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NGO MEET 2016

Theme: Sustainable Development- 8th September 2016

Introduction

The Department of Social Work at Christ University organized a gathering of non-

governmental organizations at University campus. The theme of the meet was “Sustainable

development”. The meet, which was held on 8th

September 2016, provided a common

platform for the NGOs where they could interact with the students of Christ University.

The aim of the meet was to provide an opportunity for the NGO‟s to sensitize the students

and strengthen the networking between various NGO‟s and the University. The Meet began

with inauguration of exhibition followed by panel discussion by NGOs. The NGO Meet was

coordinated by the Final year MSW (Clinical and Community Practice) students.

Inauguration

This NGO Meet was inaugurated by Dr. MallikaKrishnaswami, Deanof Humanities and

Social Sciences, Christ University at 9.30AM on September 8, 2016 at the entrance of the

university.Students and representatives from various NGOs, and Faculty members were

present for the inaugural ceremony. The Head of the Department, Dr. Victor Paul welcomed

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chief guest, NGO representatives, teachers and students. Dr. MallikaKrishnaswami in her

inaugural address, mentioned how the NGO meet is not just a platform for helping the NGO‟s

spread awareness but it is a golden opportunity for the students to know more about the

various NGO‟s in Bangalore and also to avail more opportunities for the future especially

when it concerns to job openings.She mentioned how fortunate the social work department is

to be able to collaborate with so many NGO‟s in a short span of time.After the inauguration

the chief guest and the faculty members visited the exhibition stalls and interacted with them.

The vote of thanks was delivered by the class representative Ms. Ivy Sebastian where she

thanked all the participants, NGO‟s, volunteers, faculty members and especially the sponsors

for the event.

The Exhibition

The exhibition wasorganisedon the walk way of the campus as a result most of the students

could benefit from it. The representatives from 9 NGOs were present in stalls to explain

about their work and contributions to the society. Each NGO was conveying the significance

of different ways to serve people around us. The NGOs participated in the exhibition were

Hearfon, FSL India, Mitu Foundation, Sochara, Bhoomi Network, Pencil,Enguru,Sumukha

Foundation and CSA. Brochures, pamphlets and visiting cardswere shared with the visitors

by those NGOs.

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Panel Discussion

Mr. Abinesh, president of Social Work Association welcomed the guests and participants

during the panel discussion in the afternoon. The Panel Discussion was inaugurated by Prof.

Phinu Jose, Director of CSA.In the inaugural speech, Prof Phinu pointed out the importance

of NGO Meet and she shared her experiences while working with the Department of social

work. Prof. Phinutold about the importance of having both the mind and the heart when it

concerns social work. Dr Victor Paul, Head, Department of Social work addressed the

gathering and spoke about the importance of the NGO Meet and why it is essential for the

students to know how to approach an NGO for collaboration and work efficiently hand in

hand. The representatives of NGO introduced their organization, shared their best practices

and success stories and motivated students with their vision and mission. Presenters chose to

show short videos on their organizations and the kind of work they are involved in. Dr. Victor

Paul presented each of the participants with a memento after the presentation.Students

clarified many of their doubts during the panel discussion. Ms. Bhagyashree, the secretary of

Social Work Association expressed vote of thanks. The panel discussion ended at 4.00 p.m.

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Brief note on NGOs and contents of their presentation

1. Hearfon

Hearfon, a unit of Rajan Speech & Hearing Centre is a highly professional and advanced

Institute, which helps in timely diagnosis and remedy of every hearing loss and speech

disorder. Their specialists use the most advanced state-of-the-art testing equipment, highly

sophisticated hearing aids, counseling and speech therapy that bring uncompromising and

committed services in speech and hearing health care. It is their goal to help the patient reach

his or her best hearing potential. The exhibition displayed brochures and cards which spoke

about the organizations work and the interested students also were encouraged to give their

names for volunteering

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2. Bhoomi Network

Bhoomi College is a space for learning for those who are keen to work in the areas of

alternative education for sustainable living. It is committed to a holistic approach to learning

and living. Its curricula are based on integration of ecological consciousness with holistic

science, the humanities, arts and crafts, through theory and practice. The learning processes at

Bhoomi also stay sensitive to one‟s „inner ecology‟ and the link with the eco-spiritual and

psychological issues. They had shared their activities during the seminar session and

distributed the brochures and pamphlets.

