Website: www.merds.org.in www.bengprojecten.nl

ANNUAL REPORT –APRIL 2012- MARCH 2013

CHAPTER 1 COWS FOR KIDS PROJECT: SOCIAL PERFORMANCES

1. Developments in CFKThe main purpose in the cfk project is to send the children to school regularly and it is being achieved in all our target villages. The family has got employment and their unemployed problem is solved through our scheme. The price of the milk has increased and the beneficiaries are now getting good income. We get enough rain this year and we hope we will get enough water and green grass for the animals. We hope that the rate of the rice hay etc will be reasonable. Also they send their children to schools regularly.

1. Athoor-Akkaraipatty, 2.Poyyampatty, 3.Velayuthampatty are the villages running a cfk project at present. A short preview to the developments per village:

1.2.1 Athoor-Akkaraipatty: In this village the beneficiaries were selected from the list who were directly getting small financial help from Mr.Ge for their family and children. We thought that these nine families would utilize the cfk project so that they can get self-employment and sustainability and that they can send their children to school. Just three of them have left the village and they have sold the cows too. We have also decided to take legal action against them if they do not respond our agreement after March 2013.Others who have failed to repay the loan are now assured to repay a minimum on December 2012.( Taking legal action will cause unnecessary tension for us also ,hence we can give some threaten and so on.) 1.2.2 Poyyampatty:In this village almost all the beneficiaries were highly active and repaid successfully for their first animal loan. These people are depending a hill region and working as daily wageworkers in the forest area. Soon after we issued the second cows there was a sudden virus disease called blue tongue fever which caused the cows to stop giving milk and made them sterile. Almost 9 calves that drank the virus milk have

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died and there was great loss to the beneficiaries. However they saved the life of the 8 cows and 3 died even after heavy treatment and the milk secretion was also completely stopped. Actions to be taken:

a. We had meetings with the people and asked them to repay the loan from their wage earnings. They said that their earnings are very limited and soon repay the amount little by little before March 2013 which is their final date allotted for repayments. Actually they asked us to wipe out their pending loan but we refused their demands. We will follow closely the repayment efforts till March 2013 and see how they react.

b. The existing cows are very bony and they cannot be used for meat purpose also. Hence they can sell them to the merchants who buy them for the outer skin but to a cheaper cost.(with in Rs 2000 per animal) We had a meeting in the village today November 28, 2012 and they are going to sell the useless cows and repay the same to us. Approximately Rs 20,000 can be repaid through this dealing.

1.2.3 Velayuthampatty: In this village the cfk system is going on regularly. Almost all the 10 beneficiaries are repaying as per schedule and also maintaining their cows properly. We hope that the milk cooperation will continue its cooperation with them and successfully they are involving in the scheme.

Performance of the CFK beneficiaries

SL.NO

NAME OF THE VILLAGE

NO. OF BENEFICI- ARIES

LOANMilk yield UP TO

OCT 2012

RS COLLECT for the milk

yield

REPAID from the milk selling

Amount utilized for CHILDREN

school expenses

Amount utilizesd

for CATTLE feed

purchase

Amount utilized

for FAMILY

expenses

1.

VelayuthampattiAug 2011-March-2013 10 360000 26500 424,000 356,000 18000 18000

32000

2.Poyyampatti March 2010- March- 2013 12 480,000 20,800 332,800 2,92,000 12800 15000

13000

3.Athoor March 2010- March 2013 9 260,000 12260 196,256 122500 16266 28430

28860

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CHAPTER -2Computer and stitching coursesThe computer and stitching trainings are also part and parcel of the CFK project. The computer course (20 students) teaches the basic in computer (Diploma in computer application). Computer training courseApril t/m- MARCH 2013  Cost during 12 months

Budget for one year

Spent in 12 months

Salary, 1 teacher 12x Rs 2000   24,000 24,000

Tuition fee12x Rs 300 x 20 students   72,000 72,000

Exam fee Rs 250x20 5,000 5000

contingenciesWiring, plug boards, Electricity, labor costs 5,000 5,000Total 106,000 106,000

INCOME: StudentsLocal contribution.

INCOME: 12x Rs 50x 20students 12,000

Note: Actually our budget proposal is Rs 94000 from BENG and Rs 12000 is from trainees and hence we are meeting the total budget of Rs 106000 to run the computer project..2 Stitching Course The Tailoring students are engaging in the stitching and producing dress materials as per the need of the society. They are trained in measuring, cutting, designing and stitching the cloths. They are experts in making women blouses, skirts, shirts, pants, churidhar and nighties. They are very quick to make the dress materials and the nearby people are approaching our centre to get to stitch their materials and our trainees are able to earn little money also during the course.

