COOKING UP A STORM!
The cool but sunny weather on Sunday 22 May 2016 attracted lots of families to the Lower Eltham Park and the Diamond Valley Miniature Railway. Perfect conditions to enjoy barbecued sausages and onions cooked to perfection by the Muskaan Support Australia volunteers on behalf of the Rotary Club of Eltham. Matt & Siobhan (pictured), together with Kevin & Marion were kept busy from 9.30am cooking and serving until we exhausted supplies! Another great fundraising result for the Muskaan school project
The cool but sunny weather on Sunday 22 May 2016 attracted lots of families to the Lower Eltham Park and the Diamond Valley Miniature Railway. Perfect conditions to enjoy barbecued sausages and onions cooked to perfection by the Muskaan Support Australia volunteers on behalf of the Rotary Club of Eltham. Matt & Siobhan (pictured), together with Kevin & Marion were kept busy from 9.30am cooking and serving until we exhausted supplies! Another great fundraising result for the Muskaan school project
Our Volunteers are Priceless!
We can only support Muskaan's great work with the help of our volunteers to run our fundraising events. They excelled again at the Darebin Kite Festival and Family Day at Reservoir on 20th March. Muskaan kites, tea light candle holders and Henna art were very popular. You can see from their faces it was a labour of love for our volunteers.
A big thank you to Yashasvi, Shivani, Nargis, Abdul, Lalitha, Shanker, Emelya,Shivani, Diksha, Marion and Kevin for making the day a success.
Successful Family Fun Party at Toot Toot Toys 25th October
The Family Fun Party lived up to expectations with fun, activities and exciting prizes for those attending. A very pleasant Sunday afternoon for the parents and lots of engaging tables of toys and games to keep the kids occupied. Irene chatted with guests and explained the story of Muskaan which was also illustrated on the banners and display board. The raffles held throughout the afternoon raised much-needed funds for the Muskaan school building program.
The event would not have been possible without the generosity and hospitality of Toot Toot Toys as well great prizes from Bunns Books, Oasis Bakery, Summit Health Club and Woolworths. Great organisation Irene!
See the pics on the next page!
The Family Fun Party lived up to expectations with fun, activities and exciting prizes for those attending. A very pleasant Sunday afternoon for the parents and lots of engaging tables of toys and games to keep the kids occupied. Irene chatted with guests and explained the story of Muskaan which was also illustrated on the banners and display board. The raffles held throughout the afternoon raised much-needed funds for the Muskaan school building program.
The event would not have been possible without the generosity and hospitality of Toot Toot Toys as well great prizes from Bunns Books, Oasis Bakery, Summit Health Club and Woolworths. Great organisation Irene!
See the pics on the next page!
BOLLYWOOD BEDAZZLED - A FANTASTIC SUCCESS!
Thank you to everyone who supported the 2015 Bollywood Bedazzled Charity Ball on 8th August. A very successful night with 290 guests enjoying a dance party to remember with delicious food, a magnificent venue, colourful and energy-packed dance performances from traditional to modern Bollywood, fun raffles and silent auction. Thank you everyone for getting into the spirit of the evening and putting the FUN into fundraising....we raised $9,000 for Muskaan and had a great time doing it!
Thank you to everyone who supported the 2015 Bollywood Bedazzled Charity Ball on 8th August. A very successful night with 290 guests enjoying a dance party to remember with delicious food, a magnificent venue, colourful and energy-packed dance performances from traditional to modern Bollywood, fun raffles and silent auction. Thank you everyone for getting into the spirit of the evening and putting the FUN into fundraising....we raised $9,000 for Muskaan and had a great time doing it!
Thank You to the
Rotary Club of Drysdale
Marion and Kevin were invited to present the story of Muskaan to the Rotary Club of Drysdale on 13th April 2015. The presentation triggered much interest and the club made a donation of $500 to the Muskaan project….a very significant and much appreciated contribution. We look forward to seeing some Drysdale Rotarians at some of our fundraising events.
Rotary Club of Drysdale
Marion and Kevin were invited to present the story of Muskaan to the Rotary Club of Drysdale on 13th April 2015. The presentation triggered much interest and the club made a donation of $500 to the Muskaan project….a very significant and much appreciated contribution. We look forward to seeing some Drysdale Rotarians at some of our fundraising events.
