There is confusion about the difference between Money Lenders and Micro-Finance institutions.

Dr.K.Meena, Former,VC-BARD inaugurates the workshop

K.Govindaraju, Director SEVAI in his presidential speech in the inaugural session of three days workshop on Micro Credit and Rural Development jointly organized by SEVAI, Trichy, Gramium,Karur and Viswa Yuva Kendra, New Delhi in Trichy on Wednesday mentioned “Although Microfinance in principle are helpful credit plus to poor women, at the same time the interest rates charged by microfinance institutes are high compared to that of traditional banks” K.Govindaraju further added “ Micro finance Institutes are different from money lenders as there is confusion about the difference between Money Lenders and Micro-Finance institutions. Money lenders should not collect exorbitant rate of interest and should strictly comply with Tamilnadu Government Act regarding money lending rates. Real Micro Finance Institutes should be legal and transparent and books of accounts and the associated documents are to be open for any official inspection and also the beneficiaries. Micro-finance refers to supply of loans, savings and other financial services primarily to the financially weaker section of the society. Women traditionally had less access to financial alternatives of ordinary credit lines and incomes. Although Microfinance in principle are helpful to poor women, several borrowers complain that the interest rates charged by a unregistered illegal money lenders in disguise of microfinance institutes and these illegal money lenders should not be allowed to function as most of the money lenders are collecting unreasonable interest rates. The objective for MFIs should be to improve the quality of life of the poor by providing access to financial and support services to be a viable financial institution developing sustainable communities and to mobilize resources in order to provide financial and support services to the poor, particularly women, for viable productive income generation enterprises enabling them to reduce their poverty and to create opportunities for self-employment for the underprivileged. Microfinance is increasingly being considered as one of the most effective tools of reducing poverty. Microfinance has a significant role in bridging the gap between the formal financial institutions and the rural poor. The Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs) accesses financial resources from the Banks and other mainstream Financial Institutions and provide financial and support services to the poor and these loans may help families to cope with other kinds of economic challenges, providing a way to manage their meager "cash flow." They can also use the money from MFIs to do things like pay school fees and medical bills, and sometimes just to buy food.” The workshop was inaugurated by Dr.K.Meena, Former Vice Chancellor of Bharthidassan University in the esteemed presence of Dr.P.Selvaraj, Shivani Group of Educational Institutions, Padmanaban, Field Publicity officer and Suresh Kumar, AGM, NABARD.Earlier Gramium P.Narayanan welcomed the gathering and Rajat Thomas of Viswa Yuva Kendra, New Delhi proposed vote of thanks. Around 65 NGOs of Tamilnadu participate in the workshop proceedings.-Kris

South Zone Board of Continuing Education recognizes the outstanding performances of experts in the field of continuing Education.

News of the function of awards giving

Although Microfinance in principle are helpful credit plus to poor women, at the same time the interest rates charged by microfinance institutes including Grameen Bank are high compared to that of traditional banks.

Aracknut plates production by SHG-SEVAI

Micro finance refers to supply of loans, savings and other financial services primarily to the financially weaker section of the society. These services are small “micro” – because a person who does not have a lot of money most likely will not need a loan of several thousand rupees. However, a loan of a few hundred rupees may make a huge difference in their lives. It gives them the ability to purchase livestock for a small farm, a sewing machine to help make accessories and clothes, or supplies for a small store. A micro

Mat weaving by SHG Member

finance institution (MFI) is an organization that provides micro-finance services to poor. An MFI can operate as a nonprofit such as a non-government organization (NGO), credit cooperative, non-bank financial institution (NBFI. Many MFIs offer services beyond loans and savings, including education on business and financial issues and social services focused on health and children. Micro-finance -MFI targets the poorest of the poor, with a particular emphasis on women. Women traditionally had less access to financial alternatives of ordinary credit lines and incomes. Although Microfinance in principle are helpful to poor women, the same time the interest rates charged by micro-finance institutes including Grameen Bank are high compared to that of traditional banks..Microfinance has diversified the types of loans it makes. It supports loans to support the enterprises of SHG members’ immediate relatives. It has found that seasonal agricultural loans and lease-to-own agreements for equipment and livestock help the poor establish better agriculture. The MFI has set a goal: to make each of its

Betel-vine leave cultivation

members free of poverty, as defined by Microfinance benchmarks such as having adequate food and access to clean water and latrines.

