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A PUBLIC
CHARITABLE TRUST (REGD.)
'Shanti' is peace ; peace of the body
and the mind, peaceful coexistence of
people in harmony with nature and the
environment: the ultimate chant invoking
peace in all and peace on Earth
'Shanti', a registered (regd. No. 2179
of 1997), non profit, non governmental
organisation was founded in 1997, in
Pondicherry. 'Shanti' is dedicated to
the welfare of mainly girl children
and to the empowerment of women with
the eventual aim of handing over the
running of this organisation to them,
the beneficiaries.
Children at school
Here, in India, it's absolutely basic
to have a knowledge of fundamental English,
the only language that truly unites
the people from the different parts,
speaking different languages. A working
knowledge of English also facilitates
getting jobs in whichever field. 'Shanti'
started with four girls admitted to
an English medium school in 1997. Today
(2010) it has more than 130 children
admitted in different schools. These
children are alert, sensitive and creative.
After finishing their school around
4 p.m they come happily to 'Shanti'
for further coaching. Qualified teachers
guide them from Monday to Friday from
5 p.m to 8 p.m.
Main objectives of 'Shanti'
- providing education to girls from
deprived families who are eager to learn.
- Assisting struggling women (in many
cases single) to have a better future
with greater economic freedom by creating
small time jobs for them and / or providing
them with the basic amenities in food,
clothing and shelter.
Women empowerment
In India one is always struck by the
strength, patience, diligence and tolerance
among the vast majority of women form
the deprived sections who endure quietly
untold physical and mental hardships
and bear the burden of the family. 'Shanti'
has helped so far many women and their
families in the neighborhood by responding
to their varied needs and diverse problems.
A few examples of the assistance given
are construction of coconut leaf huts,
providing electricity, basics like stoves,
utensils, fans, bicycles etc., clearing
of loans (taken at high rates of interest),
help start small ventures with low investment,
like the selling of tender coconuts,
fire wood, vegetables, snacks etc. and
supporting mothers and their newborn
babies.
Observation
The self-confidence of the children
going to proper schools and the self-esteem
of the women of 'Shanti' has increased
considerably, as a result. They now
know that someone cares for them and
respects them.
'Shanti' thanks family, friends and
all those who believe in and support
its cause
The Crèche
The crèche came into existence, very
naturally with a few little ones, whose
mothers had to go to work (as house-maids,
for road building, to construction sites,
etc). Gradually more children joined
and the crèche was named 'Joy Nivas'
(house of joy). Today (in 2010) there
are more than 50 tiny tots, but preference
is given to girls again, grouped in
three batches (according to age).
They come at 8.30 in the morning to
play, learn alphabet, numbers and nursery
rhymes. Then they have a mid-morning
snack, listen to stories, do clay modeling,
collage, drawing etc. and go back home
at 12.30.
Free distribution of school-material
Besides getting children admitted into
various schools, 'Shanti' provides for
every academic session, books note-books,
uniforms etc., to deserving children
in the neighborhood who cannot afford
it.
Sunday get-together
The Sunday get-together was started
in order to develop a closer relation
with the children of the village and
their families. It is mainly from this
group that every year a few kids are
selected to be admitted into proper
English medium schools. The highlights
of the Sunday get-together are:
- Imparting English and general knowledge
- Playing games-indoor as well as outdoor
- Organising workshops on dance, theater,
painting etc.
- Serving a balanced meal before leaving
for their homes
Medical assistance & nutrition
Each child is regularly monitored for
general medical check-ups. A medical
booklet for each is maintained with
proper records by a lady doctor who
visits 'Shanti' twice a month. As and
when the need arises, they are taken
to hospital for necessary treatment.
Special attention is paid to nutrition
in the form of food and vitamins and
that children and mothers are well taken
care of.
Festivals & birthdays
Important festivals like Deepavali,
Pongal, Ganesh puja, Christmas, Easter,
Children's day etc. are celebrated with
the active participation of all children.
Simple games are organized and prizes
distributed. Children receive a new
dress on their birthday, which invariably
concludes with a children's party.
Hand-work unit
The hand-work program was initiated
for unemployed women. Tailoring, embroidery,
crochet etc, are taught to them. This
was in order to assist women to have
a better future with greater economic
freedom. Apart from getting decent salaries,
they feel good to be in an environment
that is friendly, non-commercial, in
a climate of freedom where they are
protected and guided.
'Shanti' Aspires
'Shanti' has acquired a piece of land
in Pondicherry. Now, we aspire to construct
a kindergarten, a tuition and vocational
training center, workspace for women,
shelter for single women with homeless
families etc. May be you could help
us in this dream. |
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