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Muskaan Kites Fly High at Darebin Festival The Muskaan stall at the Darebin Community and Kite Festival on 15th March 2015 generated a lot of interest in Muskaan through the sale of Muskaan Kites, Henna Art and Calligraphy.... we even provided instruction in kite-flying and after sales service! |
ENTHUSIASTIC SUPPORT FROM LATROBE UNIVERSITY INDIAN STUDENTS CLUB
The Latrobe Indian Students Club (ISC) generously showcased the Muskaan project at the Latrobe Orientation Week Clubs Display on Feb 26th. 2015. We welcome the new students who have joined our list of volunteers and we look forward to your support and participation in Muskaan events. The ISC have already chalked-in a fundraising event for Muskaan in September….watch this space for further details!
The Latrobe Indian Students Club (ISC) generously showcased the Muskaan project at the Latrobe Orientation Week Clubs Display on Feb 26th. 2015. We welcome the new students who have joined our list of volunteers and we look forward to your support and participation in Muskaan events. The ISC have already chalked-in a fundraising event for Muskaan in September….watch this space for further details!
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ROTARY CLUB OF ELTHAM SUCCESSFUL "INCREDIBLE INDIA" NIGHT The Rotary Club of Eltham held an Indian Dinner night on 4th Sept 2014,featuring beautiful classical Indian dances by Muskaan supporters Sunalini Eshan Arya and Riddhi Bharadwa; a delicious smorgasbord from Machan Indian Restaurant; a raffle with lots of great prizes from generous donors; and lots of Rotary fellowship. All profits from the evening were dedicated to supporting the development of Muskaan - a project of the Rotary Club of Eltham in partnership with the Rotary Club of Bhopal (Midtown). |
ASHA -COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS TRAINING
ASHA is a Melbourne-based group of young medical professionals, many of Indian descent, with a strong sense of social justice wanting to give back to disadvantaged communities. . JANUARY 2015 saw a group of 12 young doctors head off to Bhopal to work with Muskaan! They successfully set up growth monitoring software in 8 Muskaan slum communities, tested the vision of over 200 kids and dispensed 21 glasses. They implemented Doppler foetal heart rate monitoring, which included listening to the first heart beats of two 16 week in new mothers, and trained 50 health care workers on first aid, common infections and women’s health! The trip has initiated long term relationships with local hospitals, medical schools and clinicians to establish ongoing health clinics in the slum communities. |
FREE BOLLYWOOD MOVIE NIGHT 16 May 2014
Thank you to Eshan, the Latrobe Post Graduate Committee and the International Students' Association for organising a free Bollywood Movie Night at the Hooper Lecture Theatre at Latrobe University.
BARFI was a great film selection starring Ranbir Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, and Ileana D'cruz. Light hearted and heart warming with very positive messages for life. The film was complemented by beautiful dances by Sunalini and friends.
The evening also provided the opportunity to present the story of Muskaan and to screen the Muskaan documentary DVD. We received keen interest in Muskaan volunteer opportunities for Latrobe students.
Would you like to receive a copy of the video "The story of MUSKAAN" email [email protected] and we'll send you a copy.
Thank you to Eshan, the Latrobe Post Graduate Committee and the International Students' Association for organising a free Bollywood Movie Night at the Hooper Lecture Theatre at Latrobe University.
BARFI was a great film selection starring Ranbir Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, and Ileana D'cruz. Light hearted and heart warming with very positive messages for life. The film was complemented by beautiful dances by Sunalini and friends.
The evening also provided the opportunity to present the story of Muskaan and to screen the Muskaan documentary DVD. We received keen interest in Muskaan volunteer opportunities for Latrobe students.
Would you like to receive a copy of the video "The story of MUSKAAN" email [email protected] and we'll send you a copy.
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The ASHA Charity Mother's Day Dinner was a fantastic night of beautiful dancing, delicious food, singing and a fun auction of some beautiful and generously donated items.....all in support of Muskaan School, Bhopal. A few pics below were taken by Kevin to whet your interest - but See a great range of top quality pictures taken by G Photography on the night at https://m.facebook.com/G.Photography.G |
What a great way to celebrate our Mothers!
Join us at the ASHA CHARITY Mothers Day Dinner 2014.
Come along and treat your Mum to a memorable evening of great musical and dance performances, delicious Indian food platters, and lots of fun activities for our beloved mums!!!
It'll be held at the Brighton Town Hall on May 11th, 2014, from 4pm to 7pm.
ASHA HAVE GENEROUSLY DEDICATED ALL PROCEEDS FROM THIS EVENT TO MUSKAAN SCHOOL FOR CHILDREN FROM THE SLUMS OF BHOPAL.
Secure your place. Buy your tickets NOW!
via the website
www.ashacharity.org.au
More details?
