SHGs advised ‘Not to avail loans from MFIs’-Trichy Dt.Collector

Trichy: August 15: In the Grama Sabha meeting held at Ayyampalayam of Manachanallur Block of Trichy District, the district collector of Trichy, Mrs.Jayashree Muralidharan advised women Self help group members not to avail any loans from private sources such as Micro Finance Institutions. “Such private organizations are collecting unaffordable and exorbitant rate of interest from Women Self Help groups” added District collector and advised women self help groups to take loans from Banks as per the norms prescribed by Tamilnadu Women Development Corporation. Most private microfinance institutions are exploiting poor women by charging high rates of interest”, Several members of SHGs functioning under the auspicious of SEVAI in Ayyampalayam Panchayat, an approved NGO for SHGs by Government of Tamilnadu participated in the Grama Saba meetings.Mrs.P.Vanitha, the SHG promoter of SEVAI thanked District Collector for releasing Rs.65000 per group as revolving fund for 135 women self help groups Rs.8775000 out of which Rs.2025000 as Government subsidy for SHGs functioning under MATHI.T.Vanitha subsequently spoke after the Grama Shaba to SHG members and said, “microfinance Institutions move more and more into the mainstream of the private banking sector, is some of its original mission getting lost in the shuffle. The microfinance industry, which dates back decades and has historically been made up of not-for-profit organizations, has subsequently seen a flood of new money from the investors and exorbitant rate of interested collected by MFIs. Over a five-year period, microfinance institutions that had become more traditional commercial enterprises saw their number of active borrowers increase by 30% a year on average. But a more troubling factor was the steep drop-off in the percentage of poor women clients in the years following transformation. That is concerning not only because many Micro Finance institutions start out with the goal of serving poor women entrepreneurs. Micro Finance institutions are modern version of moneylenders – moneylenders even worse than the traditional variety because of the sheer scale of profit they earn at the cost of the poor, and their agenda of keeping the poor under control in the name of ‘freeing’ them from poverty.”The SHG Federation members took a pledge that ehey will never take loans from any of the MFIs.-Govin

Special attention required in rural schools for the retention of adolescent girls.

siblings care by elderly children

It is appreciated that SSA's commitment to universalize elementary education necessarily implies equal & universal participation of all children regardless of religion, caste, creed, sex etc. Tamilnadu SSA gives special attention to certain disadvantaged groups of children also. Girls, who comprise almost one half of the eligible child population, fall into this category of children requiring special attention as their participation in school education has to be given due special attention. The enrolment has been undertaken with full commitment and the same time the retention care is also to be given on priority basis especially for most disadvantaged population. Educating girls is commonly perceived as unnecessary by certain communities; mainly on account of the role they have been assigned in running the house and also because they will eventually leave their parental homes after marriage where their skills in household chores will hold them in better stead. Poor retention of girls is attributed to two main factors. The first is the tendency of parents to withdraw them from school on attainment of adolescent age as they become capable of fulfilling certain domestic needs of sustenance activities & sibling care while the second is the school environment itself which neither encourages girls nor is able to bring out the best in them. During the seasons of harvest, marriages, festivals, etc. girls' attendance at school suffer a setback as they are kept back at home. In the absence of any mechanism to address their need as a result of these periods of absenteeism, their achievement suffers. Thus begins the cycle of teachers' neglect in the classroom leading to disinterest and de-motivation eventually resulting in their leaving school. Ensuring equal opportunity for boys and girls is not adequate enough. The question of 'Gender equity' often demands additional support and facility for ensuring girls' education equivalent to others. A girl doing poorly probably needs special attention in class, and perhaps even in family and community, while an intelligent girl may demand for attention that teacher should show towards every student in class. The teacher may also have to look into facilities, she is allowed in her family to increase the rate of improvement.-Govin

Seminar on ‘Inclusive Practices for the Full Inclusion Classroom’ for Special Educators for intellectually challenged in SEVAI community college.