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Stitching course April 2012 t/m MARCH 2013

 Costs during 12 months

 Allowed For one year

 Spent for 12 months

Salary, 1 teacher 12x Rs2000  24,000  24,000Tuition fee 12x Rs150 x 20  36,000  36,000Raw materials 12x Rs 50 x20  12,000   12,000Exam fee Rs200 x20   4,000   4000Contingencies (water, machine maintenance, oil etc)

  3,000 3,000

TOTAL AVAILABLE BUDGET 79,000 79,000Students contribution Rs50 x 20x 12months=12000

Note: Actually the budget for the stitching course is Rs. 67,000 and the actual

expenses will be Rs. 79,000. As the local contribution of the students will be Rs. 12,000 (12 months, 50 Rs x 20 students) we will not exceed the budget, and this will help to meet the final expenses.

CHAPTER - 3

4

TC BUDGET on 2012- 2013 Allowed for 1 year

Spent for 12

monthsThere are 19 tuition centres in 16 villages and there are 328 children getting benefit thanks to our tuition centers, 149 boys and 179 girls. The children are getting lessons daily in the evenings and they are trained in playing, drawing, writing, speaking and other cultural activities. Our village teachers help them with their homework. We do conduct special competitions in these subjects and the children are encouraged by giving small prizes. There is great welcome among the parents in the villages. The School going children are getting very eager to attend the schools regularly due to our motivation.

Salary tutors 19x Rs600 x12 months 136800 136800

Teachingmaterials19xRs2000(charts,notebooks,pens,pencils, chakpiece,stationery etc)

38000 38000

Competitions and exhibitions.19xRs2000 38000 38000Cultural activities, sports, and games compettions19xRs2000 38000 38000School uniforms 12500 12500Coordinator salary1xRs 1500x 12 months 18000 18000Supervisor salary1xRs 2500x12months 18000 18000Travel expenses Rs x 500x 12 months 6000 6000 Total 305300 305300

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CHAPTER-4: BURSARY PROJECT 2012-2013:

In 2012 there are 16 Bursary students: 12 (R) and 4 (S). In addition we have selected 8 girls from NPR College for the current year 2012 as new bursary students who are at their first year Degree courses. The spoken English and the computer internet education are given at MERDS training centre, Natham. The spoken English class is conducted by Miss.Jeya Arasi the NPR college English lecturer and the computer class is conducted by Mrs.Aunucia Devi who is working as a head master in a matriculation school at Natham. As per plan the computer lab has been improved and the students are very happy on joining the course. Lunch arrangements are being made to our students and they are given travel expenses too for attending the course. Really both the spoken English and the computer internet courses are very useful to our students and the parents of our students are very happy and conveying their thanks to BENG.

BUDGET SPENT FOR THE YEAR 2012-APR- MARCH2013- AN OVERVIEW

Budget Received for the current year 495.000

BUDGET Allowed for 12 months

Budget spent for 12 months

From BENG 495000 + Old balance 38155Total = 533155 Total

Bursary regular 11x Rs 7500 82500

82500(for 11 students)

One-one candidates 12000+12000+4000+4000 32000 32.000New 8 students 8x7500 60000 60000Delasale ITI 106500 76000Administration: 12 months x 5500Rs 66.000 66000Training cost for spoken English&Computer 100255 100255Salary to tutors 2x 2250x 12 months 54000 54000Internet charges 12monthsxRs1000 12000 12000Elecricity 12xRs1000 12000 12000

Purchase of LCD monitors 4x7800 31200 31200

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Update hardwares &softwares 7200 7200

533155 533155

CHAPTER -5: Little stars NURSERY school

Our Little Stars Nursery school has started successfully from June 2012 onwards at Athoor in the middle of the village with 35 children of which 12 are studying UKG and 23 are studying LKG. We have conducted a parents meeting at Athoor in a community hall and the parents were very interested to start the school in a convenient place so that their children will get proper education and play happily in the school premises. Also the parents understood that they have to pay the minimum contribution for their children and best education.

