Tuesday, April 18, 2023
First Impression of Ms. Pragya, MBA intern from SP Jain Institute of Management and Research
First Impression of Ms. Pragya, MBA intern from SP Jain Institute of Management and Research
Prime Educational and Social Trust is a registered non-profit organization located in Pondicherry, India. The Trust is located in the center of the city having 2 floors in its office premises.
Field Visit – Janani Home:
Janani Home was started in 2012 and currently has 8 children which have a capacity of 15 children, which provides a safe and structured environment for underprivileged girls who are born into deprivation. They built the home by taking license and following all rules by the government. The rules for girl children are very strict. Janani Home provides support and care to the girls sent by Child Welfare Committee. Janani Home has orphans and semi-orphans. Janani Home takes care of the children’s nutrition and education. They have a separate van to take them to the schools and pick them up back to home. Prime Trust organizes various activities like tailoring and other fun activities for the children living in Janani Home.
In my opinion, the children now have forgotten about the difficulties they faced in their past lives. They are really happy with the way they are living and the opportunities provided by Prime Trust. They are content with what they have and are living their lives to the fullest. The smile on their faces made me realize how to find happiness in the little things in life.
First Impression of Ms. Meghana Maduri, MBA intern from SP Jain Institute of Management and Research, Mumbai
First Impression of Ms. Meghana Maduri, MBA intern from SP Jain Institute of Management and Research, Mumbai
On my first day of the social internship, I had the opportunity to meet Mr. SM Arasu, the founder of Prime Education and Social Trust. He spoke passionately about how and why he started the NGO and the various areas in which they work. I learned that they focus on helping children and women because they are more vulnerable and in need of assistance.
Through their various programs like education, evening schools, home for girls, micro-credit for women, tailoring classes and SHG for women, infant care center, and healthcare for children, Prime Education and Social Trust not only provides for the underprivileged but also empowers them and helps them become self-sufficient.
It was inspiring to learn about the impact the NGO has had on the community and how they strive to make a difference in the lives of those they serve. I am excited to be a part of this team and contribute to its mission in any way I can.
Subsequent Work –
During our first meeting with Mr. SM Arasu, the founder of Prime Education and Social Trust, he shared with us the various projects we could take up during our social internship. He explained that our work would range from social media campaigning to raise funds for the NGO, teaching kids, enhancing content for public platforms, creating marketing posters, and conducting market research to help the women utilize the tailoring machines they have.
One of the urgent projects that Sir mentioned was to raise funds to buy the building of Janani home, which is currently home to eight underprivileged and orphaned girls. We were excited to take up this challenge and started brainstorming ideas on how to raise funds quickly. Our team came up with a crowdfunding campaign, and we also reached out to organizations for donations under their CSR initiatives.
We took it upon ourselves to market the campaign extensively, creating posters and sharing them on various social media platforms. In addition, we also visited the Janani home located in Puducherry to get a first-hand experience of the situation.
It was inspiring to see how our small efforts could make a significant impact on the lives of these young girls. Working on this project gave us a sense of purpose and fulfillment and we were proud to be a part of this initiative.
As we spoke with Mr. SM Arasu during our social internship, we learned that the landlord of Janani home had been increasing the rent every year.
To address this issue, Prime Educational and Social Trust had set a goal of raising a substantial amount of Rs. 1.6 crores to buy the building and provide a stable home for the girls. We were moved by this cause and knew that we wanted to help in any way we could.
Learnings –
During my social internship, I came to understand the various challenges associated with running a foster home for girls. I learned that the government has strict rules and regulations, making it difficult to operate a home, and requires an immense amount of paperwork.
Furthermore, we discovered that the properties in Puducherry are quite expensive, as we had to purchase a house for Rs. 1.6 crores, even though it can only host a maximum of 15 girls. Moreover, the number of girls sent to our home depends on the government, and they are free to adopt anyone into the home.
