Pillars of ACT
Kalyani Mani - Administrative Supervisor
I am Mrs. Mani, a retired teacher who worked for 40 years in the National Children’s School.
After my retirement I didn't want to stay idle, so I approached ACT for a job. After my 3rd approach, I was appointed on 2nd Feb 2008, and my journey with ACT has been on since then. Initially I was unaware of what work I would have to do.
I was trained by my Managing Trustee and Secretary. Then I took many responsibilities and started working independently and confidently. My job included interacting with children, bank work, coordinating with schools, arranging trips, the responsibility of dropping the children at their doorstep, conducting rangoli competitions, organizing sports day for the mothers – an event that is wonderful and lots of fun for the mothers. Birthday celebrations for the children are close to my heart as I can see the smile and happiness on their faces, something which they did not get at home. When go to cricket club to join our children I admire the location and coach who teaches our children. I rushed the children to the hospital when any emergency arises to give them comfort and confidence. In many difficult situations, I handle the auto and van drivers. I am also in charge of planning, preparing, and supervising the food for the children on a daily basis. Before serving the children, I always taste the food first. I have supervised the renovation of the government schools we have adopted. I have had amazing experiences working in the Indranagar center, at the GTHPS, Hoodi govt school, RG Halli govt school, and the Ramagundanahalli govt school.
With God's grace I am celebrating my 13 years of service with ACT. I thank my Managing Trustee, board members, volunteers, children, staffs and mothers, who encouraged me and are part of some of my happiest memories.
Lakshmi - Mother
My name is Lakshmi. I had enrolled my children in the nursery of RBNMS school. There they told me to approach the Trust as they are helping people in educating their children. When I first came, I knew nothing about the rules or the discipline of the Trust, but I slowly learnt them. I have been with the Trust for the last 13 years. My oldest daughter Kasturi is in 2nd PUC. My second daughter’s name is Krithika and the third one’s name is Tamarai. Now all my three daughters can speak in English, operate the computer, they are learning drawing too. They are doing good. My husband and mother-in-law are so happy when they hear my daughters speak in English. All our acquaintances are very surprised when they meet my daughters.
During these difficult Covid 19 times, they are attending online classes from home. For the past 8 months, aunty has been giving us provisions and money. She also rings up and asks us what we need. Even before we ask, she gives us all that we need. Even if she is unwell, aunty comes to the Trust to help us. I don’t know how I would have survived without her help.
When I step into the Trust, I forget all my worries and tensions and am filled with strength and courage. I have learnt a lot from the Trust. Mani ma’am has taught me cooking and has told me to work in the kitchen. I don’t know what power the Trust has, but I feel a joy while working here. I am illiterate, but I am very happy that my daughters are studying. I want my children to be happy and make aunty happy. That is all I want in life.
Anuradha - Mother
My name is Anuradha. I have three daughters. Earlier, I was working as a cleaner, washing plates in a small hotel, and was paid Rs. 50/day. Once, when my daughter Navya fell ill and I took her to a doctor, he prescribed some medicines. I pleaded with him to give me the medicines for free as I did not have the money to buy them. He was kind enough to give me the medicines and then told me about ACT and asked me to visit the Trust. I came here straightaway with my daughters. The aunty here asked me about myself, my daughters and my financial condition. After hearing my reply, aunty promised me that she will pay the school fees of all my three daughters and educate them.
If only I had not heard about the Trust, my life would have been locked in poverty; I would not have had a life at all. How would I have managed with my meagre earnings? How would have I fed the children, paid their school fees, and bought medicines for them? My brain had stopped working. I had no help or support from anyone. At that point I was so miserable that I had decided that I would give some poison to my daughters and then commit suicide.
When the good doctor told me about the Trust and I came here, it was a turning point in my life. At first I thought that the Trust would only pay my daughters’ school fees, but then I came to realize that the children are provided with bedsheets, sweaters, school uniforms, shoes, socks, towels, kerchiefs, paste, brush…everything that they need in life is provided by the Trust. There was a time when there was no food in the house, and I kept my children healthy by feeding them the porridge made from the protein mix given by the Trust.
When my children fell ill, aunty took them to the hospital, got them the medicines and would later even call me to find out if all was well with us. This love and care have renewed my interest in life, and I am at peace now.
The mother’s programme in the Trust has made me a confident person and has rejuvenated my life. I have now danced on the stage before an audience, participated in sports activities, got many awards – including the Best Mother award.
Even in these difficult times of Corona and lockdown, aunty has ensured that my daughters are educated online and has provided us with ample provisions every month, so that we don’t suffer due to hunger. Anything good in my life is there only because of aunty.