Programs for Children

Chetna meaning consciousness is the umbrella name adopted by Sethu Foundation for all its programs relating to Children. Under this vertical we have initiated several programs and are planning to roll out some more in the near future.

Programs under Chetna are meant for children from underprivileged 11 communities located in and around Teynampet.

515 children from these 11 communities have been enrolled and Identity cards have been issued to all of them. ( link to 515 children to be given)

Creative classes

We have identified 36 subjects for inclusion in creative classes . These subjects are as follows :

• Out of these 36 subjects, we have rolled out classes for 5 subjects, namely spoken English, handwriting and cursive writing, reading, Thirukural, singing and storytelling.
• These creative classes are being held twice a week for two hours each. Our two classrooms can hold 40 students each. The teachers are all volunteers whose teaching abilities are pre checked.

Tution and Homework support

The enrolled children coming from the underprivileged communities cannot afford private tuitions, in order to bridge this gap, a Tution and Homework support system is being created, whereby children bring their books and note books during their post school hours and engage in doing their Homework and studying their subjects. There will be volunteer teachers doing the rounds and helping them with their studies and homework.

Chetna library and Resource Centre

a very strong library has been created, which has books of knowledge, stories and comics. A large number of toys have also been kept for children to play. A TV has been installed for viewing educational and learning videos. All these books and toys have been received from generous donors like Round Table Madras Mylapore, Ladies Circle, Ms Sharanya Kannan, Akshar Arbol International school, we invite further donations of books, toys, games etc.

Bridging Digital Divide

The already existing digital divide between privileged and underprivileged children has become more accentuated during these pandemic times. In order to bridge this divide, Sethu Foundation has taken three initiatives. A) Distribution of personal digital devices and phones ( old and new) to these children for attending online classes etc. Recently we could raise funds for distributing 15 Samsung Tabs which was done as part of our Women's Day Celebrations. We thank Yash aged 17 , who is studying in the UK for raising funds for this cause. We have also distributed 6 smart phones to various children. We are thankful to Round Table Madras Mylapore for donating 3 smartphones B) We are in the process of creating a Computer centre consisting of 10 desktop systems and two common printers, where children can log in during fixed hours and do their work. We are inviting donors for the same and will be grateful for any reasonable amount donated for this cause . C) Under the program “ Recharge Education” we are distributing WIFI dongles in various communities for children to have WIFI access. We have procured 10 dongles till date, we are looking for donors for charging and recharging these WIFI accounts for continued access by Children. This is a unique program in which the donors can ask us for the details of the phone numbers to be recharged and recharge the number directly for a period of 3 months or more etc.

Tours and Visits for Chetna Children

It is our desire, that children under Chetna program should be exposed to places of interest, education and of natural beauty, in this effort we are planning to take these children in batches to places like Fire Station, Police Station, Post office, Cricket Stadium, Railway Station, Public Library, Museum etc. We are also planning to take them to Adayar Poonga which is a re-generated and rejuvenated garden created out of Marshlands, Beach, Mahabalipuram, Fruit orchards etc. We invite donors for hiring buses and for refreshments for children during the trips.

Knowledge Web

A unique learning session by creating a knowledge web is being designed where the children will be imparted knowledge in an interactive manner by creating knowledge webs. These will be non-subjects specific, unstructured and exponential in nature wherein large amounts of knowledge will get imparted in a fun environment. Volunteers with wide reading, interest in quizzing, and desire to interact with children may please come forward to participate in this program.

Our Collaborators and Donors

We are thankful to our collaborators and donors. They include- Kendriya Vidhyalaya, IIT campus, Joss Brooks team, Pitchandikulam Forest Team and Bio Resource Centre Auroville, Round Table Madras Mylapore, Rotary Club of Chennai Spotlight, Rotary Club of Madras Mitra, Round table of Madras Amigos.