 Micro-finance is all about providing small value loans and other financial services to the weaker section of the society in order to improve their standard of living. The strengths such as experience, expertise, multiple and low cost funding, sound financial position help. It is also argued that in the rush to scale up micro-finance offerings, many newcomers to the field might actually be doing more harm than good. They points out a number of flaws with the current approach to micro-finance, cautioning that there is little historical evidence for the developmental role of credit to the poor; that there has been little rigorous evaluation of the overall benefits of micro-finance to a person’s quality of life; and that the poorest of the poor are by definition the ones who “need” credit the most, but can do the least with it. Now the question still arises, why still such high interest rates? That is because of high cost of operations which the MFI’s have to take on.

There is confusion about the difference between Money Lenders and Micro-Finance institutions. While MFI’s are money lenders, money lenders are not

Organic farming Panchakavya production

MFI’s. MFI’s are focused on lending and managing funds for productive activities, also they help form support groups for the borrower to be able not only to participate in a group towards something productive, but also this way the group ensures that the energies created by such finance are not dissipated in non-productive activities. A comparison between microcredit loans and traditional loans reveals several differences which affect interest rate levels. These differences are significant: the smaller size of the loans; the operational follow up required on the borrower and the fact that micro-credit institutions have to pay to procure their own capital. They therefore represent two distinct economic models. To be sustainable, micro-finance institutions must not only cover their costs, but also generate a reasonable profit. Micro-finance includes basic financial services - including small loans, savings accounts, fund transfers and insurance. This enables them to earn an income so they can afford food, clean water, proper shelter and an education for their children. The women SHGs follow Discipline, Unity, Courage and Hard work – in all walks of their lives, Prosperity they bring to their families, they will not live in dilapidated houses, they shall repair their houses and work towards constructing new houses at the earliest, they grow vegetables all the year round and eat plenty of them and sell the surplus. During the planting

Successful women Federation etreprenurs 

seasons, the SHGs shall plant as many seedlings as possible; they will plan to keep their families small and they will reduce their expenditures but they will look after their health. The members of SHG also take pledge to educate their

Gem polishing unit by SHG woman

children and ensure that they can earn to pay for their education and they will always keep their children and the environment clean and they will build and use house hold toilets and use boiled water for drinking and cooking. The SHG members shall not take any dowry at their sons' weddings; will not give any dowry at their daughters' weddings. The SHG members shall not inflict any injustice on anyone; neither will they allow anyone to do so. The members collectively undertake bigger investments for higher incomes and they always be ready to help each other. If SHG members come to know of any breach of discipline in any village, they will all go there and help restore discipline and they take part in all social activities collectively.-Kris

