We believe in Human Unity. We work on providing education, sports, health care and leadership programs to people in rural 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 the most marginalised sections of the villages next to the international township of Auroville in Tamil Nadu, India. Our 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. Academically, parents are unable to support their children due to low literacy rates
Solution
Access to educational resources and opportunities change lives. Our 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. Our well being programs empower people to be more informed about their health and to adopt life enhancing practices. RTL leadership programs develop agency in people and the ability to design and implement projects that support improving their own lives and the full potential of their community.
Long-Term Impact
Our projects have been running in the villages for the past 17 years. The children who once attended our 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.