“School Education can make person a good citizen”-says Mrs.P.Chitra, Principal of SEVAI Shanthi Matriculation Higher Secondary School.

SEVAI Shanthi Matriculation Higher Secondary School pupils play

In Life Enrichment class for High School students of SEVAI Shanthi Matriculation Higher Secondary School, the principal of the School, Mrs.P.Chiotra spoke to students, “School Education helps pupils become good citizens. Many students find something they have an affinity for or are passionate about while exploring in school. Getting an education also greatly increases opportunities for suitable employment. They key to a productive society is understanding one another, which enables all to respect each other. Education provides information about people and processes, making it easier for people to relate to others that are "different" and to see them as fellow humans. When we see each other as fellow humans, rather than "the others" or some other categorization, people behave much better. What they think makes a good citizen, is someone who has 'empathy' for other people, Someone who cares and shares, Someone who respects people, Someone who understands that rules are made for good reasons and does not break them, Someone who judges people on their behavior not on their appearance, Someone who cares about the community and our world. A good citizen would take part in out of school activities”. Being a good citizen means being polite and well mannered being friendly and helping old and young people. You would find a friend at school. You have to be a kind person who helps people and to be truthful.. We need good citizens to help people who cannot help themselves. We need good citizens to help make our world a happier place - through sharing ideas and making sensible rules, We need good citizens who appreciate the good things in our world who are responsible for caring for them by recycling and conservation, We need good citizens who respect, tolerate, understand and care for each other”. Mrs.P.Chitra concluded saying that a good citizen Cares for himself / herself, Cares for other people, Shares things, Doesn’t hurt anyone, Is kind and thoughtful, Helps people who need help, Has a generous spirit, A good citizen is somebody you can rely on, Someone who is confident and tries to help others”. -Govin

SEVAI imparts not only technical skills on dairy farming but also life enrichment skills to women SHG members those aspire establishing dairy farming.

Cow expecting its calf on milking time in SEVAI Cow farm

SEVAI imparts not only technical skills on dairy farming but also life enrichment skills to women SHG members those aspire establishing dairy farming in SEVAI Cow farm in Sirugamani.SEVAI/OFI Partners Dairy farm Services provide the villagers complete end to end solutions in dairy farming. Our services start right with the conception of idea of an ideal dairy farm fully customized according to the local environment and cow farmer needs. This cow farm consulting services focuses on efficiency as well as efficacy. This Cow project fully utilizes optimum local resources. SEVAI/OFI Partners Dairy farm Services Include the aspects of dairy farm operations such as: Developing Standard farm operating procedure and annual business plan, Farm layout, Manpower planning and solutions, Training sessions, Sourcing of Livestock, Fodder management Computation of feed, Farm mechanization , Optimization of operating costs and efficiency ratios, Designing of most economical, comfortable and secure cow sheds and other required spaces, Focus on maximizing productive investment and minimizing investment on non productive items, lucrative returns on investment, Most economical and rational service charges. The Life coping skills were also imparted to cow farmers for developing Personal Skills such as Punctuality, Pleasing Personality, Sincerity, Loyalty, Responsibility, Reliability, Spontaneity, Ethical, Industrious, Self Esteem, Good Perception, Presentability, Stress Management Problem Solving, Presence of Mind, Hard Working. Social Skills, Acceptability, Listening, Patience, Ability to solve Interpersonal Conflicts, Overcoming Inhibitions Hospitality, Overcoming Shyness, Accepting one’s faults, Handling hardships and failures and Approachability and  Communication Skills such as Dialogue, Group Communication, Clarity, Public Speaking, Good Expression, Ability to Understand, Interpretation, Oral and Written, Formal and Informal, and   Work Skills such as enterprise Correspondence, Drafting, handling stationery, Utilization of  Resources Electricity. Cost Consciousness, Office Assistance. Computer Assistance, Accounting Skills and Awareness of Competitors, Creative Skills Updating of knowledge and skills, Innovative, Risk Taking and More Imaginative and Leadership skills such as Empathy, Impartiality, Co – ordination, Animation, Facilitator, Team Building, Approachability, Dynamic, Crisis Management, Resourcefulness, Focused, Participatory Leadership, Decision Making, Counseling, Service Minded, Initiative, Delegations, Self Motivation, Appreciative, Organisation Skills etc.-Govin