3. FSL India

FSL-India is a leading youth development organization of India focused towards intercultural

Learning through Voluntary Services, set up to promote Global Understanding by providing

opportunities to youth to work in different cultural contexts and to appreciate intercultural

learning. This helps to reduce boundaries and bring people together to work in harmony, with

an understanding of the intercultural aspects and focusing on development of people and

society through youth mobility and volunteerism. Annually, FSL-India mobilizes 1500 and

more young people from across the globe with the support of international partners and local

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NGOs.Their areas of interests are –Medical and health care, Environment and Conservation,

Women and Child care development, Rural and Urban development. Through these programs,

FSL India has been engaging youth to supplement national and global efforts for attaining

Millennium Development Goals.

4. Centre for Social Action

CSA is Centre for Social Action (CSA) is a unique movement, where student communities

are sensitized on various issues affecting the poor and marginalized sections of society. CSA

aims to enable the students to be aware of the social realities around them as well as impart

them with ideas of how they can contribute towards the upliftment of unheeded sections. It

was set up in 1999 by the management, faculty and students of the University, as an offshoot

of the National Service Scheme. It was initiated with the intention of enabling the student

community to imbibe the values of social responsibility, as envisaged in the Core Values,

Vision and the Mission of Christ University. With the many socioeconomic and

environmental issues that the country facing today, CSA believes in the strength of the

student community in bringing about a positive change. The groups that CSA focuses its

programmes on are children, women, youth and the student community in urban slums, rural

and tribal villages and educational institutions.

5. SUMUKHA

Sumukha Foundation is a registered ,voluntary, non-profit organization providing quality

surgical and allied care for economically weaker and socially marginalized section of the

society suffering from facial deformities such as Cleft lip and Palate, oral cancer, Fractures of

Jaw ,Cysts and Tumour. This Started in the year 2007, with the help of a multi specialty

approach, Sumukha foundation has been performing free surgeries, post operational treatment

and rehabilitation and there by gifting invaluable „smiles‟ to the needy poor patients.

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6. SOCHARA

SOCHARA is involved in creating networks and linkages, working with campaigns and

movements that bring the public back into public health and the voice of the community into

the public health discourse. SOCHARA team is also involved in community health action,

policy advocacy, dialogue and documentation on Community Health in India, action

research, learning facilitation and documentation at local, national, regional and global levels.

7. MITU Foundation

MITU (Multiple Initiatives towardsUpliftment) is a charitable trust focused on driving,

participating and supporting various activities for the less fortunate sections of society.

MITU‟s focus areas are:

Menstrual Hygiene Management

Empowerment and Income Generation for Women

Up cycling and Recycling

Some of the projects already in force are - Project Donate for Dignity, Project Sudupayog,

Project Up cycle and others. The products set in the stall were all handmade by the Self Help

Group Members and included tiny key chains, spectacle chains, purse, potli‟s, grocery bags,

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jute bags, sling bags, reusable sanitary napkins, menstrual hygiene kitand various other

products.

8. Pencil

PENCIL is the premier organization linking community resources with Metro Nashville

Public Schools. Thanks to dedicated PENCIL Partners students are in state-of-the-art

laboratories, working alongside teachers and industry professionals. Teachers are designing

lesson plans that cross the traditional boundaries of education - like linking data points in

algebra with students' Agricultural Science classes. Dedicated volunteers are regularly

donating one lunch hour a week to helping a child improve his or her reading

comprehension. Businesses are creating an engaged and excited pipeline of students

interested in their industry through internships and job shadowing.Representatives from

Pencil were the MBA students of Christ University. They presented very well with posters

and brochures.

Feedback from the Participants

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The participants of NGO Meet expressed their sincere gratitude and happiness to the NGO

Meet. Mitu Foundation said, that they were happy to be a part of the NGO Meet and would

like to comeback to Christ again next year. Most of them said that it was a great opportunity

for them to introduce about their NGO‟s vision, mission and initiatives. Hearfon expressed

about hospitality. Pencil commented that the students have been very professional in their

approaches.Sumukha Foundation expressed their desire to visit again next year. FSL said that

the presentation session was very beneficial as it was interactive in nature.Enguru was happy

with the program and are ready to sponsor the same next year too.

Conclusion

The NGO Meet, organized by the MSW Clinical and Community Practice Students of Social

Work was a good experience for everyone who participated for the programme. Comparing

to past years the participation from students was a little less this year, due to which the

number of participated NGOs also were less. The presentation was also useful in terms of

giving a platform for NGOs.The students were able to gain more knowledge about NGO and

various social issues through interaction and visiting the stalls.Overall, the activities

encouraged students with a sense of understanding of how several non-profit organizations

are making a positive contribution to our society.