NESAKKARAM
Nesakkaram-SEEDS is a non-governmental organization which aims at providing opportunities to Street and Slum children for humane growth; providing opportunities to enjoy a happy childhood. It was founded in the year 1989 by Rev. Fr. Jesu Irudayam, OFM. This NGO is govened by the Franciscan Friars (OFM ) IndiaWe are working in these slums for more than two decades now. We have worked with Rag Pickers, Sanitation workers, Health Workers and with Child Line Government Projects. We have been one of the pioneer for working among the Street and Rag Picking Children in Chennai City. . In the last 36 years we have reached out to thousands of street and slum children, youth and women. Through our various interventions such as providing them with education, medical attention, skill development, vocational training and rehabilitation measures, we attempt to bring them to the mainstream of the society. We also empower women through Self-Help Groups and reach out to the victims of manmade and natural calamities.
Nesakkaram sprouted with Fr. Jesu beginning his care for rag pickers. It required a lot of commitment, faith in God and resilience and patience to do a work of this kind. From rag pickers, it spread to taking care of street children, abandoned children and runaways and today, in addition to these services, it has grown to motivating and forming Groups for women and swinging into action whenever there is a calamity.
Eventually we learned that parents have to be motivated strongly. So that they could encourage children to study. We organized women into sanghas(groups) and periodically once in two months we gathered them for some leadership training and life skill trainings through which they are highly motivated to send their children to schools. They have become more responsible and cooperative in this challenge
Our vision is to ensure every child in our care experiences a nurturing childhood, receives comprehensive opportunities for development, and gains the confidence to advocate for their rights. We strive to empower women through self-help groups, fostering independence and self sufficiency in every woman we serve.
Little over two decades ago, Friar Jesu Irudayam, of good memories, while on one of his train journeys, witnessed a child sweeping and begging on the train. Something happened to him that day. Mysterious are the ways of the Lord! He was moved at the sight with compassion. He also found many children on streets, railway platforms, spending nights and their lives on the pavement, estranged from the safe havens of a home and having lost their childhood and exposed to high risk.
Read MoreWe at Nesakkaram-SEEDS are thankful to all our international volunteers who come here from far away countries to express their support for Nesakkaram-SEEDS’s cause and to work to strengthen it further. We wish your stay at Nesakkaram-SEEDS to be both enjoyable and rewarding, and are sure that it will ever be a pleasant memory for you to remember in the years to come.
Read MoreNesakkaram has created a difference in the lives of thousands of children and their families. A few of these real life cases handled are discussed here. In addition to the categories listed here, Nesakkaram swung into action during the tsunami in December, 2004, thereby reaching out to over 9000 people.
Pallavi (name changed), is a 13 year old girl from Chennai. Her father, an agricultural labourer in a village, sent her to work in his landowner's house at Chennai.
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Rahim was in real distress when he came into Nesakkaram. He used to sneak out of Nesakkaram every other day.
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My name is Mala. I live with my parents and two brothers on the pavement. Though I am ten years old I have not been to school because we cannot afford it.
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My name is Jaya and I am nine years old. I belong to Adhi Andhra community. When I was six years old my parents died. I live in my...
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Egmore Whannels Road is one of our contact centres in Chennai. There are 48 families living on the pavement (platform) of this area and in miserable condition with no basic amenities of toilets.
Read MoreThe major initiatives taken by Nesakkaram can be broadly classified under the following heads.
children registered under CWC are provided a friendly home
we cater to around 700 the slum and housing board children
we empower women through selp-help group..
we cater to the children of the arunthathiyar Dalit group
This is one of the traditional arts of Tamil Nadu.
Once in three months the Children Parliament Monitoring Committee comes together to plan for the next three months.
Parai is one of the traditional instruments of Tamil Nadu.
Nesakkaram together with Franciscan Families of Chennai organized an Ecumenical Homage to the Victims of Sri Lanka Bomb Attacks.
Women Self Help Group leaders came together for a Leadership Training.
Street Theater Training was imparted to our children from Streets and Slums where Nesakkaram works.
Our children parliament leaders visited the Old Age Home run by the Little Sisters of the Poor at Harington Road, Nungambakkam.
A drawing competition was orgainzied by our German volunteers: Samuel, Dominik and Abigail.
SEEDS has achieved 100% enrollment in 18 centres.
SEEDS has achieved 100% enrollment in 18 centres.
We have two computer training centres for women.
We provide opportunity for our children to learn..
The children who have been rescued by Nesakaram.
Every year school kids are provided to all the centre
We have formed 41 Children’s Parliament groups.
We have established strong network.
Celebrations are the integral part of any community.
We have trained a number of young girls.
Children and women are encouraged to discover.
Some of the means by which you may want to contribute are listed below. Feel free to contact us for any further queries.
Please send your generous contributions to :
The Director,
Nesakkaram SEEDS,
No.11, First Cross Street, Lake Area,
Nungambakkam, Chennai - 600034.
Cheques to be drawn in favour of "Nesakkaram-SEEDS"
All donations to Nesakkaram-SEEDS are exempted under section 80 (G) of the IT Act
Some of the means by which you may want to contribute are listed below. Feel free to contact us for any further queries.
Articles
Nesakkaram offers postcards designed by children and handbags.
Gifts
The Video cassette and VCD consists of songs written and composed by the children.
Documents
This film narrates how Nesakkaram came into existence and carries an exclusive interview.
Reports
The following are reports of some of our ongoing activities:
Chennai is very humid and hot between March and July. Therefore, your room is fitted with Air Condition.
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