In the year 1984, Mundakapadam Mandirams Society started community development projects. World Vision provided financial aid to these projects for 10 years from 1986. Shri T. C. Oommen, a veteran social worker, with many years of experience in social welfare organisations like CASA, joined Mandirams‘ community development projects and provided right kind of energy for growth.
A child development project was started to provide thrust to educational, social and cultural development of the children in 9 villages in and around Manganam. By 1997, World Vision stopped financial aid and moved out of the scene, creating a huge void. However, small time NGOs continued to assist Mandirams Society in this child development project. During this period, two stalwarts came together at the helm of Mandirams Society – Prof. Rev. K.C. Mathew and Shri Mammen Varghese. They initiated Child Sponsorship Project (CSP) in 1999 with a novel idea – ‘Sponsor a Child’. Funds for CSP were generated from individuals who sponsor children. This idea turned out to be an immense success and to this day CSP runs by sponsorship.
The children from economically backward families, studying in 4, 5 and 6 standards are selected from colonies and other such areas within 2 km radius of Mandiram Hospital. Programs of CSP includes monthly classes, tuition for weak subjects, medical check-ups, distribution of study materials and school bags, sports and cultural meets, camps, tours, celebrations and other skill development programs. The monthly classes and camps focus on motivational sessions, leadership training, value education, language, communication skills, study techniques and career guidance.
Although the objective is the social, educational and cultural upliftment of the children, a positive impact towards social change in the families and community is also envisioned. Bala Samajams are set up in each area with the help of parents. Children oversee the monthly meetings in the Samajams and they present news and reports. Specific awareness classes for parents are also part of the program. Apart from these regular programs, specific assistance is provided when there is an emergency in the families of participants. CSP gives assistance by raising funds from willing people to build houses for its members, to attend medical emergencies and to do relief work during calamities.
First Phase of CSP was from 1999 to 2008. An exhaustive evaluation was conducted towards the end of this phase. The outcome was tremendous such that a great number of students went for career-oriented courses and a good number of them got employed. Some didn’t go for work, but all of them got good education. 29 children from the first phase continued in the second phase of CSP (2009 – 2019) and completed their tenure in the project. New students were taken in and the present strength is 71. ‘Smart Together’ classes were newly introduced in second phase. All programs from the first phase continued into the second phase. Smart together classes were led by Mr. Abraham Kurian of Lifetree Foundation. The monthly classes were brought under a specific syllabus and the classes were conducted by trainers from Lifetree. Text books and work books were published for 5 years. ‘Smart Together’ program was very successful.
The second phase of CSP will get over by 2019. All the participants are pursuing their education. Mr. Salil Rawji from ForAGoodStart carried out evaluation for second phase. Survey conducted as part of evaluation suggests that participants and their parents are highly positive about CSP. Based on the findings of evaluation and survey, the Mandirams Society Governing Board decided to continue the CSP project for another 5 – 6 years. Consequently, a third phase of CSP is scheduled to start in April 2019.
Based on the findings from the evaluation; experience of last 2 decades; and current socio-economic and cultural landscape of the society, we have brought in some characteristic changes into CSP focussing on educational excellence. Our approach and modus operandi for 3rd phase of CSP is detailed in our website.
In last 20 years, we have had great leaders as directors – Prof. Fr. K V Paulose, Dr. Abraham Varghese, Dr. M I Andrews, Dr. C K Abraham and Mr. Mani Mathew. Mr. C A John has been the social worker for CSP since last 20 years. Many have contributed to child sponsorship project in different capacities as staff, sponsors, committee members, experts, evaluators, trainers and well wishers. Myself and CSP are highly indebted to all of them for their selfless work. As we start the 3rd phase of CSP, we need your help, guidance and support and of course prayers to God Almighty.
Kuruvilla George
Director, Child Sponsorship Project (CSP)