“Korai grass mats are poor friendly affordable sleeping mats”

The natural, eco friendly and exotic mats of Korai grass are produced mainly in Amoor area of Trichirappalli District.Korai grass is cultivated in this region of Amoor and its neibourhoods.Korai is a Natural Product - a sort of thick grass, grown locally for the purpose of weaving Mats. Mats are relatively quick to weave using power loom.  ‘Korai’ mat weaving, a multi-step process, begins with harvesting of the ‘korai’ crop, which is cultivated on a large scale in and around Amoor. The south Indian culture and tradition also includes presentation of korai grass mats with pillow to the newly married couples during marriage function. Korai mat is prepared from the korai grass grown in the Cauvery Delta. Kora mats are extremely reliable and can be easily folded. Kora grass grows abundantly along the banks of the rivers. The process of creating the mat is complex and painstaking. In its original form the grass is green in colour and normally grows to a height of 3-4 feet. The grass for the mats is cut very fine, while it is still green. The inside white pith of the stem is removed with a sharp-edged knife while the outer part of the stem is used for weaving. The counts of the mat depend on how many strips the grass is cut into; the greater the numbers of strips from each stem, the higher the count. The strips of grass are then dried in the hot sun. Sleeping on the korai mats gives chillness to the body, non burning sensation of the eyes while getting up in the morning, chillness during summer and warm ness during winter. Because of these rich and poor people use the korai mats. The raw material for korai mat weaving is the korai grass. In earlier days, it will grow near the river beds and tank beds. After harvesting, korai is divided into two: dried in the sun; after it becomes golden tinned, dyes are used to color the mats and then it is used for mat weaving. Many color designs are prepared by manual skills. Then mats became famous both in south India. “The harvested ‘korai’ is torn into two, dried and graded according to size before being sold to weavers. At the unit, the korai is machine-cut on both ends before being fed into a main machine where it gets stitched by the synthetic thread into closely spaced rows.   The produced mats have adequate marketing in Trichy City on whole sale and also retail basis.SEVAI Self Help Group members are involved in mat production and marketing. Mats of Korai grass are poor friendly. There are ups and downs in production of mats based on power cuts and also shortage of technical persons for maintenance of mat weaving Jacquard mats.-Govin

“Divergent thinking and application” is an essential activity of S.Manoj Mukul.

Divergent thinking application by Manoj

“Divergent thinking and application is an essential activity of S.Manoj Mukul, a Trichy based school kid in Trichy. Divergent thinking is a thought process or method used to generate creative ideas by exploring many possible solutions. It is often used in conjunction with convergent thinking, which follows a particular set of logical steps to arrive at one solution, which in some cases is a "correct" solution. Divergent thinking typically occurs in a spontaneous, free-flowing manner, such that many ideas are generated in an emergent cognitive fashion. Many possible solutions are explored in a short amount of time, and unexpected connections are drawn. After the process of divergent thinking has been completed, ideas and information are organized and structured using convergent thinking. Manoj’s mother being a school teacher does in revising his construction methods is to engage a two-step thought process known as “divergent thinking.” First, his mind flipped through his knowledge on the blocks. Activities which promote divergent thinking include creating lists of questions, setting aside time for thinking and meditation, subject mapping / "bubble mapping", keeping a journal, creating artwork, and free writing. In free writing, a person will focus on one particular topic and write non-stop about it for a short period of time, in a stream of consciousness fashion. Then it generated new ideas for how he might use them. Divergent thinking is key to problem solving and is the backbone of creativity understanding what is, and then imagining the possibilities of what could be. Divergent thinking is an essential part of everyday life. When a kid figures out that he can climb a strategically placed chair to reach, he has engaged in highly creative problem solving as the kids all have creative potential. The job as parents and teachers is to help kids fulfill it. This unique ability is one that will be crucial to the work of the future. Today's kids face a universe of rapidly evolving knowledge and far-reaching health and environmental challenges, scenarios that will require plenty of creative thinking. Psychologists have found that a high IQ alone does not guarantee creativity. Instead, personality traits that promote divergent thinking are more important. Divergent thinking is found among people with personality traits such as nonconformity, curiosity, willingness to take risks and persistence That is what we can do to ensure our child gets it.-Govin