PRA Exercise by Special Educators in SEVAI Community college

One day seminar on ‘Inclusive Practices for the Full Inclusion Classroom’ for Special Educators for intellectually challenged was conducted on the 16^th July, at SEVAI community college.57 special Educators participated in this seminar on ‘Inclusive Practices for the Full Inclusion Classroom’. In his seminar inaugural address, Dr.K.Govindaraju, SEVAI Community college senior principal said “Inclusive Practices for the Full Inclusion Classroom places children with intellectual challenges in general education classrooms are meant to be the norm, not the exception and the  strategy education is a tool, plan, method used for accomplishing a task of a special Educator. Positive Behavior Support can encourage the students to exhibit desired behaviors through a positive, proactive environment. A great deal of energy goes into controlling and eliminating problem behaviors. A special educator approach can create an environment that minimizes if not eliminates the need for punishment or negative consequences, which tend to compromise a teacher's future success with difficult students. Special education is a technique used in teaching mentally challenged and autistic children. Every task which is to be taught is broken in to simpler and easy steps. This is called as task analysis. Once this is done, child is motivated and then goes to next step. In many of the cases, in the absence of speech and language it becomes very difficult for the sp. Educator to have two way communications. Drinking water can be taken as an example. This is divided in to about 10 or 12 steps. First holding the empty glass, then holding it vertical, then with small quantity of water in it, then filling the glass half, then trying to take the glass up to lips and so on. The last step could be actually swallowing water. Each step is monitored and recorded. It is impossible to say how much time a particular child will take for reaching next step. In autistic children with mental disability, the job becomes more difficult for the faculties working with him. Apart from special educator, you need psychological intervention too. The environment around an autistic child has to be specially structured and cannot be altered frequently”.

Dr.K.Govindaraju,SEVAI.

Dr.K.Govindaraju further added “Two mentally challenged children are not alike. Mental retardation is a relative thing and is directly related to the degree of damage to the brain. There are five categories are Border line, Mild, Moderate, Severe and Profound. For a Border line child, it is difficult to understand concepts like time concept, money concept, weight or height concept, color concept and concept of cooperation. But he is ok in ADL i.e. activities for daily living. But if we take the case of a child at the other end of the spectrum i.e. Profound, he cannot perform ADL. He may not perceive pain, he cannot communicate toilet needs, may not be able to drink or even eat. More than 50% mentally challenged, lack speech and language, about 30% have physical disability also. Thus every child has different problem and thus his need also differs. The pattern through which normal children get school education is termed as common pattern of curriculum, while in case of mentally challenged it is individualistic. Every mentally challenged student has separate curriculum. Since needs of every mentally disabled child differs, his syllabus has to be different and it is thus need based”. Dr.R.Deivakumar, Coordinator of SSA, Trichy in his key note address mentioned that further added a Border line student will be taught academics which will include things like learning ABCD and number count etc. But in case of severely retarded student priority will be toilet training and speech. Mother plays an important role since she is a best person to ascertain the true needs of her ward. She is the person who follows the class room techniques at home also and thus can maintain continuity. The special educators had undertaken a PRA exercise in Life skills teaching for the intellectually challenged children.-Govin

SEVAI Shanthi Matriculation Higher Secondary School gesture on Cancer Patients

Mrs.Sribala enlightens Students on Cancer awareness

Student Palanisamy said “We, the SEVAI Shanthi School Higher Secondary School students, got an opportunity to participate in the Cancer Awareness Programme organized by Mrs.Sribala Kumar, a noted Educationist from Chennai on 15th July 2011.The programme was very useful and interesting and several facts about cancer were highlighted. Mrs.Sribala Kumar enlightened us that that cancer is curable if detected and treated early. Cancer can affect all parts of the body except the hair and nails at the infant age to any age. Some cancers are inherited. A rare eye tumor called retinoblastoma is inherited. Mrs.Sribala Kumar also summarized the causes and the preventive measures for cancer. He stressed the importance of taking strong preventive steps to fight cancer such as to: Avoid taking too many antibiotics, , very spicy foods, , stale foods and ghee, taking spoilt fruits and vegetables etc.A power Point presentation was given by Mrs.Sribala. Her mission of supporting cancer patients is very much appreciated by us and we contributed Rs.5/- each and gave Rs.1500 to Mrs.Sribala for her mission to support those who suffer due to cancer.”-Govin

Kamaraj birthday celebrated as Education Development Day in SEVAI Shanthi Matriculation Higher Secondary school.

