INTRODUCTION
Swami Vivekananda Sevai Maiyam, a Chennai-based NGO founded by Mr. R. Harigaran in 2007, has been tirelessly working in Thiruvottriyur, providing holistic education to students for over 14 years, driven by a selfless commitment to empowering young minds.
School4Change, a flagship initiative of Swami Vivekananda Sevai Maiyam, aims to provide holistic education and learning opportunities to students through a night school program, fostering academic excellence and personal growth.
SINGLE MAN
Q "Can you provide an overview of Swami Vivekananda Sevai Maiyam's inception and the evolution of its service delivery model since its establishment in 2007?"
A "In 2005, during my undergraduate studies, I launched a community service initiative focused on food donation. The program involved collecting rice from students and distributing it to marginalized groups, including orphanages and elderly homes, promoting social welfare and community engagement.
I volunteered at medical and blood donation camps on weekends, contributing to the success of these events. Furthermore, I prioritized blood donation, contributing every six months to support those in need.
Q "Can you describe a memorable experience or key takeaway from your time leading the rice collection initiative for orphanages and elderly homes?"
A "When I initiated the rice collection service with my friends, we adopted a simple yet effective approach. We requested family members to set aside a handful of rice daily, which accumulated to 1-1.5 kg per person by month-end. This collected rice was then distributed to orphanages and other needy groups.
Initially, we faced challenges in garnering substantial support, collecting only 15-20 kg of rice per month. We realized that trust issues stemming from our age as young adults and teenagers hindered people's willingness to contribute despite their initial agreement.
However, through persistence and consistency, we managed to build trust over time. This led to a significant increase in contributions, with collections soaring to 200 kg or more per month. As our reputation grew, so did our responsibilities.
We also received feedback about families in need beyond just rice. In response, we expanded our efforts by conducting needs assessments and providing support tailored to their requirements. This experience taught us the importance of adaptability and building trust in community service."
JUST A DREAM
Q "As your initiative initially focused on providing rice to those in need, what prompted the shift towards offering education, and how did you envision this expansion?"
A "It came up as a simple question, but that changed the whole thing. The question is
Reflecting on the limitations of food assistance alone, I concluded that education is key to self-sufficiency. This understanding drove me to launch a night school initiative, focusing on educating students who were previously unaware of the importance of education."
Q "What long-term impact did you envision for the community through your educational initiatives?"
A "I aimed to cultivate a generation of students who are not only academically proficient but also equipped with the life skills necessary to thrive. My aspiration was to nurture individuals who are bold, disciplined, and self-reliant, capable of facing challenges and driving positive change in their lives."
HIT OF THE REALITY
Q "Can you tell us about the place where your journey began?"
A "To identify the target group for my educational initiative, I conducted an exploratory study in Thiruvottriyur. Focusing on three bus stops where students congregated after school, I engaged with them to understand their perspectives on education. The responses varied, with some citing personal interest, parental influence, or socialization as motivations. However, a significant number of students from government schools expressed uncertainty about the purpose of their education.
These findings informed my decision to focus on providing educational support to the coastal community in Thiruvottriyur, where I could make a meaningful impact."
Q "What challenges did you face while teaching students from this community?"
A "The night school's first day saw an enrollment of 7 students, and we encountered two primary obstacles: establishing trust with parents and teaching students self-discipline. As a solo teacher handling three classes, I had to adapt to a demanding situation. Nevertheless, this experience contributed significantly to the growth and development of our educational program."
Q “What societal challenges did you encounter while implementing your initiative?"
A "My dedication to the night school resulted in a 7-year career hiatus, as I had to decline job offers, including one from the US, due to scheduling constraints. This decision led to considerable societal pressure, but I was fortunate to have my mother's steadfast support, who stood by me despite the criticism from others."
VOLUNTEERS OF THE FUTURE
Q "What personal quality do you believe has been most valuable in your endeavors?"
A "My teachers have been my greatest asset and source of inspiration."
Q "Okay, then how the first batch of teachers approached you?"
A "I was approached by individuals who expressed interest in collaborating with me."
Q "Just because they asked you, you let them come as a teacher?"
A "To be honest, I encouraged them to take on teaching roles, recognizing that our initiative relies heavily on voluntary efforts. Although we refer to them as teachers, they are essentially volunteers who selflessly contribute their time and skills to educate students.
While I motivated them to join the cause, their involvement ultimately stemmed from their own interest in making a difference. I welcomed their enthusiasm and initiative. As the program grew, with multiple batches of students volunteering to teach, I introduced a formal interview process in 2013 to ensure the best fit for our educational initiative."
Q "What are the objectives of conducting interviews for volunteer teachers?"
A "Our interview process is designed to identify volunteers who embody a growth mindset, aligning with our organization's mission to foster continuous learning and development. We seek individuals who can support students' growth while also enhancing their own skills and knowledge.
The interview questions are crafted to assess the volunteer's approach to challenges, learning, and self-improvement. Examples of questions include
These kinds of questions will show the point of view of the volunteers."
BATTLE OF SURVIVAL
Q "What challenges have you encountered in running the night school?"
A "Despite the program's long-term success, I've faced skepticism and discouragement from some relatives and friends who questioned its value. However, I've persevered and proven the initiative's worth through dedication and hard work. The outcome has validated my efforts, silencing critics and demonstrating the program's impact."
UNSHAKEABLE EMPIRE
Q "What core principle drives the night school's mission and success?"
A "My personal conviction and determination have been the driving forces behind the night school's journey. I've maintained a steadfast commitment to its vision, and my resilience has enabled me to navigate challenges. As the founder, I'm prepared to lead the initiative forward, with or without support, to ensure its continued growth and success in serving students' needs."
CONCLUSION
Over 3,000 students have graduated from this night school, going on to become independent individuals who have made a mark in their own right. The founder's vision, as envisioned by Mr. R. Harigaran, President of Swami Vivekananda Sevai Maiyam, was to create an institution that provides holistic education.
As a member of this community, I wish for all students to have access to this kind of education, empowering them to navigate life's complexities with clarity and confidence.