Actions taken:a. School uniforms: We bought uniform cloths from a bulk dealer so that we can arrange a

tailor to stitch the cloths; the parents were interested on seeing their children in uniforms. In a way we see all our children with uniformity and there is no difference between the children and families. The parents repay the cost for their child’s uniform by monthly repayment.

b. School materials: We ordered books from a reliable company, and provided free note books, pencils and eraser to each child, so that all the children will have their own books with them. Play materials were bought with the presence of volunteers and teachers.

c. School building: Almost all the needed furniture, chairs, Almerah, tables and lights were bought and utilized. The school is painted and provided with all the needed bulbs, water lines, doors, fans, and pipes etc. The toilets and the bathroom are constructed and the

7

back space has been cleaned well and we made a small garden for our children. New paintings on the wall were made and different pictures on educating the children are also hanging inside our class rooms.

d. Teaching methods: The teachers are trained often by the volunteers and the children are enjoying their new skill trainings. Our teachers are following the current book syllabus and teaching in the play way method. The effort taken by them are good and our children are performing well in their tests, Every day action plan is being made by our teachers and they teach accordingly. Our children are enjoying music, rhymes. English words, sentences and songs. They draw pictures and paint according to their taste. Totally they play, study and refresh in the school. New play equipments have been fixed in the backyard of the school. And the complete garden side was made fit to our children to play. The walls of the garden were painted with beautiful animals, flowers, etc. Our volunteers made crucial role on painting. On the whole the atmosphere of the school is very nice and the parents are eager to admit their children in our school. The computer room is designed in the upstairs and our children get computer lessons through our teachers.

LITTLE STARS SCHOOL BUDGET DETAILS FOR April 2012 -March2013Income   Expenses

    Expenses made up to March 2013                   BENG 342000   Uniform cloth purchased   31950monthlysubscription 10500   Books purchased     27000Repayment for books 10500   School advance     25000Repayment for uniforms 10400   Floor mats purchased   780      Electric bulbs     630      paint purchased     1046      salary to teachers (12 monthx2500x2) 60000      salary to Assistant (12monthx1500x1) 18000      stationery,playmaterials,vessels etc 12248      ups,speakers and woofer,connector etc 3600      Furnitures and almerah etc   22130      Toilet construction     30270      Electric charges(12x500)     6000      Rent for school building 12monthx Rs2600 31200

    Conveyance and travel for delivery of goods 1200    Play equipments     29500

      Mason charges     1200      Raw materials (cement, sand,Blue metal 1500      Fan,wiring,bulbs,fitting charges (labour)        Xavioyr.       21100      Sand,ground leveling,labour charges   9700      Stationeries and Note books   7200  373400         Total 341254

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      balance will be Rs. 373400 341254 32146            32146

Chapter: 6 St. La Salle ITI, Dindigul

Details of BenG Beneficiaries of 2012-2013

Sl nr

Name of the Beneficiaries Gender Course Fees (Rs) Follow up

1 C. Muthu Raja M Electrician 4000.00 Arkay Industries,Sempatti

2 A. Sirumani F Electrician 4000.00 Studying 3 A. Jeyarani F Electrician 4000.00 Studying 4 S. Selvam M Fitter 4000.00 Studying5 A. Paul Vivek M “ 4000.00 Shiva Tex Yarn,

Coimbatore 6 S. Joseph Mano Raj M “ 4000.00 Shiva Tex Yarn,

Coimbatore7 P. Pethana Pandi M Auto Mobile

Mechanic4000.00 Automobile Work

Shop8 S. Selvi F Computer 4000.00 Home 9 P. Christy F “ 4000.00 Data entry business10 L. Jenatsha Priya F “ 4000.00 Home 11 J. Jasmine Flora Mary F “ 4000.00 Bill collector 12 A. Saleth Mary F “ 4000.00 Bill collector13 R. Ramya F “ 4000.00 Studying 14 P. Victoria Mary F Tailoring 4000.00 Self Employed15 A. Jeyaclin Mary F “ 4000.00 Self Employed16 T. Hemalatha F “ 4000.00 Married, at home 17 J. Meena F “ 4000.00 Self Employed18 A. Maria Vasantha F “ 4000.00 S.J Garments, Dgl19 K. Ilaveni F “ 4000.00 S.J Garments, Dgl

9

TOTAL 76000.00

Chapter - 7

DROP OUT CENTRE 2013 STUDY PERFORMANCES OF THE STUDENTS The children who are very poor in economical status and unable to continue their studies, due to poverty, are chosen for the admission in our Drop Out Centre (DOC). Children whose parents are illiterate are being approached by our staff and teachers and the children are encouraged to get admit in our DOC. After hearing the impact of our centre most of the parents nearby villages are approaching our centre directly to admit their children in our centre. At the start of the new school year, in June 2012, there were 45 children selected who dropped out from their regular schools. Now most of them are getting trained in our DOC and got re-admitted in the regular stream. The evening food we provide helps them lot. They get satisfied both physically and mentally. We are in a situation to restrict the number of children as per the budget we can get from BenG projects, The Netherlands. Any how the people and the children find it very useful and are saying that our DOC is building their basic for life. We do feel very proud on hearing the same.