A cow’s water intake has a major effect on her milk production-SEVAI Training session

Drinking water to cows in SEVAI Cow farm

A one day training program was conducted for Self Help Group women in SEVAI Cow project as supported by OFI and its partners.SEVAI Project Coordinator K.Devendran informed the trainees, “A cow’s water intake has a major effect on her milk production. When you provide a proper fresh water supply, cows drink more, eat more and produce more milk. It sounds simple, but the amounts of water involved are significant. One kilogram of dry matter intake utilises up to five litres of water. Cows need at least three litres of water to produce one litre of milk. This means that high-yielding cows need around 100 liters of fresh water every day. And depending on hot and dry climates, this amount can even be higher. Cows like to drink fast up to 20 litres of water per minute. If they can’t, their water intake may fall and their milk yield will suffer. A 40 percent reduction in water intake can cut milk production by 25 percent. It is essential that you meet all your cows’ drinking needs. Cows like to drink when they eat and just after milking. They prefer a large, calm drinking surface from which they can drink quickly and without stress. Such natural drinking behaviour promotes further eating, even more drinking and thus greater milk yields. Don’t forget that the simple act of cleaning water tanks at least once a week can have an impact on milk production. Cows like to drink clean, fresh water. They are even more sensitive than people to poor quality water. Water quality can be compromised by high levels of bacteria, chemicals, organic matter and minerals. Unfortunately, sometimes what may be said to be a tolerable level of contamination still hurts the cow, since cows are very sensitive to water quality problems. Maintain good records of water analysis from year to year so that you can prove when contamination occurred, if necessary. Lactating cows should be close to a water supply, especially during periods of heat stress surfaces. Under these conditions, try to place a clean supply of water near shaded or otherwise cooled resting areas. Take care to avoid excessive water accumulation in lots or other resting areas, as that may increase the incidence of mastitis and other diseases in the herd. Cows tend to drink most of their daily water close to milking time, often straight after milking, so it would be beneficial to have water available in the feeding area. To avoid the risk of manure pollution, make sure that water bowls are not installed too low. Like people, cows prefer to eat, then drink, eat, then drink and so on. Water troughs need to be easily accessible”.-Govin

“The Continuing education is life long Education.”-Prof.M.A.Windey said 2003.

