The Foundation For Equal Citizenship (FFEC) USA hosted its first-ever fundraiser event, marking a significant milestone in its journey toward creating a more equitable and inclusive society. Held amidst an atmosphere of hope and inspiration, the event brought together supporters, visionaries, and changemakers who share FFEC’s commitment to uplifting marginalized communities.

The highlight of the evening was an inspiring speech by Ms. Yasmeen Fatimah, founder of FFEC USA and FFEC INDIA. She eloquently outlined the organization’s global objectives, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts in addressing societal inequalities. With passion and clarity, she spoke about FFEC’s unwavering dedication to fostering opportunities for underserved groups and its aim to create pathways for sustainable development.

“Our mission is to empower those who have been left behind, giving them the tools, resources, and confidence to rise and thrive,” said Ms. Yasmeen Fatimah. She stressed the importance of bridging gaps in education, healthcare, and economic opportunities to ensure a brighter future for everyone, regardless of their background.

The event also served as a platform to shed light on FFEC’s ongoing projects and initiatives. From community development programs to skill-building workshops, FFEC is already making a tangible impact in improving lives. The organization’s approach centers on collaboration, working with local partners and volunteers to address the unique needs of each community it serves.

The fundraiser featured various activities, including live Sufi dance performances and networking sessions, all aimed at raising awareness and funds for FFEC’s noble cause. Farima Berenji’s mesmerizing Sufi dance performance was a standout moment, captivating the audience with her soulful and graceful movements.

The success of the event was also due to the generous support of its sponsors. Zareen’s provided a delicious dinner, Zee Foods delighted attendees with delectable desserts, and Asha Party Rentals transformed the venue with stunning decorations. Their contributions played a vital role in creating an unforgettable evening for all.

Attendees left the event not only inspired but also motivated to contribute to the organization’s vision of a fairer world.

As FFEC embarks on this transformative journey, its first fundraiser has set the tone for a future filled with impactful initiatives and meaningful change. The event was a reminder that even small steps can lead to monumental progress when driven by a shared purpose and a determination to make a difference.

Through efforts like this, FFEC USA continues to pave the way for a world where every individual, regardless of their circumstances, can dream, achieve, and thrive.

At FFEC’s Trilokpuri center, creativity and imagination took center stage in a magical workshop designed to ignite the minds of children aged 10-15. Originally planned for Independence Day, the workshop was delayed but brought to life soon after, offering young participants a profound exploration of freedom through art and self-expression. This workshop became a beacon of inspiration, blending creativity and reflection as these young individuals examined the theme of freedom through their unique lenses.

Guiding the session was the talented Ms. Samina Mishra, a documentary filmmaker, writer, and educator based in New Delhi. Passionate about using media to reflect the experiences of childhood, identity, and education in India, Samina ji brought a wealth of experience and insight to the workshop. Her acclaimed podcast, The Storyteller’s Journey, explores the narratives of children from diverse backgrounds, shining a light on the powerful lessons their stories hold. Through this platform, Samina ji connects with children to explore their unique stories, and for this workshop, she tapped into the same energy to engage the young participants.

Samina ji’s influence extends beyond storytelling—she has taught the International Baccalaureate Film program at Pathways School, Noida, and curated the children’s section at the prestigious MAMI Mumbai Film Festival. She has also collaborated on Torchlight, a web journal celebrating libraries and literature. As the founder of The Magic Key Centre for the Arts and Childhood, Samina ji continues to create virtual resources, design workshops, and share materials for children and educators alike. Notably, she led the Lockdown Art Project, engaging children in creative practices during the COVID-19 pandemic.

At the Trilokpuri workshop, her expertise shone through, and under her guidance, the children were encouraged to explore the idea of “Azaadi” (freedom) through various artistic expressions. Her powerful podcast on the subject set the tone for the day, drawing the kids into a space of introspection and self-expression. With the help of art, they explored what freedom meant to them—whether it was the freedom to play, dream, or express themselves without constraints. Samina ji created an environment where creativity flowed freely, and the children poured their hearts into crafting beautiful poems, each piece reflecting their emotional connection to freedom, peppered with their own local experiences.

The workshop became a celebration of young voices, where the children confidently shared their work, proud of their creations and eager to engage with their peers. As they recited their poems and reflected on freedom, the air was filled with the joy of discovery. Each poem was a window into how these young individuals view the world—some expressing the simple freedoms of everyday life, while others voiced their dreams and concerns for the future.

Looking back on this unforgettable day, the workshop was much more than an activity—it was an empowering experience. The children learned that art is not only a tool for self-expression but also a powerful way to connect with important ideas. They discovered that freedom is both personal and collective, influenced by their individual lives and the world they inhabit.

