Looking Ahead - Ideas for Tentative Plan of Action
We have just received word that the Ramavaram folks will be shifted to the new place tomorrow morning at 10 AM. We have also heard that the new place is in Sriperumbuthur, which is quite far from the city, even further away than Porur. The new area could in fact be considered rural.
This of course brings up questions of how Sangam India will proceed in the face of such uncertainty. We feel that at this juncture, it is time for Sangam India to move forward in a new direction. Although there are a few things that we will continue with the current community, it is in fact not a feasible option for us to continue working with them in the same way that we have been doing until now. The following are the activities that we wish to continue with:
a) Clothing and Utensil distribution - Clothing has already been provided for these people, so we will be distributing these clothes after sorting them. We will be assisted by the Porur Sai Samithi in accomplishing this. Utensils and other items for the households will be determined in the next week, based on the need.
b) Health Education and Deworming - We would like to have a one day visit with the community during which we have a comprehensive health education program as well as deworm the entire community. During this we would like to cover topics of hygiene, family welfare, malnutrition, and men's medicosocial issues. This will be accomplished with the help of Dr. Anita, Dr. Gayathri, and Dr. Arun.
c) Scholarships for children - We would like to set up a long-term program through which children can be given scholarships based on merit. We hope to set an incentive program as well through which children can be encouraged to study well, based on which they will receive some sort of benefit. This will have to be accomplished by periodic visits to the new settlement, perhaps every 6-8 weeks. Of course, this requires manpower and people who are willing to periodically travel to the new settlement, which is a significant distance away.
d) We would like to approach SEED, a local organization in Sriperumbuthur, to assist with microfinance options for this group. We are yet to approach them, so if anyone is interested in working on the liaison, please contact us.
e) We would like to conduct periodic health camps and screening camps in the new settlement, perhaps every 6 months or so.
As far as Sangam India as a whole, we will begin early next week with a search for a new community to work in. Do give us your suggestions. Please keep your eyes open for word of a general body meeting to be held soon, during which we will be establishing committees and discussing future plans.
As usual, all suggestions, comments and questions are welcome.
This of course brings up questions of how Sangam India will proceed in the face of such uncertainty. We feel that at this juncture, it is time for Sangam India to move forward in a new direction. Although there are a few things that we will continue with the current community, it is in fact not a feasible option for us to continue working with them in the same way that we have been doing until now. The following are the activities that we wish to continue with:
a) Clothing and Utensil distribution - Clothing has already been provided for these people, so we will be distributing these clothes after sorting them. We will be assisted by the Porur Sai Samithi in accomplishing this. Utensils and other items for the households will be determined in the next week, based on the need.
b) Health Education and Deworming - We would like to have a one day visit with the community during which we have a comprehensive health education program as well as deworm the entire community. During this we would like to cover topics of hygiene, family welfare, malnutrition, and men's medicosocial issues. This will be accomplished with the help of Dr. Anita, Dr. Gayathri, and Dr. Arun.
c) Scholarships for children - We would like to set up a long-term program through which children can be given scholarships based on merit. We hope to set an incentive program as well through which children can be encouraged to study well, based on which they will receive some sort of benefit. This will have to be accomplished by periodic visits to the new settlement, perhaps every 6-8 weeks. Of course, this requires manpower and people who are willing to periodically travel to the new settlement, which is a significant distance away.
d) We would like to approach SEED, a local organization in Sriperumbuthur, to assist with microfinance options for this group. We are yet to approach them, so if anyone is interested in working on the liaison, please contact us.
e) We would like to conduct periodic health camps and screening camps in the new settlement, perhaps every 6 months or so.
As far as Sangam India as a whole, we will begin early next week with a search for a new community to work in. Do give us your suggestions. Please keep your eyes open for word of a general body meeting to be held soon, during which we will be establishing committees and discussing future plans.
As usual, all suggestions, comments and questions are welcome.
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