Last week was the best week of the year for many children in Tamil Nadu, including myself (a big kid!). Summer camp was held by SCAD for differently abled children from surrounding villages. 60 children with varying physical and mental disabilities came to Anbu Illam for five days, all with one objective – to have fun. ‘Fun’ is not usually a word associated with children with disabilities from rural underprivileged villages in Tamil Nadu. A combination of cultural attitudes, ignorance and lack of resources condemns these children to a life of exclusion and great hardship.  Parents are often...

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The SCAD interventions in health related activities is a direct response to the growing concern over the emerging health challenges in the villages. Camps and trainings are extremely beneficial in providing immediate and localised care to village members who otherwise might not be able to access a doctor, hospital or knowledge on how to ensure the best health for themselves and their families. It is vital that these trainings are provided in an environment and language that the local people understand and SCAD has a real advantage here being a local NGO. The SCAD staff work tirelessly to provide...

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" Orphan elders" are older people who have outlived all their family and are neglected by their kith and kin, therefore they don't have any caregivers. They are a largely ignored population whose numbers are expected to burgeon with the medical explosion that has paved way for a longer life and smaller families. Neglect is the most common form of abuse towards orphan elders at 48.7 % followed by emotional, financial and physical abuse. SCAD helps give the orphan elders a life of dignity through programmes including a monthly old age pension, medical assistance, elders’ self help groups and annual...

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Every child has the right to participate, grow, live and be protected from others. Being given a chance is essential for these rights to be fulfilled in a child. In India there are very few opportunities and prospects for differently abled children. SCAD gives hope, dignity and self respect to differently abled children in Tamil Nadu. A golden opportunity was given by SCAD to 5 physically challenged students to take part in the State Level Sports Meet for the physically challenged. The sports meet was held at Chennai. SCAD staff and Sports Coordinator took 5 children to Chennai by train to compete...

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Screening and Awareness Cancer Camps are a new SCAD initiative, delivered in partnership with the Cancer Institute (WIA), Chennai and Krishna Hospital, Tirunelveli. These community based camps aim to bring about an awareness of cancer and to screen for early detection. Women in rural villages do not have easy access to medical facilities and are extremely unlikely to go for screenings without symptoms. Through the Women’s Self Help Groups SCAD are able to educate women about the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of cancer and to encourage regular screenings. Two community based camps...

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‘Loving Greetings from SCAD!’ (a lovely phrase that is used at the start of most emails here) Like all good journeys and adventures it has been a bumpy road and at times it has been very hard but it has also been amazing and breath-taking. I can also honesty say that I am happy. I sometimes say that I must have been Indian in my past life – I love the food, the culture, the people, the colours and I also love eating with my hand (Not so keen on the poverty, inequality and filth but you can’t have everything). At first I was pretty overwhelmed by the enormity of it all and the feeling...

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An article in the Times of India, Chennai today reveals grim figures from the 2011 Indian census about open defecation in Tamil Nadu. 45% of the state’s population resorts to open defecation due to the lack of sanitation facilities.  The article reads “The situation is worse in rural areas where only 2% of the population is covered by the pipeline sewerage system. As a result, over 73% of rural population defecate in the open.” Most rural village homes do not have toilet facilities and people resort to open defecation which contaminates the drinking water supply and has huge implications...

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SCAD’s greatest asset is not only the Chairman  & Vice Chairman but each and every team member. It is with such a dedicated and committed team that SCAD is able to aim so high and continually achieve so much. Mrs Christy, Health Coordinator, is one of hundreds of committed SCAD staff members. Mrs Christy’s role, working with SCAD since 2006, is to provide training, support and care to pregnant mothers across all five area blocks. Mrs Christy conducts pregnant mothers training days in all SCAD villages. Village Animators and Volunteers inform any pregnant women or new mother of their...

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We've built up a formula for successful community empowerment over the past 25 years which we wish to share with others. If you’re looking to expand your experience and international horizons, then our one month and three month tailored work placements are for you. Spend time: - working with children with disabilities - assisting in our veterinary care camps - caring for our abandoned and destitute elderly in the community - teaching the next generation - working a range of energy and conservation projects You can now download and read our pre-departure pack which...

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Get involved with SCAD in 2012 - it’s now even easier Tamil Nadu charity Social Change and Development (SCAD) is strengthening its links with overseas supporters this year with the launch of three new initiatives as part of its plans for 2012. It now means it will be easier for you to learn more, see more and do more with SCAD than you’ve ever been able to do before. Whether your want to travel to Tamil Nadu to work with SCAD, volunteer with SCAD, or simply learn more about its work wherever you are, the door is wide open. SCAD’s work is about community empowerment. It works with...

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