Despite these challenges, it was inspiring to see the positive impact our organization is making by providing a safe and nurturing environment for these girls. We are committed to overcoming obstacles and continuing to make a difference in their lives.
Monday, April 17, 2023
First Impression of Mr. Ansh Malik MBA intern from the SP Jain Institute of Management and Research
First Impression of Mr. Ansh Malik MBA intern from the SP Jain Institute of Management and Research
When we were allotted our project and locations by the college, I was both nervous and excited. Nervous because I was going to spend one full month in a South Indian city and I did not know the language they spoke (Tamil) – the feeling was scary. But excited because the city lies on the southeast coast of India and is a famous tourist destination for its serene beaches. It was a bittersweet feeling but I decided to make the most out of it.
Fast forward to nearly a month and it was time for the internship to begin. I left my home in Delhi and boarded a flight to Chennai. From Chennai, I had booked a cab in advance to take me to Pondicherry. We took the most popular driving route – the Eastern Coast Road (ECR). The road lies parallel to the Bay of Bengal coastline and one could witness the scenic views throughout the three and a half hour ride.
Once I reported at the NGO, I was surprised to see the actual location. It was a small office situated in a residential area (Rainbow Nagar – fancy name I thought to myself). It was a colorful building.
The NGO has 3 full-time employees – Arasu Sir (the founder), Mrs. Mary Slessor (Program Manager) and Mrs. Nathali Raja (Secretary). All three of them were quite friendly and onboarded us smoothly. Arasu sir began briefing us about various activities that Prime Trust looks into and this officially kicked off DoCC for us. Through their dedicated efforts, they covered a plethora of SDGs namely – No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Good Health & Well Being, Quality Education, Decent Work, and Economic Growth.
He essentially runs three charity organisations –
• Prime Educational and Social Trust(TRUST)
• India Volunteer Care(TRUST)
• Akshaya Self Help Group Confederation(SOCIETY)
Prime Trust is the parent organisation that works on various causes whereas IVC and Akshaya SHG Confederation were setup for supporting purposes. Our internship was to be done with Prime Trust.
During the first half of our stint, we were supposed to work on a crowd funding campaign and its related social media activities. So for past several years, Prime Trust has been renting a building to house an orphanage they run. However, they face the perils of increasing rent every year and when they shift addresses; they need to get the records updated for all the children in the government's books. To avoid these issues, they are now looking to purchase the building and provide a permanent home for these children where they can thrive. To arrange funds for this, they are running a crowd funding campaign.
To get a first-hand idea of the situation they’re dealing with, we went to the field and saw the orphanage –
When we decided to visit the orphanage, I did not give it much thought. I did not realize that it would be such an emotionally challenging field visit. Meeting children without parents and a stable home made me gloomy and, on some level, I felt helpless. After returning, we made a point to give our 200% to make this crowd funding campaign a success.
Thursday, April 13, 2023
First Impression of Mr. Anmol, MBA intern from SP Jain Institute of Management & Research, Mumbai
First Impression of Mr. Anmol, MBA intern from SP Jain Institute of Management & Research, Mumbai
When I embarked on my journey from Nanded to Pondicherry, I was filled with mixed emotions. The long journey of over 20 hours by train and bus, from Nanded to Hyderabad and then to Pondicherry, had left me exhausted and anxious. I was worried about entering a completely new and unfamiliar environment, with a culture and language vastly different from what I was used to in Nanded. I was also apprehensive about working for an NGO in an unknown place, feeling the pressure to have a positive impact on the society.
As I arrived in Pondicherry, I was struck by the beauty of the place, but also felt overwhelmed by the stark differences in culture and language. The fear of not being able to communicate with the locals and the feeling of isolation only added to my anxiety.
Now, finding suitable accommodation was a very difficult task. The unfamiliarity of the place, and language barriers made it challenging for me to find a place.