SEVAI Commemorates International Differently abled persons’ day 2012- “Removing barriers to create an inclusive and accessible society for all’SEVAI

SEVAI School inclusion of diff.abled

“Removing barriers to create an inclusive and accessible society for all and Inclusion is extremely important for kids with and without disabilities’ said Chitra Balasubramaniam, the Principal of SEVAI Shanthi Matriculation Higher secondary school. Commemorating International differently abled persons day, SEVAI, a Trichy based NGO has organized a seminar in SEVAI School in Arumbuhalnagar of Trichy for field functionaries of differently abled care, support and education with the aim to highlight the importance of mainstreaming disability in all aspects of development, as well as to further the participation of persons with disabilities in social life and development on the basis of equality. Chitra Balasubramaniam in her key note of the occasion mentioned that each year the United Nations announces a theme for International Day of People with differently abled and this day provides an opportunity to address the focus on promoting accessibility, as well as removing all types of barriers in society. The speaker enlightened, “2012 year’s theme ‘Removing barriers to create an inclusive and accessible society for all’. Barriers can take a variety of forms, including those relating to the physical environment or to information and communications technology or from societal attitudes or discrimination. She appreciated that the gesture of Honble Chief Minster. Tamilnadu Government for announcing various measures for differently abled and her far sightedness for addressing the permanent needs for creating barrier free Tamilnadu for differently abled persons. Chitra Balasubramaniam also appreciated the good work done for the welfare of diffetntly abled persons by Jayashree Muralidharan, District Collector, Trichy and Syamala, Trichy district differently abled officer and IED Team under SSA.T.Vanitha, a seminar Panelist mentioned that   society's accumulated myths and fears about disability and disease are as handicapping as are the physical limitations that flow from actual impairment and the only disability in life is a bad attitude and such barriers are be freed from our minds”. T seminar Panelist Vanitha said further, “The day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. It also seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the inclusion of persons with disabilities in every aspect of life. When barriers are broken down and people with disabilities are empowered to participate in society, the entire community benefits. Disability inclusion is therefore necessary to achieve development and progress for all”. The seminar organizer Jona Kalavathi of SEVAI strongly voiced. “The most important thing to remember is to treat a person with a disability with respect. As they have feelings just like us and we need to understand that the person we are talking to is challenged with something we will never understand. This person is challenged in their ability to understand, communicate or decipher. We need to be aware that we must listen and observe the person we are speaking to and be ready to adjust our communication style in a respectful way”. Earlier Vasanthi welcomed and on conclusion of the seminar Periyakka proposed vote of thanks.-Govin

