EDUCATION

A joyful and enquiry-based education

Road Safety Awareness for School Children

On January 18th, 2024, a Road Safety Awareness event was orchestrated for the students of Govt Higher Secondary School, Kalikudi, as part of the observance of the 35th National Road Safety Month. Spearheaded by Voice Trust in collaboration with CUBE Highways, the initiative aimed to instill crucial road safety knowledge among the young participants. Through engaging activities, informative sessions, and interactive demonstrations, the event sought to equip the students with essential skills and awareness regarding safe pedestrian practices, traffic rules, and responsible road behavior. By partnering with educational institutions and industry stakeholders, this endeavor reflects a proactive approach towards nurturing a culture of road safety from a young age, ultimately contributing to the well-being and security of communities.

Orientation Program

On July 27, 2023, an enriching orientation program was organized for around 60 II-BSW students from the Department of Social Work of Mannar Thirumalai Naicker College. The students were invited to attend a one-day observation visit at VOICE TRUST. During the program, the students had the privilege of gaining valuable insights into the Trust’s objectives and its diverse range of activities. Mr. Murugesan, the Director of VOICE TRUST, took the lead in providing a comprehensive overview of the organization’s mission and the various initiatives it undertakes to make a positive impact on society.

Additionally, the students were also given a session on Road Safety by Mr. Pandian, Manager Traffic &Road Safety, Madurai Kannyakumari Section of NH-44. This crucial topic highlighted the importance of safe practices on the roads and aimed to raise awareness among the young generation about the significance of responsible behavior while commuting. Furthermore, Mr. Veerasamy conducted an informative session focusing on eye health and its care. This segment emphasized the significance of maintaining good eye health and provided essential tips on how to safeguard one’s vision.

The orientation program served as an excellent platform for the aspiring social work students to broaden their knowledge, interact with experienced professionals, and witness firsthand the efforts of a prominent organization in the field of social welfare. It aimed to inspire and equip the students with valuable insights, motivating them to pursue their future careers in social work with dedication and compassion.

Dengue Awareness in Schools

Voice Trust conducted a series of successful Dengue Awareness Programs at 24 Government Schools of Madurai in the month of July and Aug 2023.

The aim of the program was to educate and raise awareness among the students about Dengue fever, its prevention, and the importance of early detection. The Highlights of the program included Interactive Sessions, and education on Prevention Measures, Identifying Breeding Sites and Early Detection. The students were educated about various preventive measures, including maintaining a clean and mosquito-free environment, using mosquito nets, and wearing protective clothing. The education also imparted about the Identification of Breeding Sites and early detection. The students actively participated in a Q&A session, clarifying their doubts and misconceptions related to Dengue fever.

School Bags Donation

On 23rd June 2023, a group of individuals led by Mr Syam, along with his friends from Kodaikanal and Voice Trust collaborated to make a significant contribution to education. 50 school bags were donated to the Primary Phoolangulam School in Madurai aiming to enhance the educational experience for the school’s children. Access to proper school bags is essential for students to carry their books, stationery, and other educational materials conveniently and safely. The school bag donation initiative serves as an exemplary model for others to follow, emphasizing the significance of collective efforts in building a brighter future for children.

Education Scholarship

Kavitha’s (student studying BE-CSE of Solamalai Engineering college, Madurai) father receiving a Educational Scholarship from Voice Trust Director T Murugesan on 16th June 2023

Nutrition Education

An important factor influencing human health is food. The improvement of healthy nutrition is one of the leading principles for improving the health of the population. Nutrition education is a vital part of a comprehensive health education program and empowers children with knowledge and skills to make healthy food and beverage choices. On the the 8th of March 2023, International Women’s Day, Voice Trust conducted a Nutrition Education Program to the students of Sri Meenakshi Government Arts College for Women, Madurai. The program’s main aim was to encourage students to develop healthy eating habits by providing nutrition education and peer support. Certificates were given to 32 students for their active participation in various Voice Trust Nutrition based activities. Dr S. Vanathi, Principal and the professors of the College graced the occasion with their presence.