Street play by School students

Kamaraj birthday was celebrated as Education Development Day during which various competitions like elocution, essay-writing, poem-recital were conducted in SEVAI Shanthi Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Arumbuhalnagar, Pettavaiathalai. The winners of the competitions were given prizes. A girl Student of this school in her speech said” During the British regime, only seven percent of the Indian population was receiving an education. When Kamaraj was the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, from 1954 to 1963, new schools were opened, educational facilities were expanded, every village had a primary school and every panchayat had a high school. During that time, the education level grew to 37 percent of the population. Kamaraj strove to eradicate illiteracy by introducing free and compulsory education up to eleventh standard. He introduced the Midday Meals Scheme to provide at least one meal per day to the lakhs of poor children. He also introduced free school uniforms to irradiate caste, creed and class distinctions among young minds. Kamaraj (1903 – 1975) was a freedom fighter and he is widely remembered for the reform policies introduced during his tenure as Chief Minister (from 1954 to 1963) which revolutionized the education system. Since its conception, the Midday Meal Scheme has been enhanced by successive governments and has now been adopted across the country. In Tamil Nadu, the scheme has undergone several changes such as the inclusion of eggs and vitamin tablets to improve the nutritional value of the meals. Though it is difficult to measure the success of the Midday Meal Scheme in isolation, its contribution to reduction of drop-out rates, increasing enrolment and improving nutritional status of children is beyond doubt. Kamaraj, admired for his simplicity and integrity, had a long and illustrious political career as Member of Legislative Assembly from 1954 to 1967 and as Member of Parliament initially from 1952 to 1954 and then from 1969 to 1975. He also served as President of Tamil Nadu Congress from 1940 to 1954 and as President of All India Congress from 1963 to 1971”. In his honor, the Tamil Nadu government declared that Kamaraj’s birthday (July 15) would be celebrated as `Educational Development Day.’ Accordingly, this event was celebrated at SEVAI Shanthi Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Arumbuhalnagar, Pettavaiathalai with students’ elocution and poetry competitions. Dr.K.Govindaraju, the school’s correspondent, presided over the function along with Mr. V.Jawahar Arumugam, Mr.Kandasamy,and Mr.Ramasamy. A noted educationist Mrs.Sribala from the Chennai was a guest and delivered her key note address on Education and awareness on Social Hygiene. Mrs. P,Chitra, Principal of the School and Mrs. Meena, Asst.Head Mistress,Mrs.Janathamani,Junior Principal and Teacher Prabha and other teachers made elaborate arrangements for this function. 20 members of ICHEC-2011 team from Belgium participated as guests of this Program. Govin

ICHEC-2011 and Thottiyapatty Villagers: mutual folk arts performances and social get-together in Arumbuhalnagar.

Intercultural get--together of ICHEC and Thottiyapatty

ICHEC -2010 are camping in Arumbuhalnagar of SEVAI discover Indian villages culture and folk arts as they build class room in SEVAI Shanthi Matriculation Higher Secondary School. These two group of students Sevai Allur, Coppieters Alexandra, Delvaux Jeremy,Latour Zoe,Monderer Florent, Van Swieten Sandrine,Delvaux Alexia,Kabbaj Mohamed Said,Marlot Camille,tenants Ezlizabeth and Verschaeren Tanguy and SEVAI Amoor group members Vruyns Dorian, Garcia Marian Laura,Helfgott Philippe,Stoquart Celine, Warden Emily,De Canniere Fanny,Gerkbard Dan,Indejeu Madeleine and Wallemacq Richardo were present on this Camp eve presentation work and visit the neighbourhoods of Arumbuhalnagar and also live with Arumbuhalnagar community. The Villagers of Thottiyapatty visited Arumbuhalnagar and displayed their culture in their folk art form of Devaraattam, Kummi, Oyilattam and Urumi attam.The 19 members team of ICHEC also performed their traditional dances and it was a real cultural exchange evening with entertaining peace and love to mankind. Dr.K.Govindaraju enlightened the ICHEC team that Tamilnadu had developed the art of entertainment to its pristine heights at early age.The three modes of entertainment classified as Iyal (Literature), Isai (Music) and Nadagam (Drama) had their roots in the rural folk theatre like Therukoothu. Majority of these dances are still thriving in Tamil Nadu today. The women folk of Thottiyapatty Kambalthu Nacikars performed Kummi.It originated when there were no musical instruments, with the participants clapping their hands to keep time. This was performed by rural women; many varieties of Kummi, such as, Poonthatti Kummi, Kulavai Kummi, Kadir Kummi, Mulaipari Kummi etc. The women stood in a circle and dance clapping their hands rhythmically to lifting songs. This dance was performed and the first line of the song was sung by the leading lady, which the others repeated.ICHEC Team and Villages of Thottiyapatty also joined and performed Kummi as very amusing show.The men with Urumi instrument performed Devaraattam as this Devarattam is a pure folk dance still preserved by the descendents of Veerapandiya Kattabomman dynasty at Kodangipatti. Devarattam is a combination of ancient 'muntherkuruvai' and 'pintherkuruvai' of the ancient Tamil Kings. The ICHEC-2011 in SEVAI and village women also formed in lines and danced.
 

