Greetings And A Happy New Year To You All!
We bid farewell to 2023, and are filled with gratitude for all the amazing accomplishments we achieved together. As we welcome 2024, we are hopeful for all the opportunities that await us. We are committed to doing our best for the children and supporting them in their learning and growth. Below, we are sharing with you some of the activities and events that happened in the past month.
All Building Blocks centers conducted the 2nd term assessment tests for K3, K4, and K5 children. The tests are done in different areas such as language, math, science, and social studies aligned with the curriculum and learning goals of kindergarten. These tests help identify the strengths and weaknesses of each child, so additional support can be provided to them in their weak areas. The results showed the children are learning well and are making good progress in all the subjects.
This month, we held the second term Parent-Teacher Meeting (PTM) with individual parents, to review their progress. The parents were pleased to see their children’s assessment papers, classwork, homework, workbooks, art and craft projects, and drawing books. They also had the opportunity to interact with the teachers and learn about their children’s academic performance.
All our centers celebrated Christmas with a lot of fun and joy. The teachers engaged the children in fun paper crafts, coloring activities, and dance performances by the students of each grade. Children received gifts from sponsors. They visited companies and performed Christmas carols. The employees were very impressed by the children. We had special meals served for the children. We also had visitors come to our centers and spend time with the children and giving gifts to them. Christmas was a wonderful time to spread cheer to the children and give them the gifts that they had asked for. It was a joy to see them thrilled to hold their gifts and play with them.
A BIG Thank You to all the individuals and companies that helped sponsor the celebrations and gifts for the children!
60 students from Building Blocks had a wonderful time at the Christmas Angel Tree program hosted by the Hevo company. They received a warm welcome from the Hevo employees, who each took care of groups of 8 children. The program included an introduction, a visit from Santa, dance performances by the children, gift distribution to the children( according to the wish they gave) and the staff, and a thank you speech from the director of the Hevo company. Each of the children and staff got a snack bag. It was a memorable experience for both the children and the Hevo employees.
A BIG thank you to Hevo Technologies Pvt Ltd for hosting the party, and for all the gifts and donation for Building Blocks India!
In recognition of their dedication and service, we recently held a staff appreciation event. Our hardworking team, responsible for the care and education of our children, was acknowledged and celebrated. Each staff member, including teachers, managers, and support staff, received a token of appreciation and a special meal. The event was further enlivened with dance performances by representatives from each school.
A big thanks to Mega Shabu for her contribution towards making this event a success.
The Morning Glory Center in Coorg organized an enriching one-day picnic for the K5 children. The journey began with the scenic beauty of Madikeri, where the children explored the historical Raja Seat. The adventure continued to Kushalnagar, visiting the serene Nisargadhama and the majestic Golden Temple, providing an unforgettable experience for all.
The Building Blocks children enjoyed a Christmas trip to Skill Outsource, interacting with the welcoming staff and receiving generous holiday gifts. A memorable and joyful time for all!
Thank You Cedric from Skills Outsource, your contribution to the management of Building Blocks’ software system is greatly appreciated. This software has proven instrumental in overseeing the data of our entire operations, tracking the information of every child that joins and graduates from Building Blocks India. It provides us with accessible, reader-friendly data for our donors, while also managing student attendance records effectively. Furthermore, your consistent monthly donations over the years have been invaluable. Your ongoing commitment and support are duly recognized and deeply valued.
The Project +10 students from Bluebells were invited to an Onam festival by BNI to perform for 400 people attending the celebration. They performed a traditional Kerala dance called the ‘MOHINIATTAM’
We are delighted to see how our former students of Building Blocks India have grown into confident and talented young teenagers. They have overcome many challenges and obstacles in their lives, and they have not given up on their dreams and aspirations. They have continued their education with the help of your generous sponsorship and support, and they have also explored their potential in various fields such as stage performances and other extracurricular activities. They have balanced their responsibilities at home, school, and tuition with dedication and perseverance. They have impressed us with their remarkable progress and achievements. We are very proud of them for shining their lights bright in the world.
Our kindergarten students take different assessment tests conducted to measure their skills and knowledge in various subjects that they are being taught. These tests help our teachers and parents understand the strengths and weaknesses of each child. They also show how much the students have learned and grown. We are happy to say that all the children have faired well in their tests. Thanks to the teachers who have planned the curriculum and made sure children are able to understand what they are being taught and gain knowledge of each subject.
After the assessment tests the parents were called to collect the progress report cards of their children. They were updated about their children’s performance and the results of the tests. The parents while being happy and proud of their children’s achievements also expressed their gratitude for giving their children the opportunity to get their foundation kindergarten education at Building Blocks India.