SEVAI Promotes child friendly toilets

Child friendly toilet promoted by SEVAI RTC

SEVAI Shanthi Matriculation Higher Secondary School has toilets and water, the basic necessity in schools. SEVAI Rural Technology centre help to build toilets and maintain them, provide running and clean drinking water for school children in SEVAI Shanthi Matriculation Higher Secondary School and two other schools. The impact of the project is better health and improved school attendance and reduction is school drop outs among the project villages. SEVAI Promoted the child-friendly approach to school toilet, hygiene, sanitation and water and maintain facilities that are part of the learning environment, are hygienic and safe to use and can be sustained and maintained by the school community itself. The facilities provided encourages hygienic behavior, Have appropriate dimensions and adjustments for children,  Offer enough capacity and minimal waiting time, Use appropriate locations for young children, Address the needs for children with physical disabilities, Stimulate children’s learning and development, and ensure that educational tools are designed in an age-appropriate way , environment friendly toilets and use system.SEVAI has established a Sanitation/Toilet Rural   Technology Centre at Sirugamani in Tiruchi district. The Sanitation/Toilet Rural   Technology Centre was established displays various models of toilets which could be used in Clean India movement in rural areas. The trainings are provided to masons and members of Womens Self -Help Groups formed by SEVAI and Government and have also received both training of various models. Sanitation/Toilet Rural   Technology Centre also has models of toilets which require reduced intake of Water suitable to the coastal, tribal, rocky terrain, water-logging and models for urban areas. The centre also has models of School toilets which are suitable for primary and middle schools in rural areas. The sanitation project is to build latrines for boys and girls in SEVAI Shanthi Matriculation Higher Secondary School with water supply, and placing tanks for water storage in the school. The project also takes up the maintenance of toilets for daily cleaning and upkeep. This ensures that the toilets are used and habituates the children to use a clean toilet. Drinking water purification system is installed to ensure bacteria free water is available in school. The project benefits 2000 children in the project adopted schools.-Kris

“Fiber-rich coconut pulp aids in digestion and provides iron and other minerals to our diet”- K.Devendran, SEVAI.

SEVAI Cocunut Nursery Field

Watershed Project Coordinator of SEVAI, K.Devendran trained the farmers in tree growing especially growing Coconut trees. SEVAI encourages people grow coconut even in their fields and backyards and increase the overall productivity, SEVAI is all set to commence a coconut nursery on the SEVAI Nursery farm in the premises at Melapatty for production of varieties that suit local conditions. When we crack open the coconut, we see a thin coating surrounding the inner side of white coconut pulp. This fiber-rich coconut pulp aids in digestion and provides iron and other minerals to our diet, but it is high in fat. K.Devendran mentioned, “In a perennial crop like coconut which exhibits considerable genetic variations and is being propagated only through seeds, the selection and use of planting material of higher intrinsic value assume much importance. Nuts should be collected from

K.Devendran of SEVAI in demo 

gardens with a record of consistently high yield which comprises a high proportion of heavy bearers, and situated under average conditions without heavy manuring irrigation and free from the incidence of pests and diseases. Methods of planting of seed nuts in vogue are horizontal or vertical with stalk-end up or in an oblique position. Although horizontal planting is critically the best over other methods, vertical planting is widely practiced, because of easy transportation without damage because of better attachment of shoot to nut. The seedlings raised by following vertical planting suffer more from drought and are less robust than those from flat or horizontal method and seedlings obtained by this method are less likely to be damaged at transplanting because the attachment between shoot and nut is much better protected by the husk. With horizontal planting rate of germination and subsequent growth of seedlings will be faster compared to vertical planting. Notching hastens the germination of vertically planted nuts. Nursery is watered twice a week depending on the climatic conditions and a total weed free environment is provided by periodical weeding. Immediately after planting nursery area is mulched with coconut leaf which is known to promote early and better germination, good growth of seedlings and high percentage of good seedlings. A careful watch should be made on pests and diseases especially termites”. -Kris

SEVAI: Microenterprises contribute significantly to economic growth, social stability and equity.