Ring Varun 0428 952 662
or email:
[email protected]
Join us at the ASHA CHARITY Mothers Day Dinner 2014.
Come along and treat your Mum to a memorable evening of great musical and dance performances, delicious Indian food platters, and lots of fun activities for our beloved mums!!!
It'll be held at the Brighton Town Hall on May 11th, 2014, from 4pm to 7pm.
ASHA HAVE GENEROUSLY DEDICATED ALL PROCEEDS FROM THIS EVENT TO MUSKAAN SCHOOL FOR CHILDREN FROM THE SLUMS OF BHOPAL.
Secure your place. Buy your tickets NOW!
via the website
www.ashacharity.org.au
More details?
Ring Varun 0428 952 662
or email:
[email protected]
To buy your tickets online for the Mother's Day Fundraiser go to:
http://www.trybooking.com/Booking/BookingEventSummary.aspx?eid=81000
http://www.trybooking.com/Booking/BookingEventSummary.aspx?eid=81000
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Eltham Rotary Town Fair
Muskaan kites and balloons were also popular at the Eltham Rotary Town Fair in November 2013. The slideshow below shows Marion, Matt and Arjun in action at the Muskaan stall. |
Fly a kite for Muskaan on Sunday 23rd March 2014 !
Yes, YOU can fly a kite for Muskaan - bring a smile to the faces of your children and friends - while bringing hope and smiles to the children from the slums of Bhopal.
Bright and beautiful Muskaan kites are just $8.99 plus postage from Muskaan Support Australia, P.O. Box 993 Eltham, 3095. All proceeds go to Muskaan. Come and buy your Muskaan kites at the Darebin Community Day and Kite Festival at Edwardes Park Reservoir on Sunday 23rd March 2014 More details at http://www.darebin.vic.gov.au/Page/Page.aspx?Page_Id=2365 |
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ASHA CHARITY
Networking event for Young Professionals
Word Warehouse, Melbourne Friday 21st February 2014
Our Summer Networking event provides a rare opportunity to meet with the best and brightest in a range of different industries. By attending you will be gaining an opportunity to broaden your horizons and share your experiences.
Proceeds from this event support the Muskaan school in India by purchasing books and resources to enable girls in underprivileged communities to access education.
A great opportunity to network and help a good cause.
More details are at: https://www.facebook.com/asha.incorporated?directed_target_id=0
Networking event for Young Professionals
Word Warehouse, Melbourne Friday 21st February 2014
Our Summer Networking event provides a rare opportunity to meet with the best and brightest in a range of different industries. By attending you will be gaining an opportunity to broaden your horizons and share your experiences.
Proceeds from this event support the Muskaan school in India by purchasing books and resources to enable girls in underprivileged communities to access education.
A great opportunity to network and help a good cause.
More details are at: https://www.facebook.com/asha.incorporated?directed_target_id=0
Rotary Clubs hear the Muskaan Story
Rotary International is renown for its charitable works and support for the disadvantaged at home and in developing countries abroad. The story of Muskaan has been very well received by the local Rotary Clubs as Marion has made presentations to club meetings - rallying support for the Muskaan school project and encouraging participation in the Bollywood Bedazzled Charity Ball.
President Frank Rice thought the presentation was just his cup of tea!
President Frank Rice thought the presentation was just his cup of tea!
Diamond Valley Leader waves the flag for Muskaan
The Diamond Valley Leader weekly paper waved the flag for Muskaan with an article on 20th February which described Marion and Kevin's passion for the work of Muskaan in the slums of Bhopal, the formation of Muskaan Support Australia Inc. and the forthcoming "Bollywood Bedazzled Charity Ball"
We are sure the article will spark some interest in the Eltham and Diamond Valley area.
We are sure the article will spark some interest in the Eltham and Diamond Valley area.
Strong interest in Muskaan at Latrobe Uni "O" week
The Muskaan Support Australia Inc. stand at Latrobe University Orientation Week on 25th February 2014 attracted a lot of interest from new international students keen to participate in charitable volunteer opportunities.
Students volunteer hours with Muskaan Support Australia Inc. will be credited toward the respected Latrobe Gold Awards for Community Service.
Marion chats with Pooja Kapahi from Delhi and Michelle Tang from Bhutan
Students volunteer hours with Muskaan Support Australia Inc. will be credited toward the respected Latrobe Gold Awards for Community Service.
Marion chats with Pooja Kapahi from Delhi and Michelle Tang from Bhutan
Victorian Parliamentary Friends of India meet Muskaan!
