When four parents of differently-abled young adults attended a training session on making paper cups, conducted by Vidya Sagar at Thakkar Baba Vidyalaya, T. Nagar, they knew what would keep their out-of-school children busy and give them a fighting chance in the world. They invested in four machines and started manufacturing paper cups under the name of Sri Sakthi Ganapathi Trust in 2011, from a garage at a friend’s place.
Then, a year later, they managed to get a space free of rent on Ambhujambal Street, Alwarpet. Four more students joined them and now the eight students, helped by parents and volunteers, have been providing these 100 ml and 150 ml cups to caterers in the neighbourhood.
“We want our children to learn to live independently. It was with this aim we started the trust,” says N. Shymala, founder-president. The oldest student of the trust is a 42-year-old. All of them get a stipend for their contribution.
But, the parents wanted to extend support to other such adults who were idle at home. Earlier this year, with the help of WIA they set up an activity centre at Nathamuni Street in T. Nagar. Here, those aged above 20 come and engage in works such as block and screen printing, gift cover making, creation of scribble pads. There is a plan to organise a mela in the coming months to showcase and sell the products. “The proceeds will be given back to the students,” says Shymala.
Now the trust is looking for volunteers who can teach the students music, yoga, art and craft. “Such recreational activities are also important for them. Anyone can come and spend some time with the students,” says Radha, a volunteer at the T. Nagar centre.
Also the trust plans to start a residential home for these adults. “But we need a bigger space and funds for making our dream a reality,” says Shymala. The activity centre works from Monday to Friday, from 10.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. Address: 40, Nathamuni Street, T. Nagar.
The paper cup making is undertaken from Monday to Saturday at 332, First Floor, Gandhi Nilayam, Ambhujambal Street, Alwarpet. Timing: 9.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. For details, call 98402 06008/ 94452 19559.