JLG in dress designing in Sirugamani

JLGs, the Joint Liability Groups promoted by SEVAI are involved in SEVAI target areas for micro enterprise development for improving the livelihood of the poor women in rural areas. Training manual has been prepared for the holistic development of Micro enterprises among the rural poor women as inclusive approach of women on developing enterprises that contribute to job creation. Micro enterprises are Street venders, carpenters, machine shop operators and peasant farmers, micro entrepreneurs come in all types, and their businesses in many sizes. This diverse group requires a variety of support to grow and improve. Many of these women and their employees are poor and have limited access to services. Small Enterprise Development Program works to strengthen entrepreneurial management skills through capacity building and training resources that foster adoption of good workplace practices in micro-, small enterprises. In the area of management training, SEVAI has training tools that cover the whole spectrum of target groups, from micro entrepreneurs to growth oriented small scale entrepreneurs. Women-owned businesses make up one of the fastest growing segments of micro enterprise. Increased income in the hands of women is invested in health, education and housing for their families. As micro entrepreneurs, women not only make a huge contribution to rural income, but they also create reliable social safety nets for their families

Pottery Production

and communities. At the entrepreneurship development level, a key role of the programme is to develop tools and programmes that deal with the long term effects of entrepreneurial culture. In this regard, SEVAI has developed a practical tool that addresses the challenge of women towards the creation of an enterprise culture in society by promoting awareness among young women of the opportunities and challenges of entrepreneurship and self-employment, and of their role in shaping their future and that of their villages’ economic and social development. SEVAI seeks to promote an enterprise culture for better livelihoods for higher productivity and sustained competitiveness of enterprises. SEVAI Training manual provides a number of interventions which are important to the growth and expansion of micro businesses which includes training interventions. The training program of SEVAI covers the access to services such as marketing, training in basic business skills, and technology transfer to micro entrepreneurs. –Kris.

OZONE Condoles the demise of Shri.R, Ragavan, Dinamalar Partner

Dinamalar Partner Shri.R.Ragavan.

Trichirapalli District Welfare Committee expresses its grief over the demise of Shri.R. Ragavan, Dinamalar Partner.

 On behalf of Life Members of Trichy District Welfare Committee, its treasurer (Sevai) K.Govindaraju expressed his grief over the demise of Shri.R. Ragavan, Dinamalar Partner and (Sevai) K.Govindaraju expressed his condolences with his sons Dr.R.Ramasubbu and Shri.R.R.Gopalji and Dinamalar family members after paying floral respect to late Shri.R. Ragavan. Dr. Thirunavukarasu and functionaries of Trichirpalli Welfare Committee accompanied (Sevai) K.Govindaraju, the treasurer of DWC, SEVAI.K.Govindaraju for expressing their condolences to grieved family members of late Shri.R. Ragavan, Dinamalar Partner.-Kris

Open Defecation Free (ODF) villages are achievable where Information Education and communication (IEC) is taken as people’s movement. –K.Devendaran, SEVAI.

SEVAI -ODF-IEC Materiual handed over to District Collector by K.Devendran at Pettavaithalai Gramasabha

K.Devendran a field level sanitation functionary of SEVAI, a Trichy based NGO mentioned in a meeting of rural women groups in Arubumhalnagar on the occasion of Gandhi’s birthday celebration and said K.Devendran said “The cleanliness is important in our life as well as for the nation. It is well known that the Mahatma Gandhi personally took the effort to achieve the change that he wanted to see. Teachers’ and students’ role is very important to create awareness on cleanliness. Cleanliness is not only the responsibility of the sanitation worker. It is the responsibility of all Indians. It is the responsibility of the Government officers, NGOs and the local community to make India completely clean. IEC. Information Education Communication (IEC) is used

