After school support for marginalized learners

Career Guidance & Psychological Support Session for Janani Home for Girls, Puducherry

On 14 January, Janani Home for Girls, Puducherry, successfully organized a Career Guidance and Psychological Support Session for the children of our staff as well as the children residing at Janani Home. The session was thoughtfully designed to support the holistic development of the children by addressing both their emotional well-being and their future aspirations.

Growing up, many children face uncertainty, academic pressure, emotional challenges, and limited exposure to career opportunities. Recognizing this, the session aimed to create a safe, encouraging, and interactive environment where children could openly express their thoughts, concerns, and dreams. The program focused on helping them understand themselves better, build confidence, and make informed choices about their future.

During the session, children received guidance on various career options suited to their interests, abilities, and academic strengths. They were introduced to diverse educational and vocational pathways, helping them realize that success can take many forms and that every talent has value. Practical discussions on goal setting, planning, and decision-making encouraged them to think realistically while dreaming ambitiously.

Equally important was the psychological support component, which emphasized emotional health, self-awareness, and resilience. The children were guided on how to manage stress, overcome fear and self-doubt, and develop a positive mindset. Through gentle conversations and engaging activities, they were reassured that challenges are a part of life and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

The session also addressed academic and personal growth, highlighting the importance of discipline, perseverance, and self-belief. Children were motivated to recognize their unique potential and to take responsibility for their learning and personal development. Many participants actively shared their dreams, questions, and concerns, making the session lively and impactful.

The response from the children was heartening. They appeared more confident, hopeful, and motivated by the end of the session. For many, this was a rare opportunity to reflect on their future in a structured and supportive setting. Such interactions play a crucial role in shaping young minds, especially for children who may lack consistent guidance or emotional support in their lives.

At Janani Home, we strongly believe that every child’s dream matters and that timely guidance can transform lives. Each step of encouragement, clarity, and support contributes to building a brighter and more secure tomorrow for these young girls.

We remain committed to organizing more such sessions that nurture emotional strength, inspire confidence, and empower children to pursue their goals with courage and clarity. Together, let us continue to nurture young minds and empower their future.

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Advancing Women, One Step at a Time

Akshaya Self Help Group (SHG) Federation continues its steadfast commitment to women’s empowerment by extending microfinance assistance to the next round of women’s groups, reinforcing its mission to promote sustainable, women-led livelihoods. This initiative, carried out in collaboration with LACIM, France, marks another meaningful milestone in strengthening grassroots entrepreneurship, resilience, and economic independence among women from underserved communities.

Women often face multiple barriers when attempting to start or expand income-generating activities—limited access to capital, lack of institutional support, and social constraints being among the most significant. Recognizing these challenges, Akshaya SHG Federation has designed its microfinance program to be inclusive, empowering, and responsive to the real needs of women. Through this latest round of financial assistance, women’s groups have received timely support to initiate small enterprises, scale existing ventures, and stabilize household incomes.

The microfinance support is not merely financial; it is transformational. By placing trust in women and enabling collective decision-making within SHGs, the Federation nurtures confidence, leadership, and mutual accountability. The women supported through this program are engaged in a wide range of livelihood activities, including tailoring, petty shops, food processing, agriculture-related enterprises, and other small-scale businesses that contribute directly to family well-being and local economic growth.

A key strength of the Akshaya SHG Federation model lies in its holistic approach. Alongside access to credit, women are encouraged to build financial discipline, savings habits, and entrepreneurial skills. Group discussions, peer learning, and regular meetings help members share experiences, overcome challenges, and celebrate successes together. This collective strength enables women not only to withstand economic shocks but also to grow with confidence and dignity.

The collaboration with LACIM, France, has played a crucial role in expanding the reach and impact of this initiative. Their continued support reflects a shared vision of empowering women as agents of change and investing in community-driven development. This partnership demonstrates how international solidarity can effectively strengthen local efforts and create lasting social impact.

Most importantly, the ripple effects of this initiative extend beyond individual beneficiaries. As women gain economic independence, they invest in their children’s education, improve family health and nutrition, and actively participate in community decision-making. Each supported enterprise becomes a step toward breaking cycles of poverty and inequality.

Akshaya SHG Federation firmly believes that empowering women is one of the most effective pathways to sustainable development. By advancing women one step at a time, this microfinance initiative is helping build stronger families, resilient communities, and a more equitable future. With continued collaboration and support, the journey toward inclusive growth and women-led development will move forward with renewed hope and determination.