PROFILE
OF
AIM for Seva – Because every child is precious
Every child in India deserves quality education, food, shelter, love and affection. Not everyone is so fortunate. There are 17.7 million children out of school according to the latest UNESCO study.
The challenge:
With a family income less than Rs. 20,000 annum, under nourished and vulnerable to abuse, it’s a battle for survival for young boys and girls. AIM for Seva provides a home to these children – sons and daughters of a coolie, farm laborer, construction workers, domestic help - through our Free Student Hostels (FSHs).
The FSH Concept:
The twin problems in rural education in India are access to schools and high dropout rates. Located near a local school, the FSH provides all that a school-going child needs and more: A place to stay, uniforms, extra tuitions, health care, educational materials and above all, an enabling environment for a student to flourish.
AIM for Seva provides an atmosphere of learning at these FSHs. Typically each FSH has ample space of 3000 sq. feet for 35-45 students. Each FSH is managed by a warden, cook, and a watchman. A coordinator who manages several FSHs plays a mentor role in inculcation of values, personality development, and character building.
Features of a FSH:
- After-school support
- Values and cultural education
- Yoga
- Sports
- Computer literacy, English language training, Creativity
- Environmental friendly practices
- Employability skills
A FSH is a home away from home for these boys and girls. They participate in the regular chores as in keeping their dormitories clean, help in the kitchen work, enjoy a game of chess or carom after school, take to the field for a game of cricket, mentor those younger with their studies and more.
Size of our operations
AIM for Seva manages nearly a hundred FSHs spread across 16 states of India. Currently we serve 3,424 boys and girls. Overall 14,000 children have benefitted from our FSHs since 2000.
About The Region:
Poluris situated in Thiruvannamalai district and famous as a tourist spot for many famoustemples. Along with many places of worships, Polur has a huge mountain temple dedicated to Lord Narasimha,historically referred to as "SAMPATHGIRI".
The parents of the children at the student homes are primarily engaged in daily labor and agriculture. Many of them belong to the Scheduled Castes. The occupations are often seasonal in nature leading to uneven employment during the year. This pushes families into distress during periods of unemployment. Most of the boys at the home are first generation learners.
Address:
AIM for Seva Kuppusamy Chatralaya Free Student Home
3, Hospital street, Polur-606803
Phone: 04181-222607, Thiruvannamalai District
Project Location
A Snapshot Of The Free Student Home
- Inauguratedin:2006
- NumberofStudents:30
- Numberofvillagesthestudentshailfrom:18
- Classes:4thstandardthrough11
Land Donor: A S NAGARAJAN
Building Donor: MR. SPM RAMANATHAN, MALAYSIA
School Attending: Government Higher Secondary School, Polur
A Graphical Representation Of Enrollment Of Students
Glimpses From FSH
Children at the FSH
Children performing a play
Special Meals organized for the students
Plans In The Pipeline!
AIM for Seva's objective is to cater to the holistic development of children in our Free Student Hostels (FSH). Some of the initiatives are listed below and would be implemented in stages on adequate support.
Computer: In the next phase of activity, AIM for Seva intends to provide at least two computers with internet facilities. We are seeking donations for the same.
English Clubs: English has emerged as a global language and students who learn English are at a definite advantage when it comes to future prospects. As a non-native speaker, tribal and rural children in Free Student Hostels are at specific disadvantage. To address this, AIM for Seva plans to organize workshops in Spoken and Written English.
Project Akash: Creativity Workshop/Art for Development/Theatre for Development: Workshops on Arts provide a platform for children to express themselves. Such interventions help develop their linguistic and creative skills. Workshops on Art are already a regular feature in some of the FSHs. AIM for Seva is planning to expand it to all the FSHs. Theatre for Development is also another avenue that arouses and engages the students.
Green Initiatives: In an attempt to establish green campuses, AIM for Seva homes are committed to sustainable energy sources. AIM for Seva is replacing traditional electricity with solar energy and is cutting down on fossil fuels by replacing it with gobar gas.
Organic Farming: Many of our FSHs are oasis of greenery, with children helping in the upkeep and care of gardens that serve as their main source of vegetables. AIM for Seva is looking to expand this to all FSHs wherever feasible.
In-house Library: Hostels across the country require libraries. Unfortunately, only about 10% of our homes have a dedicated well-stocked library. We would like to expand this to all our FSHs.
Vocational and soft skills training: Indian industry will see a huge demand for skilled employees and our children can benefit through appropriate vocational training. Such trainings help the student through entrepreneurship, soft skills training, and having a marketable skill.
Our Reach:
•16 States
•97 Operating Free Student Homes
•14,000 Students
•10 Million Student to Community Impact
•Over 90% pass rate in board exams