At Kalanjiyam Trust, we believe that education is the cornerstone of positive change in society and serves as a fundamental determinant for improving economic and health indicators at the community level. Our mission is to empower children and communities and address the educational disparities through multifaceted interventions that span the individual, school, and community levels.

Strategies to Strengthen Education

Our wide-ranging initiatives are designed to create a lasting impact in both urban and rural areas of Tamil Nadu. They include creating a conducive school environment, enhancing learning outcomes through co-curricular and extracurricular activities, health and nutrition interventions and addressing the barriers related to transportation and sanitation, ensuring a holistic educational experience for children. Our community-level engagement involves working closely with parents to advocate the value of education and support successful school completion.

Kalanjiyam implements projects supported by different donors

Co-Curricular Support: The Para Teacher component is the essential pillar of our education program. We place dedicated para-teachers in government schools to give each student individualized attention and enhance the learning experience for children and mitigate the constraints faced in government schools. The para teachers are recruited from the local villages and undergo comprehensive orientation and training in effectively engaging with children, with a strong emphasis on peer-based learning approaches. The para-teachers work under the guidance and supervision of the Headmaster and teachers to support various curricular activities in the classroom. A vital role is to improve school regularity, personal hygiene and discipline, and enhance language and math skills. The Para Teachers conduct assessments and facilitate parent-teacher meetings to monitor progress. They also remedial education classes for the children who have learning delays or special needs by giving them special attention and individualized academic support so that they can flourish in their studies.

Computer Education: We equip schools with computers and  education, equipping students with valuable skills for the modern world.  We recognize that in the rapidly evolving world, digital literacy is an essential skill for students to thrive, both academically and for future careers.  We equip schools with computers by leveraging corporate social responsibility efforts and provide instruction to help children acquire digital literacy skills. The tailored curriculum, hands-on approach, and emphasis on responsible internet usage ensure students are comprehensively prepared. Over the years this component has helped to foster confidence in technology use, empowered students and opened doors to academic and career opportunities.

Extracurricular Enrichment Opportunities: At Kalanjiyam Trust, we place a strong emphasis on well rounded education within the  schools we support. We provide exposures through extracurricular initiatives such as drawing, music, and competitions, with the goal of broadening students’ horizons and fostering a love for learning.  These activities inspire students to unleash their creativity and imagination. We organize inter-school competitions that encourage students to showcase their artistic talents and compete in a healthy and supportive environment. The extra-curricular initiatives are vital for the holistic approach to education, nurturing well-rounded, confident, and innovative individuals.

Health and nutrition:  We prioritize students’ health and well-being through free healthcare services and health education. We address their health concerns while also imparting knowledge on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. We also support supplementary nutrition and education to enhance students’ dietary intake to ensure age-appropriate growth and development. This holistic approach aims to not only address immediate health needs but also empower students with the knowledge and resources for long-term well-being.

Hygiene and Sanitation: We support renovation or building of hygiene and sanitation facilities and provide sanitation workers and materials for ongoing maintenance to ensure basic facilities are available in all schools. Clean drinking water is a critical need and toward this Kalanjiyam provide drinking water filtration systems and annual maintenance of these units.  This initiative has instilled in students and teachers the importance of personal and environmental hygiene and has had a lasting impact on the local communities.

Enabling Enhancements: We invest in improving school infrastructure, creating a conducive environment for quality education.  Starting from the 6th standard, students receive bicycles, to alleviate transportation related barriers in rural areas. This initiative has been a remarkable success, ensuring consistent school attendance and preventing dropouts, with no recorded dropouts in villages covered by the program.

Scholarship Support:  We extend financial assistance to students to ensure the continuity of their education through scholarships based on merit and financial need of the families.  The program also offers mentoring and leadership development opportunities, empowering supported students to excel academically, prepare for their future careers, and serve as role models within their families, workplaces, and communities.

Creating Lasting Change
Our holistic approach addresses key challenges within the education system and engages local community to create lasting change. We understand that education is about nurturing well-rounded individuals who are equipped to face the challenges of the world.  Education is the key to a brighter future, and at Kalanjiyam Trust, we’re dedicated to unlocking that potential. Our education programs are supported through individual donors, AASAI, USA, Rotary Club of Madras South and Share and Care Foundation, USA.