Mr.K.Rajamani, I A S., Dt.Collector,Trichy

for generating awareness. It means process of working with individuals, communities and  societies to develop communication strategies to promote positive behaviour that are appropriate to their setting is a need of the present; all the people should actively participate to clean India to fulfill the dream of Mahatma Gandhi for the protection of the environment, for our safety, and for a healthy future. The IEC programmes in the water and sanitation sector is to create awareness leading to enhanced involvement of local community at the village level, ensure motivation and skill upgradation of Panchayat members, line department functionaries, Village Water and Sanitation Committee self employed mechanics and masons, school teachers and students, etc”. K.Devendran prepared an ICE hand book and shared that his handbook contains accurate and relevant messages, information and knowledge content under themes personal hygiene, use of toilets, safe storage and handling of water, hand washing after defecation, hand washing before and after taking food and environmental sanitation including management of waste.  This guidance booklet on Menstrual Hygiene Management is intended for adolescent girls and young women. Issues associated with menstruation are never discussed openly and the silence surrounding menstruation burdens young girls by keeping them ignorant of this biological function. Even after the attainment of menarche, very little information is given to young girls about the physiological processes involved and the hygienic practices to be followed.  K.Devendran added, “More people practice open defecation. Clearly accelerating access to and use of toilets and hygiene practices have become a national priority for India as mentioned in Clean India movement. Unsanitary practices, primarily open defecation, and the use of contaminated water remain major causes of child death, disease and malnutrition in India, especially affecting the poor. Individual Health and hygiene is largely dependent on adequate availability of safe drinking water and proper sanitation. There is, therefore, a direct relationship between water, sanitation and health. Consumption of unsafe drinking water, improper disposal of human excreta, improper environmental sanitation and lack of personal and food hygiene are major causes of disease. Prevailing high Infant Mortality Rate is also largely attributed to poor sanitation.  Safe drinking water for health and development is an important goal that has been reflected in national policies and strategies. -Kris

South Zone Board of Continuing Education (OZONE) is an inspired arm of Tamilnadu Board of Continuing Education (TNBCE) - Dr.K.Govindaraju.

Presidents of Tamilnadu Board of Continuing Education

Tamilnadu Board of Continuing Education is the pioneer in the field of Continuing Education. Then Deputy Director General-UNESCO and subsequent VC of the composite Madras University Dr.Malcolm S.Adishesaiah came out with the idea of continuing Education and established Tamilnadu Board of Continuing Education. Currently with the emerging need of Continuing Education, the fourth President of Tamilnadu Board of Continuing Education (TNBCE) Dr.K.Govindaraju and a team of experts in the field registered South Zone Board of Continuing Education (OZONE) in 2011 as an inspired arm of TNBCE.The South Zone Board of Continuing Education (OZONE) aims to be a quality continuing Education centre providing quality services support for anyone seeking literacy skills, work skills and life skills through the process of continuing education program. It has carved out a position for itself among the professional continuing education organizations in South Zone, India. OZONE is expected to provide academic and technical resource support by organizing training programs, material preparation, and publishing of relevant material, extension activities, innovative projects, research studies and evaluation. . OZONE would be actively involved with actual field processes in implementation and would have a key role to play in training, material production and other resource support

District Collectors received Malcolm Awards

activities and conducting continuing Education courses with the approval of respective Universities under flexi mode and flexi time. Another point that needs to be stressed in so far as OZONE is concerned is the retention of their voluntary character and autonomous functioning. The South Zone Board of Continuing Education (OZONE) functions as a self finance Institution having membership of experts from South Zone. Development programmes in each and every sphere of life cannot be the sole responsibility of the Government. This reality necessitates the active participation of non-government organisations (NGOs) in social development projects. Continuing education is such a field where NGOs have some very positive and significant contributions. The NGOs are involved on a large scale for the spread of Continuing education

Prof.M.S.Palanisamy,then VC-TNOU, Dr.K.Manivasan IAS 

among needy adults and children, because Continuing education is the basic need of the day. South Zone Board of Continuing Education (OZONE) is an inspired arm of Tamilnadu Board of Continuing Education (TNBCE)-Kris

“Trichirapalli District will be soon declared as open defecation free (ODF), District”-District Collector Mr.K.Rajamani.

