When Dhaval of Mumbai, in India, took Landmark Education’s Self-Expression and Leadership program, he wanted to make a difference with students that are dyslexic or slow learners. He created Mission Genius, a project designed to train such students in a variety of subjects, including math. His goal was a 10% increase in their test scores.

Dhaval set about visiting principals of various schools in Mumbai, talking to them about his project. He asked them each to lend them their auditorium for just one day. Then he created presentations that used slides and multimedia elements to make them more interesting.

The results were astounding. During his program, Dhaval had more than 1,000 students from eight different schools go through his program. Most of them improved their test scores from 8-12%, and even more importantly, they improved their self-confidence. Seven different Indian newspapers wrote about the program and the difference that it made. Dhaval is currently working to have his training program given over to another 50 teachers who can give this training on a regular basis.

You might find it suprising to discover that the famously afluent Brentwood Area of Los Angeles is home to a non-profit that provides vital services to Homeless People. There are estimated to be as many as 3 million homeless people in the United States. The living conditions that most homeless people find themselves in make even basic personal hygene a struggle. When it comes to dental care there are virtually no official services available to the homeless.

Dr. Jay Grossman is a dentist in the Brentwood area of Los Angeles County. Since 1992, when Dr. Grossman began “Homeless Not Toothless” in the Landmark Self Expression and Leadership Program, it has provided over 1 million dollars worth of free dental work through over 30 different dental practices in the Los Angeles area. Each of these dental practices has delivered the care without any financial compensation. Having a smile back not only boosts people’s confidence, it can make it easiser for people to find meaningful employment. The dental practices that make up homeless not toothless are committed to raise the pride and dignity of the homeless through quality dental services.

Most recently “Homeless Not Toothless was featured on CNN.

When B. Ramakrishnan registered for the Landmark Self Expression and Leadership Program, he knew that he wanted to make a difference in safety on the roads of India.  Indian roads have always been chotic, but with the double diget economic growth of the last two decades, the problems with traffic have become even greater problem.  According to the Boston Globe 276 people die in traffic accidents each day in India. Ramakrishnan’s projects seeks to do something about this, starting with his hometown of Banglor.

Here is a recent story from a news paper in Banglor

Deccan Herald

As part of the initiative, the first session was conducted for drivers hired by GE India Technology Center (JFWTC) where around 76 drivers from SRS Travels and Ambassador Travels underwent the four-hour programme.

The training covered the basics of defensive driving — the need, impact on community, awareness of safety on the road and responsibility of road users. They also covered some of the recent developments or steps taken by the Bangalore Traffic Police in improving driving conditions on road.

The programme, conducted by Geetha, Inspector (Traffic), Traffic Training Institute, Bangalore Police and her colleagues, included presentations, videos as well as discussions on accidents in the country along with footage that included interviews of family members of victims. The feedback, according to Ramakrishnan, was quite positive and people seemed to realise the impact negligent driving can cause on people as well as how important it is to adhere to rules.

Similar workshops will be conducted for other organisations in the near future. For further information contact Ramakrishnan at: ramakrishnan.b@ge.com