The Ashoka Tree Blog

So what makes kids happy? Paints ☑ Crayons ☑ Craft paper ☑ Scissors ☑  New pencils & erasers ☑ 

Every crayon saved is a crayon shared. The team at Stepping Stones, Global Public School, Kochi  has sure given us a lot to smile about this time of the year. Every leftover crayon, every eraser, every notebook and every pencil was saved and shared. This helped The Ashoka Tree make some pretty neat stationery kits for over a 100 children in Wynad, North Kerala. You've Spread More Smiles.

Inspirational Women all over the planet. Some on the seat next to you on your commute to work, some you meet at a friend's place, some you read about, and some you have the honor of working with.  Over 33 years of teaching. Over 33 years of no holidays other than public holidays/leave to get one of her children married. Over 33 years of getting 2-6-year-olds ready to enter 'big' school. Over 33 years of going to work... until April 2017.    The Ashoka Tree 'Woman of the Year' this year is Ms. Girija. Having worked tirelessly for over 33 years, she retires in a month. Here's looking forward to another chapter in her life, filled with love, laughter and joy.   Big Bazaar # GiftCoupons

Just one sheet of paper, a pencil and an eraser are all it takes to help a child learn something new today. Thank you  Renu Chawla-Bhojwani  - 50 children now have new books and pencils because you thought of them before we asked you to.  # AngelsOnEarth

Valentine's day and gifts have somehow remained synonymous through the years. How about you spread some cheer to those you don't normally see - those who probably need some happiness more than anyone else. How about you find the easiest way of doing that is by donating books and toys. How about you watch their faces light up as they open boxes filled with books and toys! Oh - and Happy Valentine's Day by the way! Thank You- +Toybank India   - Children in Payyanur are happier today because of you. Thank You - Ganga Fischbeck - Children in Ernakulam District are happier today because of you.

Sharing your toys and passing them on through generations means so much more when it's your first kitchen set. Here's something that ought to have ended up in Adelaide, but was donated to children in Ernakulam a year ago. Now with a completely new playgroup, a whole new group of children get to make cups of tea and more for each other! Think - is there something you could share today? Is there something you see lying unused you think some child somewhere could play with instead?   Get in touch with us if you'd like to spread just one more smile today!

68 years and counting. There's a lot we've done right here in India, and yet so much more we can improve on.  Here's to better tomorrows!