Mahalir Maruvazhvu - scheme for widows
Sacrifice Friends Club, a non-Governmental organisation based in Coimbatore, has initiated a scheme for widows.The “Mahalir Maruvazhvu” scheme aims at providing self employment opportunities to widowed and destitute women. The project has covered about 18 women in the district. Nine of them were given sewing machines. Some others were given training in computer technology. “Depending upon the individual’s skills and requirement, they are given equipment and skill development training to earn their livelihood,” said P.N. Lashmanan, president of the NGO. “Through this scheme, one of the women was placed in an information technology company,” he added.Destitute women or widows below 35 years of age would be eligible for assistance. Women with disability would be provided with sewing machines that could be operated with the hand.The organisation is also involved in an urban slum adoption programme through which it provides educational and financial support to over 12 slums in the district. Sanitation and health requirements of the slum dwellers are taken care of in addition to organising regular health camps that include master health check up programmes. “The present focus is on developing the overall personality of the children in slums. Apart from education, their interest in science and technology will be honed,” Mr. Lashmanan said.Many of the children possessed remarkable skills in scientific inventions but, rarely got an opporunity to showcase them, he added. After conducting workshops to enrich their talents, an exhibition of all the scientific products/innovations made by the children would be held.Those who wish to extend help can contact the organisation at 9994111888.
