The GEMS Building in Chennai was acquired at a cost of US $
500,000 is donated by Mr. George, the chairman of GEMS. The
proceeds of the building goes to serve the hapless citizens of
our society who live in unhygienic and subhuman conditions.
The Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board (TNSCB) entrusted GEMS the
work of rehabilitating 10,000 erstwhile pavement & slum dwellers
now dwelling at Dr. Ambedkar Nagar, Velachery, Chennai. For the
last 6 years, GEMS Foundation has been rehabilitating these
people in their social, economic, medical and environmental
aspects bringing better changes in the overall development of
the individuals and the community as a whole with livable and
hygienic environment.
Shelters for community work:
Two community halls measuring 1750 sq. ft. each were built by
GEMS in Dr. Ambedkar Nagar to conduct various social welfare
activities. Six day care centers measuring 350 sq. ft. each
accommodating 35 children in the age group of 1 - 3 years were
built and run by GEMS. Children under the care and nurture of
trained teachers and helpers were trained in good habits and
given nutritious meals during the day. Health checkups were
periodically conducted.
Day Care Center for Senior Citizens:
About 25 aged destitutes were sheltered during day time in
one of the halls. Nutritious lunch,evening tea, strain less
occupational therapy, visual recreation is provided throughout
the day. With more funds better services could be offered.
GEMS Clinic:
This clinic offered free service to the residents of the area
under an able and qualified doctor. Periodic medical check-ups,
health camps were conducted for women and children. Preventive,
promotive and curative care was undertaken for ensuring good
health.
School:
A primary school imparting free education to children for
standards I - IV was being run by GEMS in the adopted
rehabilitation area.
Non-formal education:
Former child labourers numbering 25 were weaned from their
labour oriented life and given training in the non-formal
education center run by GEMS. They were later admitted in formal
schools.This project was funded by TNSCB.
Vocational Training for Women:
Women's empowerment being one of our major objectives, GEMS
undertakes every effort to work for economic independence of
women. Training programmes in various skills and trades were
imparted to women and young girls and on completion they are
referred for jobs or helped to start their own venture.
Tailoring, Book Binding, Envelop Making, Detergent
Manufacturing, Making Handicrafts, Training in Security Guards,
Candle Making were some of the trainings imparted to the women.
Associations:
Women's Associations formed with the initiative and guidance of
GEMS help the women to come together to work for a common cause
and achieve results which is of benefit to the entire
community.Thrift societies formed help the women members to
become entrepreneurs.
Basic Necessities:
GEMS Foundation has been closely working with the people and
providing them the basic necessities of life by laisoning with
various government departments. - (viz) the Metrowater, the
Corporation. the PWD for providing good potable water,
electricity, repairing of roads, toilets, drainage etc., and
other basic infrastructure.
A police outpost which was a felt need for women in the area was
posted within the community at the premises provided by GEMS. In
1999, GEMS Foundation had decided to concentrate its activities
in Kerala State Thus it was resolved that the various activities
undertaken in Valachery Pavement Dwellers Rehabilitation Centre,
Madras, be handed over to a leading NGO working in that area.
|
|