This workshop reaffirmed FFEC’s commitment to nurturing creativity and providing young minds with the space to explore important themes. As we celebrate this day, we also celebrate the incredible work of Samina Mishra and the boundless potential of the children who participated. This experience was a true reminder of the power of art to inspire, connect, and empower.

Summer is the perfect time for children to explore new interests, make friends, and learn outside the traditional classroom setting. This year, the FFEC (Fun and Friendly Educational Center) offered an enriching summer camp that promised to be a delightful mix of education, fun, and social activities. Designed for young learners, this camp integrated reading sessions, Hindi Ki Matra, English word sounds, word-making activities, fun games like musical chairs, dancing, singing, and crucial social awareness lessons such as good touch and bad touch.

Engaging Reading Sessions

At FFEC’s Summer Camp, reading is more than just an academic exercise. The engaging reading sessions are tailored to foster a love for books and storytelling. Children dive into a world of imagination, exploring various genres and themes. These sessions were designed to enhance their reading skills, expand their vocabulary, and improve comprehension. With interactive storytime, children discussed plots, characters, and their favourite parts.

Mastering Hindi Ki Matra

Hindi Ki Matra is an essential component of the curriculum, aimed at strengthening the foundational skills in Hindi. Through interactive activities and fun exercises, children learned the different matras (vowel signs) and their applications in words and sentences. This segment of the camp ensures that children gain confidence in reading and writing Hindi, which is crucial for their overall linguistic development.

Exploring English Word Sounds and Word Making

Phonics and word-making are integral parts of our English language program. Children engaged in activities that help them understood the sounds of letters and how they are combined to form words. This approach not only aids in improving their spelling and pronunciation but also makes the process of learning English dynamic and enjoyable. Games, songs, and hands-on activities ensure that the learning experience is both effective and fun.

Fun and Games Galore

No summer camp is complete without a dose of fun and games. At FFEC, we believe in the holistic development of children, and our fun games segment is designed to promote physical activity, teamwork, and social skills. Classic games like musical chairs bring out the competitive spirit while ensuring that children have a blast. Dancing and singing sessions allow them to express themselves creatively, building confidence and joy in participation.

Social Activities: Good Touch and Bad Touch

In addition to academic and recreational activities, FFEC’s Summer Camp placed a strong emphasis on social awareness. One of the critical components of our program is educating children about good touch and bad touch. These sessions are conducted in a sensitive and age-appropriate manner, ensuring that children understand personal boundaries and safety. Our trained instructors use stories, role-playing, and discussions to convey these important messages, empowering children with the knowledge to protect themselves.

A Well-Rounded Experience

FFEC’s Summer Camp 2024 was a roller coaster ride and designed to be a well-rounded experience that caters to the diverse needs of young learners. Our approach is child-centric, focusing on creating a nurturing and stimulating environment where children can thrive. Each activity is carefully curated to ensure that children not only learn but also enjoy every moment of their time at the camp.

Parents were assured that their children are in safe hands, learning valuable skills that will benefit them academically and socially. FFEC’s Summer Camp is not just a place for learning; it is a community where children can grow, explore, and create lasting memories.

In an era where environmental concerns are paramount, Foundation For Equal Citizenship stands out with its proactive initiatives. Recently, the organisation directed a plantation drive aimed at enhancing environmental safety and raising awareness about the importance of greenery in our lives. This event was particularly significant due to the enthusiastic participation of children, who played a crucial role in planting numerous plants.

The plantation drive, held in a local park in Trilokpuri, was a sight to behold. The park, usually bustling with recreational activities, was transformed into a hub of environmental action. Children, armed with shovels and watering cans, displayed an eagerness and dedication that was truly heartwarming. Their involvement was not just about planting trees but also about understanding the vital role these plants play in maintaining ecological balance.

As the children planted saplings, there was a noticeable sense of joy and accomplishment. Each plant symbolised a commitment to a greener tomorrow. The variety of plants chosen for the drive included indigenous species that are well-suited to the local climate and soil conditions. This selection not only ensured the plant’s survival but also promoted biodiversity in the area.

“I planted five different saplings and contributed towards the environment.” Says Fardeen. 

Parents and volunteers were equally involved, providing guidance and assistance to the young participants. This collaborative effort highlighted the community’s role in environmental conservation. It was a perfect example of how collective action can bring about meaningful change. The drive also served as a bonding experience for families, uniting them in a shared purpose of protecting and nurturing the environment.

In addition to planting trees, the event featured various fun activities such as drawing and games centered around environmental themes. These activities were designed to reinforce the lessons learned during the educational session, making the entire experience both enjoyable and informative for the children. The smiles on their faces and the pride in their eyes, as they completed their planting tasks, were a testament to the success of the initiative.