Nambikai Thinam

Intellectually challenged children are forced to spend most of their lives in their homes or in the confines of special schools. Spending time in the expanse of nature is a luxury for most of them. Around 20 special needs children were honoured by Voice Trust in association with Madurai Group living Foundation on the 10th May 2023. This event was organized at the special park built especially for them. Games were also conducted to encourage them. The Special Needs Park is the First Park in the state of Tamilnadu for the intellectually challenged and differently abled. This program brought together and bonded the special children, their parents, special educators and professionals. Awareness sessions were conducted to ensure equal rights for special children.

Free Furniture Distribution

Voice Trust in collaboration with CUBE Highways, organized an Education Project aimed at providing free furniture to two government higher secondary schools in Madurai District. The distribution took place on 12th April 2023 at Govt Hr. Sec. School, K. Vellakulam, and Govt Hr. Sec. School, Kallikudi. The participating Schools are located in
Madurai District, dedicated to providing quality education to students in the region. Desksand Benches were provided to both schools. The furniture was distributed free of cost, aiming to enhance the learning environment for the students and facilitate their educational experience. The Education Project’s initiative to distribute free furniture had several positive impacts which include Improved Learning Environment, Enhanced Student Engagement and Infrastructure Development. Voice Trust remains dedicated to empowering education

Digital Classroom Inauguration

With a view to boosting digital infrastructure in government schools, Collector S. Aneesh Sekhar inaugurated a digital classroom at Government Higher Secondary School in Melavalavu near Madurai on 7th Feb 2023. The smart classroom was realized as part of HP India’s initiative – HP ALFA (accessible learning for all) – in collaboration with a not-for-profit education society NIIT Foundation and NGO Voice Trust.

Speaking on the occasion, the Collector elaborated on the ‘Nam Palli Nam Perumai’ (Our School Our Pride) initiative of the School Education Department and urged the students to make full use of the digital classrooms.

T. Murugesan, Managing Director, of Voice Trust, said that the project aims at making digital learning accessible for all, boosting digital literacy and entrepreneurial skills and various other skills for the children.

Voice Trust would impart training to teachers and HP has provided smart televisions, laptops, printers, cameras, web cameras, and an education kit for schools. The initiative would be implemented in a total of 25 schools in Madurai district, especially in rural pockets. Headmaster Marimuthu, District Education Officer (Melur) Muthulakshmi, and Melur DSP Aarlius Rebony were also present.

Scholarship Distribution To School Children

On the 5th of Dec 2022, Voice Trust implemented the CSR activity of Scholarship Distribution to Govt High School Students in association with Cube Roots Foundation. The dignitaries who graced the occasion include Mr. Venkatesh DSP Kovilpatti, Mr. Shibashishsahoo Senior Vice President, Mr. Ambathi Srinivasan PH Madurai – Kanyakumari Road Project CUBE Highways, Mr. Sivakumar Toll Manager Nanguneri, District Educational Officer Kovilpatti, Teachers and Parents. The program was organized at Mother Theresa Matric Hr Sec School Kayathar, Tirunelveli District by CubeRoots Foundation and supported by Voice Trust. Tree Plantation was carried out to save our Environment and a cultural program was performed by the school children.

“Happy Schooling”

Mental Health and Rehabilitation Awareness Program

Voice Trust in association with M.S. Chellamuthu Trust and Research Foundation and SCISM Matric Higher Secondary School, Bodinayakanoor Theni District conducted Mental Health and Rehabilitation Awareness Program on the 25th Nov 2022. The session was organized at SCISM School for the benefit of Students, Teachers, and Parents.

Teachers played a major role in identifying and preventing children from getting affected by psychological problems; psychological problems are preventable, treatable, and curable provided prompt action was taken, said Dr. C. Ramasubramanian, founder and senior consultant psychiatrist, M.S. Chellamuthu Trust and Research Foundation. Children spent most of their time in school with teachers. Teachers saw the development in the children and their attitudes. The earliest psychological disturbance could be identified by teachers, he said while appreciating the efforts of the teachers.

