Chennai: Fifteen years in the service of children with special needs, Arvind Foundation, an NGO, has crossed a milestone by opening ‘Arvind’s Store’ at K K Nagar recently.
It will showcase and sell an array of products that are exclusively produced / packed by the students of Arvind Institute of Excellence, a vocational unit of Arvind Foundation.
Keeping in mind the capabilities of the young adults and adolescents with special needs, Arvind Foundation imparts vocational training in some simple mechanical and manual operations. Thus, many products like arecanut plates, bowls, masala powders, agarbathis, fancy jewellery, are produced by the students under the guidance of the teachers and caretakers.
So far, these were displayed and sold in stalls put up at every possible opportunity, thus generating revenue. A portion of such sales proceeds is being given to the students as incentives.
With a permanent shop, it will become a source of livelihood for those special adults, a press release said.
Deputy Consul General, Consulate of Germany in Chennai, Michael Wegener, Arvind Foundation founder and managing trustee P Athma Raj, co-founder Sudha Athmaraj, Madras Cosmopolitan Ladies Circle38 chairperson Rukmini Reddy, Area2 chairperson of Cosmopolitan Ladies Circle38, Nandini Reddy, and parents of the special students were present during the inauguration.
Vinod, a student, explained the products and their cost to all the guests. Michael picked up a few stuff and Vinod was beaming with the first sale that came through. Sivapeter, another student, made the bill, collected money and handed over the products to Michael.
Arvind’s Store has another avenue to solicit patronage. Gift vouchers in various denominations will be available, the release said.
The setting up of the shop has been sponsored by Rukmini Reddy and her team, who have been partnering with Arvind Foundation for many of their projects till date.
Arvind’s Store is located at 405, 27th Street, Sixth Sector, K K Nagar, Chennai 600 078.
For details, contact 9841034234, 7299911022, 9841615333, 9884270697.