Social Education and Development Society: SPORTSCAMP 6TH MARCH

Welcome!

SEDS, the Social Education and Development Society, was founded in 1980 by Rajen Joshua and Manil Jayasena as a grassroots development NGO, motivated by the desire to help the poorest of the poor in the drought-prone area of Anantapur District in Andhra Pradesh. In the early days, the main focus of the work was on community development by way of non-formal education and small loans to skilled target communities like cobblers, basket weavers, blanket weavers and others.

As Anantapur is the second most drought prone area in India and much of its natural resources are depleted, it soon became clear that environmental problems would have to be tackled first, if peoples’ livelihoods were to be made sustainable. Starting in 10 villages near the small town of Penukonda a scheme of pioneering work was developed which aimed to empower local communities and improve their environment. Initially small nurseries were started for homestead plantations and planting of avenue trees along village roads. Re-a-forestation and more sustainable agricultural practices were introduced. From 1990, SEDS started using a more participatory approach, through the formation of Community Based Organizations. Involving the communities more in the effort made them actual stakeholders in the development process of the region. Throughout the years the scope and area of the work increased and the fruits of the sustained efforts became visible in the greener environment and the enthusiasm of the communities.

Today, SEDS is working through an integrated rural development approach with an emphasis on women’s empowerment, watersheds, re-a-forestation and natural resource management. This is within five Mandals in the southern part of Anantapur District, in south western Andhra Pradesh namely, Penukonda, Roddam, Gorantla, Somandepalli and Chilamathur. In these 5 mandals SEDS currently supports 125 villages, being some 12000 women and their families, 980 Self Help Groups (SHGs), 120 Village Organisations (VOs) & 5 Mandal Samakyas (MMSs) .

Through its sustained efforts SEDS has made a significant impact on the lives of the people in the area and the local environment. The SEDS slogan “Towards a greener tomorrow” has become a reality.

Sunday, March 21, 2010

SPORTSCAMP 6TH MARCH

The government of A.P. ask every school in the state to organize a yearly sports day. Our school held it on friday the 5th of March, a day that, of course, all children of Ananda Vidyalayam, were looking forward to. The event was organized by the principal, the teachers and volunteers.

All activities started after the daily pledge at 8:30. Groups were formed according to age and class, and taken under the responsibility of the class teachers. For sure, it announced to be a hot day; what else to expect in the south of India... Around the sports court, buckets filled with water were provided, so all participants could refresh regularly. The physical activities were held in the morning till lunchtime, the afternoon was reserved for games in the shade of the classrooms, the dining hall and the games room.

All kind of disciplines were possible, such as: running, jumping, frisbee, water and ball games and in the afternoon, a drawing contest, crosswords, pictionary...etc. A strict rotation system and timing made it possible for all the groups to complete the whole cycle.

All personal results were noted down by the alert teachers, because... at the end of the day, there were prizes to win! Prizes based upon the personal results, team spirit and fair play. At last, as participation, motivation and enjoyment are the most important recipes for such a day, rather than competition, we had a prize for everyone!

The day ended in a happy mood, a healthy tiredness and the relaxing idea that the day after was a... day-off!