Demonstrated capacities and commitment: The program supports individuals or teams who have already demonstrated certain capacities. They must also show serious commitment to the social/ education sector. This is assessed through their past involvements and associations. These must usually include at least two to three years of full-time engagement with education and/or allied developmental issues.
Clear organizational objectives: The program aims to facilitate the development of stable educational CSOs. These are envisaged to create long-term engagements in school education. Thus, we have clear organization building expectations from the individuals and teams we support.
Engagement with class/school issues: We recognize that issues outside schools and classrooms (such as those related to community, nutrition and health, etc.) are important for effective education. However, we want to foster the development of effective educational NGOs, which can have systemic impact. For this, the founding team must be willing and able to engage directly with children and teachers, and within-class/school issues. These include a wide range of curricular and pedagogic aspects.
Focused approach: Education requires some degree of specialized knowledge. Effective educational NGOs are often willing to go deeper into a few educational domains and disciplines. This may be seen in contrast to generalists who attempt to address all educational issues or play the role of mediators. An example of the latter may include providing readymade content available to a set of schools.
Supportive teams: For organizations to develop and sustain over the long run, it is important to build a team of individuals with allied sensibilities and interests. These may be along the axes of geographies, educational domains, and social groups and demographics. The founders should also be able to provide constructive feedback to each other and complement each other’s strengths and weaknesses.
Nature of support
Number of Fellowships per organization: A maximum of three (3) founding members per organization will be supported through the Fellowship at a time.
Quantum, mode and duration of financial support: The financial support would be provided for up to three (3) years from the date of signing the MoU. It would amount to approximately Rs 4.8 lakhs per year. This will be paid in the form of quarterly stipends.
Conditions for continued support: Continued support with stipend would be subject to adherence to the clauses of the Agreement signed between the Fellow and Wipro. It is also conditional upon satisfactory progress on the plans submitted during the selection stage, including an organizational development plan. This will be determined by periodic reviews and discussions, and a detailed annual review. Depending on the outcome of these reviews, we may further extend the support to the organizations, after the three-year term is over, on a case-to-case basis.