District Collector K.Rajamani speaks among the participants in Vayalur

"The Open Defecation Free (ODF) mission is one of the components of has become a mass movement and Trichirapalli district is nearing Open Defecation Free (ODF), District" District Collector Mr.K.Rajamani said on Thursday, 5th October in beneficiaries and officials get together meeting. Ending open defecation shortly requires changing minds, not just to build latrines but to use them effectively by the households. The 150,000 women SHG members of the District should act swiftly and sharply to create awareness among the family members and the community as a whole about the ill effects of open Defecation and insist upon the construction and use of household toilets. The convergence of line department officials especially Rural Development officials, the Panchayat Secretaries are to play very vital role in the use of toilets in family and create Trichy as open defecation free (ODF), District. Mr.K.Rajmani, District Collector further said that Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activities are to be strengthened in the village level to create awareness on Open Defecation villages Eliminating

Participants of awareness building on Sanitation

open defecation is hugely important for the long-term growth of India  and the development of its human capital. Mr.K.Rajmani insisted that he would visit the villages and inspect them for completion of the construction of toilets as well as the use of these toilets in the villages of Trichi District and We need to systematically and periodically collect data on toilet usage rather than just toilet construction, so we know how we are measuring up to the goal of eliminating open defecation by October end.

SEVAI Team taking Pledge on Sanitation

K.Govindaraju,Founder/Director, SEVAI earlier appreciated the initiatives taken by District Collector and his team in Trichy District and mentioned that Open defecation refers to the practice whereby people go out in fields, bushes, forests, open bodies of water, or other open spaces rather than using the toilet to defecate. Open defecation poses a serious threat to the health of children. The practice is the main reason for diarrheal deaths among children. Diarrhea and worm infection are two major health conditions that affect school-age children impacting their learning abilities. Open defecation also puts at risk the dignity of women.. Women feel constrained to relieve themselves only under the cover of dark for reasons of privacy to protect their dignity. One of the key requirements is to integrate Social and Behaviour Change Communication, Progress has also been made in creating awareness about the many benefits of toilets. Awareness campaigns, media exposure, and pressure from school-age children, are some of the drivers of this awareness. Project Director of DRDA, Ms.Malarvizhi, Project Officer,Mr.Babu  of Mahalir Thittam, SCOPE NGO Director M.Subburaman and officials and SHG members spoke on this occasion.

 In his speech the sanitation expert  Mr. SCOPE Subburaman mentioned that

SCOPE M.Subburaman

the absence of toilets remains one of the leading causes of illness and death among children.Safe technology option means no contamination of surface soil, ground water or surface water; excreta inaccessible to flies or animals; no handling of fresh excreta; and freedom from odour and unsightly condition. The reality of people relieving themselves in public is one of the clearest indications of sanitation crisis. The unpleasant reality of open defecation suggests our need to be aware of the effects on public, global, and environmental health and the potential of the worldwide spread of preventable diseases.The diarrhea, a disease often associated with poor sanitary conditions, and respiratory infections resulting from poor hygiene, kill about thousands of children under the age of five annually. These deaths are largely preventable with improvements in water, sanitation and hygiene.-Kris

Tamilnadu Open University provides computer Literacy program to School students-.Dr.L.Shanawaskhan

TNOU VC- Dr.M.Baskaran launches computer Literacy program for a school student of S.S.M. HS School.

“Nowadays every school has to have computers. Computer education in schools plays important role in students’ development. Computer with the internet is the most powerful device that students can use to learn new skills and more advanced version of current lessons. Schools are around the globe teaching student’s basics of computers and internet. The uses of computers and internet are growing day by day at high speed. In almost all business, companies, schools using computers for various official operations. Computers help students to draw the creativity on the computer such as by using windows paint program. Computers and the internet not only help students to explore creativity and imagination but also help to understand technologies. Students are future leaders for any nation. Parents want their kids to be intelligent and creative.” said by Dr.L.Shanawaskhan, Syndicate member of Tamilnadu Open University in a function organized by South Zone Board of Continuing Education recently in Trichy. Dr.L.Shanawaskhan further spoke, “Tamilnadu Open University extends its computer certificate course at affordable cost for the benefit of school students and Computer science had gone down well with the school teachers, parents and students that computer literacy developed the skills and aptitude of little children at schools with its computer-oriented syllabi, aimed at promoting the students' aptitude for application of information technology skills. Tamilnadu Open University would be a trend-setter to extend the computer certificate courses to school students, beyond the academic barriers that certificate courses on ‘Computer Basics', ‘MS Office Package', ‘Programming Technique', ‘C Programming', and ‘C ++ Programming' were offered in Schools by TNOU.Vice Chancellor Dr. M.Baskaran of Tamilnadu Open University released the computer Literacy books to school students and said that TNOU provides computer Education at affordable cost in Schools”.-Kris