“Link Workers scheme generates volunteerism”-World AIDS DAY-2012

P.Samson speaks

“Link Workers scheme generates volunteerism”-said by P.Samson-Trichirpalli District Resource Person of LWS Scheme in the workshop organized by SEVAI on World AIDS Day-2012 on 1^st December 2012. Link Workers scheme is being implemented by Trichy based NGO SEVAI with the support of VHS and TANSAC in Trichirappalli District. P.Samson enlightened the theme of the world aids day-2012 as “Zero New HIV Infections, Zero Discrimination and Zero AIDS Related Deaths”. Trichirappalli LWS District Resource Person appreciated Hon’ble Chief Minster Tamilnadu Government for fresh announcements made on World Aids day-2012 for the welfare of the persons living with HIV-AIDS and orphan and vulnerable children. P.Samson further added, “For reversing the epidemic, especially 2012 with aims at Zero New HIV Infections, Zero Discrimination and Zero AIDS Related Deaths.  The Link Worker Scheme is being implemented in villages for highly vulnerable population in Trichirappalli District and as this District is one of several districts where the LWS is being implemented. The SEVAI-VHS-TANSAC-NACO Link workers Scheme in Trichirappalli District reaches the vulnerable population at capacitating the community and equipping them with HIV related knowledge to combat the epidemic.  The SEVAI -LWS addresses the complex needs of the rural HIV prevention, care and support requirements through Identifying and training, the village level workforce of Supervisors, Link Workers and volunteers on issues of HIV/AIDS, gender, sexuality, STIs and on mobilizing vulnerable sub populations including high risk individuals, youth and women linking the HRG and vulnerable populations to the public health services for STI, ICTC, ART and follow it up back to communities towards saturation of coverage to HRGs. The key strategies followed are generating volunteerism, inculcating health and addressing the issues regarding counselling, condoms and behaviour change among youth and to address the issues of stigma and discrimination”.DRP (Training) Subramanian in the introductory address said the LWS Team in Trichy has undertaken activities such survey such as Vulnerability mapping, community resource mapping, health services/facility mapping, household mapping for better understanding of the migration patterns in the local community, and the LWS-Trichy has reached out to the unreached by providing HRIs/groups and vulnerable young people with information and skills relevant to HIV prevention and risk reduction, Providing relevant information regarding condom use, using innovative means that are contextually, locally and culturally appropriate and the team provides youth friendly counselling/advice by maintaining confidentiality, privacy and nonjudgmental attitude to young people and women in the community. Subramanian added, “The LWS Team Work towards reducing stigma and discrimination in the community by facilitating involvement of HIV positive people, community groups like SHGs, PRI and VHC, and bringing into focus and addressing gender dimensions of stigma and discrimination. Tools like stepping stones usage, Advocacy with identified stakeholders for creating an enabling environment and reducing stigma and discrimination. SEVAI LWS Team also recognizes the rights of HIV positive people and HRIs and create more awareness regarding these rights in the community and among the concerned groups, and they are knowledgeable about key health facilities in the vicinity, at the District level, and possess necessary information about the services available at the identified facilities and Works towards reducing barriers to accessing services and promote STI management and partner notification, utilisation of VCTC/ICTC, PPTCT services by HRIs and other vulnerable groups, Coordinate the linkage between communities and service institutions especially VCTC/ICTC, PHC/CHC, RTI /STI clinic and District hospital, Identify and train volunteers, Facilitate formation of Red Ribbon clubs (RRC), Supervise volunteers, Red Ribbon Clubs and establish condom depots, Develop functional linkages with CBOs/networks, organisations working with HRI populations, Collection of monthly data from RRC and condom depot holders and Prepares monthly reports for the area according to a predefined  format”. Elizabeth Mary, Ramaraj, Rathinamary,Arul Jothi and Padmavathi of LWS Project in Trichy District made arrangements for this world Aids day-2012.-Govin

SEVAI appreciates TN Chief Minister: WORLD AIDS DAY 2012 announcements.

TI Counselor Uma speaks

SEVAI a Trichy based NGO appreciated Hon’ble TN Chief Minister for extending support to PLHIVS and also recognizing the services of NGOs in Tamilnadu. “Zero New HIV Infections, Zero Discrimination and Zero AIDS Related Deaths”, between 2011-2015, World AIDS Days will have the theme of is theme of the year 2012 said by Mrs.Mohana Sundaram, Project Manager, HIV/AIDS Target Intervention Project Manager of SEVAI-Trichy as supported by TANSAC while addressing the HIV/AIDS target intervention and VHS-TANSAC Link workers Scheme volunteers/functionaries in a seminar conducted on 30^th evening, November 2012 in Trichy, marking the world AIDS DAY 2012. Mrs.Mohana appreciated the steps taken by TANSAC for achieving the theme of the year “Zero New HIV Infections, Zero Discrimination and Zero AIDS Related Deaths”. Project Manager, SEVAI also thanked Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamilnadu for providing Rs.5 crores as additional corpus for this year for nutrition, education and medical support for the orphan and vulnerable children at the context of HIV/AIDS. It is a notable monthly support of Rs.1000 to PLHIVs of farming community under farmers’ protection scheme and she further expressed thanks to Honble TN Chief Minister for giving free bus pass those PLHIVs frequenting the Government Hospitals for taking ART. Uma, the counselor of SEVAI-TANSAC -TI scheme enlightened the salient strategy goals of World AIDS DAY and said, “World AIDS Day on 1 December brings together people from around the world to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and demonstrate international solidarity in the face of the pandemic to spread awareness about the status of the pandemic and encourage progress in HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care in high prevalence countries and around the world. -Govin