Sebama Foundation
(Social and Educational Body for Amenity and Mass Awareness)
Site Visit Report
Requested by
Minu Palani
Asha Colorado
Conducted by
N.Raj Jeba Durai, Lokesh.T.L.
On July 21st 22nd & 23rd, 2004
Dharmapuri District, Tamilnadu, India
N.Raj Jeba Durai holds an MA in public administration from Madras University and has been a volunteer of Asha - Chennai, India for over 3 and half years. He is deeply involved in over 19 diverse Asha projects and looks forward to site visits as exciting avenues to facilitate India-wide teamwork towards UQE 2047 (Universal Quality Education). And Lokesh..T.L a young asha volunteer holds B.Sc Computer Science also did the site visit to understand the project. He is a yoga practitioner, taught yoga to the all children while on this site visit
I. Purpose of site-visit
II. Reaching Sebama
III. Answers to Minu’s questions regarding progress of construction work and Rosa Center
I. Purpose of site-visit
Asha - Colorado volunteer Minu requested third follow-up site visit to the Sebama Foundation. The purpose of the site visit was to collect details on the progress of the developmentally disabled children at the Rosa Centre.
II. Reaching Sebama
Traveling by bus, Lokesh & I left Chennai on Thursday, July 21th night at 10:30 PM and reached Sebama Foundation on a Friday, 22nd Morning at 5.00AM. Brother Louis Rayan, founder & trustee of Sebama Foundation, welcomed us warmly.
III. Answers to Minu’s questions:
1. Progress Report of children in the list, with their current Photo?
Yes, We have taken the photographs of every child and also we had a good time meeting with the children, the students at Rosa centre have increased from 36 to 55 this time. (refer to later part of the report for individual progress report)
2. I would like to see Sample writing, drawing or any other craftwork the kids might have done?
Yes, the Kids have done so many drawings and in the activity center they do crafts class. It is really interesting to study the students’ drawings they are excellent. (Refer to photos for samples)
3. If any child has left the School? When and why?
Yes, some children have left the School the reasons are:
Boys
1. M.Karthik Due to the training and coaching at the Rosa centre, he was able to work with his disability, therefore joined a regular school in his village.
2. R.Anandaraj Due to his medical condition, he needed Hospital treatment so he left the School for the same. Sometimes, Sebama cannot afford or get specialized treatment for the children, in such rare situation, the school recommends the parents to take the child to the hospital for further treatment.
Girls
1. R.Rajeswari Due to the coaching at Rosa Ctr. she was able to learn and show adeptness in tailoring. She even became very good at tailoring. The school recommended that she join regular school program continue learning tailoring to pursue this as her future job option.
The students who are on extended leave but confirmed to return are:
It seems to be a common practice in these villages that when children go to their homes for vacations, do not necessarily come back on time to school. There are multiple reasons as to why this happens. Sometimes since the MRC children who are not in a regular school, with a fixed syllabus, the parents tend to take liberty of not dropping the kids back on time. In some cases the parents have no time or money, as they may be running into field harvesting season. But Sebama Foundation typically follows up with the kids who have not returned to understand as to why there is a delay. In the past there used to be more children not returning to school on time, but that number has come down with greater understanding by the parents. The school will continue to work with the parents to impart the significance of bringing children back to school on time.
1. R.Theerthamal
2. S.Meenakashi
3. S.SivaKumar
4. M.Sivachakaravathy
4. How do teachers (There were 2 in the past visit) feel about the progress of the Kids and school in general?
The school has added one more staff to its regular staff of two teachers. Currently with the increase in children at the Rosa centre, the 3 teachers are able to give special attention to individual child. The teachers are very happy about the students in the program, their feedbacks are as follows-
INDIVIDUAL TEACHER’S FEEDBACK
P.Kumaran:
I am so proud of educating these children, particularly with mental disabilities. Twenty children are studying under my care. Even though they are mentally disabled they survive without any problem because of the founder (Brother Louisrayan), the school fulfills the need of these children, by giving them specialized education. I am fulfilled and satisfied for helping these children learn.
