Our Responsibility to Children (ORC)

A Smart-40 camp was conducted in Kamban GHSS, Nettapakkam from the 6th to the 08th of July 2022. The session was inaugurated by Vice Principal - Mrs. Bhuvana and Nodal Teacher - Mr. Karthikeyan, and ORC team members Mr. P.R. Vinothkumar (Program Coordinator), Ms. Pavithra, Mrs. Vanitha and Mr. Raja were present at the program. A total of 45 children were selected to be part of the Smart 40 workshop from higher secondary level children. These children were selected by the class teachers through the IKMS (I Know My Student) consolidated list. The Camp began with an introductory session and Ice-breaking games. Ten Life skills were included in the camp transacted through various sets of activities related to Problem-Solving, Decision Making, Creative Thinking, Critical Thinking, Self-Awareness, Empathy, Interpersonal Relationships, Good Communication, Stress Management, and Management of Emotions.

The IKMS-Solution Card (I Know My Student) training took place from 20-29 August 2022. Out of the 25 new schools participating in the project, 11 have already completed the training, with the active participation of 120 class teachers. These teachers are now equipped to fill out the Solution Cards, of which approximately 4000 have been issued to the schools. The cards will be completed by the teachers in the upcoming days. During the training sessions, the focus was to empower teachers with the ability to identify common psycho-social problems that students face. Through the utilization of the IKMS tool, these problems can be accurately recorded. Additionally, the training included an exploration of psychological first-aid techniques and the development of focused approaches to devising solutions.

The ORC team has successfully organized six one-day follow-up camps during this academic year. Building on this momentum, a new series of camps took place from 5-22 August 2022, in four government schools of Puducherry. These schools include: •Thillaiyadi Valliammai Government High School in Kathirkamam •MTV. Subbaiya GHS in Reddiyarpalayam •Kavignar Bharathidasan GHS in Kuruvinatham •T.V. K Govt. High School in Arumparthapuram One teacher provided valuable feedback on the impact of these camps, stating: "We have observed these students since their 6th standard, and we have been actively assisting and supporting them. Due to their upbringing and negative habits, there have been instances of disrespect towards us. However, after participating in this program, they have become more receptive to understanding their life situations. They have gained an appreciation for the importance of their parents, the value of their own lives, the meaning of true friendship, empathy towards others, and essential life skills, particularly in overcoming negative influences. We extend our gratitude to the dedicated members of the ORC team and Sri Aurobindo Society for their contributions."

At each of the four schools (Thillaiyadi Valliammai Government High School in Kathirkamam, MTV. Subbaiya GHS in Reddiyarpalayam, Kavignar Bharathidasan GHS in Kuruvinatham, T.V. K Govt. High School in Arumparthapuram), a select group of 40-45 students participated in the one-day Follow-up Camps. These camps were designed to provide an enriching experience through a series of energizer activities and team-building tasks. The workshops covered a wide range of essential topics, including gender dynamics, time management, self-confidence, leadership qualities, self-awareness, concentration, decision-making, and creative thinking. Through these interactive sessions, students were encouraged to explore and develop crucial Life Skills in a supportive and collaborative environment. Our goal was to empower them with the tools and knowledge necessary for personal growth and success. By engaging in thought-provoking discussions and engaging activities, students gained valuable insights and practical strategies for navigating various aspects of their lives. The Smart 40 Workshop served as a platform for fostering personal development, building resilience, and fostering a positive mindset.

On August 18, 2022, an orientation meeting was held at SAS for the Heads of Schools and Nodal Teachers participating in Svarnim’s ORC program. This event aimed to provide valuable insights and guidance to the 50 schools involved. The program commenced with the rendition of "Tamizh Thai Vazhthu," and Mrs. Bhuwaneswari (HR) from Sri Aurobindo Society delivered a warm welcome speech. Mr. Raghunath, Director of Svarnim Puducherry, provided a concise overview of SAS activities. The inaugural address was delivered by Smt V.G. Sivagami, Joint Director of the Directorate of School Education, followed by felicitations from Mr. Nadanasabapathy, DDW, and Mr. Ramakrishnan, ADPC, Samagra Shiksha. This orientation program served as a platform to enlighten and inspire the educational leaders and nodal teachers in attendance, setting the stage for a successful partnership in the ORC program.

During the month of November, a series of Smart-40 camps were successfully conducted in government schools of Puducherry, benefitting a total of 520 students. These camps were held in 13 different schools, with 8 camps dedicated to High School students and 5 camps for Higher Secondary students. The Smart-40 camps were specially designed to provide an engaging and interactive learning experience for the students. Through group activities and interactive sessions, the camps aimed to equip students with essential life skills and empower them for personal and academic growth. Looking ahead to the academic year 2022-23, the goal is to expand the program by offering counseling services in 50 government schools. Progress has already been made as, by the end of November, the ORC (Organization for Resource and Counselling) team successfully completed 25 Smart-40 camps in 18 government schools of Puducherry, reaching out to an impressive number of 1,105 students. The ORC program encompasses various key components for each participating school. Firstly, a three-day Smart-40 camp serves as the foundation, providing students with a comprehensive set of life skills. Additionally, individual counseling services are offered to every student, ensuring personalized support. Lastly, a one-day follow-up camp helps reinforce the lessons learned and maintains continuity in the student's development. The Smart-40 camps focus on nurturing crucial abilities such as understanding the significance of family, valuing education, managing time effectively, enhancing concentration, making sound decisions, and solving problems. Furthermore, the camps foster creative engagement through teamwork, allowing students to develop their collaborative skills. Through initiatives like the Smart-40 camps, Puducherry's government schools are actively investing in the holistic development of their students, equipping them with valuable tools and empowering them to thrive academically and personally.