The children of the Drop Out Centre are highly encouraged and motivated on their studies and extracurricular activities. The teachers perform a hard task to enrich our children’s knowledge. The regular attendance of our children in both the drop out Centre and in their regular school is very appreciable. The competitive attitude has grown among our children and their achievement in the school final examination proved the same. The regular government school teachers appreciated the performance of the children from our DOC and they themselves gave motivation to our students to continue the study to their higher level.

We find gradual increase of knowledge in both school curriculum and extracurricular activities among our drop out children in the past year. We hope that we can promote more skills in this current year along with the additional vocational training to the children. Actually, there are 45 students studying in our DOC for the year 2013-2014:

6th standard - 9 students, 7th standard – 6 students, 8th standard – 2 students 9th standard – 9students, 10th standard – 13 students, 11th standard – 4

students

10

12th standard – 3 students.At the start of the new school year, per 1 June 2013, the total number of students (strength) was 46 from which 18 boys and 28 girls. Another 5 students from 11th standard and 3 students from 12th standard will be admitted as new students from 16 July 2013 onwards. An overview of the strength in- and outflow of our DOC students, in 2012 and 2013, is shown in attachment 1.

SUCCESSFUL EDUCATIONInitially there were some difficulties to search for the post graduate teachers to teach for the higher grade students, but we were able to get two very good, new teachers who studied Mathematics, science, and English. Our higher grade students are able to understand all the difficult subjects thanks to our new teachers. Also they play well and do concentrate on studies without difficulty. They do have a lot of subjects and it has to be covered with in December. Hence both the teachers and students are highly involved in all the activities. The parents are also very happy and let their girl children to study. Last academic year our students were able to achieve top ranks in the final examination.

One of our 10th standard students called, K.Veerakumar has got 450 marks out of 500 in the government public examination and other 4 of our students has got more than 400 marks. We have got 100% pass result in 10th standard. Likewise all our students have got their promotion to the next classes. We do have children who can paint pictures on wall; draw beautiful pictures, attitude of speaking before audience, dancing, singing and playing various games.

The main success is that, in the school year 2012/2013, ten students were re-admitted in the main stream educational system (attachment 1)

SPORTS & GAMES Regarding co-curricular activities we teach our children to promote their skills in drawing, writing, speaking and acting. The girls are very eager to learn dancing and they do practice on Sunday’s in our Drop Out Center. Also we give opportunity to play indoor games like Carom board and other intellectual games. In addition to that we train our students in the outdoor games like football, throw ball, badminton and skipping. Sports competitions and games were held among our students and thus our children are encouraged by getting small awards and rewards.

UTILIZING of THE FUNDS

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DOC expenses June 2012 until March 2013   For 12 months For 12 months All amounts in Indian rupees    Allowed Spentsalary to staff 4x 1500x12 months   72000 72000cook 1x1200Rs x 12months   14400 14400Play materials and stationery   5000 5000Rent Rs 2500x12months   18000 18000Food   495744 507089  Tota

l 605144 616489

Notes: Rs.11345 excess expenses on food were paid from the bank interest. Copy of the Annual Financial Audit report 2012-2013 is attached

(attachment 1 on page 8)

Important changes in the budget 2012/2013: 1.  the schedule with the strength (number of students) has been adjusted in a way

that 8th, 10th and 12th standard have also an outflow. When a DOP student is brushed up to the required level, he or she is returns into mainstream education.

2.  there can be an inflow in the levels: 6th, 10th and 12th standard and there can be an outflow in 8th, 10th and 12th. The aim is an occupancy rate between 50 to 55 students, which is manageable by the teachers.

3.  the cost increase between 2011/2012 and 2012/2013 is because of:a. salary increase of cook, b. hiking food prices and c. increase of the building rent. The rent was already increased in 2011/2012,

but BenG has decided not to refund the increase for that year.d. the inflation correction for the years 2012/2013, 2013/2014, 2014/2015

and 2015/2016 is estimated at 5% per year.

BUDGET 2013-2014

DROP OUT SCHOOL EXPENSES NEEDED FOR THE YEAR 2013-2014

1.Salary to staff 4 x Rs 1500 x 12 months = Rs. 72000

2.Salary to Cook 1 x Rs 1200 x 12 months = Rs. 15600

3. Stationaery and play materials = Rs. 5000

4.Rent for the building Rs 2800x 12months = Rs. 33600

5.Food Expenses for 50 children = Rs. 495744

12

TOTAL = Rs. 621944

The above budget of Rs 621944 is requested from BENG to cover one academic year 2013-2014 but still under consideration at the BenG Board in The Netherlands. In advance of Rs. Rs. 506600 has been paid.

