Schools, NGOs participate in XLRI JoyFest of Giving

Jamshedpur Sept 24^th 2012 (The Pioneer): The Jamshedpur Joy Fest: Joy of Giving Week 2012" was launched at XLRI. It was attended by the representatives from industry, schools, local NGOs, civil society organisations - and was graced by Fr C L George, SJ, dean (admn & finance), XLRI, Fr Victor Misquith, SJ, Principal, Loyola School Ronald D”Costa, Rotary, and Amitava Ghosh, secretary, Kala Mandir

Besides the students, faculty and staff of XLRI, the ceremony was attended by principals from local schools, representatives from industries (e.g., Cummins Ltd., Jusco, Tata Steel, Telcon, Timken, and Tinplate etc.) and civil society organisations (e.g. Center for World Solidarity, Helping Hand, Kalamandir, Krityanand UNESCO Club, Rotary Club, SEEDS, TSRDS, etc.).

Like the past three years, one of the major city-wide initiatives being planned is to invite donations for material resources, and distributing them to the under-served and needy segments of the society through NGOs. Four specific collection and distribution initiatives are planned with the help of local schools, industries, Rotary, community organisations, NGOs and general public:

A donation drive to collect wearable (clean and complete) clothes items is planned, which will be distributed to the less-privileged through partner NGOs

Similarly, a donation and distribution drive for dry ration (rice, lintels, moodi, and biscuits) continue as one of the city-wide initiative. The distribution of these resources was done through local NGOs to ensure that they reach the right beneficiaries.

Last year 25 tribal and under-privileged children, studying at the Holy Cross School, Chowka (Chandil), and at St Thomas School, Gande Dungri got financial support for their education. This year the effort will be to partner with other organisation and extend this initiative to help more children. One can support by contributing for their tuition fee, uniform, and/or school books.

Like earlier years, the students will perform Nukkad Natak in Clubs, Housing colonies, pandals, to create awareness about the event.

XLRI girl students will visit villages nearby Jamshedpur to spread awareness about personal health and hygiene among women. They will counsel them and provide free samples for sanitation for one month to make them aware about the value of hygienic living. The students will be visiting local schools, XITE, etc. to provide career tips, etc. The dates for these are being worked out in consultation with the school authorities, and will take place after the vacations.