“SEVAI Shanthi Matric Higher Secondary School celebrates Mahatma Gandhi’s Birth Day as -Clean India Day”

Mahatma Gandhi’s Birth Day

Mahatma Gandhi’s Birth DaySEVAI Shanthi Matric Higher Secondary School celebrates Mahatma Gandhi’s Birth Day as -Clean India Day. SEVAI Shanthi Matriculation Higher Secondary School celebrated Mahatma Gandhi's birthday on October 2^nd 2017. Gandhi’s birthday events include the showing of films and book readings on Mahatma Gandhi's life and achievements. Mahatma Gandhi, also known as Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, was born on October 2, 1869, and died on January 30, 1948. He was a political and spiritual leader in India and played a key role in the Indian independence movement. Gandhi developed the novel technique of non-violent agitation, which he called "Satyagraha", loosely translated as "moral domination". The cleanliness is important in our life as well as for the nation. It is well known that the Mahatma Gandhi personally took the effort to achieve the change that he wanted to see. Teachers’ and students’ role is very important to create awareness on cleanliness. In today’s world the role of social media is important to create awareness among the people and inculcate a feeling of nationality among them. Cleanliness is not only the responsibility of the sanitation worker. It is the responsibility of all Indians. It is the responsibility of the Government officers, NGOs, Schools and the local community to make India completely clean. It’s a need of the present; all the people should actively participate to clean India to fulfill the dream of Mahatma Gandhi for the protection of the environment, for our safety, and for a healthy future. When he inspected a model school, he told the teachers: “You will make your institution ideal, if besides giving the students literary education, you have made cooks and sweepers of them."Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Swachh Bharat- drive recently. Taking this initiative a step ahead, students of SEVAI Shanthi Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Trichirapalli District have taken the initiative beyond classrooms. Schools are encouraging hygiene and sanitation related activities as they are asking students to ensure that the vicinity around their residence is kept clean. Students

Flower tribute for Gandhiji image by SSMHSS.

of SEVAI Shanthi Matriculation Higher Secondary School were enthusiastic after they cleaned their schools and were eager to step out to ensure the villages around them are also maintained clean. The School teachers explained about the need to keep the surrounding clean, and to create awareness outside the school as well. The students were taught about the need to maintain basic hygiene and sanitation, and also to understand the adverse health effects of filth lying around. Hence the Principal Mrs.Chitra Balasubramanian explained the students the impact and the need to maintain a healthy environment. The toilet facilities SEVAI Shanthi Matriculation Higher Secondary School have enhanced the sanitation standards in schools leading to better health and hygiene among the children. Enrolment and retention of children in schools, particularly of girls, is also expected to increase significantly. Teachers feel that if students are taught about the need to maintain basic sanitation and cleanliness in all aspects,

