OPERATIONS – Page 3

HOPE IN ACTION – SAFE DAYS

As part of its ongoing commitment to women’s health and dignity, BTG Trust implemented the Hope In Action – #Safe Days initiative by installing a sanitary napkin vending machine at the Social Welfare Department, Coimbatore. Supported by Exterro, the initiative benefits over 1,200 women, including staff, beneficiaries, and visitors, by ensuring discreet and consistent access to menstrual hygiene products. This effort promotes health, fosters awareness, and offers a scalable model for integrating menstrual hygiene infrastructure within public institutions.

Healthcare

HOPE IN ACTION

Water Purifier Installation at Social Welfare Department, Coimbatore On March 2, 2025, BTG Trust, in collaboration with the Rotaract Club of Coimbatore Smart City, installed a water purifier at the Social Welfare Department, Coimbatore. Benefiting over 1,200 people, including staff, visitors, and beneficiaries, the initiative ensures sustained access to clean drinking water. This effort supports public health by reducing the risk of waterborne diseases and reinforces BTG Trust’s commitment to improving community well-being through practical, sustainable interventions.

Education

AWARENESS GENERATION – Capacity Building Skills and Competencies for School Students

As part of its continuous efforts to enhance educational outreach, BTG Trust collaborated with Avinashilingam Institute of Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore, to conduct an awareness generation session on “Capacity Building Skills and Competencies for School Students” at Corporation P. Kamalanathan Memorial Higher Secondary School on 24th February 2025. The session benefitted 60 students and focused on empowering them with essential skills for academic and personal success. The initiative aimed to develop leadership, communication, problem-solving, and self-confidence among students. Mrs. S. Bhavithra led the session with an engaging lecture featuring practical skill-building techniques. The students actively participated in discussions, group activities, and interactive tasks. Real-world applications of teamwork, emotional intelligence, and decision-making were highlighted. Motivational stories and practical exercises inspired the participants. The session created a dynamic learning environment that encouraged students to set goals and pursue holistic development. Students gained a clearer understanding of personal growth and goal-setting strategies. The event boosted their confidence to face academic and life challenges. This impactful session was part of BTG Trust’s mission to empower youth through education. It fostered awareness about key skills necessary for success in today’s world. The collaboration showcased a strong commitment to student well-being and development. It served as a platform for nurturing future leaders and responsible citizens.

Education

AWARENESS GENERATION – PoSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment

BTG Trust organized a vital Awareness Generation Program on the PoSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) Act, 2012, at Sri Ramakrishna Polytechnic College on 24th February 2025. The session aimed to create awareness among students and staff about the importance of safe and respectful environments in educational and professional spaces. A total of 49 participants attended the program. The PoSH Act is a crucial legal framework that provides protection to women from sexual harassment at the workplace. It mandates organizations with 10 or more employees to set up Internal Committees for grievance redressal. The session focused on educating participants about the provisions of the Act, recognizing and reporting harassment, and fostering gender-sensitive environments. Emphasis was also placed on building institutional capacity to address such issues effectively. BTG Trust’s initiative aligns with its commitment to promoting gender justice, inclusivity, and accountability. Participants gained insights into the significance of Internal Committees and complaint-handling procedures. The program highlighted the relevance of the Vishaka Guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court in 1997. It also addressed the challenges many face due to a lack of awareness regarding their rights. The awareness session empowered attendees with knowledge and practical tools. It promoted respect, equality, and a zero-tolerance approach to harassment. The event was an important step toward institutional safety. BTG Trust remains committed to strengthening workplace ethics and safeguarding dignity through continuous sensitization programs.

Education

AWARENESS GENERATION – Skill and Competencies of Social Work Extension and Rural Development Professionals

BTG Trust proudly participated in the Alumni Interaction Meeting 2025 at Avinashilingam Institute of Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore. The event engaged 80 students on the topic “Skill and Competencies of Social Work Extension and Rural Development Professionals.” Ms. Bhavithra S., Senior Project Coordinator at BTG Trust, represented the organization and shared her impactful field experiences. The session emphasized the essential skills required in social work, community engagement, rural development, and extension work. Key discussion areas included leadership, communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability. Students gained practical insights into real-world challenges and career opportunities. Bhavithra spoke about project coordination, fundraising, and field realities. The event aimed to bridge the gap between academic learning and professional practice. It inspired students through alumni success stories. Career pathways in the social sector were explained in depth. The session encouraged students to pursue internships and volunteering opportunities. Emphasis was placed on capacity-building workshops for skill enhancement. The interaction highlighted the importance of professional competencies. Students were motivated to explore diverse roles in social development. BTG Trust’s involvement helped foster knowledge sharing and industry connection.