The event was held as part of the World Mental Health Day celebration. A series of programs were held as part of the event. The ‘Happy Schooling’ project is aimed at building the mental strength of children. Director T Murugesan, Voice Trust, and a team of Psychologists were present at the event.

Internship Program

Voice Trust in association with Lady Doak College, Madurai organized the Internship program for LDC Third year BA Psychology students at Madurai Government Hospital on the 16th Nov 2022. The study was on the psycho-social well-being of Caregivers of Cancer patients. The program was supported by the oncology Dept Head of the Department Dr. Rajasekar.

Educational Sponsorship

A.Abinaya studying in class VII in St Mary of Leuca Matric School in Madurai is a brilliant student and wants to be a doctor when she grows up. She lost her father at a very young age and her mother is the sole breadwinner in the family who is a daily wage laborer. Abinaya’s mother approached us as it was very difficult for her to pay her daughter’s school fees. Voice Trust with the help of our respected Madam, Vidhya Suran provided the Educational Sponsorship for Abinaya.

Free Furniture Distribution & Education Sponsorship

In line with our social services, on the 2nd March 2021, Voice Trust contributed the following items to Madurai Kamaraj University

Sl No Item Quantity
1 Wheel Chairs 3
2 First Aid Kit 250
3 Plastic Chairs(armed) 30
4 Automatic Liquid Sanitizer Stand with Sanitizer 2

We have been contributing free uniforms, books, and furniture to those in need over the years. The pandemic, COVID-19 has adversely affected individuals and businesses around the world. During this challenging phase and in line with our guiding principles, to support students, Voice Trust sponsored education for 2 college students with a sum of Rs 40,000 which was duly accepted by Madurai Kamaraj University Vice Chancellor Dr M Krishnan and Registrar Prof. V. S. Vasantha.

YOGA DAY CELEBRATION

On the eve of International Yoga Day, Voice Trust imparted awareness and Yoga training to M.E.P.U.P.School Students in Andarkottaram on 21.06.2019 The International Day of Yoga has been celebrated annually on 21 June since 2015, following its inception in the United Nations General Assembly in 2014. Yoga is a physical, mental, and spiritual practice that originated in India. The Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, in his UN address, suggested the date of 21 June, as it is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and shares a special significance in many parts of the world.

EYE SCREENING

The School children of Govt. Primary School, Y.Othakkadai, Madurai underwent Free Eye Screening Programme on 28.06.2019. This event was organized by Voice Trust in association with Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital Lions Club of Madurai Cosmos. Early detection and treatment of childhood ocular problems have a huge role in eliminating avoidable causes of visual impairment in our country. The various eye ailments of the students were screened and rectified by efficient doctors. About 500 children benefited from this camp.

EDUCATIONAL SPONSORSHIP

Our voice trust supported a needy student to pay her III installments of II year college fees pursuing her MSW in Lady Doak College, Madurai.

VALUABLE MOMENTS WITH PADMASHRI AWARDEE SOLAMAN PAPPAYA

Veteran Tamil scholar and pattimandram (debate forum) speaker Solomon Pappaiah is an Indian scholar and a television icon in Tamil Nadu, India. He is best known for moderating debate talk shows, known as ‘patti mandrams’, which have been airing on Tamil Television Channels for quite a long time (for over three decades). He is credited for taking social themes to the masses and has so far moderated over 12,000 debate programs across the globe. He is carrying Tamil literature service for almost 60 years and is considered one of the greatest Tamil scholars. His modest approach to speaking and life has earned him a large reputation among Tamil-speaking people throughout the world. He was awarded India’s fourth-highest civilian award, the Padma Shri, in 2021.

