#ChangemakerSpeak: Lisa Heydlauff

As part of our change-maker series, we catch up with Lisa Heydlauff, Founder & Director of Going to School Fund. Platinum certified for transparency by GuideStar India, Going to School focuses on design-driven learning to teach children entrepreneurial skills at school.

What inspired you to set up Going to School? Why is the cause so close to your heart?

I grew up going to many different schools around the world and was always asked ‘What is it like to go to school where you go to school?’ This was before the internet. So I tried to describe how it was the same but also different. A decade later my first job was as a teacher in London and a little boy in my class, Oliver, who was seven then, asked me the same question about India: ‘What is it like to go to school in India?’ I promised Oliver that one day I’d find out.  

Can you recall an act of giving that you did/experienced or witnessed that changed your life? Do tell us about it.

Most recently, four puppies were left on the beach. Ana Banana was dragging her back legs, and without thinking much about it, with a friend, we picked her up and took her to the vet. They said she was not well. When I was asked “Are you putting her back on the street?” - that’s how we became four, along with Isadora and Viola – my other rescues dogs. It’s always at my lowest that a new puppy arrives, the giving – if we can call it – that is always unintended. It’s more like a desperation to be able to do something good when everything else feels so out of control. Giving is about the ability to do something about it, whatever it is, if you can – you should, you must.

Is there somebody (living or dead) whose giving/philanthropy you admire? Why?

Ritu Dalmia, she does so much. 

Do you have a motto or mantra, or even a quote that you live by? 

‘You are beginning to believe in possibility, you are beginning to change even what you want.’ It’s from a book of poetry called Red Tools by Stephanie Marlis. She’s a waitress and poet. I probably don’t live my life that way at all, I get stuck with ideas and projects, fall in love with them and see them through to my own detriment. If I was more like this quote I’d be able to love an idea and be so very open, to be able to change and adapt without holding on quite so tight.

In a perfect world, what dream do you want Going To School to accomplish in the next five years, and what kind of a future would you like it to be part of?

I’d like to sail away in a pea-green boat with three rescue street dogs. The boat is called The Children’s Scrappy News Service, and it’s our new original children’s edutainment format for TV, mobile/digital and on the ground in schools. It’s what I hope can connect kids around the world to solve problems they want to solve and give them the skills and a platform to do so. A way to change everything offline, online, at school, or wherever you might be.

The Children's Scrappy News Service, a Going to School initiative

#ChangemakerSpeak: Sona Kumar

Mrs Sona Kumar

Mrs Sona Kumar set up Sona Sarovar Trust in 2007 after she retired from her post at Reserve Bank of India. Her story is inspiring. The Trust is primarily focused on extra-curricular activities and tuition for children from the Anand Nagar Slum, Mumbai - although it has also been instrumental in initiating clean-up drives, providing medical care and livelihoods. In addition, Sona Sarovar Trust is certified with the platinum seal for transparency by GuideStar India. #GivingTuesdayIndia catches up with her as part of its change-maker interview series.

What inspired you to set up Sona Sarovar Trust? Why is the cause so close to your heart?After leaving my job with Reserve Bank of India as an officer, I started volunteering with SHARE NGO. It cured me of my depression. After they moved away, I again felt a void in my life. I gathered the courage & set up my own Trust. When I see healthier slum children improving their scores in class I feel satisfied. The happiness that I get is beyond any description.

Can you recall an act of giving that you did/experienced or witnessed that changed your life? Do tell us about it.

a) My friend's maid had a crippled 22-year-old daughter, with polio in both legs. She had to be carried everywhere. We got her admitted to Nanavati Hospital. I can't forget the sight when she walked out of the hospital on her feet, with the help of crutches. Seeing her smile of gratitude, brought tears to my eyes. We gave her a sewing machine. She learnt how to tailor, and is now able to provide for her family and share expenses.

Maykannan Perumal Harijan 

b) 7-year-old Maykannan Perumal Harijan was born handicapped. He had only one arm. In January 2018, we started working for ragpicker's children and noticed his missing arm. We spoke to his parents who said that they couldn't get a disability certificate for him as there had been no accident case they could use as proof, and when Maykannan was born, the hospital did not mention he was born without an arm. With a little bit of research, we managed to trace the hospital and called them to issue the certificate. Finally, Maykannan’s parents were able to secure a disability certificate for him, which gave him a few privileges. We also got him an artificial arm with a motor. His innocent smile after wearing the arm lit up our lives.

Is there somebody (living or dead) whose giving/philanthropy you admire? Why?

I admire Mother Teresa for what she did single-handedly for leprosy patients, whom their own relatives had disowned.

Do you have a motto or mantra, or even a quote that you live by?

Numbers don't count for me. Even if I can change one life, it means a great deal to me. I live by this belief.

In a perfect world, what dream do you want Sona Sarovar Trust to accomplish in the next five years, and what kind of a future would you like it to be part of?

I dream that these slum children are able to break free from the vicious cycle of poverty, illiteracy and illness, and that they are educated, and lead wealthier, healthier and happier lives.

Children of Anand Nagar Slum, Mumbai