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.