Hyderabad, India, September 20, 2018: Hyderabad Round Table 8 has set a unique tradition of hosting an exclusive black-tie charity dinner, Food for Change (FFC), the proceeds of which go towards the work being done by Project 511. FFC brings together the who’s who of Hyderabad to step back and savour the success of Project 511 while enjoying the hospitality sponsored by the finest star hotels in the city. The unique aspect about FFC is that every partner (the hotels, venue, A/V, decor etc.) comes on board in the spirit of giving thus making the event memorable. This year FFC is on September 30th at JRC Conventions.
FFC is an event that connects the citizens of Hyderabad with the worthy cause of educating the underprivileged of our city. FFC has been a tremendous success in the past five years with over 800 guests attending each year. We are proud that some of the leading corporates have been extremely supportive of our initiatives!
Speaking about the event, Adetya Agarwal, Chairman, Hyderabad Round Table 8 said Food for Change is a celebration of giving. This unique black-tie charity dinner brings together the biggest names in hospitality, entertainment and the corporate world on one platform. In its 6th edition, Food for Change, this year will feature signature dishes from ITC Kakatiya, Park Hyatt, Sheraton, Avasa and Hyatt Gachibowli. The entertainment too has been spiced up with an all jazz evening put together by Carlton Braganza of the Opus fame.”
Speaking on the activities of Project 511, Suresh Babu Daggubati, Director, Suresh Productions said “Education is one of the most important tools through which poverty can be addressed. Project 511 is doing a commendable job in helping the Govt improve Govt school infrastructure thus bridging the gap between private schools and Govt schools’’
Speaking on the activities of Project 511, Mr. Srinivasan Namala, Chairman of Project 511 said, “We have found support from Government, Round Tables in the area, Corporates and individual donors who have come forward to help us achieve our goal of providing basic facilities in Government schools. We are on course to finishing our existing initiatives and have started new initiatives based on learning outcomes.”
MYK Arment is the Presenting Sponsor of Food for Change. Speaking about MYK Arment's association with Project 511, Mr. Murali Yadama, Managing Director, MYK Arment & MYK Laticrete said, “I believe dignity in education is important. Project 5ll’s mission to improve infrastructure and competency in government schools resonates with our CSR ideals. We are happy to support the cause and wish Project 511 all the best”
Cyient Ltd is the Powered by Sponsor of Food for Change Managing Director & CEO of CYIENT Ltd Mr. Krishna Bodanapu said “We believe in the philosophy that sustaineddevelopment of society is vital to the sustained growth of the businesses that exist within that community. This belief has led us to spend over 2% of our net profits towards CSR initiatives.”
About Project 511
Right to Education is a fundamental right as guaranteed under RTE Act. Many poor children attend private schools despite government schools being free. This is because private schools have resources to create a good schooling environment, whereas the government schools lack in basic facilities - blackboards, benches, toilets, running water, cleaning staff, and others. The need to improve these facilities is what prompted HRT8 (Hyderabad Round Table 8) in 2003 to start Project 511 initiative. The vision is to create an education friendly environment in Govt schools so that the children can benefit from the basic necessities often taken for granted by the rest of the world. Project 511 works with all the stakeholders - government, other NGOs, corporates and local communities to achieve this.
Since its inception, Project 511 has grown by leaps and bounds and is currently working with 1022 schools in Hyderabad, Ranga Reddy, Sangareddy, Medchal and Medak districts. Cumulatively, it has touched the lives of more than 200,000 children in last 10 years. Project 511 focuses on two main areas - infrastructure and competency. The former area (infrastructure) deals with ensuring adequate blackboards, sanitation and seating for students, while the latter (competency) provides learning material and facilities like science labs etc. This is the one project which has been bringing about significant change with focused initiatives and ensuring that the benefits trickle down to the grass root levels. So far, Project 511 has been able to execute the following.
- 83 classrooms constructed
- 6,820 blackboards donated
- 23,614 seating benches donated
- 489 toilet blocks constructed
- 307 science lab kits donated
- 9,000 plus learning material kits donated
- English learning program being implemented in 50 schools
About Hyderabad Round Table 8 (HRT8)
Hyderabad Round Table 8 is a member of Round Table India (RTI) - a fellowship and community service organisation. One of the oldest and most active organizations in the country, the RTI initiated the Freedom through Education campaign in the early 2000s with the vision to put 1 million children, who would, have otherwise stayed illiterate, in schools. RTI has built over 600 schools in India, of which 40 schools have been built in Hyderabad.