On September 5th, Teachers’ Day was celebrated with joy and gratitude by the staff and students of the school. The teachers had fun with the kids, who gave them gifts, roses, cards, and chocolates. The Center Heads
conducted games for the teachers. They also enjoyed a special lunch prepared for the occasion. Each of the teachers received gifts from the management and a lot of appreciation for their sacrificial service to the children.
A team from BNI Global Foundation USA, Mr. Jeremy Walsh and Ms Meena Srinivasan, visited our Freesia center. They had a wonderful time meeting the children, interacting with them, getting to know them and all that they are learning. They also visited the children’s homes in the slum community. It was a wonderful time for all.
On August 26, 2023, we had the pleasure of hosting Ms. Chandana, Mr. Valentin, from Eduvision and the secretary of the Aurobindo Pharma Foundation at our school. They came to inspect the improvements of the infrastructure and set up that they had generously funded. They were very impressed by the quality and speed of the work done.
Our K4 and K5 students welcomed them with a delightful dance performance. We also expressed our gratitude by presenting them with garlands, greetings, thank-you cards, and plaques.
They spent some time interacting with our students and staff. They praised our efforts and encouraged us to continue our mission of providing education to the slum children.
We thank them once again for their kindness and support. We look forward to their next visit.
On 18th of August, our school was invited by Planview company to join them on their Annual day. Planview is a software company that supports our school’s mission to provide quality education for underprivileged children.
We were delighted to accept their invitation and sent 16 of our K5 students along with their class teacher and 3 members of our head office team to their annual function. Our students prepared a special dance for the occasion, which they performed with enthusiasm and grace. The audience was very impressed by their talent and cheered them on.
The Planview team also gave some presents to our students as a token of appreciation. They gave each student a tiffin box, which they could use to carry their lunch to school. Our students were very happy and grateful for the gifts.
We thank Planview for their generosity and hospitality, and for giving our students a memorable experience. We hope to continue our partnership with them in the future.
Independence Day Celebrations at Our Schools
On August 15, 2023, our schools celebrated the 76th anniversary of India’s independence with great enthusiasm and patriotism. The students and staff participated in various activities to commemorate the occasion and pay tribute to the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the nation.
Some of the highlights of the celebrations were:
- At our Azalea branch, the flag was hoisted outside, and the national anthem was sung by everyone. The children and staff came with tricolour dresses and some children also came in fancy dresses depicting famous personalities from Indian history. The K5 children presented their speech, national song, and dance on patriotic songs. Tricolour sweets were prepared for everyone.
- At our Bluebells branch, the flag was hoisted by the chief guest, Mr. Rajesh Kumar, a renowned social worker, who also encouraged the students to serve society and the nation. The cultural program included a children’ dance performance, a fancy dress competition, and a speech from our K4 and K5 students to make the celebration even more colourful. Ms. Aby, Ms. Divya, and Ms. Pushpa also joined us during the celebration.
- At our Daisy branch, the flag was hoisted inside and all sang the national anthem. Children came in tricolour dresses and staff came in colourful sarees. The K4 children came in fancy dresses and the K5 class children gave a speech, sang, and performed for a dance on patriotic songs. Tricolour sweet breakfast was served for all staff and children.
- At our Freesia branch, the flag was hoisted by the chief guest, Ms. Shobha Karandlaje, a prominent politician and MP, who also praised the students for their achievements and aspirations. The flag hosting was followed by K5 students’ speech on Independence Day, a dance and song sung by children on this special day. All the children came in colourful dresses and some children were dressed up like Onake Obavva, Ambedkar, Nehru, and Subhas Chandra Bose.
- At our Gardenia branch, the flag was hoisted by the chief guest, Mr. Ramesh Kumar, a retired army officer, who also gave a motivational speech on the importance of national unity and integrity. The cultural program included a fancy dress competition by K3, K4, and K5 students, a patriotic dance by K4 and K5 students and Gerwins Foster home children. K4 student Alwin and K5 student Sai Saran gave a speech on independence day.
The celebrations at our schools were a reflection of our love and respect for our country and its rich culture and heritage. We are proud to be a part of this great nation and we pledge to uphold its values and ideals. Jai Hind!
The Future You Are Investing Into!
