Communities Without Borders

OCCURD helps kids in villages near Chennai, India

Nov 15, 2006

Meena Alexander, an inspiring young woman, who herself lives in a one room house with no running water, has undertaken to supply the school, health and day care requirements of over a 140 kids. Her trust, OCCURD, has sent this report and photos.

In the last six months, OCCURD provided 144 poor rural children with school uniforms, notebooks and writing aids and footwear, to encourage them to continue their education; a literacy awareness campaign was conducted to enroll more children in the school, to reduce child laborers and to raise female literacy. A memory development program was also conducted, and also a community magic show was organized to entertain the rural students who lack exposure to the outer world.

Mr.Ellappan conducts a “Thirukural” (moral book) memory programme for the Karunilam children/students at Karunilam School. 15.09.2006

Mr.Bhaskar, Magician, performs at the Karunilam School 15.09.2006

Meena and the kids

Summary of OCCURD Programs

1. Crèches – Day care center Two crèches are partly supported to meet the need of day care of poor children in the age group of 3 to 5 years. Every year 54 kids from two villages are benefiting and prepared for schooling.

2. Supply of school uniforms and school supplies This year 144 poor students in the age group of 3 to 10 years were given a set of free school uniform, footwear and school. These pupils belong to socially, economically and educational backward families and some are first generation learners. Through this help these children are able to continue their study and feel good to attend their school with a sense of happiness.

3. Health Screening Periodical medical camps were organized to screen the health status of children, adults and aged in five targeted villages, covering an approximate population of 5000 to ensure better health, nutrition and longevity of life. 4. Training in income generation activities Training villagers in income generation, especially women and unemployed youth in candle making, natural farming & kitchen gardening and Washing soap making.