Prof.M.A.Windey speaks,Dr.K.Govindaraju,Prof.E.W.P Thomas,were present

“The Continuing education is a life long education.” Said Prof.M.A.Windey, Director of VRO-India, in a seminar organized by State Resource Centre, Chennai on the role of NGOs in A   dult and Continuing Education in SEVAI Centre, Trichy in 2003.Dr.K.Govindaraju, Chairman of State Resource Centre presided over the function. The Director In-charge of the State Resource Centre welcomed the gathering.  Prof.M.A.Windey delivered the key note address and further added, “Development in the field of Adult and Continuing Education in India is positive and quite encouraging. The implementation of adult education programme was started by Government of India involving NGOs. The adults both young and old were taught how to read and write. These adult education programmes continued when new dimensions were introduced into the learning process as a result of the evolution of Total Literacy Movement as Basic Literacy, Post Literacy and Continuing Education phases. The Governments began to show interest and concern about the type of education that needed to be established in rural India. It linked the importance of literacy to the social and economic lives of the people of rural India. The enthusiasm of Voluntary Agencies with the support of Governments organizing adult literacy courses was sustained, and it became the main avenue through which rural population learnt to read the daily news papers. The year 1977 marked a turning point in the history of adult education movement in India. Firstly a mass education and a community Development project were launched. Under this project functionaries were appointed to carry out development programmes including literacy classes through which a large number of adults learnt how to read and write.NGO those involved are national, voluntary, non-sectarian, non-party political, mass education organization, which embraces adults from all walks of life. These NGOs provided the ordinary people in society a chance to develop their potentials through liberal education. Thus NGOs became a strong vehicle that the department could use to stimulate and satisfy the demands of adults for any people-based adult education programme. These NGOs organized education as well as action community development programmes that helped to change the life patterns of many people. These programmes are meant to assist communities in finding solutions to their problems as implemented by voluntary Literacy workers. These communities Literacy workers are meant to inform people, provide a forum for the ex-change of views and to promote literacy and non-formal educational programmes geared towards development. In addition these Furthermore, the Literacy projects being implemented by NGOs aimed at disseminating information on small family norms, AIDS and Women-in-Development and other population issues. The project is designed to integrate population, in-formation, education and communication activities into the adult and non-formal education programmes. It is also meant to increase the level of awareness among the youth on the importance of small family norms. The important role NGOs are playing in the field of adult education should be appreciated asmany NGOs in India are involved with various types of adult education programmes on health, population and developmental issues as convergence approach. The dedicated NGOs focuses its attention on health issues like reproductive rights, family life education, which includes planning, the utilization and management of environment, and income-generating activities. The programmes are organised for both rural and urban youth and adults to enable them to adjust to new social situations. We are indeed hopeful that with an efficient use of our scarce national resources we would be able to face the challenges that lie ahead of all adult educators in India”. Noted scholar Prof.EWP Thomas felicitated.-Govin

Gandhi Jayanthi celebrated in SEVAI Shanthi Matriculation Higher Secondary School.

School students take oath on Nation building on Gandhi Jayanthi

Gandhi Jayanti was observed in SEVAI Shanthi Matriculation Higher Secondary School on 2^nd October 2013 in Arumbuhalnagar Community centre to commemorate the birth of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (October 2, 1869 - January 30, 1948). His non-violence or Satyagraha continues to influence political leaders and movements till date. The celebration and essence of Gandhi Jayanti is not restricted within India and also observed by the United Nations as the International Day of non-violence that aims to disseminate his philosophy, principle and believe in non-violence through proper education and public awareness. The Principal of SEVAI Shanthi Higher Secondary School, Mrs.P.Chitra in her introductory speech of this commemoration mentioned that Celebration of Gandhi Jayanti is also a moment to relive Mohandas Gandhi's life and contribution in India's Independence. His childhood memories and experiences are vividly depicted by him in his autobiography Gandhi led nationwide stir for achieving Sawaraj, abolition of social evils, empowering women rights and improving economic conditions of peasants and farmers. He further strengthened his movement against the British Raj and led Indians in protesting Dandi March Salt in 1930 that was later followed by the popular Quit India in 1942 calling British to leave India. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was the preeminent leader of Indian nationalism in British-ruled India. Employing non-violent civil disobedience, Gandhi led India to independence and inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world. In her special address, the Assistant Head Mistress of the School,Mrs.Meena quoted Gandhi about his views on children as “If we are to reach real peace in this world and if we are to carry on a real war against war, we shall have to begin with children and if they will grow up in their natural innocence, we won’t have the struggle, we won’t have to pass fruitless idle resolutions, but we shall go from love to love and peace to peace, until at last all the corners of the world are covered with that peace and love for which consciously or unconsciously, the whole world is hungering”. Mrs.P.Vanitha, SEVAI Coordinator mentioned that Gandhi gave importance to health and Cleanliness and we need to give immense importance to cleanliness keep surroundings free of dirt. The school pupils are to keep the surrounding clean and tidy as respect to Gandhi. Gandhi gave had his faith in women and he encouraged women empowerment. The SEVAI Shanthi Matriculation Higher Secondary School students took an oath on this occasion, “We will be a Worthy Citizen of India; We shall rise

