Kalanjiyam is launching of a new initiative, Thalir Academy – a Youth Skill Development Center. Thalir aims to address key factors affecting youth, such as lack of education, inadequate family income, and a limited skill set.

“Thalir,” a Tamil word, symbolizes steadfast growth and development, embodying the academy’s vision to empower rural youth with employable skills, including vocational training, digital and financial literacy, and entrepreneurial skills, ultimately enhancing economic security.

The training programs aim to reach youth from two blocks of Chengalpattu district and will be implemented directly by local community members, ensuring ownership and sustainability of the outcomes.

Muthu is a physically challenged widower with two children and struggling to make ends meet on a daily basis. Even with his physical limitations he was selling vegetables by walking to nearby villages as he was unable to do any wage labour. Kalanjiyam has provided him with a custom -made motorized cart designed to sell vegetables.

Muthu is extremely confident that he can earn well now and is happy that he can ensure his children go to school, and not have to support him.

Project ‘Vanavil’ to support mental health issues faced by youth was initiated for young men and women going to higher secondary school in Chengalpattu district. A series of sessions focused on the unaddressed fears and anxiety, the link to depression and coping mechanisms. These interactions open up the youth and was a positive beginning, for taking this program forward:

‘What distinguishes one child from another is not ability, but access to education and opportunity’. Investing in children’s right to education ensures everyone wins!

Based on need, of those who walk 4+kms to school every day, we identified 105 rural boys and girls from 6^th to 10^th classes and provided them with bicycles. These students can use the cycle till they complete 12th class and transportation issue will no more be a barrier to ensure successful completion of higher secondary.