Program Highlights 2022

School Sponsorship Program

“3R” Reading, wRiting, aRithmetic, at primary level: designed to spark the love of learning that exists in all children, enabling them to read, write and do basic math

Ten cutting-edge initiatives were developed this year and are driving a holistic transformation of the Shanthimalai schools. Dr. Ramya and Mr. Durai Ganesh are overseeing the direction of these initiatives, each of which has its own project manager and team of teachers. Six initiatives are partially or wholly active so far:

Hybrid learning (active): Designed to achieve a seamless integration of classroom teaching, village site schools, and online teaching to connect rural children from disadvantaged backgrounds with the modern world of education so they are not left behind during future lockdowns. Teachers and students received training in basic computer literacy. Eleven classrooms have been equipped with necessary IT infrastructure; software for student e-pads has been developed and tested. Many thanks to those of you who have contributed so generously to the Hybrid Learning Pilot Project, which has opened up a new world of possibilities for both students and teachers!
Human development (active): Designed to understand and improve the social, emotional, physical and mental well-being of students and teachers by emphasizing traditional values such as respect and empathy, and the practice of life skills such as mindfulness and yoga.
“3R” Reading, wRiting, aRithmetic, at primary level (active): Designed to spark the love of learning that exists in all children, enabling them to read, write and do basic math – and to objectively measure these achievements.
English Tea Time (active): Designed to enhance English language fluency among teachers and students both in school and after school.
Counseling (partly active): Designed to give attention and support to underperforming students. Areas of support include identification of learning difficulties, family and group counseling, and emergency support.
Review of Syllabus (partly active): Designed to revise the current syllabus for English Matriculation Schools in Tamil Nadu. As an example, previously excluded sports activities have been reintroduced for grades 11 and 12 to provide needed physical exercise.

Current enrollment in SSA is 225 students with a staff of 20. Enrollment in SRM is 795 students with a staff of 73. Sponsors from Aruna Partnership support 43 students in grades 3 – 12. Several more sponsors are waiting for students to be assigned as soon as their screening is completed.

Skill Development Program

Students role-playing to improve interview skills during one of the Sunday sessions at Shanthimalai Trust

In May, SSDP students completed their college or professional training courses. Due to the steep cost of college, all receive financial aid through the Aruna Partnership Sponsorship Program, the German Sponsorship Program, or through general funds.

Extra classes, beyond their coursework or training, are offered to SSDP students at Shanthimalai on Sundays from 10 AM – 1 PM. These classes help prepare students for entering a professional career by emphasizing English language communication, basic computer skills, and general knowledge. Seminars are also offered to prepare students for the entrance examinations required for Government jobs.

Currently, there are 9 continuing and 11 new SSDP students supported by sponsors through Aruna Partnership’s program. Overall, there are 152 SSDP students for the 2022-23 academic year.

The Widows Project

Now that the worst of the pandemic has passed, life has returned to its normal rhythm at the Om Shanthi Home for elderly widows. The women are happy and have weathered the isolation of the Covid lockdowns in remarkably good shape.

On September 1, 2022, a puja ceremony was finally performed on Ganesh’s Day (the Hindu deity of “new beginnings”) for the opening of 4 new apartments at the Home. Substantial donations from a group of friends in the Rotary Club, in both Germany and the USA, funded the new construction, which had been delayed by the pandemic for almost 2 years. Two apartments were built above Florence House (donated by Florence Zahn in 2015), two above Kati House (donated by Kathy Pomeroy in 2018). The apartments were originally envisioned as isolation units for the critically ill. Hopefully, now that the pandemic has eased, the rooms can be used instead for emergency accommodations for young widows and their children.

Over 100 young widows and previously destitute women worked as artisans at Premalaya Handicraft Society in 2022. The project provided 205 of their children with tuition assistance, uniforms, and school supplies. 31 women and their children received cows, providing milk to drink as well as an income. 14 women received pairs of goats (goat milk is highly prized). The cost per cow is $650; goats are $130 each. If you’d like to specify a cow or goat in your donation, please contact us directly: info@arunapartnership.org. Additional support included:

Medical Aid to Widows & Children – $3,020
Food & Provisions Provided for 3 months to 20 Families – $2,175
House Construction, 2 Families – $8,452
Medical Eye Checkups, 149 Beneficiaries – $1,800
Bicycles for Children of 4 Widows – $290

This year 200 trees were planted in the surrounding village of Kaveriyam Poondi, as well as in a nearby gypsy village. The trees include medicinally useful trees, as well as fruit trees. Villagers, who previously saw trees primarily as a heat source for cooking, are discovering how precious trees are and learning about their many benefits.

Unnamalai expressed her deep gratitude for being
taken into the
Om Shanthi Home, stating that it was the happiest time of her life.

In August, Unnamalai, who had been found in May sitting destitute on Tiruvannamalai’s main road, asked to speak with Mr. Manoharan, the project manager. During the short time she lived at the Om Shanthi Old Age Home, Unnamalai had never spoken about her family, but she confided then that her son and daughter-in-law had mistreated her so badly, she made the choice to leave their home. She expressed to Mr. Manoharan her deep gratitude for being taken into the Om Shanthi Home, stating that it was the happiest time of her life. Then she leaned her head on Manoharan’s shoulder and died peacefully without any sign of illness.

The blessing, for Unnamalai and for us, is that she was able to spend her last days being cared for in the Om Shanthi Home’s loving atmosphere. The blessing is yours as well – for without your generosity and compassion this work would not be possible.

Environmental Stewardship

Girivalam Seva: For nine years, 25 Shanthimalai workers have cleaned and maintained seven kilometers of the pilgrimage path that circles Arunachala as part of the Girivalam Seva project. The ongoing initiative has inspired others to join us in this effort.

The district administration is providing excellent support to maintain a clean and green environment. They have divided the Girivalam Path into seven sections, each with a team of four government personnel to monitor shops, enforce rules, and oversee cleanliness.

Each panchayat (village council) now regularly sends 100 day laborers to work with our team.

New Arunachala Environmental Care Project (AECP) In keeping with the Indian government’s effort to prioritize protecting the environment at all levels of society, Shanthimalai has recently initiated a comprehensive, integrated group of programs to promote increased environmental awareness and the sustainable use of natural resources. The Trust is working in coordination with local authorities to implement and model environmentally sound practices. These include solid waste management, water conservation, reforestation, and integrated farming methods.

Green Champion Award This year Shanthimalai Trust received Tamil Nadu’s Green Champion Award for its longstanding service to the community in the area of environmental stewardship. The award included a cash prize of of one lakh (about $1,300).

Click for in-depth information about the Environmental Stewardship program

The cost of food in Tiruvannamalai has risen by more than 20%, reflecting what is happening all over the world. We understand how difficult it is these days to make choices about donating funds. Please know how very much your help means, and how deeply your contributions are appreciated.

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