Objective
Started in 2015 with a grant received from Motherson Systems Sumi Limited, the AVVAI - Access to Education program is a sustainable financial model to support girl’s education by creating opportunities, typically outside of some families' financial reach, and empowering them through supplementary training programs.
The Avvaiyar, or Avvai (“Respectable Women”), was the title for poets who were active during different periods of Tamil literature. The Avvaiyar were some of the most famous and important female poets of the Tamil canon, and we believe that young women now have the potential to make the same impact on the world.
Methodology
The Udhayam Women's Federation and the women’s groups partner with AVVAI in executing and monitoring their operations. It is the federation that approves the educational loan applications from its members.
The loan and repayment scheme ensures a continuous opportunity to support future generations of girls in need, while the interest received from the repayments, funds programs for the empowerment of girls.
Collaboration with the Schools
This program aims to encourage and support children studying in the government schools around Auroville. These children are denied opportunities and encouragement at a young age. To encourage the meritorious students, each year cash awards and certificates are given for their excellent performance in academics, sports and creativity. Around 2900 students from5 to 14 years receive art materials to develop their artistic skills and are given a chance to exhibit their art work at their schools/AVAG.
