Please pray for Pastor Paul Nilivan’s ministry in Chennai - the ADDRES Centre - Alcohol Drug De-addiction Educational Service Centre – as they minister to those involved with drugs and alcohol. The team are also regularly out on the streets in their area bringing food parcels and other relief to the poor and underprivileged, often those who live on the streets – all in the Name of Jesus.
They have recently added a Homework Study Centre to their portfolio of ministries – to give some of the grade 5 to grade 8 children of their area (Ambattur) a well-lit, quiet and safe place to do their homework under the supervision of a trained teacher. Following is the description of their project…
"HOMEWORK STUDY CENTRE - A Project of ADDRES CENTRE
Homework is an integral part of school education. It facilitates in the learning process by reinforcing the lesson learnt in the classroom. It also prepares the students for the next day’s lesson. In spite of its importance, not all students in particular students from economically poor are unable to do their homework at home. During the informal conversation with children in villages in Ambattur Taluk revealed that many could not do their homework due the following reasons.
- No place available at home (most of the children live in small and cramped hut).
- No conducive environment due to domestic bickering/violence, alcohol addiction of family male members.
- No academic help or motivations available at home, as the parents are
Hence, there is a need for Homework Study Centre (HSC) an alternative to encourage and enable students to complete their homework. At HSC, the children in the particular village can come together in one place to do their homework in groups in a well-lit, quit and safe place under the supervision of a trained teacher. Children for grade 5th to 8th standard will be enrolled in the centres. However, based on the need other classes’ student may be included.
Objectives:
It is expected that these centres would enhance the academic progress of individual student and would also contribute for the development of their personality and social skills. The specific objective of these centres would be assisting the students by:
- Providing safe, quiet, safe and well-lit place for completing their
- Mentoring and rendering academic help to them to complete their
- Liaison between the school and parents in addressing issues relating to their academic performances.
- Providing avenues for developing their personality, team spirit and social skills
Location and Method of Operation of Homework Centres:
To begin with four Villages have been selected in Ambattur, Tiruvallur, Tamil Nadu, India. These centres would function in rented premises. More centres may be started based on the success of these four centres and availability of funds.
In each centre about 20-25 children would be enrolled. To benefit the poor, only children who attend government school (free school) would be enrolled in these centres. A part-time teacher cum mentor would take care of each centre catering to the academic and personal needs of the children. A part-time supervisor would be visiting the centre once a month to address any issues and for counselling. His/Her visit/service would be increased based on the need. The project co-ordinator (part-time) would coordinate the work of these centres and report to the Addres Centre and donors.
Overall Impact of the Project:
At the end of the project, it is expected in the villages where the centres are located would have strong, educated young women and men with high ethical value and right attitude to contribute to their society. And they would in turn take the responsibility of running the Homework study centre and for the overall development of their community as whole.”
Please pray that the Lord will provide resources to enable this ministry to continue, and that the Holy Spirit will touch the hearts of those to whom they minister with Christian care and compassion.