Opportunity
Students at Padma Industrial School
Notes from the field: November 2009
To take advantage of opportunity is a privilege. I learned this first-hand when I visited Manjakuddi village in Tamil Nadu, home of the Padma Industrial School. Most of the local people make their living as “farmer coolies” or agricultural laborers. The work is inconsistent and the pay is low. Everyone in the family who can work does work. The AIM for Seva school that forms the cornerstone of Manjakuddi village sees a high drop out-of rate amongst young men, who leave school to pursue employment. Secondary education is a privilege they simply cannot afford.
Madavan’s Story
In the wake of a father’s suicide, debt left a mother with no way to feed her children. A small, but life-changing gift enabled her son to enroll at the Padma Industrial School. Madavan trained to become an electrician and then worked his family out of debt. Hear his amazing story below:
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Madavan at Padma Industrial School
Supporting Subash and his grandmother
Subash working at school
Subash is an eighteen year-old boy who is attending the Padma Industrial School in order to help his grandmother. Subash’s grandmother has taken ill and has to stay at the hospital, but the family cannot afford the hospital bills. In order to help his family support his ailing grandmother, Subash joined the welding training program at Padma. Last year’s graduating class is now 100% employed, and Subash is confident he can get a well-paying job at the conclusion of his training. Robert, your gift has helped Subash support his grandmother. Thank you!
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Engineering a Future
Senthil in auto repair class
This is Senthil Kumar. Senthil is taking an auto repair class at the Padma Industrial School. Senthil comes from a rural area, and has limited education and job skills. By taking this class, he will now have mechanical skills, which are in high demand. With the income he makes repairing cars, he will be able to support his family for years to come.
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