Mr Jude Perera MP, Member for Cranbourne and Co-Chair of the Victorian Parliamentary Friends of India welcomed Marion and Kevin to Parliament House, Melbourne on 5th March 2013.
Twelve parliamentarians attended the meeting of the Victorian Parliamentary Friends of India and showed strong interest in, and support for the work of Muskaan in Bhopal and the fundraising efforts of Muskaan Support Australia Inc.
Several members undertook to inform their colleagues and constituents of the "Bollywood Bedazzled" Charity Ball.
The support of members of the Victorian Parliament is very encouraging.
2013 "Bollywood Bedazzled" Charity Ball a great success!
The Thornbury Theatre sprang into action on 27th April 2013 with the Bollywood Bedazzled Charity Ball in aid of Muskaan. Throughout the afternoon Marion, Kevin, Matt and a team of enthusiastic volunteers from Latrobe University set up sparkling lighting and table decorations and banners; but when DJ Baba switched on his fantastic sound and strobe light equipment the theatre really exploded into a bedazzling atmosphere of colour, energy and excitement.
250 guests rapidly filled their tables and were welcomed by MCs Kaushalya and Kevin. Honoured guests Mr Raj Kumar, Acting Consul General for India, Mr Steve Herbert MP Shadow Minister for Education, Mr Jude Perera MP, Co chair of the Victorian Parliamentary Friends of India, and Mr Arjun Serapaneni, CEO of VIT and member of the Multicultural Business Ministerial Council each addressed the guests, emphasising the importance of effective education as the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and disadvantage. Steve Herbert challenged the guests to use the opportunities that they have been fortunate have received, by being generous in support of Muskaan and hence, in turn, giving opportunities to the children of the slums of Bhopal.
A delicious 3 course Indian buffet meal was served and a surprise solo dance performance by Annabella entertained the guests as they waited their turn at the buffet. Marion gave a presentation of the reasons for her passion for the work of Muskaan and the current status of planning for the exciting new school campus. Darmesh Khanna and Anushri Rastogi, both from Bhopal, endorsed Marion's presentation and spoke of their first-hand knowledge and respect for the great work of Muskaan with Bhopal slum communities.
No sooner had dinner been completed than the Marshie Perera and the fabulous Jhoom Bollywood Dance Company took to the floor in a demonstration blaze of colour and energy....what a way to work off those calories! Then it was the guests turn to learn the secret moves of Bollywood dance as the Jhoom troupe lead us in a workshop routine.
However Muskaan was in the hearts and minds of everyone, and between dances, drinks and food, all gave generously to raffles, silent auctions and secret key competions throughout the night. All too soon the formal part of the night was over, yet the music rolled on and spectacular and innovative dancing moves were perfected until Cinderellas carriage turned into a pumpkin!
"The best Bollywood night ever", "Fantastic fun for a fantastic cause", "Can we book for next year?", "We really want to support Muskaan" were just a few quotations from guests as they headed home.
A great social and financial success for Muskaan!
The Thornbury Theatre sprang into action on 27th April 2013 with the Bollywood Bedazzled Charity Ball in aid of Muskaan. Throughout the afternoon Marion, Kevin, Matt and a team of enthusiastic volunteers from Latrobe University set up sparkling lighting and table decorations and banners; but when DJ Baba switched on his fantastic sound and strobe light equipment the theatre really exploded into a bedazzling atmosphere of colour, energy and excitement.
250 guests rapidly filled their tables and were welcomed by MCs Kaushalya and Kevin. Honoured guests Mr Raj Kumar, Acting Consul General for India, Mr Steve Herbert MP Shadow Minister for Education, Mr Jude Perera MP, Co chair of the Victorian Parliamentary Friends of India, and Mr Arjun Serapaneni, CEO of VIT and member of the Multicultural Business Ministerial Council each addressed the guests, emphasising the importance of effective education as the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and disadvantage. Steve Herbert challenged the guests to use the opportunities that they have been fortunate have received, by being generous in support of Muskaan and hence, in turn, giving opportunities to the children of the slums of Bhopal.
A delicious 3 course Indian buffet meal was served and a surprise solo dance performance by Annabella entertained the guests as they waited their turn at the buffet. Marion gave a presentation of the reasons for her passion for the work of Muskaan and the current status of planning for the exciting new school campus. Darmesh Khanna and Anushri Rastogi, both from Bhopal, endorsed Marion's presentation and spoke of their first-hand knowledge and respect for the great work of Muskaan with Bhopal slum communities.
