Our Programs
Discover the heartwarming stories behind the impactful programs conducted by the Poornatha Foundation. From fostering awareness on crucial health issues to nurturing the talents of children in underserved communities, each initiative reflects our dedication to creating positive change and fostering a brighter future for all. Join us as we celebrate the spirit of compassion, empowerment, and resilience that drives our mission forward.
Workshop on Geographic Information System
A two-day training workshop on Geographic Information System (GIS) for students pursuing higher studies in social sciences and population sciences was organised by the Poormatha Foundation, Mumbai on 11th and 12th February, 2023. The online workshop conducted via Google meet platform had 20 participants. The workshop began with a welkome note by Dr. Susan Mathew, the Treasurer and was coordinated by Ms. Hemalatha Anilkumar, the President of Poomatha Foundation. Sessions were taken by 2 resource persons namely Dr. Gulshan Kumar, Assistant Professor in the Department of Geography, Kashi Sahu college, Jharkhand, and Mr. Nawaj Sarif, a senior research fellow of doctoral studies at the International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai.
Mr. Nawaj Sarif, in the introductory session, explained GIS, its application and types of software. In the following sessions, Dr. Gulshan Kumar dealt in detail on georeferencing, creation and modification of shape file and merging of spatial and non-spatial data. Day two of the workshop started with a round of self-introduction by the participants which was then followed by Mr. Nawaj Sarif’s session on management of shape file and data table, map preparation and creating output. Dr. Gulshan Kumar concluded the workshop by teaching special analysis using Geo Da, Moran’s I, LISA cluster map and special regression. Various aspects of GIS comprising theoretical inputs and practical sessions were intended to assist participants to have hands on experience on the GIS software. Participants found sessions informative, interesting and engaging and participants gave positive feedback regarding the workshop which is encouraging for the organising team as the workshop was the first training programme of Poormatha Foundation since its birth in December, 2022,
The workshop ended with vote of thanks by Ms. Hemalatha Anilkumar. All participants were given e certificates by Poomatha Foundation.
Teacher Training Programme on Learning Disability- Identification and Remediation
Poomatha Foundation in collaboration with Sree Narayana Guru College of Education (B.Ed.) and Don Bosco Research Centre Mumbai, organised a day-long teacher training programme “Leaming Disability: Identification and Remediation,” at Sree Narayana Guru Samiti campus, P.L. Lokhande Marg, Chembur, on February 25th, 2023, A total of 50 teachers from Sree Narayana Guru schools in Chembur and Navi Mumbai along with a group of B.Ed students participated in the programme. The programme was co-ordinated by Hemalatha Anilkumar, President of Poornatha Foundation and Dr. Ann Fermandes, Principal of B.Ed College. The workshop began with the lighting of the lamp by Dr. Ann Fernandes, Hemalatha Anilkumar and Fr. Ajoy Fernandes followed by prayer and welcome by Dr. Ann Fernandes.
Fr Ajoy Femandes, Director of Don Bosco Research Centre-Mumbai, was the resource person for the training programme. The sessions were conducted in English and focused on understanding the learning problems that children have and how the teachers could identify the specific problem of each child, enabling the child to learn better. Fr.Ajoy helped teachers to understand the environmental, emotional/behavioural and actual learning problems of school children. The teachers were taken through the process of recognising, identifying, accepting and assisting the child with difficulties to encourage, support and enable such children to cope with and improve their learning ability.
Interacting with the participants, Fr.Ajoy, who is also a trained psychotherapist with a PhD from Manila, in Philippines, said, “It is important to understand and help children with learning difficulties. As teachers who wish the good of the children and as responsible parents, all of us need to acknowledge, be aware, recognise, accept and intervene constructively through a multi-pronged approach that involves IQ testing, comprehensive assessment including educational assessment, clinical assessment and occupational therapy.” Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia are all learning disorders which can be rectified and reversed if attended to at the right time in the right manner.” The sensory integration was very well explained to them through the song ‘Bonnie my Bonnie’. The teachers thoroughly enjoyed learning through the action song and made a remark saying it was one of the best training programmes they have attended. The teachers also added, the wat the information conveyed to them was simple and understandable.
The participants were given certificates of participation. The session ended with a vote of thanks given by one of the senior teachers from the B.Ed. college
Menstrual Health, Hygiene and Nutrition
The Poornatha Foundation organized two community-based awareness programs on menstrual health, hygiene, and nutrition.
The first program took place on March 9, 2023, at the transit camp in Mankhurd and was attended by 20 women aged 10 to 35. Dr. Susan Mathew and Ms. Hemalatha Anil Kumar served as resource persons, with Ms. Nirmala as the field coordinator. Dr. Susan Mathew provided insights into the biological aspects of menstruation, the role of hormones, and the importance of using sanitary products properly. She emphasized changing pads every 4 to 6 hours to prevent reproductive tract infections and informed participants about low-cost sanitary pad initiatives.
