in Pune, students participate in various sessions, including Resume Preparation, Facing Interview Tips, FAQs in Interviews, GDs, corporate and email etiquette, and other requisites to enhance their competitiveness. Additionally, a panel of members from IT and manufacturing companies is invited to conduct mock interviews and provide individual feedback, giving the students valuable exposure and preparation for real-world job interviews.
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Udaan Student Volunteer Initiation Programme
The organisation has launched "Udaan," a student volunteer initiation programme, to engage selected students in residential programmes held in Pune annually. These programmes are designed to enhance the students' volunteering skills, covering topics such as Sympathy & Empathy, Communication, and brainstorming on new projects. As a result, there are now more than 40 student volunteers from different regions actively participating in various activities and taking the lead in volunteering efforts in their respective areas.
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Project Ujala: Support for Covid Hit Students
Project Ujala, initiated by Friends of Children (FoC) focuses on supporting Covid-affected students who have lost one or both parents or the sole earning member. Eligible students receive temporary financial aid and other forms of assistance to ensure their continuous education and future prospects.
Impact Metrics
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Total Number of Students
Program Name
Unnati (Progress) – Recruitment Skill Program
Year-wise Metrics- 2021-22 49
- 2022-23 32
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Total Number of Students in Spoken English Program
Program Name
Uday (Rising)
Year-wise Metrics- 2021-22 49
- 2022-23 32
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Fees Paid for Students for Their Education in College
Year-wise Metrics- 2021-22 159
- 2022-23 176
Leadership Team
M&E
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Internal, External Assessors
No
Policies
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Ethics and Transparency Policies
No
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Formal CEO Oversight & Compensation Policy
No
Political & Religious Declarations
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On Affiliation if any
No
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On Deployment Bias if any
No
Registration Details
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PAN Card
AAATF2043E
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Registration ID
F-21088/Pune
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VO ID / Darpan ID
MH/2018/0216802
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12A
AAATF2043EF20113
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80G
AAATF2043EE20115
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FCRA
83930612
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CSR Registration Number
Not Available
Location
Other Details
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Type & Sub Type
Non-profit
Trust