Objectives Of This Program

1. Education and Care: Providing access to quality education and meeting the basic needs of underprivileged children, including essential supplies and medical support.

2. Reduction in School Dropout Rate: Implementing strategies to decrease the number of children dropping out of school, ensuring continued access to education.

3. Skill Development: Equipping children with essential life skills, employability skills, and career guidance to enhance their prospects for a better future.

4. Health and Well-being: Promoting awareness about menstrual hygiene and ensuring access to healthcare services for improved overall well-being.

5. Empathy and Support: Offering personalized counseling and emotional support to foster resilience and a sense of belonging among the beneficiaries

Problem Statement

Specific challenges in Srikakulam district:

• Low-income sections of society rely on the public education system.
• Challenges of school-dropout in the area.
• Critical need for support systems from 6th to 10th grade.

EMPOWER – Padala Collaboration Plan

EMPOWER has collaborated with Padala Charitable Trust to expand the reach of the Vaaradhi program. Following  are the steps:

1. School Identification: Identify schools in Narasannapeta, Srikakulam district, from amongst schools who already participate in the Swechcha and Career Counselling programs.

2. Student Selection: From these schools, identify and select students for induction into the Vaaradhi program, based on certain socio-economic criteria, with special focus on orphans and children with single parents. Each identified student will be assessed for individual needs in the areas of education, health, and well-being.

3. Program Structure: Padala will assist EMPOWER and SVCT in building the program structure to:

1. Meet students at regular intervals.
2. Conduct home visits to assess family situations.
3. Implement a six-weekly tracking to monitor progress.

1. Selection Process: Rigorous assessment based on eligibility criteria and personal verification to identify beneficiaries most in need of support
2. Comprehensive Care: Tailored interventions including provision of essential items, medical camps, surgeries, and extensive counseling sessions to address the diverse needs of the children.
3. Academic Support: Remedial teaching, competitive exam preparation, and parental involvement initiatives to enhance academic performance and retention rates.
4. Skill Enhancement: Training programs in areas such as public speaking, spoken English, computer skills, and career guidance to equip children with the necessary tools for success and life outside of school.
5. Co-Curricular Activities: Encouragement and facilitation of participation in extracurricular activities such as sports, arts, and cultural events to promote holistic development.

Impact of Project Vaaradhi

Empowerment and Resilience:

Strengthened self-esteem, confidence, and resilience among beneficiaries, enabling them to overcome adversity and pursue their aspirations with determination.

Conclusion

Project Vaaradhi stands as a testament to the transformative power of education, empathy, and collaborative action in uplifting the lives of underprivileged children. Through concerted efforts and strategic partnerships, Padala Charitable Trust, EMPOWER and SVCT are committed to continuing their mission of creating a brighter future for the most vulnerable members of society. The goal is to extend support to 100 students across many rural areas in Srikakulam district over time, building on Padala’s extensive experience and success in this area.