Thamarai Educational Projects
Thamarai Educational Projects believe in Human Unity. They work on providing education, sports, health care and leadership programs to people in villages around Auroville so that they can strive towards their full potential and be change-makers for the well-being of their community and the wider world.
Since 2006, Thamarai Educational Projects have provided educational services in marginalised villages next to the international township of Auroville in Tamil Nadu, India. Their current projects support children from these villages, through after-school projects for around 90 children. In addition, regular health care and well-being programs are provided at local schools and at work units/villages centres for adults with a vision to promote conscious living.
Challenge
Over the years, Thamarai has worked to counter poor literacy skills, low-income level and alcohol addiction, a major problem, leading to other issues such as debt, domestic abuse and children discontinuing education due to lack of finance. Many parents are unable to support their children academically due to English being the language of study.
Solution
Access to educational resources and opportunities change lives. The after-school project supports children with their academic as well as personal growth. Programs include English classes, digital literacy, leadership, arts and health activities along with homework support under the guidance of facilitators. The health program brings awareness and skill to manage family health.
Long-Term Impact
Thamarai’s projects have been running in the villages for the past 13 years. The children who once attended their after-school projects are now college graduates and the facilitators, many of whom lead and run the current Thamarai programs. The health programs have and will continue to improve the conditions of the villages as people become informed about health and well-being, reduce alcohol consumption, focus on community development and education and see themselves as agents of change.