Two schools organized one-day follow-up camps in November for high school students in India. These camps were specifically tailored for eighty students who had previously participated in the Smart-40 camps. The follow-up camps aimed to provide students with an opportunity to reflect on how the ORC program had impacted their lives. Students also enthusiastically showcased their creativity by displaying vibrant cloth banners that vividly depicted their thoughts and emotions. The active involvement of the students not only fostered their individual growth but also facilitated strong connections among their peers, creating a supportive and collaborative environment.

A comprehensive awareness program on 'Emotions and Stress – Recognition and Management' was recently organized for volunteers affiliated with the National Service Scheme (NSS). The program took place at the Kasturibai Gandhi Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Bahour, and saw the active participation of 50 young individuals from various colleges and universities. The primary objective of this program was to equip the participants with practical tools and techniques to effectively recognize and manage their emotions and stress. Through interactive sessions and engaging discussions, the volunteers learned valuable strategies for identifying different emotions and understanding their impact on overall well-being. The program also included a mindfulness session, where the students were guided to engage in self-reflection and introspection, allowing them to internalize these concepts and develop a deeper sense of self-awareness.

The IKMS (I Know My Student Solution Card) training programs for class teachers of government schools were successfully concluded in 47 schools by the end of September 2022. Svarnim, after receiving government approval, expanded the ORC program to include 50 schools for the current academic year. During the month of September 2022, a total of four one-day Smart 40 camps and three three-day Smart 40 workshops were conducted in various schools. Moreover, these sessions were of great importance for the new members of Svarnim's growing ORC team as they embark on their social service careers. Not only did these sessions benefit the young students, but they also provided an opportunity for the newcomers to familiarize themselves with the complexities and nuances of their chosen profession.

Svarnim coordinated a workshop centered around the theme 'Substance Abuse: Prevention Strategies and Psychological Support in the Community' for ORC Counsellors and community welfare workers. This workshop was part of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, organized by the Department of Social Work at Pondicherry University in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MoSJE), and took place on September 22nd at the University. The ORC team implemented the insights gained from this workshop during a significant school event aimed at raising awareness among boys and girls about gender sensitization, substance abuse prevention, cyber-crimes, and other unconventional issues. Dr. F. Jayachandran also participated in this program.

In November, a total of 13 Smart-40 camps were conducted in government schools in Puducherry. Among these camps, 8 were organized at the High School level, while 5 were held at the Higher Secondary level. The camps benefited 320 High School students and 200 Higher Secondary students, providing them with a group and activity-based learning experience. As part of our goals for the academic year 2022-23, we aim to offer counseling services to students in 50 government schools. By the end of November, our ORC team had already completed 25 Smart-40 camps in 18 government schools in Puducherry, reaching out to a total of 1105 students. The key components of the ORC program in each school include a three-day Smart-40 camp, individual counseling services for every student, and a one-day follow-up camp. These camps focus on equipping students with essential life skills such as understanding the importance of family, the value of education and time management, concentration techniques, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities, and fostering creative teamwork engagement.

A one-day follow-up camp was organized in November for high school students from two schools. A total of eighty students, who had previously participated in the Smart-40 camps, attended these follow-up camps. During the event, students not only shared their personal experiences and how they were influenced by the ORC program but also showcased their creativity by designing cloth banners that portrayed their thoughts. Their enthusiastic involvement during the follow-up camps facilitated meaningful connections among the students.

An awareness program titled "Emotions and Stress – Recognition and Management" was held for NSS volunteers at the Kasturibai Gandhi Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Bahour. The program drew participation from 50 enthusiastic youth representing various colleges and universities in Puducherry. The program was conducted by experts in the field of Psychology and Counseling. They elaborated on the practical tools and techniques to help the volunteers identify and effectively manage emotions and stress. A session on mindfulness was also conducted, which helped the volunteers to internalize useful concepts and engage in introspection. The students said that the Program was helpful in providing them with the skills they need to manage their emotions and stress effectively. They also said that the program helped them to understand themselves better and to develop a more positive outlook on life.

Svarnim's ORC team conducted Smart-40 camps in 7 government schools of Puducherry in December 2022. The camps were attended by 160 High School students and 120 Higher Secondary students. 10 students who required additional support were given individual counseling. The core team that conducts the Smart-40 camps in each school consists of Svarnim's ORC team members, the school principal, and the school nodal teachers. After the camps were conducted, school teachers reported that positive changes were visible in the attitudes and behavior of the students. So far, during the current academic year, the ORC team has completed 31 Smart-40 camps in 23 government schools of Puducherry. 1,335 students have participated in these camps.

The ORC team headed to Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, under the direction of Svarnim Puducherry, to learn more about the therapy and counselling approaches that could be helpful for the team to commence several counselling approaches in the Puducherry government school for the upcoming ORC program. Dr. T. V. Anil Kumar, a professor of child psychiatry at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College and an expert in child psychiatry, led the team about various child therapies, parent integration in SFBT (solution-focused brief therapy), and interventions at the Child Development Centre in Thiruvananthapuram. In addition, the team visited the psychiatric ward at Govt Medical College Hospital, Eranakulam, where they gathered various case histories of the children and learned about child therapy and counselling techniques.