The FFEC’s plantation drive was more than just an event; it was a movement towards fostering a deeper connection with nature among the younger generation. By involving children in such activities, the organisation is sowing the seeds of environmental stewardship early on, ensuring that the future custodians of our planet are well-informed and passionate about preserving it. The event was conducted on the World Environmental Day.

In conclusion, the FFEC’s plantation drive was a remarkable effort in promoting environmental safety and awareness. The active participation of children, supported by their families and the community, made it a memorable and impactful event. As the saplings grow into trees, they will stand as living reminders of the collective effort to safeguard our environment. This initiative not only beautified the local area but also instilled a lasting appreciation for nature in the hearts of the young participants.

Cooking is an ecstatic way of expressing yourself. It is more than just nourishment, it’s an art form that fetches people together. Foundation For Equal Citizenship’s Mahila Centre is the epitome of strength, resilience, knowledge and creativity. Cooking demonstration classes are conducted every week so that women get the knowledge they deserve.

The programme is run by Shaheen Baji and demonstration classes are executed by Al Saba. These classes provide a platform for women to explore new flavours, techniques, and recipes in a very inclusive environment. Women from every age group become a part of these vibrant classes.

FFEC believes in rendering the finest knowledge and mastery so that the future is bright and luminous. The session comprises almost 40 passionate women who have the thrill of learning something. The pedagogy of these classes believes in imbibing nutritional knowledge at a low budget. This means the mentors prepare budget-friendly meal ideas for pregnant, lactating, and anaemic ladies.

These classes are way more than just about food. They are a celebration of empowerment and self-discovery. As women come together they share joy, giggle, laughter, knowledge, never-ending stories and a lot more. This inclusivity builds a robust community. Through hands-on learning and interactive demonstrations, ladies gain the confidence to unleash their creativity and express themselves. These classes are followed by a competitive spirit where competitions are conducted.

Nutrition as everyone is aware helps curb the wasting in children and stunting. FFEC’s Mahila centre takes note of this and works constantly to bestow the knowledge of nutrition under budget.

The most rewarding aspect of these classes is the opportunity to share the pleasure of cooking with others. As these women hone their skills and discover budget-friendly healthy recipes, they become masters of flavours, spreading the culinary facet in their families.

Some delicious, budget-friendly dishes including energy choco bar, healthy makhana ball, sesame or jaggery laddu, Bajra churma laddu, poha, peanut chaat, healthy namkeen and moonglet have been prepared to date. From cooking to learning, FFEC’s community is growing and glowing. At our mahila centre, cooking is more than just a skill, it’s a gateway to empowerment and a progressive society.

As FFEC embark on a journey to strengthen the project ‘BUNIYAAD’, it also aspires to grow the community and inject exemplary knowledge. FFEC believes in providing practical exposure along with the theory. Women here enjoy themselves to the fullest and apply this skill set in their daily lives.

 “Earlier I used to be a gully boy type. Ever since I joined FFEC NGO, a lot of improvements came within me.” Says Fardeen.

Fardeen is a young 17-year-old lad who loves vlogging. He is ambitious, determined and full of zeal. He completely ignored his studies and indulged in vlogging. To grow in the field of vlogging, he proceeded towards a media house in Gurugram but faced rejection due to his insufficient academic record. This rejection taught him the prestige of studies. After having a backdrop for consecutive two years, Fardeen is standing strong and pursuing his 10^th.

Fardeen used to work part-time where he made beautiful and enchanting handcrafted items. He says creating the video required some amount of money as we have to travel. He bought his hard-earned camera so that he could deliver the best videos. The grit he has for videography cannot be defined in words. He created his own YouTube channel where he gained 700+ subscribers in no time. It was his commitment which brought him this plate of success. However, he realised his studies were being affected drastically. His two years of academics faced backdrops. At this moment, he realised that he had to prioritize his studies over vlogging. When he joined the Foundation For Equal Citizenship NGO, his point of view transformed. His marks surged incredibly and he became single-minded towards his studies. 

Fardeen was a short-tempered boy. Joining hands with FFEC helped him overcome his anger issues. His nature became jolly, friendly and compatible.  

Fardeen says “I am on break, I will not leave vlogging. My priority is to complete my studies.”

After his 12^th he will continue fulfilling his dream of becoming a blogger and FFEC stands in support of him. Today, Fardeen is a changed boy who is devoted, strong and full of enthusiasm. He has plenty of dreams which he promised himself to paint in reality. His family supports him and has faith that Fardeen will shine with flying colours.