As I started my search for accommodation, I quickly realized that most of the local lodges and hotels were either too expensive or not in a suitable location. I felt lost and overwhelmed, not knowing where to turn.
Fortunately, a local friend of mine offered to help me find a suitable place. He took me to a few guesthouses and lodges. However, just when I thought I would not find a place to stay, we stumbled upon a guesthouse in the heart of the city.
The guesthouse was everything I was looking for. It was not too expensive, clean, and within walking distance from the NGO. The staff was friendly and welcoming, and they even helped me navigate the city, find an affordable two-wheeler rental for the month and provided me with useful tips on local culture and cuisine.
Overall, my experience of finding accommodation in Pondicherry taught me the importance of being patient and open-minded. It also showed me the significance of having local connections and how they can help you navigate unfamiliar terrain. In the end, I was able to find a beautiful place to stay, and it added to the overall enjoyment of my trip to Pondicherry.
Now, when I entered the NGO on my first day, I was surprised to find a very basic building as their workplace. They had only 4 full time employees who managed and handled all the activities in the NGO. They were –
1. Mr Savarinathan Maria Arasu – Founder and Managing Director of Prime Trust
2. Mrs. Mary Slessor - Program Manager – All the programs operated by Prime Trust are under her care.
3. Mrs. Nathali Raja – Secretary – She is responsible for handling bank-related tasks and assisting Arasu Sir in any way possible
4. Mrs. Kamala - House Keeping staff – A house help who ensures that everyone’s needs are taken care of and keeps the workplace clean.
During our work with Prime Trust, Arasu Sir emphasized the crucial task of acquiring funds for Janani Home, an orphanage and shelter for girls with abusive parents. The homeowner had been increasing rent on a monthly basis, and relocating again would prove difficult due to the need to comply with government regulations for the orphanage. Updating the address across all administrative platforms would also be a daunting task and could potentially affect the emotional and mental well-being of the girls.
To address this challenge, we were tasked with generating content, increasing awareness through social media campaigns, and reaching out to CSR foundations. In order to further connect with the project and the beneficiaries, we planned a visit to the orphanage to meet the girls for whom we were working. Seeing these young girls and witnessing their circumstances inspired us to work even harder towards our goal.
I was excited to try out the local specialties. As I browsed through the menu, I felt a sense of anticipation, wondering what to order. When the food arrived, I was greeted by the tantalizing aromas of freshly prepared dishes. The fragrant spices of the Litti Chokha and the sweet aroma of Khaja made my mouth water. As I took my first bite, I felt the crunch of the samosas and the smooth texture of the Khoya Lassi. As I continued to eat, I noticed the different flavours and textures of each dish and appreciated the unique blend of spices and ingredients. I felt a sense of satisfaction and comfort, experiencing the warmth and richness of the food. Overall, my experience of enjoying food in Patna, Bihar, was a sensory and emotional journey. I explored the flavours and textures of local cuisine while immersing myself in the culture of the city. It was a memorable experience that I will cherish forever.
As I work on this project, I will primarily focus on SDG-3, which aims to ensure Good Health and Well-Being for all individuals. This goal encompasses various aspects of health, including physical, mental, and emotional well-being and access to quality healthcare.
Moreover, the work we are doing for Janani Home also has a significant impact on other SDGs, including SDG-1 (No Poverty), SDG-2 (Zero Hunger), SDG-4 (Quality Education), and SDG-8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). By providing a safe and nurturing home for orphaned children and girls from abusive backgrounds, we are addressing issues of poverty and hunger, promoting access to education and decent work opportunities, and ultimately contributing towards the achievement of multiple SDGs.
Working with Prime Trust has been an eye-opening experience that has taught me the importance of basic well-being for all individuals. It has made me realize that every person deserves access to good health, education, and decent work opportunities.
