Sphoorti Foundation
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September 24, 2011
A visit to Sphoorti Foundation gives a clear picture of the great work that is being done there. It is very overwhelming to see the children being brought up in such a disciplined and responsible manner. The joy and happiness of the children echoes the whole place. Great experience.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
The attitude of the children. Them coming from different corners but working together, getting well educated.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
For all that is being managed in such situations, I would spend more time with the organisation before giving any suggestions.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Quite well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
Did your volunteer experience have an effect on you? (teaching you a new skill, or introducing new friends, etc.)
Learnt to be like the children who keep away the difficult past and work in present towards a bright future.
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
Great
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
2 people found this review helpful
May 3, 2011
2 people found this review helpful
Few things are better felt than expressed!! If anyone wants to learn Group Dynamism & Team Building, I bet this is the place. It is definetely not a joke, rather a fact that anyone who visits the kids at sphoorti can feel and experience..The kids have great ability of group dynamism among themselves...they were competitive yet cordial to each other. We have recently conducted "Festival of Sports" at Sphoorti. The event turned out to be a huge success, thanks to Srivyal for allowing us to do so. He is a man of simplicity and believes in what he does...and does what he believes in. I know him hardly for a month and a half now, I could easily gage that he is a very determined and committed soul.
I loved intereacting with kids and had great fun playing with kids. It is so much fun to see kids play and compete with each other. Appreciate Srivyal's efforts, courage and determination towards sphoorti. I am sure kids will have great future and I wish Sphoorti great times ahead. More competetions to prevail from our end:)
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I loved intereacting with kids and had great fun playing with kids.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I would make sports a regular activity. I would also make kids exercise, practice Yoga every day.
March 3, 2011
We visited Sphoorti Foundation on our Son's birthday and spent a couple of hours with the kids there. We were thoroughly impressed with how well the foundation is run. Given the circumstances where these kids were brought to the foundation, it would be impossible to imagine them being as happy and relaxed as they looked. It's true testimonial to the way that Srivyal runs this charily. He is truly an inspiring person and I fell fortunate to know him.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I have watched the kids over few hours. Most of the kids are very social and multi talented.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Not sure if I would change anything but would like to see more money flowing to this organization.
February 5, 2011
When I first heard about the Sphoorthi foundation, I could not really believe that somebody
can do such selfless service in today's world. Then I decided to visit them in my next India trip
and was fortunate to be able to visit Sphoorthi, Srivyal garu and all the kids in January 2011.
I was really amazed the way the foundation is being managed.
Srivyal garu and hs staff are doing a highly commendable job in taking care of almost 120 kids.
I went there along with my uncle, a retired professor from Osmania. When we walked in,
all the girls surrounded us, introduced themselves and took us for a tourof building. We saw theirrooms,
library and computer lab as well. The rooms were kept clean and the children were looking happy and healthy.
They are all being sent to a good private school in the area. I got a chance to visit their dining area
which was also being maintained very well.
All the kids looked very desciplined and most of them are learning various extra curricular activities as well.
Every single penny of the donations is being used genuinely towards create a great future for the kids.
I was totally amazed with Srivyl garu's positive attitude and will power in managing the foundation
in spite of many minor and major issues he has to face on daily basis.
I will be very glad to extend any kind of support I can to Shpoorthi foundation.
May God bless them.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the cheerful and healthy faces of the kids.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I would try to bring in more supporters.
2 people found this review helpful
January 15, 2011
2 people found this review helpful
“Hello, is it Mr. Srivyal?”
“Yes.”
“Sir, me and my sister would like to visit you tomorrow. If its okay with you..we want to bring some chocolates for the kids.”
“That's okay. Come after 4, the kids are back from school then...and please bring fruits...more healthy. Children receiving a lot of sweets and chocolates nowadays..not good for them.”
“Sure sir, do you need anything else? How about sports equipment, books and the like?”
“No, please first come and see the organization. You can give anything you like if you like what we are doing.”
“That's great...now regarding the directions...”
...
I must say I was quite impressed with my first conversation with Srivyal Vuyyuri, the founder of Sphoorti, a Hyderabad based organization that works for the rehabilitation of children that come from extremely poor and backward sections of the society. Left to themselves, most of these kids would never have had a future. Thankfully, that is not the case.
Couple of hours later, we were zooming through the outskirts of Hyderabad with two large boxes of oranges and a bag of guavas for the kids. After about forty minutes, we were outside a two-storey house with about fifty kids sitting in the compound chattering away. The kids looked like one big happy family and as soon we stepped in, almost all at once the kids approached us shaking our hands saying “Hello anna. Hello akka. My name is so-and-so. how are you?”. I quite felt like a film star! After such a warm welcome, I hung back observing the kids and the surroundings while my sister, always the more boisterous one, immediately engaged the kids. Some of the kids came forward and sang for us while some danced. I was pleasantly surprised more so because I used to think that orphanages would be gloomy places whereas the camaraderie and the jovial bonhomie these kids had, all pointed to a good upbringing courtesy of Sphoorti.
I was also fascinated by the Srivyal's story who, from what I could gather, had returned from the US to set up this organization in 2006 and now works for it full time. Starting from almost nothing, the organization now houses more than 100 kids and provides them with all the things one would expect to find in a good middle class family upbringing - good food, clothes, education and most importantly a sense of identity and self respect.
“When we started, we used to accept old clothes for the kids, but not anymore”, Srivyal said.
“Why not?”, I asked.
“Its a matter of pride for the kids. It will hurt their self worth if they think they are wearing someone’s used clothes..”. He continued, “We are not a charity. We are a cause. While charities sometimes lose sight of the end goal and get entangled in the web of money and donations, we realize that the main focus should always be the kids.”
