Calendars for a Social Good

Some people pencil in fundraising for a good cause in their calendars. TISB student, Avni from Grade 9, has recently done the same and raised funds for ‘Step Up For India’, an organisation that works with programmes to teach English to children in low-income and Government schools. Avni did so by selling calendars that she designed, raising INR 21,500 which will support around 200 children in the upcoming academic year of 2021-22. We reached out to Avni to hear more about her fundraising efforts.

I have always loved art and design, and I realised that I could put my passions to use for raising the funds – Avni, Grade 9

Step Up For India is a nine year old non-profit organisation. So far, the organisation has worked with about 40,000 children and built capacity among 1,000 teachers. Anvi has previously  worked with Step Up For India and contributed her voice to audio tracks that have been enjoyed by thousands of children learning basic English in Government schools across Karnataka and in Delhi. Recently Anvi heard about the new project designed to educate students from Government schools that are closed in the ongoing pandemic. “I decided to raise funds for the project, as it stands for a cause that I believe in firmly”, says Avni, who has been working with the organisation for more than eight years.

To raise funds for Step Up For India’s project, Avni designed calendars that featured her digital art on each month, but raising the funds during the pandemic and lockdown did not come without challenges. “In the past, I was able to physically visit the printing company to help in the production process and format the graphics to my liking”, explains Avni, who had to do this over phone calls, which complicated the process. However, with support from the printing company, the calendars were finished as planned.

Although selling the calendars was successful and raised a good amount, Avni will not stop there. “In the future, I would like to continue to support Step Up For India through my interest in entrepreneurship, and by utilising my passions for the arts”, says Avni, who wants to continue raising funds, and develop audio and textbook content. She encourages others to join her efforts to create a better future for more people: “I think if anybody firmly believes in a cause, they should play to their strengths to help it in any way they can, which will be extremely empowering”.  

To learn more about Step Up For India, their programmes and how you may be able to use your time and creativity, visit the organisation’s website.