Meet Some of Our Professional Staff
Mahendra Sir
Only the 4th or 5th staff member that One! International ever hired. Mahendra truly believes in education and has a passion for how to do it well. He is a good role model as head of the Nallasopara school. The children know him as their teacher, counsellor, and friend.
Vikas Sir
Definitely a man with an earned title, Medical Coordinator. Sometimes it feels like he has been to every hospital/clinic in all of Mumbai and knows all doctors, nurses and hospital workers personally – at least that is the respect he garners wherever he goes. The speed at which he learned about medical work has been incredible. (Joined 2008)
Vijay Sir
Tania’s left-hand (actually sometimes both hands) man in India. He understands the true heart of One! International and has become that for all of the children at both schools. He doesn’t believe in titles, but some would call him a principal, counsellor, teacher…everyone calls him either father or friend. (Joined 2008)
Chetna Didi
Master organizer and official office assistant, there isn’t a day that goes by without Tania Didi and at least 10 other people yelling out for her help with ‘where’s this?’ or ‘how do I do that?’. We would be lost without her. Her dedication to her job and the children has been a pleasure to witness. (Joined 2009)
Anil Sir
Anil is the much-respected grandfather figure at the Khar School. He has health issues which do not allow him to become involved in all activities; however, he is always available to cheer everyone on, and give his support. He is always gentle in his approach to the students and provides a listening ear. Anil teaches Grade 10 and 12 Business and Home Sciences. He works part time and has completed a milestone of 10 years with One! International. (Joined August 2007)
Margarette Didi
When she first joined us she barely said a word but her confidence has increased so much she’s now one of the first people to speak up with a helpful idea or opinion. As well as teaching English, Margarette has taken many positions in the Nallasopara school such as helping with Social Work, the library and taking attendance. She’s always ready to help with whatever is needed and can be relied upon to be at work on time every day. (Joined 2011)
Hira Mani Sir
Hailing from northern India, Hira Mani speaks the most beautiful Hindi, so even though he’s naturally shy, he is encouraged to talk as much as possible. Hi is primarily a Hindi and Science teacher but is always willing to help in other areas and has a constant smile on his face. (Joined 2012)
Sunil Sir
Trainee Social Worker, NS School; studied in the Khar school for years with Tania Didi which made both a little crazy but also forced each to understand a different way of thinking and opened their minds. Sunil is the consummate artist in thought as well as ability. Now a university student, he loves his new role as a social worker helping our children and parents. His commitment and maturity has grown, and he is the first of our client staff to be promoted to staff. (Joined 2007, Client staff 2009, Staff 2017)
Meet Some of Our Client Staff
Rekha
Cook, Khar school; has ensured that Tania has been eating methi (Fenugreek) on Wednesdays for more than 15 years and drunk ridiculous amounts of chai. Even though she has a gruff first impression, when you get to know her, you know that her heart is limitless and she cooks with that love for the children. She is a figurehead that takes care of us while we take care of her. (2001, working 2002)
Ashok
Student Teacher, Khar School; a student who had never picked up a pencil but has worked his way to being a partial graduate of Grade 10. He is the definition of dependable. He believes in what we do and spreads his love, enthusiasm and huge smile to the children every day. (2002, working 2006
Shashi
Social Worker, NS & Vangaon schools; Shashi first joined the One! Family as a parent with her three children attending our Nallasopara school. She soon joined our staff where she has been fantastic teaching the younger children and is our resident craft expert. She can recycle any school or household waste (empty biscuit packets – yes! Empty yoghurt tubs – yes!) into fun craft activities for the students. Recently Shashi has taken on more responsibility and become one of the leaders, teachers and social workers in the new village school in Khambale. (Joined 2011)
Anita
Medical Coordinator NS School;’ Grade 10 graduate Anita is a very hard worker. Not yet blessed with children of her own, she is a mother to all the children in the Nallasopara school. Having started as a teacher she has recently taken on more responsibility as the Medical Coordinator where she deals with a huge variety of illnesses and injuries. (Joined 2011)
Nasreen
Student Teacher, NS School; Nasreen first joined as a student before progressing to become a teacher. She is now studying for her Bachelor of Commerce. Nasreen is such a calm, peaceful influence in the school which can otherwise be totally chaotic at times! (Joined 2007, working 2012)
Nirmala
Pre-step Mom & Volunteer Maid. Khar School. She first joined as a parent to her son Sanjay who has studied with One! International for many years. With a difficult family financial situation she asked for a job and started as the volunteer maid with the unenviable task of trying to cater for the dietary preferences of the foreign volunteers (Too much spice! Not enough spice!) Nirmala soon also joined the team in the school where she has become the ‘baby whisperer’ and is able to calm any crying baby and lull them off to sleep. (Joined2011, working 2013)
Sunil Kumar
Social Worker & Accounts, NS School. Sunil started as a student. He has worked full and part time at different stages while he has completed his own high school studies and is an especially good math teacher. With an interest in studying medicine, he became the first Nallasopara Medical Coordinator and helped establish the medical program. He has now proven to be invaluable in helping the school Social Worker team, especially with their administration. He is a real quiet achiever. (Joined 2010, working 2012.)