SEVAI community with ICHEC-2011 and with Villagers

Today, this dance does not have any songs but only danced to the beat of Urumi Melam. The dancers were holding a kerchief in each hand and swing them as they dance. The whirring sound of 'urumi' providing the melody and the beat of the Thappu providing the rhythm, accompanied the dance sequence in this kind of temple art form. Devarattam was performed by the men folk of Kambalathu Naicker .There were thirty-two rhythmic steps in Devarattam. These steps are known as adavu. In the beginning of Devarattam all the dance performers worship the musical instrument and the musical performer and then they begin to perform. Similarly they do in the end of the performance also. It’s a traditional rule that every man from Thottiyapatty Kambalathu Naicker should know Deverattam. Mr.Matthieu de Tillesse, Consultant, ICHEC-Housing Project, Mr.Vincent, Director, and ICHEC-Housing Project were present on this occasion of this social get-together with the villagers of Thottiyapatty. Govin

Field Placement- Linking Classroom education and its application to the field: An internship around “Unique Team learning “by ADAC and RI students

Observation of Vermi compost production in Marutham farm

The 12 students of final year girl students of Anbil Dharma lingam Agricultural College and Research Institute established under the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University situated at Navalur Kuttappattu in Tiruchirapalli were camping for their internship in Arumbuhalnagar near Sirugamani at the premises SEVAI community college. The Brilliant and energetic 12 students of Anbil Dharma lingam Agricultural College and Research Institute named T.Preethio Priya Dharshini, S.Arivuselvi, and P.Krishnaveni, S.Sudha, N.Praga, R.Poonghuzhali, S.Manimegalai, P.Subhadhanu.K.Latha, R.Nandini, R.Parameswari and M.P.Munny  took part in their internship and field visit with positive attitude of giving and taking ideas from the farming/SEVAI NGO  community. These students have young shoulders with matured heads and importantly enjoyed their studies and field placements and fulfilling their field assignments with fullest dedication. These 12 girl students were well prepared before the internship with SEVAI, Ngo and its target villages such as Arumbuhalnagar, Kamanaickanpalalaym, S, Pudkottai, Sirugamani and Sirukadu villages. Thanks for the pre-preparation of the internship orientation of these 12 girl students by Dr.Nithila, Group Facilitator and Dr.Aavudaithai, NGO organizer of ADAC and RI under the guidance of its Dean Dr.Jayapal.  It is significant to note that these students placed in SEVAI those are in final year of their under graduation drew connections between their classroom education and its application to their chosen field. During internships in Arumbuhalnagar in SEVAI these 12 students gained valuable professional experiences and skills, Developed problem solving skills by working on real field problems, Practiced the communication and interpersonal with professional skills. This Internship Program involved setting the students practical learning objectives such as Organic farming practices undertaken in this region in Banana, rice etc and the production of vermin compost, Panchakavya, Jeevamirtham and Fish manure and application of Bio manure for the rice cultivation by SEVAI Marutham farming centre and the neighborhood farming communities.

It is significant to note that the Anbil Dharma lingam Agricultural College and Research Institute guiding team,Dr.Nithila, Group Facilitator and Dr.Aavudaithai, NGO organizer of ADAC and RI under the guidance of its Dean Dr.Jayapal and other professors had close interaction with SEVAI NGO and also with their students in  in planning their  field level program and approving the learning objectives, Observing the intern's progress by making field  visits and/ phone contacts during the internship and         Evaluated students experience.A.Pichaimani of Arumbuhalnagar, a progressive farmer said that these 12 students had shown interest in the practical aspects of organic farming especially in the application of Panchakavya and Jeevamirtam and he had enlightened the students that organic farming helps to increase the yield and nutritive value. In his farm he has raised banana crop using organic fertilisers. He found that the yield and quality of the crop was good. He has raised Rani Poovan and Nendran variety of bananas on 2.0 acres and three acres respectively in his farm adopting organic farming methods. The yield is 30% more than normal farming. The students also visited a progressive farmer K.Rangaiyan of S.Pudukottai and visited his sugarcane filed.Rangaian said Sugar cane grows best in warm, sunny, frost-free weather. It needs fertile, well-drained soil and at least 1000 millimeters of rain each year or access to irrigation supplies. These ideal conditions are found along the S.Pudukotai Village. Young sugarcane needs plenty of moisture and protection from weeds. He uses a cultivator implement which is hitched to a tractor to break up the soil and uproot weeds. He produces around 60 tonnes of sugar cane per acre and he is satisfied with his sugarcane cultivation. The Ngo Head Dr.K.Govindaraju said that these students were very active in social projects too and interaction with their peers in Arumbuhalnagar community. They also had interaction with international business school students and faculties of ICHEC Brussels those live and work in school building project of Arumbuhalnagar.They also interacted with Union Civil service third rank topper Dr.Varunkumar during his visit to Arumbuhalnagar.-Govin