And how that focus on the kids shows, I thought, as I saw some of the kids dance happily to the beats of a song from the latest telugu movie. Later as we took a tour of the house, I was happy to note a fully equipped library, computer lab and sports equipment among many other facilities.
Today, it costs approximately $400 (~ 18,000 INR) per annum to house, educate, buy uniforms, do medical check ups etc for each kid. Thankfully Sphoorti has been well supported until now by its network of dedicated donors. But to grow it needs a good word of mouth and as such I would request you to spread the message about this organization. And true to the spirit of Sphoorti, I will not request you for a donation, but for you to pay a visit to it if you are ever in Hyderabad, and convince yourself of the value of its work. And as Srivyal himself says, “What we seek are not just donations, but an involvement, by way of a relationship, by way of a partnership stake in the future of these kids”.
Photos
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Interacting with the kids one can easily see the results of this organization.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Do more to publicize the organization.
More feedback...
Was your donation impactful?
Definitely
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
Definitely
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
June 1, 2010
I have been looking for a credible non-profit organization that has similar goals and passion to serve the children who need help. I came across Sphoorti and got associated with this foundation because of Srivyal's passion to serve the children and the community. My visit to Sphoorti was amazing. The kids are very well taken care of and are highly disciplined. I saw a great opportunity to render my services to help Srivyal take Sphoorti to the next level. This is one organization that is completely devoted to serving the children and their future.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
helping children and their future.
More feedback...
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
1 person found this review helpful
May 27, 2010
1 person found this review helpful
I have just completed an academic year in India, funded by a research grant from the United States in the field of education. The Sphoorti Foundation was my principal location of field work, giving me a wonderful excuse to visit at least once a week over the past 9 months. I discovered an incredible opportunity at the Sphoorti Foundation, just as each child does - the chance to learn in a supportive environment. Any project I wanted to try out this year came through Sphoorti first, to be invariably greeted with official approval, whatever assistance and materials I might ask for, and the unfailing enthusiasm and curiosity of the students. These children, receiving all the good food, education, healthcare, and affection that the staff at Sphoorti can feed them, return all these gifts with an intense affection towards each other, visitors, and even their studies. I believe they are poised to succeed as students and as human beings. I am delighted to watch them do it and to help wherever I can.
Photos
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Visiting over the course of nine months, I was able to participate in many occasions and to celebrate milestones for the organization and for individuals. I repeatedly saw how the continual support provided by Sphoorti guaranteed children's well-being.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I would love to see the administrative, managerial, and outreach duties eventually distributed among a larger staff. As the organization continues to grow, I think this will be helpful to maintain stability for the children and efficient functioning.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
The personal interactions and relationships that made me feel like part of the family, and witnessing how much the children care about each other.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
extraordinary.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
build schools to serve hundreds of underprivileged children.
Ways to make it better...
I spoke Telugu fluently; I would have loved to hear everyone's stories and opinions in detail, and to understand the nuances.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
A justified demand for these services that really can't be met.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
January 13, 2010
I went with my colleagues to donate some chocolates to the kids at Sphoorthi. On entering the place, the discipline among the kids and their unity surprised me. I was taken aback by their sweetness and innocence in their eyes. I have seen several organisations which accept blankets and clothes which are used but this organisation doesnt. It is a big thing for me as a donor. The receptor like us is a human and when we do not wear used clothes why should these innocent kids who were what they were in the hands of fate. I will always remember this point of Srivyal of never distributing used clothes/ utensils. We are lucky, indeed! I am sure the kids will have a great life here with the mentors they have. I wish Sphoorthi all the very best and thank them profusely for teaching me a valuable lesson.
Photos
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
The fact that so many kids under roof growing to be leaders in the field they choose. I am waiting for that day.
Ways to make it better...
I would have visited it without any time constraint
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
One time
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
December 18, 2009
I had always been skeptical about donating money to some organization in a far and corrupted country like India. Though I know there are so many people out there who, desperately need help, how do I know if it is going to the right hands or not? So, I decided to check the place first before sending my hard earned money. I visited Spoorthi in Dec06.There were around 30 kids and the building was still in progress by then. Srivyal (founder and caretaker of Spoorthi) took me around the campus (though not huge, decent enough). They have everything the kids needed from school bags, desktop computer in the play area to loving caretakers and clean restrooms. They had kids from 4 to 12 year ages, all of them go to a English medium school (most of the orphanages/children homes in India do not have this facility. They either get home-tutored or end up in a local school). Spoorthi also has monthly health checkups and vaccinations for the kids. I highly recommend this charity.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Spoorthi is more like a family than a orphanage or children home. The kids surround you requesting to play with them or some times entertain you by showing off their dance moves or new songs learnt from elder kids and at school.Its fun to be with them.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
very polite and caring for the kids.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
home every orphaned and unprivileged child in India and the world.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About once a year
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
October 27, 2009
I have been associated with Sphoorti for the last three months. My visit with Srivyal at Sphoorti was in August. I was very astonished to see that in todays world there are people like Srivyal who come forward to run a NGO with complete perfection and dedication. Sphoorti as an NGO is definitely well planned and I firmly support the vision of Srivyal. The arrangements for the kids are well updated and very much organised. Sphoorti is a platform for these 92 kids to learn and grow with complete confidence as a part of the society. They are given appropiate education and related needs of these children are timely met.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
my all visits with all those lovely 92 children. My Diwali celebration in Oct 2009 with these kids.
Ways to make it better...
the organisation would have been closer to my home.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009