iNM August, 2012 | Page 24

We-CARE Highlights It was sheer genius on part of the first batch of NMiMS Hyderabad who converted a simple idea of serving NGOs and helping them grow using the technical skills obtained at their B-school. As a part of Winter Internship program, students of NMiMS Hyderabad worked on a three week project, WECARE, which aims to create social responsibility among the students. In its first year of operation, 2011-2013 PGDM did prove that an idea can defeat any army approaching its front. Innovation, Creativity, Financial Operations, Marketing became the very essence of the whole project. There was a constant give and take relationship throughout the three week interaction process. When put together, really, “An idea can change the world”. ASHRAY AKRUTI Team: Priyadarshini, Vamshi Krishna, Rohit, Binjrajka and Pranay Veer Following an inclusive model of teaching, Ashray Akruti, a non-profit organization runs a school and rehabilitation centre for the hearing impaired between the age group of 6 and18 years. It provides free quality education and hostel facilities to these children. The NGO also provides intensive training in auditory and speech therapy to the students by qualified staff. The team as a part of their project identified two issues that required to be addressed immediately:• Promotion of branches Chandrayangutta and Charminar had a deficit of INR 18 lakhs and expenses of INR 60 lakhs. The organization had also started two new branches at Yakuthpura and Chandrayangutta, which implied that there was an dire need of funds for the organization to continue its operations. During the fund-raising campaign, many organizations stated that they were substantially donating to other social causes. In an attempt to tackle this issue, the team devised an innovative way of fund raising, i.e., the INR 1/Scheme. “A unique fund raising model, wherein INR 1/- would be collected on each bill/ invoice generated in a specific restaurant. This would be over and above the Grand Total, as billed to the customer. Customers would also be presented with an option of declining to contribute INR 1/-.” An innovative model involving a individual contribution of INR 1/- from the customer (per invoice) was successfully implemented at Chilly’s Vegetarian Restaurant at Secunderabad. This scheme would ensure a continuous stream of revenue flow for Ashray Akruti. Also, this donation does not erode the company’s revenue. For example, if 200 invoices For this phase of the project, students visited many hospitals, clinics and ENT doctors. In addition, they also canvassed the cause across many households to identify hearing impaired children in areas of the Old City of Hyderabad. The team also designed Posters that exhibit early identification of hearing problems and measures to prevent hearing problems. • Sustainable Fund Raising Mechanisms: “INNOVATION IN DONATION” According to the Annual Report – 2010-11, the organization 21 iNM - Magazine