A couple of days ago I had a much-needed re-connect with Navanath Shinde and Ray Kimble, as we discussed the progress of Rainbow Boosters and the Kuma Labs computer lab that we installed in a small rural village in India last year.
Recently, with work, summer holidays and a house renovation, I’ve had little capacity to focus on Rainbow Boosters and ensured that this cross-continent call (India, UK, USA) stayed in my diary, as I needed to hear if progress was being made.
At the end of the 30 min call, with tears in my eyes, I felt the true power of partnership. Having trusted partners, brothers in action, I felt the support of others lifting me up when I needed the support to know that the wheels of motion that we put in place are still spinning.
Navanath Shinde shared how our 200 students have been using the lab every day, to learn vital digital skills and are now gearing up for exams to showcase their growth which would advance them 4-5 years ahead of their better-off peers.
He shared how the school has attracted over 45 new students from neighbouring villages because of the higher level of education and facilities now being offered.
He shared how other organisations have joined in an effort to make our school a beacon for the state, donating a STEM and Engineering lab too.
Ray Kimble shared news of the second Kuma Lab opened by the Kuma Foundation in Virginia, USA, offering the same opportunities to students in his community.
Being connected to those with similar values, to share journeys and experiences with others is like going on a road trip with friends. We all drive at different points, we all have our part to play - some organise the snacks, others curate the playlist until it's our turn to take the wheel.
This is an incredibly special road trip we are on and at each stop someone else jumps in the car, which has slowly grown to a minibus. My hopes are soon we'll be in a coach with a stronger team, singing along at the top of our voices as we continue to impact the lives of many through our ideas and actions.
I'm grateful for this partnership between Rainbow Boosters, the Pandit Abaji Panshikar Foundation and Kuma Foundation and look forward to what we do next.
If you are looking for a place to make a direct impact, do make a small yet transformative impact in someone else's life then join us.
Donate here - https://lnkd.in/dffZQaZD
Or drop me a note and we can discuss the ways you can get involved.