Because of a decreasing amount in funds, from BenG in The Netherlands, over the past two years BenG has asked to investigate the following points:

1. What amount can parents contribute to cover a part of the running cost of the Drop Out Centre?

2. Can parents or Indian well-wishers contribute in kind: e.g. donation of free meals at special occasions, free fire wood or food items?

3. How can we commit local Indian donors to the Drop Out Project4. How can we decrease the cost on food without compromising on a healthy

diet?

BenG has asked to report about these questions it in the Half Year Report coming November 2013. Based on the findings in November 2013 a final decision will be made about the budget for 2013/2014.

CHART DETAILS FOR THE FUND S RECEIVED:

1- Cfk project.

13

Akkaraipatty-Athoor CFKLoanRepaidBalancespent for schoolspent for cattlespent for family

velayuthampatty cfkLoan

Repaid

Balance

spent for school

spent for cattle

spent for family

2. Computer Training

computer trainingBudgetsalaryTution feeExam feecontigenciesstudent contribution

14

poyyampatty cfk

LoanRepaidBalancespent for schoolspent for cat -tlespent for family

3. Stitching Training

4 - Tuition centers

Tution centres

Budgettutors salarycompetitions cultural and sportsTeaching meterialsuniformsco ordinator salarySupervisorTravel costs

5. Bursary 2012-13

15

Stiching TrainingBudget

salary

Tution fee

Exam fee

contingecies

Rawmeterials

students contribution

Bursary 2012-13

Budgetscholarshipone to oneDelasale ITIAdminTraining costTutor salaryInternetElectricityCost of LCD monitorsHardwares

6. Little stars school 2012-2013

Little stars school 2012-13

BudgetIncomeExpensesBalance

7. Dropout school 2012-13

16

Dropout schoolBudget

Salary

cook

play materials

Rent

Food

Spent excess from bank in-terest

WORD OF THANKSMERDS started working with BENG on 2000 and most of our aims and goals are being achieved through the projects sanctioned by BENG. Actually BENG is unique when compared with other agencies because they are highly involved with our works and guiding at right intervals. I learned a lot from BENG and many poor families got benefit out of BENG projects. Mr.Gé Mol and Mrs.Toby are being a part and parcel of our organization and guiding us very sincerely in each and every movement for the advancement of our project activities.

The volunteers from BENG are highly involved in action and cooperate nicely with our staff and people. They are very flexible and take part in the field activities. Hence the volunteers are very helpful and everyone is always welcome to take part in the project activities.

My relationship with BENG will ever green. The whole BenG board is to be honorable and respectable for its immense services and encouraging MERDS.

Thanks to BenG, THE NETHERLANDS.

Chandra SekaranFounder and project coordinator MERDS

17

8th August 2013

MERDS

Uluppagudi (Post), Natham (Taluk),  +91 4544 244207Dindigul District,   +91 9159989958Tamil Nadu,  merds36@yahoo.comIndia – 624 401 Website: http://www.merds.org.in

18

PHOTO GALLERY

Volunteer Rianne Tessers and overseas BenG board member Gé Mol visiting the DOC

Indoor games like carom board and other co-curricular activities in the DOC

19

The senior students in the DOC

Our cook preparing a daily healthy meal. The children enjoying their meal

20

Study time

With love from all students at the MERDS Drop Out Centre - NATHAM.

21

Attachment 1

STANDARD STARTINGRE-

ADMITTED UPGRADE NEW STARTING FINAL

  STRENTH OUTFLOW OUTFLOW INFLOW STRENGTH STRENGTH    left DOC

completely to be re-

admitted in main

streameducation

promoted to one standard level higher

at the start of the new school

year

additional including

admissions per

16-07-2013

  Jun-12 May-13 May-13 Jun-13 Jun-13 Jul-13 6th standard 6 0 6 3 9 9 7th standard 9 3 6 0 6 6 8th standard 3 1 2 0 2 2 9th standard 12 3 9 0 9 910th standard 12 3 9 4 13 1311th standard 1 0 1 3 4 912th standard 2 0 2 1 3 6TOTAL 45 10 35 11 46 54

Ref. 1: Half year report 2012/2013 Dated: Nov-2012Ref. 2: This interim DOC report 2013 Dated: Aug-2013

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Attachment 2: Copy of the Annual Financial Audit report 2012-2013

23