In Rosa centre the children get quality education. The children are also in a safe environment, due to these reasons the strength of Rosa center keeps increasing year after year.
Before (the new class room bldg. was completed) the situation was lack of space, lack of separate hostel facility for boys and girls. In rainy season we had a lot of trouble, because we did not have separate hostel for boys and girls. The children used to sleep and learn in the same rooms. But now we have benefited immensely from the new classroom bldg, that Asha – Co help find funding for. The new classroom building offers good environment and more space, and we have good windows for getting fresh air.
On behalf of our students, I’m grateful to Asha for education. I like the volunteers of Asha they relate to these children as there family.
N.Manimegalli:
My name is Manimegalli; I wish to say, “I thank God to be in sebama as a teacher.” I like to spend my time with mentally disabled children than normal students. I feel like a Mother whenever the children call me. I enjoy when these children do so mischievous things!
Here the environment is good for children, we have sufficient place to teach and play with the children. The new classroom is good for the Rosa children. I like the sister and brother (founder) very much and I am very proud to be with sebama foundation, and also when I talk to the people and to the children I feel like speaking to god. When I was staying with the children I am fully satisfied in my work and also I am very happy to teach lessons.
I feel immensely rewarding to see these children learn. The children should live long life, I pray to god that these children are always happy and live a long life. I am thankful for the great opportunity of teaching these children. And thanks for all the donors who help with the functioning of this school/centre.
S. Senthilvadiyu
My name is senthilvadiyu, I finished the DVT&E (MR) course (This is a special training to teach children with mental disability), and joined Sebama on 06.06.05. I have been staying in this home, I have learned this course with my own interest, I am very happy to work in this field. When I interact with the children while teaching a class or while playing with them I am very much happier. I teach class for 20 MRC children. The classroom building, which Asha-CO helped is really great and I am very happy about the building, the building is very spacious, and it has a healthy environment and also it is very hygienic. The children love to be in the new classroom. Thank you to Asha for education for finding funding for the classroom building. I am happy when I am with the children especially with mentally retarded children (MRC), I am very happy to see that an Asha honor volunteer coming from a long way to make this site visit happen. And also I must thankful to the sister and brother for providing the teaching materials to the children and also the materials for the teacher they are doing a great job…
5. Please take the pictures of the new School Building, we do not have the inside pictures?
Yes, I have taken the inside pictures of each and every classroom. They are using the building very well, all the rooms have been occupied and they have separated it into orthopedically handicapped and deaf students, all the classes are going on fine and the strength of the school is also good. They have well educated teachers who teach lessons with compassion.
6. Brother has asked for Operational expenses for the entire school in a new proposal. How was the school managed before?
Yes, Brother asked requested operational expenses. I asked how he manages the expenses so far, he replied that he had gotten a grant from ‘State Bank of India’ every year and the amount is 3 lakhs (300,000 rupees) for a year and also he also gets local funding from individuals on festival and their birthdays. He does not have regular funding for operational expenses at this time. And also an Italian organization has built a hostel three rooms for teachers to stay and four bathrooms for the school.
7.Why the Flow of funds Stopped?
The funding has not stopped he gets funds only as one time endowment from individual and also for your information the afternoon lunch for the entire sebama foundation is given by D.P. Match factory (a local company) from Monday to Friday. Brother gets local donation but it is not regular, as a result it is very difficult for him to run the operations not knowing where the money will come from next.
8. It will take at least another 6 months to process the proposal and we are not sure if we can support such a big budget. Most people are willing to give money for infrastructure needs as opposed to Operational needs. Although, I understand that, operational needs are crucial for the functioning of a school.
I have told this to Brother, he also understood this problem and also he told ok if you can you can try this out for our operational expenses and also I need some infrastructure expenses also I have the proposal for this and he gave me the proposal. I have attached the proposal.
9.What is Brother (Louisrayan) opinion about the SAC (support a centre) Program?
