Atswa Trust

Tamil Nadu faces an alarming road safety crisis, ranking among the highest in India for road crash fatalities, with 65,562 lives lost in a single year. Addressing this issue, it is executing the "Together for Safer Roads in the State of Tamil Nadu, India" project, funded by the PSA Foundation. Operating within the Decade of Action for Road Safety's Pillar 4, the initiative targets safer road users, focusing on enhancing safe driving knowledge and behaviour.

Over 32 months, it aims to reduce fatalities by supporting Safe Schools Zones and a multimedia awareness campaign, benefiting 200,000 youth. The Road Safety specialist will be crucial in refining the project plan, ensuring effective implementation, and providing essential technical support.

Promoting women's development stands as a pivotal focus for ATSWA, recognizing that empowering women creates positive ripple effects, elevating entire families socioeconomically. The organisation dedicates efforts to the comprehensive advancement of marginalized women through awareness campaigns, educational initiatives, and sustainable economic programs. In Pulicat (Pazhaverkadu), Tamil Nadu, specific projects, such as crab fattening activities and Equitas' small loans benefiting 180 women, aim to catalyze income generation. Additionally, a partnership with Club Mahindra supports training sixty women in Butternut bark plate and cup making, fostering economic empowerment and community welfare.

ATSWA's commitment to aiding disabled individuals includes establishing vocational training centres in Redhills, Chennai, Dasukuppam, Madanambedu in Sathyavedu Mandal, and Chittoor town in Chittoor district. Seeking Government support for funding, these centres aim to empower more disabled individuals, fostering financial and social independence.

Registered with the Skill Council for People with Disabilities (SCPWD), NCVRT, TRRAIN - PANKH, SMILE Foundation, NSDC to offer courses like Domestic Data Entry Operator, Retail Sales Associate, General Duty Associates, Nursing, Lab Technician Courses and Housekeeping Room Attendant, aiming to train 2650 young people annually, ultimately expanding vocational training for aspiring individuals.

The significance of senior citizen care has grown amid societal shifts, particularly with the rise of nuclear families. ATSWA extends its care to senior citizens in Sathyavedu, Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh, and Pulicat, Thiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu. Addressing their needs, the organisation provides essentials like clothing, bed sheets, medicines, and food supplements. Monthly eye care camps in Sathyavedu cater to their well-being. Currently, 60 seniors in Sathyavedu and 46 in Pulicat benefit from these services. Despite the demand for more assistance, financial constraints limit the scope. In Madanambedu, a daycare centre has been initiated, ensuring seniors receive a nutritious lunch daily.

The initiative strives to bring joy and prosperity to disadvantaged children, facilitating their success in life through impactful assistance in the form of residential child care. The programme encompasses three vital areas:

a. Residential Child Care for children facing risks,
b. Community-based Child Care tailored for boys affected by HIV, and
c. Education and Rehabilitation efforts focused on children with disabilities.

The overarching goal is to create a supportive environment that nurtures the well-being and development of these vulnerable youngsters.