VISIT TO NAVAJYOTI PROJECT, GANDHIDHAM

The Board meeting of Mar Thoma Educational and Service Trust, Gandhidham held on July 20th 2015 discussed about starting some social activities under the Trust in addition to the school functions. Accordingly it was decided that evening classes for the rag pickers (street children) to be started as early as possible by appointing a suitable teacher cum social worker with maximum salary of Rs.4000/- per month and also decided to restrict admissions up to maximum 20 children. In the view of this decision a survey was carried out by a team under the leadership of Rev. Arun George (President) & Mr. Y. Kurian (Secretary of the Trust) in the nearby area of the church. It was found that nearly 10 – 15 rag picking children are there in Sector-7 and surrounding areas. A place for conducting classes was a great problem. However, by the Grace of God, a suitable place could be found out with the sincere efforts of some of our members especially by Mr. M. M. Koshy. The authorities of Govt. primary school in Navjeevan society at Sector-7 allowed us conducting the classes at the school in the evening hours. The theme of the project is “SHIKSHA KI AUR”.

The functioning of “Navajyothi Project” was started on September 20th, 2015 with a small inaugural programme organized by the Trust in the presence of Shri. Lakshman Bharadiya, President of Navjeevan Society, Shri. Rohit Patel, Principal of the Govt. School, Directors of the Board, Mr. Joy Mathew, President of the YMCA Gandhidham, Church & Trust members. There were 11 children present in the beginning. The required school bags, books and other study materials were sponsored by well-wishers. On that auspicious occasion, Mr. Joy Mathew agreed to sponsor two bright students of ‘Nava Jyoti Project’ on behalf of YMCA, Gandhidham. The study materials were distributed to the children on October 4th, 2015 by Mr. V. Kuruvilla, representative of M.T.V.E.A., Gujarat Centre. The study center was visited and blessed by Rt. Rev. Dr. Thomas Mar Theethos on November 15th, 2015.

At present there are 20 children and one paid teacher cum social worker along with other volunteers. Usually classes will be held from 5:30 pm to 6:45 pm every day. Snacks are provided to the children after the regular class time. The expenses for running the Navajyoti Project is met with the donations received from our church members and well-wishers.

Diocesan Episcopa’s Visit

The new Diocesan Bishop of the Mumbai Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius Tirumeni, visited the Navajyoti project and interacted with the children on 31st May 2016.

Rev. Arun George, Mr. Thomas Kurian (Vice – President of the Trust & Council member of the Mumbai Diocese), Mr. Y. Kurian, Mr. K. S. Cherian, Mr. James Samuel, Mr. Mathew Skariah and other members of the Church and Trust were also present at that time. Thirumeni put forward following observations and suggestions.

1. Ensure the hygiene of the students (Nutrition, water, bathing facilities, oil, comb)
2. Conduct Medical checkup every month
3. Refer them to doctor, if they are suffering any physical problems (ENT, blood checkup, dental checkup etc.)
4. Parents meet should be conducted
• Listen them
• Give adult class
• Give awareness about health and hygiene (guynic problems, addiction, AIDS etc.)
• Give them information about Government scheme
5. Send them to regular school (evening class as tuition class)
6. Encourage them in cultural activities and sports
7. Give them 3 pairs of uniform

Rev. Arun George