Gerizim Rehabilitation Trust – A institution for mentally and physically challenged
The students of BSc. in Fashion and Apparel Design visited an NGO – Gerizim Rehabilitation Trust on 21st January 2023, under the guidance of Ms. Zulaika Asif. Total of 40 students visited the NGO. They were segregated in groups of 8. Gift of Knowledge is an initiative started by the students of JD School of Design powered by JD Institute of Fashion Technology.
Gerizim Trust / Gerizim Rehabilitation Trust is an institution which is more than 30 years-old. It was founded in 1989 by Mr. G. J. Yesudian . After his demise, his wife, Mrs. Indira Yesudian took the reign of the NGO and holds the position of Co-Founder of the organisation. The Director of the trust is Mr. Joseph Ponraj. They work with children who are mentally and physically challenged.
During the initial days, the trust had only 40 children and the founders sheltered them at their own home along with their children. They used to manage expenses of 42 children with their salary. Gerizim now is blessed with 4 Special Schools, 3 Vocational Training Institutes, 4 Children’s Homes, 4 free evening Tuition Centres, 4 Help Groups, 2 Social Development centres, 6 branches of family counselling units.
Gerizim Trust’s principle is to maintain truthfulness throughout the service. Integrity is prioritized at every stage of working as far as possible. They desire to practice patience and never to compromise their values in any form while trying to be sincere and committed to the task entrusted.
During their visit, Jediiians started their day with a small prayer and the teachers at the NGO explained about Gerizim, its ideologies, concept and the value addition to the children. The students were then given a tour around the classroom in which the children were taught. They presented the work of the children which ranged from socks, sweaters, frocks, foot mats with old sarees etc., thus showcasing their skill and creativity. The teacher further explained that the children learnt through actions as it made it easier for them to learn and imbibe skills that were being taught.
For the activity, the students and the children were segregated into 8 groups. Each group was assigned to teach art and craft to the children with the help of sustainable materials.
One group taught fabric painting with finger impression and vegetable impression. Another group taught the children how to make bracelets with bead work.
Older children were taught macramé techniques. This craft also intrigued the teachers of the NGO who joined in to try their hand.
One of the group taught book markings, whereas another showed the children in their group how to make dreamcatchers and wall hangings with the use of newspaper.
Once the children completed the group activities, the students of JD organised few games such as jigsaw puzzle, blocks, identifying animals and few other exciting games.
After the games, the NGO children took to fabric painting. The attention to detail, the swirl of the colour strokes, the detailing were admirable. From craft to painting the children are an artistic bunch. They had a zeal to learn and embraced whatever was taught with enthusiasm.
Post the completion of the activities and the tasks were completed, Mr. Joseph Ponraj, Director of Gerizim Rehabilitation Trust gave a vote of thanks and emphasised about the vision and mission of the NGO.
He also informed that the samples made by the children are usually put up for sale during exhibitions. The money collected from it is utilised towards the welfare of the children.
The eventful day was concluded with heartfelt thanks and gratitude towards the experience that the Jediiians got to be a part of. They also distributed stationery and chocolates among the children. The students felt humbled and were happy to have gained a new perspective. They extended their gratitude to Gerizim Rehabilitation Trust. As an institute JD School of Design strives to enable students to look beyond the specs of education and gain life lessons through such noble initiatives. This provides a holistic life view and inculcates a sense of empathy which is extremely imperative among the youth.