Education shouldn’t be a privilege, it should be a right. An increasing number of children, girls, in particular, fall through the cracks of the education system. These children have dreams which they never reach, either for economic or social reasons. Having even a high school degree drastically increases their earning potential and puts them closer to their goals.
The Education sponsorship program looks for children like Abinaya, who often have great potential. We focus not just on financing their education, but on the holistic success and well-being of each student. We believe that every child deserves an equal chance to succeed.
Through this program, we are able to change the lives of so many children, but a little help would allow us to reach many more, changing not just lives but communities.

THANKS GIVING CEREMONY

A Thanksgiving event was organized by Madurai East Panchayat Union Primary School, Andarkottaram to Voice Trust on 06.09.2019 in appreciation of the trust’s services in the school renovation work. As part of Environment protection, students planted saplings on the school campus and participated in various cultural programs. The school Headmistress Mrs. Latha thanked Voice Trust for their valuable services. Voice Trust Managing Director T. Murugesan addressed with some words of advice to the students.

WORLD SIGHT DAY

A free Eye Awareness program on World Eyesight Day was organized at Saurashtra Boys Secondary School in association with Voice Trust, Suji Health Care, and Lions Club of Madurai Friends on 10.10.2019. The welcome address was given by Mr. Srinivasan, Principal of the School. Mr. Veeraasamy, a special guest of the event, said; nowadays there are more Schoolchildren with eye disorders. Students use most of their time on cell phones. Voice Trust Managing Director Mr. Murugesan and Lions Club Executive Mr. Murthy graced the occasion. About 150 students participated in the event.

DENGUE AWARENESS PROGRAMME

Voice Trust Madurai, Suji Health Care, and Apollo Hospitals, Madurai organized an interactive Awareness Programme on Dengue 13.11.2019 for the students of Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar Girls Higher Secondary School, Theppakulam, Madurai The main purpose was to spread Dengue awareness, promote and provide a safer and healthier learning environment. A special assembly of the school children was organized to spread awareness about the importance of proper environmental sanitation in the fight against dengue, which will give rise to a healthier generation. Dengue is transmitted by the bite of an Aedes aegypti mosquito infected with any one of the four dengue viruses. This mosquito bites only during daylight hours. Dr. Mariappan highlighted the breeding sites and prevention methods. Specimens of the Dengue mosquito were shown to the students. The program was concluded with an Oath to eradicate Dengue. A total of 750 students benefitted from this program.

CHILDRENS DAY CELEBRATION

Children’s Day, one of the best days of the year for kids is celebrated on November 14, on the birth anniversary of Jawaharlal Nehru in schools across the country. Today a lively Children’s Day program was conducted at Madurai East Panchayat Union Middle School, LKP Nagar, Sakkimangalam Panchayat, Madurai. This program was jointly organized by Voice Trust, Suji Health Care, and Madurai Friends Lion Club. In appreciation of the children’s talents, awards were distributed for the Best Student, and cleanliness awards were also given. A cultural program was organized by the students. Refreshments were provided to the children. A total of 350 students benefitted from this program.

STUDENT-PARENT-TEACHER EXAM FEAR AWARENESS PROGRAMME

Voice Trust in association with M.S.Chellamuthu Trust & Research Center and Lions Club International conducted the Student- ParentTeacher Exam Fear Awareness program at SISCM Group of Schools, Bodinayakanur on 20/02/2020. This event mainly focused on how to effectively encourage school students, teachers, and parents to face exams and how to deal with stress on students. A consultation meeting was held between students and parents. A total of 800 students, 140 teachers, and 150 parents benefitted from this program.

DISTRIBUTION OF NUTRITION OF KITS TO SCHOOL CHILDREN

With an aim to mitigate childhood hunger due to the COVID-19 pandemic and support school children from vulnerable communities and their families, Our Voice Trust launched the distribution of Nutrition Kits which took place on the 15th of June 2021 to the School Children of East Block of Madurai under the able leadership of Mrs. Latha, Headmistress, Madurai East Panchayat Union Primary School, Andarkottaram School, and Voice Trust Director Mr. T Murugesan. The peanuts, jaggery, biscuits, and other food items in the Nutrition Kit, are to supplement and enhance the nutritional intake of children.

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