Ms. Hemalatha Anil Kumar discussed personal hygiene and proper disposal of menstrual waste, advising women to use community bins to avoid environmental contamination. She highlighted the need for senior women to model good practices and stressed the significance of menstrual hygiene for overall health. She also covered nutritional advice, advocating for iron-rich foods and adequate water intake to alleviate menstrual symptoms. Ms. Hemalatha suggested organizing sessions for men to raise awareness and support for menstrual health.
The second program was held on April 17, 2023, at Shanikara Colony, Cheddanagar, Chembur, with 45 participants. Ms. Hemalatha again highlighted menstrual hygiene and waste management. Free sanitary napkins were distributed to adolescent girls, thanks to support from Don Bosco Nerul.
Both sessions were interactive, with participants showing keen interest and expressing a desire for future sessions on similar topics.
Medical Camp in Karjat, Navi Mumbai
On April 21st, 2023, Poornatha Foundation partnered with MGM Hospital to host a one-day medical camp in Karjat, Navi Mumbai. This collaborative effort aimed to deliver vital medical services and support to the local community, enhancing the well-being of residents.
By bringing essential healthcare resources directly to the doorstep of underserved areas like Karjat, such initiatives play a pivotal role in ensuring equitable access to medical care and promoting community health and resilience.
Health and Wellness
Poornatha Foundation in partnership with Chandni Chakhat Araji Welfare Society and Future Shine Academy in West Bengal was able to conduct an awareness programme on ‘Menstrual hygiene and prevention of anaemia ‘in the village, Kakramadi, Murshidabad District, West Bengal on 3rd May, 2023,
This is the first collaborative venture of the organisation outside Mumbai and a maiden attempt on a national level. Awareness programme had participation of 45 women from the village who showed keen interest in learning from the resource persons. ASHA workers handled the sessions regarding menstrual hygiene and Mr. Nawaj Sarif, a Senior Research Fellow from the International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai talked about anaemia and importance of healthy dietary practices for prevention of anaemia among children and women. Resource persons took sessions in interesting manner for the participants to understand the information imparted to them. It is also important to note that awareness programme on the topic is first of its kind ever organised in the village.
Before the end of the programme, water bottles, snacks and sanitary napkins were distributed to the participants. We are thankful to Mr.Nawaj Sarif, Mr. Rony Shaikh and Mr. Resab for their relentless effort in making this programme happen within a short time
Spoken English Classes
Poornatha Foundation initiated a three-month Spoken English study class on June 3rd, 2023, at Vashi Naka, Bhimnagar near Chembur. Twenty-three women, aged 19 to 48, enrolled from various vocations like beautician and computer courses. Supervised by Ms. Hemalatha and Dr. Susan Mathew, the classes, supported by Don Bosco, Nerul, aimed to enhance language skills for personal and professional growth.
Women Empowerment
Poormatha Foundation held a meeting with senior women of Vashi Naka community on 23rd June 2023. The meeting was aimed to improve awareness on financial aspects like bank operations, income generation activities and health care. Around 20 women between 55 and 75 years of age had gathered. All of them had identity documents like Aadhar and voter cards. Only a few were having ration cards. Nearly half the participants had bank accounts but had to depend on other family members for money transactions.
Ms. Hemalatha made them understand the importance of putting signatures in bank-related documents and to keep practising signatures to avoid making mistakes. Also, to be careful while handling cash in the bank and not to fall prey to fraudsters moving around in the bank in the pretext of helping people who seek assistance in bank work. Mostly women hailed from different districts of Maharashtra and Karnataka and have settled in the community for many years. Only one woman was drawing a pension for being a govt employee rust all were financially dependent on their husbands or sons. Only 2 women had their own residence in the slum while others were living in rented places. During the meeting participants were encouraged to capitalise on their skills and to start engaging in some income generation activities for making money to become economically independent. Some women had demonstrated skills in knitting and embroidery work and other decorative items earlier. After observing their skills they were advised to make coasters, shopping bags, handkerchiefs as a source of income generation.
As many of the participants were experiencing health issues a plan to organise a medical camp was talked about and Poormatha team will work on it. Before closing the session packets of biscuits and pain relieving ointments were handed out to women.
Health Checkup Camp
Health checkup camp jointly organised by the Poornatha Foundation and Sree Narayana Guru Central School (SNGCS) was conducted on 19th, 21st and 28th July 2023 on the school campus, Chembur. The camp was supervised by a medical team of 10 people comprising doctors, nurses and coordinators from Sushrut hospital, Chembur. The three day camp, which was initially scheduled from 19th to 21st July was disrupted due to heavy rains in Bombay and camp on 20th had to be rescheduled to 28th July.. Students from Jr. KG to 8th std were screened, personal particulars including anthropometry, general exam, ENT exam, eye exam, personal hygiene, systemic exam, and health status of each student were recorded on a health card.
Workshop on Stress Management
The Sree Narayana Guru College of Education (B.Ed.) and Poornatha Foundation organized a stress management workshop on August 5, 2023, at the college campus in Chembur. The workshop, led by psychologist and counselor Mr. Swapnil Pange, provided a refreshing change from routine lectures for both students and teachers.