He is very much happy about the SAC program and he told me that he would send the progress report on time he has given me the assurance. Here is the feedback he has given to us:
“Sebama foundation wishes to continue collaborate with ‘Asha for education’ and help/guide the MRC’s (Mentally disabled children). MRC’s are really supported and guided by the assistance rendered by Asha, via this program at Rosa Centre. Many hard cases where children were very disabled have improved and the parents are really happy with the program. We are satisfied with all the assistance provided by Asha. The Asha Honor Volunteers are really committed to the social work they are young and very enthusiastic. We need some more ayahs’ (assistance or nannies) for better care and help. Volunteers who are specially trained to help the MRC’s from U.S. are most welcome, we shall give them free food and lodging.”
10. What are the daily activities of children at Rosa Centre? What is their typical day like?
EARLY MORNING:
1. Cleaning the face
2. Brushing the teeth
3. Prayer
4. Exercise
5. Health Education
6. Interaction with children by teachers and care givers to know their interests
7. Cleaning the classrooms
8. Dressing
9. Washing vessels
10. Children learning some talents:
Cleaning work
Sweeping
Gardening
Taking care of the pets
11. Taking bath
12. Combing the hair
13. Breakfast prayer
14. Eating breakfast
15. Washing hands and plates before and after eating
EVENING:
1. Cleaning the campus
2. Games and exercise
3. Practicing Yoga
Teaching Staff-2004-2005
S.No / Name / Qualification / Designation1. / P.Kumaran / D.T.E / Instructor
2. / S.Senthil Vadivu / D.V.T and E (MR) / Instructor
3. / Manimegalai / D.V.T and E (MR) / Instructor
ROSA VOCATIONAL TRAINIG CENTRE FOR THE MENTALLY RETARDED
Mercy Home, Sogathur Cross Road, Dharmapuri -3
Particulars of Students in the Academic Year 2005 -2006
S.no / Ad.no / Name of the OLD students / Address / Date of Admn. / Date of Birth / age / sex
1 / 1 / S.Raja / Shanmugam,Sunnambukara st., Pennagaram- Tk,Dharmapuri -Dt. / 6.6.2001 / 7.5.1996 / 9 / m
2 / 3 / D.Vijayakumar / V.Devaraj, Santhai Pudur, Karuvalli- Po Omalur-tk, Salem -Dt. / 6.6.2001 / 17.4.1991 / 14 / m
3 / 4 / R.Sakthivel / Raja(a) Nadupattiyan Mallasamuthuiram, Bellarahalli-Po., Palacodu-Tk, Dpi-Dt. / 6.6.2001 / 10.6.1991 / 14 / m
4 / 7 / V.Deepak / Varaprasadam,Kurumbagiri, Pudur, Thirupattur-tk, Vellore-Dt. / 8.6.2001 / 5.6.1994 / 11 / m
5 / 8 / S.Nagaraj / Subharayan, Valluvar Bharathipuram, Papparapattai-Po, Pennagaram-Tk, Dharmapuri-Dt. / 8.6.2001 / 7.8.1996 / 9 / m
6 / 12 / N.Chinnaswamy / Nataraj, D.No.39, Santhampatti, Kullampatti-Po., Pochampalli-Tk, Krishanagiri-Dt. / 10.6.2002 / 7.4.1994 / 9 / m
7 / 13 / P.Ananda babu / Pachiappan, Harur-Po. & Tk, dharmapuri-Dt. / 13.6.2002 / 7.4.1994 / 9 / m
8 / 32 / V.Dinesh / Sumathi, D/o Sarasu 72c Gandhinagar, IInd Cross, Dharamapuri-Dt. / 2.6.2003 / 6.8.1993 / 12 / m
9 / 34 / N.Muniyappan / V.Narayanan, Subramaniapuram, Thimmapuram-Po, Krishanagiri-Dt. / 11.6.2003 / 3.5.1995 / 10 / m
10 / 56 / S.Manikandan / Sivam, I st. Kadaiveethi, Kambainallur, Harur-Tk, DPI-Dt. / 11.12.2003 / 15.6.1996 / 9 / m
11 / 63 / A.Abisakbavan / Anthonisamy, Kembathpalli, Balathottanahalli-Po Denkanikottai-Tk, Krishnagiri-Dt. / 1.7.2004 / 12.9.1998 / 7 / m