Soeleen

Building @GiveUntethered | MPhil in Education @Cambridge_Uni | ex @TeachForIndia Fellow | Making this world a more just and equitable place

[Soeleen @SoeleenK]

Here's a question I keep coming back to.
Take a remote, underresourced community. You've got money to give. Two options:

Fund a programme that finds the smartest teenagers and gets them into top universities. Clear wins. Great story.

Or fund an early childhood school. No standout stars. Just kids in a classroom.

Most people I talk to-donors, investors, people who've done well-pick the first without thinking twice. It just feels right.

I get it. But here's what I've learned after years in education and development:
Both can work. Both can also completely fail. A mentorship programme with no follow-through is just a LinkedIn post. A school with no real pedagogy is just a building.

The question that actually matters isn't which one you fund. It's whether you've looked hard enough at what's happening inside.

Because when early childhood education is done right, really right, it rewires how kids develop. They learn to regulate emotions, to trust, to speak up. In a place where most people have written off the next generation, that shifts everything. Not for one kid. For all of them.

But those results take years to show. No quick metrics. No kid on a stage. Which is exactly why this kind of work is almost always underfunded.

I don't think one is objectively better. I think the better question is whether you understand what you're funding deeply enough to know if it's working.

That's the question I keep sitting with at @GiveUntethered, understanding why a project deserves funding before I ever recommend it to someone.

If you've made money and you've been sitting on the "I should do something meaningful with some of this" feeling, happy to talk. No pitch. Just a conversation.

[Soeleen @SoeleenK]

@AnuragKunduAK @UNDP_India Absolutely!
Whilst I get the message UNDP is trying to convey- mutual partnership between countries that have seen a tough history and are now advancing in innovation & development- the use of term Global South, without putting much thought into it, perpetuates colonial mindset.

[Soeleen @SoeleenK]

@ContrarianSaver @GiveUntethered was built to bridge this gap- to make philanthropy more intentional and purposeful

[Soeleen @SoeleenK]

@ehisssss Check out @GiveUntethered for purposeful philanthropy

[Soeleen @SoeleenK]

'Giving' is a central tenet of most spiritual teachings as well. But giving for the sake of it, or for fanfare, can be problematic. Instead, the most impactful giving is one that is done with the right intention and purpose in mind. That's why @GiveUntethered was built. To make giving purposeful.

[Soeleen @SoeleenK]

@cigarettesummer Haha! Perhaps @GiveUntethered can meet your philanthropic goals :)

[Soeleen @SoeleenK]

Traveling by train in India after so long. Shatabdi's Executive Coach has way more comfortable and spacious seats than those of any domestic flight I've taken. Such a comfortable journey!
@indianrailway__

[Soeleen @SoeleenK]

Most people give to be seen giving. A rare few give because something in them simply responds to someone else's needs.

No fanfare. No expectation. Just an honest impulse to make something better.

That kind of giving is harder to find. And infinitely more powerful.

If that sounds like you, I'd love to connect.

@GiveUntethered

[Soeleen @SoeleenK]

@bryan_johnson No. The solution to so many life's problems is better leaders of States and Nations, who truly care to make this world a better place- more peace, acceptance, love, coexistence and tolerance.

[Soeleen @SoeleenK]

Such a narrative only takes away the responsibility of the larger system, which should be favourable for all of us. Sadly, a lot of people's future is shaped by a handful of greedy men who exercise way too much power and control over the world. Let's not stop holding the system accountable.

[Soeleen @SoeleenK]

@LukeCoutinho17 Such an interesting analysis of the truth! Philanthropy shouldn't be "a cheque written to minimise guilt". It should come with intent, which the individuals should carry in their daily lives as well.

[Soeleen @SoeleenK]

@sindhubiswal @selfupgrade222 Very true. I work with philanthropists and I must say I've come across so many generous individuals who happily support, with big figures, causes and organisations that are making a positive difference.

[Soeleen @SoeleenK]

@LukeCoutinho17 Always works for me!

[Soeleen @SoeleenK]

You want to give. But you either don't have time, or don't know if philanthropy actually works. That's not apathy. That's a gap I built @GiveUntethered to fill.

10 years in India's social sector taught me one thing: the best organisations rarely find the best donors. And the best donors rarely find organisations worthy of their trust.

If you're sitting on philanthropic intent but not sure where to begin, this is your sign.

DM me or find me at https://t.co/p7sllsArKm.

[Soeleen @SoeleenK]

"The hope for India lies in education, in students, journalists, activists, in farmers' protests, in conversations and in writers and people in all different posts that are fighting for a better India".

[Soeleen @SoeleenK]

Back at the @cambridgeunion chamber tonight for a discussion on 'India Beyond Modi' with @NitashaKaul @aakashibhatt and Ashis Ray.

[Soeleen @SoeleenK]

@taran @stix Love it!! So proud of you and the Stix team 🥹

[Soeleen @SoeleenK]

@taran No. Democratic values are at the heart of Indian democracy. Unfortunately, many of the people comprising the current Indian govt are corrupt. But that doesn't make the Indian democracy inherently corrupt.

[Soeleen @SoeleenK]

@khalidaliya1 @CamillaHCH Pressure to put the privilege to use- quite a relatable context. So glad it's being acknowledged.

[Cambridge University @Cambridge_Uni]

How can you reduce your risk of developing depression?

Researchers from @psychiatry_ucam have identified seven healthy lifestyle factors linked with a lower risk of depression. Find out what they are here 👇

https://t.co/rVksRRvQRk