ONERAGA - TOGETHER BETTER
Based on the Tamil word for together, OneRaga, the idea of harnessing the power of people working together, is a major factor behind what has been achieved so far, and is fundamental to achieving Shalom’s vision of long-lasting transformation in lives and communities.
Shalom’s OneRaga network includes not only those in India who are participating, benefitting and helping to run programs, but also those in Australia and other countries who help provide funding, skills, time and mentorship.
Beneficiaries and communities are encouraged to look for ways they can be part of the solution, by putting into practice what they learn and providing time, skills, venues and other resources. This participatory approach helps build community understanding and ownership of development outcomes and programs.
Our commitment to partner with communities for an extended period, means programs and project staff are increasingly accepted and engaged with, as families and leaders see the positive impacts Shalom’s programs have on people in their communities.
Shalom intentionally seeks to work with other NGO’s, government departments, doctors and educators working in the area, so we can design and effectively implement programs that will address the most pressing and stubborn needs.
Our program staff and community volunteers are nationals with local knowledge and language. Relationships and programs are culturally appropriate, accelerating the foundation of trust necessary for effective community engagement and ownership.
Meet some of Shalom’s OneRaga champions in India who are helping to bring positive change to their communities.
Doctor Premi – mobile medical team
Dr Premi runs a small clinic at Alanganallur and volunteers her time a couple of mornings a week to join our mobile medical team to provide free medical checks for mothers and children.
Glory – medical team oversight
Pictured above talking to mothers about nutritional supplements, Glory from New Creations Trust, provides training and oversight for Shalom’s medical team and assists with counselling and community health awareness talks.
Suganthi – mobile medical team
Studying her Diploma of Nursing, Suganthi wanted to give back for the help she’s received with her studies. Whenever her classes permit, Suganthi joins Shalom’s medical team to help weigh babies and take blood pressure.
Dhivya – village tutor
Not only does Dhivya give her time to help the children in her village do their homework, she also encourages all the Mums to bring their babies for regular weighing when the mobile team visits.
Aanthi – tuition cook
Aanthi is one of mothers who does her part to help promote education and better nutrition by cooking the nutritional grains which are given to the children who attend the tuition group in her village.
Wilson – HCTE building team leader
Wilson oversees Shalom’s building projects. He came up with the idea that if we could fund the construction houses for sale, the profits could be used to help fund programs. From this idea grew Shalom’s House Construction and Training Program.
We’d like to thank the following for their support and assistance.
NGO’S and Trusts
Global Development Group - Australia
Open Door Social Ministries Trust – India
WKFFM Trust India
New Creations Trust – Health Care and Nutrition Programs
Indian Government Departments
Tamil Nadu Commissionerate of Social Welfare
Madurai District Child Welfare Committee
Madurai District Child Protection Unit
Indian Health Service
Madurai Legal Service
Madurai District Police Service
Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services
Madurai Sanitation Department
Tamil Nadu Food Safety and Drug Administration Department (Food Safety Wing)
Village Communities – leaders and families
Errampatti, Valasai, Arasampatti, Kodankipatti, Mulaiyur, Malaiyur
Village Schools
Errampatti Village Primary/Middle and Secondary Schools
Valasai Primary School
University & Colleges
American College, Madurai
Loyola Technical Institute
Local Businesses & Community Groups
Grace Constructions
Prince of Peace - Madurai
Bless Madurai Group
Donors and Funding Partners
Vidyajey Foundation - Australia/Singapore
ANT Foundation - Australia
Riverlife Brisbane - Australia
Barnewall Resources - Australia
Our Child Sponsors, Faithful 40 partners, Adopt a Village Partners and HCTE contributors
and many individual donors and families in Australia, the US and India.
“Unity is strength... when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved.”