Tanuja is one of the brightest and active students in the class. She is a kind and inquisitive girl who is constantly eager to learn new things. Tanuja finds being in an academic setting to be an incredible experience. Her family frequently experiences financial struggles, health issues, and dysfunctional family relationships. They place more value on managing their daily survival than on education. Tanuja is doing a fantastic job at Building Blocks despite her situation at home. And like her, hundreds of children are getting the chance to receive nourishing meals, educational opportunities, care, and a solid foundation for life. You’ve had a significant influence on Tanuja’s future through your sponsorship. This is only one example of the countless stories of such lives that are improving every day. Thank you!
Classroom Activities
The teaching and in-class activities have been excellent. The month was jam-packed with enjoyable activities, academic study, and the learning of useful life skills. As they do every month, the teachers prepared a carefully thought-out curriculum and activities. According to the children’s most recent assessment results, all of the children are progressing well. Thanks to the teachers’ creativity and meticulous planning, there is never a dull moment in class and children are learning a lot as a result.
Science Exhibition
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) workshops were held by the Boeing Company for students in grades 6 and 7. In this month’s session, our Project+10 students attended for the first time. They participated in the workshop with the Shishumandir organization. The students gained a lot of knowledge about STEM subjects. The Boeing team explained how helicopters and airplanes operate with the students. They found learning about how airplanes operate and fly to be fascinating. The workshop featured visual presentations, exercises, and conversational discussions.
Project +10 Students’ Performance
Our Project + 10 students had the chance to perform for a company, EMIDS, at their yearly employee award ceremony. Due to their performances, the students are becoming more well-known and are receiving invitations from companies to participate in their events and programs. They didn’t fail to impress them. All of the company representatives present at the event thought highly of their performance. With all the lights and sound, it was amazing! All the students deserve praise for their hard work and impressive performance. Thank you EMIDS company for giving us an opportunity for our students to participate in your event and for your generous contribution to our work.
Christmas Season 2022
The month of December was very special with the celebration of Christmas. All our centers were decorated with Christmas trees and wreaths. We had Santa sharing stories and gifts to add to the excitement. A lot of fun activities were organized by the center staff for the children and we had Uncle Josef’s puppet show on the theme of Christmas.
Friends and sponsors visited our centers and the children entertained them with dance performances to popular Christmas songs. Our ‘Project +10’ student’s dance team visited and performed in companies, senior citizen’s homes, hospitals, and homes for children with disabilities. Building Blocks children were shining, putting up an amazing show. Our friends visiting our centers sponsored special meals and gave gifts to the children. In all our centers the children were served special meals for the celebrations.
In appreciation and honor of our dedicated staff, a fun day was organized for all of them. The day was organized with fun games, activities, a delicious lunch and most of all a wonderful bonding time for the entire staff from all Building Blocks Bangalore centers.
Thank you for being with us this last year. Together we did it!! Looking forward to an exciting and fulfilling new year 2023 and reaching greater heights!
July was a month of growth, gratitude, and new beginnings. Our little ones celebrated Vana Mahotsav with joyful enthusiasm, honoring nature through hands-on learning and tree-planting fun. They also had a delightful culinary adventure with a visit to Barbeque Nation—a treat that brought wide smiles and lasting memories. We welcomed several visitors to our school this month, including partners from the nearby government school that will soon become the next home for our upper kindergarten graduates. These connections remind us how each step in a child’s journey is built on shared care and community.
Classroom Highlights – A Month of Joyful Learning
Our kindergarten classrooms were a delightful blend of learning, creativity, and play. Children explored foundational subjects like English, Math, and Environmental Science through interactive activities. Mornings began with nourishing breakfasts followed by energizing yoga sessions that helped improve flexibility and focus. Throughout the day, little ones engaged in arts and crafts, enhancing their fine motor skills and imagination, while coordination games and outdoor play nurtured teamwork and physical development. Reading circles and early writing exercises laid the groundwork for literacy, and practical life activities—like pouring, folding, and tidying—instilled independence and responsibility. Lunchtime was joyful, with wholesome meals—each moment nurturing holistic growth and joyful learning.
