4 Sparks Project

Four Sparks: Empowering Underprivileged Children for Upward Social Mobility

At 4 Sparks, we believe that everyone should have access to the tools and resources necessary for success. Unfortunately, in India, high levels of inequality and social immobility hinder the growth and development of many individuals, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds. We worked as a part of the 1M1B foundation with our project, to create a unique initiative aimed at developing life skills needed for the 21st century, working specifically with under- privileged students.

As a background, India’s 50% school dropout rate and 28% youth unemployment rate are alarming statistics that point to the need for action. At 4 Sparks, our ambition is to bend the Great Gatsby’s curve for India. We want to enable underprivileged children to envision a brighter future by breaking their shackles and pursuing careers they never thought possible.

Divya presenting in the UN Youth Ambassador Forum organised by 1M1B

We started our project at Shishu Mandir, an underprivileged school on the outskirts of Bangalore. The name “Four Sparks” represents the four goals we had in mind when we began this endeavor:

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The first spark: Infusing Grit into Logical Tasks

We taught the children how to solve the Rubik’s Cube, a logically complex task that requires determination and persistence. Over ten sessions, fifty children went from thinking “No, this is beyond me” to “I can solve it in less than a minute.”

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The third spark: Creating a Scientific Temper

On Science Day, we conducted fun-filled experiments in three government schools. The liquid nitrogen experiments were especially popular, and many students expressed newfound aspirations to become scientists.

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The second spark: Developing Curiosity About Different Professions

During the pandemic, we conducted online sessions for about 100 students on “Professional Quiz,” educating them about different professions such as engineers and researchers, and how they impact society.



The fourth spark: Creating a Domino Effect

Each student was asked to teach one of the three sparks to another student, creating a chain reaction of knowledge sharing.



The first spark: Infusing Grit into Logical Tasks

We taught the children how to solve the Rubik’s Cube, a logically complex task that requires determination and persistence. Over ten sessions, fifty children went from thinking “No, this is beyond me” to “I can solve it in less than a minute.”



The second spark: Developing Curiosity About Different Professions

During the pandemic, we conducted online sessions for about 100 students on “Professional Quiz,” educating them about different professions such as engineers and researchers, and how they impact society.



The third spark: Creating a Scientific Temper

On Science Day, we conducted fun-filled experiments in three government schools. The liquid nitrogen experiments were especially popular, and many students expressed newfound aspirations to become scientists.



The fourth spark: Creating a Domino Effect

Each student was asked to teach one of the three sparks to another student, creating a chain reaction of knowledge sharing.

With the help of the $2,500 we raised through our fundraiser, we were able to provide science labs in three government schools with better equipment and donate 1,500 books. In all, we have impacted 1,000 students.

Throughout this journey, we learned a lot about how technology can enhance learning and expand our project to different schools.

We found practical learning to be especially effective in grasping and retaining students’ attention. Moreover, knowing the end goal of job possibilities was a big motivation for them to stay engaged in our sessions. Finally, the use of technology helped us better communicate with students and roll out our project in different schools, which will also help scale the project to different parts of the country.

It was a humbling moment for us when Anand Sir, Principal of Shishu Mandir, said, “Our school’s motto is ‘Dare and Go.’

I now find the students of the project daring to take up new initiatives.” We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished so far and excited to continue making a difference in the lives of underprivileged children. Join us in our mission to empower and uplift the next generation.

4 Sparks Presentation at the UN Headquarters

Gallery

Teaching Rubik’s Cubes

Online Classes for Quizzes & Logical Games

Demonstrating Science Experiments with Experient Labs

4 Sparks at the UN Headquarters

Press Mention

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Explore our website to learn more about our programs, get inspired by success stories, and find out how you can get involved. Together, we can spark a dream and help every child reach their full potential.

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