Village Road Cleaning by School workers

then they will also ensure that these are maintained at home. Thus, making it easier for the society to spread the message of clean and beautiful villages.SEVAI Shanthi Matriculation Higher Secondary School provides adequate number of toilets, filling up of gaps in provision of sufficient number of toilets, rehabilitation of existing toilets and drinking water system in school, regular repair of toilets and drinking water system in school is the school sanitation plan. The school ensures adequate, Water, Sanitation, Hand washing with soap, Operations & Maintenance, Behaviour change & capacity building. Teachers are to hold sensitization meeting with parents on cleanliness and sanitation. and they inspect sanitary facilities in every toilet both for boys and girls and plan for repairs and up keep. SEVAI Shanthi Matriculation Higher Secondary School has undertaken sanitation activities such as Cleanliness drive in the Schools ,Premises, toilets etc., Displaying banners and slogan writing on cleanliness, Other cultural programmes on clean India, Weeding out old files, removal and repair of broken furniture, equipments etc and Awareness creation to school children through audio-visual programmes which results in  Improvement in health & hygiene practices of children, their families & communities, Inclusion of health & hygiene in the extracurricular activities and teaching methods. Hygiene in schools also supports school nutrition. Healthy and well nourished children can fully participate in school and get the most from the education and Behavioral changes in hygiene and the school is one of the most important contributory units where from the issues of hygiene and sanitation would emanate to achieve the goals of ‘Clean India’ campaign.-Kris

Household toilets constructed by SEVAI have Privacy, Safety, Comfort, Cleanliness, and Respect for the beneficiaries’ families.

Household toilet constructed in Palancauvery Village in Trichy District.

House hold Toilet in Palangcavery Village is rightly used by the families constructed under Swachh Bharat and voluntary agency, SEVAI a Trichy based NGO and its partner agencies and the beneficiaries’ families.  This entire campaign is to make the villages clean. Cleanliness in the community is just as important as cleanliness for individuals and families. Sanitation means public cleanliness, using clean and safe toilets, keeping water sources clean, and disposing of garbage safely .Poor sanitation causes a great deal of unnecessary sickness and death. Palangcavery community effort to improve sanitation helps people overcome the challenges they face in their daily lives. Mrs.Benjmine Oberoi, a social activist and consultant for SEVAI motivates the SEVAI team to produce toilet components in SEVAI technology centre involving especially women and transport them to Palangcavery Village situated 2 kms from SEVAI technology centre and construct the house hold toilet. SEVAI Double leach pit toilet is eco-friendly, technically appropriate, socio-culturally acceptable and economically affordable. It provides health benefits by safe disposal of human excreta on-site. It consists of a pan with a steep slope of 25°-28° and an especially designed trap with 20 mm water seal requiring only 1 to 1.5 litres of water for flushing, thus helping conserve water. It does not need scavengers to clean the pits. There are two pits of varying size and capacity depending on the number of users. The capacity of each pit is normally designed for 3 years’ usage. Both pits are used alternately. When one pit is full, the incoming excreta is diverted into the second pit. In about two years, the sludge gets digested and is almost dry and pathogen free, thus safe for handling as manure. Digested sludge is odourless and is a good manure and soil-conditioner. It can be dug out easily and used for agricultural purposes. The cost of emptying the pit can be met partially from the cost of manure made available. The health worker, Jayanthi who knows and listens to the needs of the people has important information and community members work together for the construction of double leach pit toilets, initially targeting 300 families in this village. Trichy District, Development authorities and Block Administration provides its fullest support of achieving the suitable toilets for the households. SEVAI also provides the Information, Education and Communication materials and conduct street plays for creating awareness among the beneficiaries of this sanitation program. Women often care for children and the home, so they recognize sanitation and water issues and they also involve men. When everyone is involved in making decisions and works together to improve sanitation, everyone benefits.Amala, a street play organizer of SEVAI shares that  when human waste is not managed well, it pollutes water, food, and soil with germs, and leads to diarrhea and other serious health problems. The theme of the street play focuses on the use of toilets which prevents germs from getting into the environment, and protects the health of the whole community.Amala and Jayanthi add,”Health is not the only reason to build and use toilets. People also want Privacy, Safety, Comfort, Cleanliness, and Respect. A well-kept toilet brings status and respect to its owner which motivates people to spend their effort to build one".-Kris.