Healthcare

AWARENESS GENERATION – Say No to Tobacco

The Tobacco Awareness Program, organized by BTG Trust in collaboration with the District Tobacco Control Cell, was held at Sri Ramakrishna Polytechnic College, Vattamalapalayam, on 14th February 2025. Aimed at sensitizing over 300 students, the event focused on the harmful effects of tobacco use on health, academic performance, and overall well-being. Through expert-led sessions, personal testimonies, interactive discussions, and distribution of informative brochures, the program created a strong impact on participants. Students engaged actively, sharing their thoughts and concerns while also taking a pledge to remain tobacco-free. The initiative fostered a culture of awareness and responsibility, encouraging students to make informed life choices and support a tobacco-free campus. Faculty and student feedback highlighted the importance and relevance of the event, with many students reporting a change in perception and behavior. The program was a part of broader efforts by the District Tobacco Control Cell to promote healthy lifestyles among youth. The success of this event has laid the foundation for ongoing educational initiatives in campuses.

Women Empowerment

HANDMADE HEROINES 9 -Silk Thread Jewellery Making

The Silk Thread Jewellery Making training program held on 13th February 2025 at Pullukadu Housing Unit aimed to empower women and adolescent girls from slum communities by equipping them with creative, income-generating skills. With 8 participants, this one-day workshop introduced the art of crafting elegant bangles, earrings, hair accessories, and clips using vibrant silk threads and simple tools. Designed especially for homemakers and students, the program offered step-by-step, beginner-friendly guidance to build both creativity and confidence. The training not only focused on technical skills but also included insights into material sourcing, color coordination, and product finishing. Emphasis was placed on understanding customer preferences, particularly for bridal and festive designs, making the craft more commercially viable. Participants also learned the basics of entrepreneurship—how to price their products, market them effectively, and explore sales through exhibitions and online platforms. The session highlighted the potential of silk thread jewellery as a low-investment, home-based business opportunity. Through hands-on learning, participants gained valuable exposure to product development and design planning. Many expressed a strong interest in continuing their learning journey and turning their new skills into micro-enterprises. The program proved to be a powerful step in promoting self-employment, financial independence, and sustainable livelihoods for underserved women. It demonstrated how grassroots training initiatives can unlock economic self-reliance, encouraging participants to embrace entrepreneurship as a pathway to empowerment and growth.

Women Empowerment

HANDMADE HEROINES 9 – Silk Thread Jewellery Making

On February 13th, 2025, a one-day Entrepreneurship Development Training on Silk Thread Jewellery Making was held at Pullukadu Housing Unit, aiming to empower underserved women through creative skill-building. With 8 enthusiastic participants, the workshop focused on providing practical, hands-on training to craft beautiful bangles, earrings, hair accessories, and decorative clips using vibrant silk threads and basic tools. Designed especially for homemakers and adolescent girls from slum areas, this training introduced a livelihood-oriented craft that requires minimal investment but offers high potential for self-employment. Through step-by-step demonstrations, participants learned essential jewellery-making techniques, including design composition, material selection, color coordination, and product finishing. Beyond crafting, the session also educated women on pricing, marketing, and selling their products—offering valuable insights into turning creative hobbies into micro-enterprises. The workshop emphasized creating elegant and market-friendly designs suited for both daily and festive occasions, encouraging women to take pride in their handmade creations. Participants were also introduced to the basics of product development and entrepreneurial planning, including sourcing raw materials and identifying consumer preferences. The training successfully fostered creativity, confidence, and a spirit of enterprise among the attendees. Most importantly, the women expressed excitement and a renewed sense of purpose, with many eager to pursue advanced training and business opportunities. This initiative reaffirmed the power of grassroots-level capacity building in transforming lives by nurturing self-reliance and economic independence. One participant shared, “The class was empowering. I never imagined I could learn so much in a day. I now feel confident to use these skills to earn a living.” By equipping women with such practical tools, the training program paves the way for sustainable livelihood creation and inclusive development in vulnerable communities.

Community Development

HOPE IN ACTION – Raincoat Distribution to South Indian Cine & Small Screen Union

The Raincoat Distribution Initiative, held on 9th February 2025 at the South Indian Cine & Small Screen Union in Chennai, was a thoughtful effort by BTG Trust with sponsorship from BTG Universal Pvt. Ltd. Aimed at supporting 277 women working in challenging outdoor conditions in the South Indian film and television industry, the event provided raincoats to help them stay protected during the monsoon and other wet conditions. These women, who play vital behind-the-scenes roles, often go unrecognized and face harsh weather without adequate protection. The initiative not only addressed a basic yet essential need but also aimed to raise awareness about the difficulties faced by women in the industry. With official recognition from FEFSI and support from the Cine Union, the event stood as a symbol of dignity, safety, and respect for women working tirelessly in the entertainment sector.

Healthcare

HOPE IN ACTION – SAFE DAYS

On 07.02.2025, BTG Trust, with support from Exterro and in collaboration with the Tamil Nadu Education Department, implemented the HopeInAction – #SafeDays initiative at Government Higher Secondary School, Somandurai, Chittur. Two sanitary napkin vending machines were installed, directly benefiting 247 girl students. Alongside, a menstrual hygiene awareness session was conducted, equipping students with essential knowledge and promoting a stigma-free environment.