No sooner had dinner been completed than the Marshie Perera and the fabulous Jhoom Bollywood Dance Company took to the floor in a demonstration blaze of colour and energy....what a way to work off those calories! Then it was the guests turn to learn the secret moves of Bollywood dance as the Jhoom troupe lead us in a workshop routine.
However Muskaan was in the hearts and minds of everyone, and between dances, drinks and food, all gave generously to raffles, silent auctions and secret key competions throughout the night. All too soon the formal part of the night was over, yet the music rolled on and spectacular and innovative dancing moves were perfected until Cinderellas carriage turned into a pumpkin!
"The best Bollywood night ever", "Fantastic fun for a fantastic cause", "Can we book for next year?", "We really want to support Muskaan" were just a few quotations from guests as they headed home.
A great social and financial success for Muskaan!
GREAT JOB BY LATROBE UNIVERSITY VOLUNTEERS!!
International students from Latrobe University ensured the success of the Bollywood Bedazzled Charity Ball by assisting with the setting-up, decoration of the hall, catering and raffles. The contribution of their time, energy and enthusiasm was invaluable to reduce the costs of the event, to ensure the comfort and enjoyment of guests and to increase the funds raised for construction of the Muskaan School campus.
The students joined the Bollywood dancing later in the evening and had a great time. We look forward to working with you on our next Muskaan function!
The students joined the Bollywood dancing later in the evening and had a great time. We look forward to working with you on our next Muskaan function!
LATROBE VOLUNTEERS RECEIVE APPRECIATION CERTIFICATES
Certificates of Appreciation were awarded to all our 13 Latrobe Volunteers. The photo shows 5 volunteers who were able to make it to a lunchtime meeting to collect their certificates from Marion & Kevin
What a multi-cultural group - 5 students from 5 countries - but with 1 common objective - to support Muskaan school for children from the slums of Bhopal India!
Left to right: Grestle (China), Natasha (Indonesia), Marion, Kate (Thailand), Kevin, Huong (Vietnam) and Arjun (India)
What a multi-cultural group - 5 students from 5 countries - but with 1 common objective - to support Muskaan school for children from the slums of Bhopal India!
Left to right: Grestle (China), Natasha (Indonesia), Marion, Kate (Thailand), Kevin, Huong (Vietnam) and Arjun (India)
PRESENTATION OF MUSKAAN TO AUSTRALIA-INDIA INSTITUTE "TIFFIN TALK" SERIES at MELBOURNE UNIVERSITY ON 20 JUNE 2013
The title of Marion's lecture was "Muskaan's keys to unlocking educational disadvantage for children from the slum communities of Bhopal"
The presentation outlined the key features of Muskaan's approach to delivering contextually relevant and effective education practices and highlighted the alignment of these practices with the "Six Principles of Teaching and Learning" which underpin education in Victoria. It was very well received by the audience with several searching questions and follow-up discussions afterwards.
The presentation has triggered several ideas to be investigated for further interaction between Muskaan Support Australia and the Australia India Institute.
You can view a full podcast of the lecture at: www.aii.unimelb.edu.au/events/tiffin-talk-muskaans-keys-unlock-educational-disadvantage-children-slum-communities-bhopal
The presentation outlined the key features of Muskaan's approach to delivering contextually relevant and effective education practices and highlighted the alignment of these practices with the "Six Principles of Teaching and Learning" which underpin education in Victoria. It was very well received by the audience with several searching questions and follow-up discussions afterwards.
The presentation has triggered several ideas to be investigated for further interaction between Muskaan Support Australia and the Australia India Institute.
You can view a full podcast of the lecture at: www.aii.unimelb.edu.au/events/tiffin-talk-muskaans-keys-unlock-educational-disadvantage-children-slum-communities-bhopal
Muskaan showcased at AIII Diwali Fair 28 October
The Muskaan Support Australia stall at the AIII Diwali Fair attracted a lot of interest and support from the community. We were located between the delicious food stalls and the vibrant stage - so there was plenty of passing trade. Marion, Matt and Kevin answered many enquiries about the needs of Muskaan and received several offers of support. Many people added their names to the mailing list to be kept informed and notified for future fundraising events.
Tamil Murasu article features Muskaan Support Australia
We thank Ravi Ravichandran for the excellent full-page article in the Tamil Murasu this month which features the activity of Muskaan Support Australia. The Tamil Murasu is a popular monthly paper among Melbourne's Indian community and we are sure that the article will encourage strong support for our charity.