Through our small efforts, we are making a real impact on the ground. Our work for Janani Home, in particular, is helping to provide a safe and nurturing environment for orphaned children and girls with abusive backgrounds. By addressing these critical issues, we are contributing towards the betterment of society and promoting the overall well-being of individuals.
Despite the initial challenges, I tried my best to adapt and overcome the obstacles. I connected with my batch mates who I did not know very well at that time and with locals who helped me navigate the new terrain. Their support and insights into the culture and language of Pondicherry helped me immensely in the beginning for the most basic of tasks.
Tuesday, April 11, 2023
Support made by Abdul Kalam Trust to the Janani Home for Girls at Colas Nagar, Puducherry
Support made by Abdul Kalam Trust to the Janani Home for Girls at Colas Nagar, Puducherry
On 02.04.2023 a team from Abdul Kalam Trust Mr. Alphonse Varghese – Coordinator, E. Pravinkumar - Managing Director E. Vijayalakshmi - Accountant, E. Iavazhagi - Volunteer, E. Priyadharshini - Volunteer, A. Ashwath Raj - Volunteer visited the Janani Home for girls at Colas Nagar, Puducherry. The team interacted with the children about their education and needs. Motivational talk was offered by the team members. Abdul Kalam Trust was kind enough to provide 25kgs rice, grocery items – sugar, oil, pulses, etc and stationery to the children. The Janani Home Founder and Managing Director Mr. SM Arasu thanked the Abdul Kalam Trust for their support and contribution to the children in Janani Home.
#Primetrust,#Indiavolunteercare,#indiavolunteercaretoursandtravels, #Akshayaselfhelpgroupsconfederation,#Aadharaprojectforhomeless, #Akshayatailoringcentre,#Sishubhavanplayschool,#Primetrustremedialschools, #Jananihomeforgirls,#Primetrustruralhealthmission,#Primetrustchildsponsorshipprogram, #Primetrustruralwaterandsanitationproject, #Primetrustchildrensparliament, #Puducherry, #Jananihomeforgirls, #Volunteers, #VolunteeringinPuducherry, #Covidpandemic
Monday, April 10, 2023
World Health Day Program in Janani Home – 07.04.2023
World Health Day Program in Janani Home – 07.04.2023
World Health Day happens every year and its goal is to teach people about important health issues, new medicines and research, and to make sure that everyone can get medical help no matter where they live. It's a time to remember that taking care of our health is super important, and we should do things to be healthier.
Prime Trust in hands with Vel dental Team organized a dental health session for the children in Janani Home on 07.04.2023. The Dental doctors gave information about the importance of dental health and the significance of maintaining it.
#Primetrust,#Indiavolunteercare,#indiavolunteercaretoursandtravels, #Akshayaselfhelpgroupsconfederation,#Aadharaprojectforhomeless, #Akshayatailoringcentre,#Sishubhavanplayschool,#Primetrustremedialschools, #Jananihomeforgirls,#Primetrustruralhealthmission,#Primetrustchildsponsorshipprogram, #Primetrustruralwaterandsanitationproject, #Primetrustchildrensparliament, #Puducherry, #Jananihomeforgirls, #Volunteers, #VolunteeringinPuducherry, #Covidpandemic
Saturday, April 8, 2023
Prime trust in hands with HearZap distributes free hearing aids on 31.03.2023.
Prime trust in hands with HearZap distributes free hearing aids on 31.03.2023.#Primetrust,#Indiavolunteercare,#indiavolunteercaretoursandtravels, #Akshayaselfhelpgroupsconfederation,#Aadharaprojectforhomeless, #Akshayatailoringcentre,#Sishubhavanplayschool,#Primetrustremedialschools, #Jananihomeforgirls,#Primetrustruralhealthmission,#Primetrustchildsponsorshipprogram, #Primetrustruralwaterandsanitationproject, #Primetrustchildrensparliament, #Puducherry, #Jananihomeforgirls, #Volunteers, #VolunteeringinPuducherry, #Covidpandemic
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