Community lunch arranged on Gandhi Jayanthi

above all divides of caste, religion, region, languages and gender to make a United and Powerful India”. The Chairman of South Zone Board of Continuing Education, Dr.K.Govindaraju in key note address mentioned, “Gandhi was neither a president nor a prime minister. Mohandas K. Gandhi was a constant experimenter. Spirituality, religion, self-reliance, health, education, clothing, drinks, medicine, child care, status of women, no field escaped his search for truth. His thoughts when appeared in the form of talk or article became official words of action with the masses of India. He was a man who did what he said and led an exemplary and a transparent life. Not many people can claim “My life is an open book “.An adamant idealist, courageous fighter, a deep thinker, and a great leader of men and ideas, it was possible for him to do that because he identified himself with struggles and pains of the common Indians. He quickly became the sole voice of the downtrodden and the exploited. They completely believed that Gandhiji understood their difficulties and would provide justice for them. When this selfless and pure man became leader of the nation, he gave a clear and unambiguous direction to the Himalayan problems facing India. Most important of them were poverty, religious conflict, exploitation, ignorance and colonization by the British. Non-violence does not mean making peace. On the other hand, it means fighting bravely and sincerely for truth and doing what is just”. Dr.K.Govindaraju appreciated the gesture of remembering the father of our nation on his birth day.Mrs.Maria lead Gandhi Jayanthi songs .A community lunch was organized in this community centre where hundreds of people from all walks of life participated. The Link Workers Scheme project functionaries took active participation in organizing the community dinner under the leadership of Mr.P.Subramani,DRP-T,Mrs.Elizabeth Mary,M/E Officer  and supervisors,Ramaraj,Rathinamary,Padma,and Revathy and the school teachers and functionaries. Teacher Mrs.Janathamani proposed vote of thanks.-Govin

SEVAI Women SHGs pledged that they would educate their daughters to acquire higher Education.

Hundreds of women took the pledge at the International Literacy day function jointly organised

SEVAI Women SHGs take pledge on educating girls

by SEVAI (www.sevaingo.in) and South Zone Board of Continuing Education in Arumbuhalnagar recently that they would stand united to fight against illiteracy among women. The members of SHGs promoted by SEVAI pledged that they would send their daughters to school and for job oriented higher education and never indulge in gender discrimination and would not get their daughters married before completing their higher education. They also pledged to fight against female infanticide, alcoholism and dowry. Women Coordinator, P.Vanitha who presided over the function underlined the need for women to assume leadership. Describing women as symbols of sacrifice and companionship, P.Vanitha said people should join together to end violence against women. P.Vanitha urged women to inculcate reading habits among them. While explaining how SHGs brought socio-economic changes among the 100,000 women of 8500 SHGs promoted by SEVAI, she exhorted women to bring more changes in society. Mrs.P.Vanitha further said, “Self-help groups facilitated by SEVAI, and increasingly advise and train members in a variety of on- and off-farm income-generating activities. Indeed, in a number of recent projects, SEVAI trained facilitators and animators drawn from self-help groups. Through promoting self-help group, SEVAI with support of its partners, banks and Government have contributed to improving the overall status of women in terms of income, empowerment, welfare, etc. The women SHG beneficiaries have increased access to and control over resources such as land, dwellings and livestock. SEVAI SHG Project reveals that access to finance through group savings and lending to members had allowed women to become increasingly involved in economic activities such as the collection and sale on local markets of their products.” The women’s self-help groups expressed their appreciation to SEVAI for enabling the SHGs achieving confidence and boldness through SHG training and linkage with Banks and Government Departments.. Mrs.Mohana Sundaram, Project Manager of SEVAI also pointed out that the welfare of women should be every nation’s top priority and the need to protect the rights of women. Prevention of Domestic Violence was also discussed. An elocution competition was conducted as part of the World Literacy Day celebrations OF 2013.Mrs.B.Chitra,the Principal of SEVAI Shanthi Matriculation Higher Secondary school was the chief guest for the function and  she gave away prizes to the participants-Govin