A quiet revolution in education is unfolding just 15 minutes from our Freesia and Gardenia centers. Inventure Academy, one of India’s top schools, has partnered with government schools to raise the bar—starting with the school in Ramagondanahalli and now expanding into Shivaji Nagar. Thanks to this collaboration, our children are now part of a model school that blends excellence with accessibility. The recent inauguration of the Government Tamil and English medium primary and high school was a celebration of hope, partnership, and a brighter future. Once our Freesia and Gardenia K5 children graduate from us, they will seamlessly transition into this government school, continuing their journey from 1st to 10th grade in an environment that nurtures both academic growth and holistic development.
| This month, our vibrant kindergarteners joyfully celebrated Vana Mahotsav, embracing the spirit of nature with enthusiasm and wonder. The little ones came dressed as trees, flowers, animals, and eco-warriors, bringing the forest to life with their imaginative costumes and infectious energy. Through engaging activities like planting saplings, leaf art, and storytelling sessions about the importance of trees, they learned to appreciate the beauty and value of our environment. The celebration was not just fun—it was a meaningful step toward nurturing a love for nature in young hearts. |
The month of June marked a joyful beginning to the academic year as our centers opened their doors to welcome newly enrolled students, along with our returning K4 and K5 children. The start was filled with vibrant energy—celebrations of festivals and Father’s Day, engaging classroom activities, nourishing meals, and heartfelt care. We also connected with parents through special events and meaningful meetings, setting a strong and spirited tone for the year ahead.
Welcoming Smiles, New Beginnings!
It was a joy to reopen our schools this June for the academic year 2025–26, as classrooms came alive with the laughter and curiosity of 3 year old children joining us for the first time.
They were thrilled to enter colorful classrooms filled with toys, fun activities, meeting other children and making new friends—a heartwarming reminder of the magic that learning spaces can create. Many of these little ones come from homes where toys and play materials are a luxury.
We were delighted to welcome back our K4 and K5 children, their bright smiles and warmth lighting up our classrooms.
We look forward to a year filled with joyful learning—building strong foundations for these young minds in ways that are fun, meaningful, and adventurous.
Our social work team, Ms. Christina and Ms. Pushpa, conducted several community meetings with the parents of Project +10 students to discuss key aspects of student development, including attendance, academic progress, and personal growth. The session fostered open communication and reinforced the partnership between parents and the school in supporting each child’s journey. A critical point emphasized during the meeting was for the students to put in additional effort, and the parents to actively support in guiding their children to better academic performance. In addition, parents were informed about the starting of the “After School Program” for students from Grades 1 to 4, who can come to Building Blocks centers after school hours for tuitions and additional classes.
International Yoga Day at Building Blocks was a joyful celebration of mindfulness, movement, and fun! The little ones eagerly followed simple yoga postures with cheerful enthusiasm. Guided by their teachers, they explored gentle stretches, deep breathing, and playful poses like the tree and butterfly, turning the session into a delightful blend of wellness and imagination. The day beautifully introduced the children to the importance of staying active and centered—even in the tiniest of ways.
At our kindergarten, Father’s Day was a heartwarming celebration filled with laughter, love, and little surprises. The children delighted their dads with handmade cards and cheerful performances, expressing their affection and big smiles. It was a day that strengthened the special bond between fathers and their little ones. The joy was unmistakable—a beautiful reminder of how much dads mean in our children’s lives.
| Building Blocks recently hosted Ms. Kelly and Ms. Kate from The Chicago School (TCS) for leadership workshops at our schools, which had a profound impact on our staff. TCS is a nonprofit university that enhances health in individuals, organizations, and communities through education and real-world experiences. Ms. Kelly and Ms. Kate were inspired by our work with marginalized students and identified potential areas for collaboration, including online learning activities and fostering student resilience. |
As we stand together to make a difference in the lives of underprivileged children in India, we want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who has supported us on this journey.
From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for your generosity, kindness, & trust in our mission. Your sacrifices, big and small, have not gone unnoticed, and we are humbled by your commitment to our cause.
Our children had a fantastic month, engaging in various fun and enriching activities. Alongside their regular academic classes, they enjoyed outbound learning experiences and cultural activities. Here’s a glimpse of everything that happened this month.
On the 14th of November, we celebrated Children’s Day in all of our centers. The children arrived in colorful attire. The school was adorned with vibrant balloons and streamers. The children relished the day with various games and activities organized by the teachers. A special lunch was served to the children.
On the 15th of November, we took our K4 and K5 children on an exciting trip to The Big Barn Nature Camp. This wonderful excursion, generously sponsored by Anko Company, provided the children with a unique opportunity to explore nature and learn outside the classroom. They got to touch a turtle a rabbit and feed the cow. The children participated in various fun activities, engaging with the natural world around them. It was a memorable day filled with adventure, laughter, and learning.
This month we celebrated Kannada Rajyotsava. The children and staff adorned themselves in Karnataka’s vibrant yellow and red attire. The school was decorated with yellow and red rangoli, balloons, and streamers. The children engaged in arts and crafts centered around Kannada Rajyotsava. K5 students delivered speeches, while teachers sang to the tune of Nada Geethe. The children relished a special breakfast featuring the delectable Kesari bath.