Mr. Pange discussed internal and external stress factors, using visual aids to explain the role of the mind and frontal lobe in stress management. He introduced concepts like the green, yellow, and red zones of stress and the balanced state of mind, represented by the Thinking, Feeling, and Action (TFA) triangle.
Key takeaways included:
- TFA Triangle: A balanced state of mind is ideal but often disrupted under stress.
- 4 As: Awareness, Acceptance, Analysis, and Application are crucial steps for managing stress.
- Adaptive Responses: Recognizing aggressive (fight), anxious (flight), and depressive (freeze) responses to stress, and understanding their consequences.
- Practical Tips: Prioritize tasks, set realistic goals, acknowledge failures without self-judgment, and embrace mistakes for better stress management.
Mr. Pange concluded by encouraging participants to seek enjoyment, improve performance, and maintain feasible goals.
Grocery Kit Distribution
As part of community programme, Poornatha Foundation was able to distribute grocery kits to senior citizen women of Vashinaka on 5th August 2023. Senior women for the grocery kits had to be identified based on the socio economic background. Some of the criteria for the beneficiaries were: women who were advanced in age, widows, no income, dependent on family members for their survival, unable to meet ends due to failing health. With the help of a pilot survey done by the field staff of Don Bosco Nerul, senior women from such background were identified and a list was prepared. On the day of distribution of kits, field staff of Don Bosco had informed the beneficiaries to come to the community centre in person or due to health condition if some of them were unable to make it to the centre, they were informed to send a trusted person to collect kits on their behalf. Once the identified beneficiaries or representatives had arrived kits were distributed
Book Distribution
In September 2023, Poornatha Foundation distributed learning materials, including handwriting books, to underprivileged children in Kolhapur. Supervised by Ms. Shalini More, the initiative aims to improve children’s handwriting skills. Additionally, Ms. Shalini conducted a session on handwashing practices and the importance of nutrition for maintaining good health, engaging 13 students.
Awareness on Vitamin D
An awareness session on Vitamin D was conducted by Ms. Hemalatha at Shantinagar, Maharashtranagar, Mankhurd on October 12th, 2023. The session aimed to educate participants about the importance of Vitamin D, its functions, symptoms of deficiency, and preventive measures. Approximately 35 participants attended the informative session.
Colouring Competition
Children of Shantinagar colony in Maharashtranagar, Mankhurd were excited to participate in the colouring competition organised by the Poomatha Foundation in partnership with the Don Bosco Development Services, Nerul on 20th October, 2023. The competition saw participation of 30 children in the 3-6 age bracket, Colouring materials like crayons and drawing sheets were provided by the organising team. Aller completion of the event, all children were given chocolates. Mr.Nawaj Sarif from the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS) had volunteered to assist the programme.
Orientation to Community Work
From November 1st to 5th, 2023, Poornatha Foundation organized an orientation on community work for 1st-year B.Ed students of Sree Narayana Guru College of Education, Chembur. Led by Dr. Susan Mathew and Ms. Hemalatha Anilkumar, the program included field visits, community surveys, and group assignments aimed at equipping students with practical skills in community engagement and research.
Colouring Competition
Colouring competition organised by Poornatha Foundation for the children of different age groups at Shantinagar of Maharashtranagar, Mankhurd on 7th Nov 2023 had seen participation of 56 children from the community. Children made the best use of colouring materials like crayons and water paints provided to them to bring out colorful pictures. The best 3 pictures were selected from the lot for the prize distribution. Materials for the colouring event was sponsored by Mr. Pereira who has joined Poornatha Foundation as a volunteer. At the end of the event children were given biscuits.
Drawing Event for Children
Poomatha Foundation in collaboration with Future Shine Academy organised a drawing competition for children from 3rd to 8th std on 26th November 2023 at Kakramadi village, Murshidabad district, West Bengal. 100 child participants had taken part in the event.
International Women’s Day Celebration, Kerala
Department of Demography, University of Kerala, Demography and Health Research Centre (DHRC), Kerala, and Poornatha Foundation, Mumbai jointly observed International Women’s Day on 7th March 2024, at University of Kerala. Dr. P. Mohanachandran Nair, General Secretary of DHRC, Emeritus Professor in the Department of Demography and the Vice president of Poornatha Foundation welcomed the gathering and Dr. Anil Chandran, Head of the Department of Demography, delivered the presidential address. Dr. P. S. Sreekala, Director of the Kerala Knowledge Economy Mission, highlighted the challenges and discrimination that women encounter, importance of providing equal positions and opportunities in development activities and monitoring and evaluating programs implemented by the United Nations for women. Dr. Suja Kurup, Professor at the Institute of English, University of Kerala, highlighted the pivotal role of women in shaping society. Dr. Seema Jerome, Professor and Head of the Department of Malayalam at the University of Kerala, centered her discussion on the lack of awareness among women regarding laws and policies concerning them even in digital age. The event concluded with the vote of thanks by Dr. Vinitha Thilakan, faculty at Karuna Medical College, Palakkad and the Secretary of Poornatha Foundation,
