No man stands so tall,

as when he stoops to help a child.

Chinese proverb

The BREATH, that gives life

and strengthens the life.

“Suvasam” in Tamil language means breath, which is important for survival. In the context of Dalits life, many people were killed by the imperialists, high caste group and many people died themselves due to poverty, sickness and helplessness. So, for such community, there is a social need to give a breath for the dying and marginalized. POPE has made an attempt to do the same for the Dalits. In that context this centre is named after “Suvasam”. It functions at Somasipadi village.

There was a small building at this place which was taken for rent in the year 2001 to run a Dalit women development Programme. By Lord’s Grace, POPE was able to purchase the building and the land of 31 cents (100 cents = 1 acre) in the year 2002. This grant was given by the individuals from Europe. In fact, this was POPE first own building. POPE is maintaining the old building with the clay wall and the thatched roof for our office even today. That old house is a symbol of a Dalit’s house. Now, this centre has the following activities in newly constructed buildings. POPE thanks all the funding partners for their valuable and timely support.

POPE has picked up the child labourers, street children, under privileged drop out children, orphans and destitute children from the project field of Thurinjapuram block, Tiruvannamalai block and Kilpennathur block of Tiruvannamalai District through our Animators, staff and SHGs. These children are provided residential education at this centre. Their education includes class subjects in which the children wish to join or eligible to join during next year. During one year, the children are given coaching / tuition with the help of a qualified teacher. Periodical evaluations are also conducted to find out the position of children and to assess the capacity to cope up with the next year school academic load.

The children are placed under joyful learning climate where the teacher acts as a housemother. At present, Suvasam centre welcomes 10 Boys and 30 Girls (7 – 14 years old) are following the courses at the remedial school, the 27 others (8 – 16 years school) are going to the village’s school. After, they stay at the centre until the holidays.

In addition to this, the children are getting opportunities to grow on their special talents like Music, Dance, Art, Paintings, Drawing and on various Fine Arts. After one year, the boys will be placed in Thallakulam Dalit children’s education and empowerment centre for their free stay and continue their education in the nearby Government Higher Secondary School.

Due to the visits of different guests and partners, the children can be aware of different languages and cultures. They discover a peace of world.

“Suvasam” has:

• a computer training centre for the Dalit young women to undergo for a period of one year and obtain paid employment and self-employment.

• a training centre for differently able people. They learn to do simple things like doormats etc.

Life coping skill curriculum is also incorporated into the skill training.

• The Self Help Group members are given social animation training. The self help group management leadership training panchayat raj training etc., are organized at this centre.

• Staff development training, staff review and planning meetings are also held in this centre.

• The Dalit Network meeting, community meeting and community counselling are carried out also provided at this centre.

• The women development co-ordination office is also situated in this centre.

There is a library and reading room for the children of remedial school and others coming here for training. Staff and community can also be used. At present, POPE has a collection of around 1500 books. Most of the books are related to Dalit issues, Human rights community development and network.

The differently abled children with in the age group of 3 to 14 are identified in this block and they are coming to “Suvasam” twice in a week for free physiotherapy.

A mini bus is also available to take the children around the villages and for trainees’ mobility, placement services etc.

  In brief, in a small campus, we have number of activities going on.

POPE takes this opportunity to thank all the supporters and for those who contributed directly and indirectly for the success of POPE.