Ryan Foundation organizes Mumbai International Children’s Film Festival

Every teacher has a special way of teaching, but some go on to define it. Desiring to introduce an ever-evolving education system, Madam Grace moved further to redefine the way children learn. Renowned altruist, educationist and creative thinker- Madam Grace Pinto, Ryan Foundation, has decided to present the ‘Mumbai International Children’s Film Festival’ (www.micff.com) to the children of Mumbai, this November. She firmly believes that the ‘City of Cinema’, Mumbai, has the power to educate children beyond books, beyond expressions and beyond individuals. As her novel notion, MICFF will witness some of the most celebrated names of the cinematic world from India and across the globe like- Mr. Jafar Panahi (Iran), Mr. Anupam Kher, Academy Award winner Ms. Megan Mylan (U.S), Father of Indian Animation Mr. Ram Mohan, Mr. Pritish Nandy, Mr. Amole Gupte, Ms. Uma Da Cunha and more, the prospective interaction promises an innovative learning experience to children. MICFF, 2009, will feature over 200 children’s films from around 30 countries to enforce the view that children observe life on a different parameter. Furthermore, it will also help them watch human aspects from different outlooks.

With surging confidence she expressed that- “We have helped to shape a new movement in education, and we are very assured that children will learn from cinema and through comprehensive activities that are built around the choices and interests of the individual child. We look forward to instilling a sense of integrity and global citizenship in our younger generation.”

She has also introduced various other child centric forums such as the ‘International Children’s Festival of Performing Arts’ (www.ryanicfpa.com) and the ‘Indian Model United Nations’ (www.indianmun.org). On one hand, while ICFPA is hosting thousands of children from 30 different countries and thrilling the world with theatrical performances galore, since the last 10 glorious years, the Indian Model United Nations (INMUN), a student run simulation of the United Nations comprise student delegates representing different UN member countries. They address specific issues of current interest through this forum. The chief aim of this conference is to equip children with the power of decision-making; keep them updated about the international economic, social and environmental affairs and make them learn the art of negotiations while still teaching them the United Nations’ modus operandi.

She articulated - “From time to time we organize events and activities which stimulate the exchange of brains, cultures, and values between a wide arrays of countries.”

Keeping pace with the technology, Madam Grace has dared to accept a unique challenge by being the first educational institution to be part of a K12 community portal www.myschool.in.com, which aims to bring all the stake holders together on one platform. This is a very special gift to all the teaching community and the schooling system as a whole to function more effectively and collaboratively using technology. This shall foster a big change in the way education is imparted at schools, by bringing all the schools closer to the child, transcending physical boundaries.

Undoubtedly, she has been a source of motivation to the entire teaching fraternity and continues to inspire them with her ever encouraging and ever affirmative charisma. She wishes that they had a prosperous and committed Teacher’s Day this year.

-Sampurn Media