Empowering communities and spreading joy
On World Kindness Day (Nov 16) RAC Navi Mumbai Sunrise, RID 3142, conducted a workshop to empower the transgender community through Beat with Beads project. Around 20 transgenders were trained to make bracelets and other accessories using beads.
“We coordinated with the Aarju Foundation that provides shelter to members of the transgender community ostracised by society,” said Akankshi Bhattacharjee, the project coordinator. The foundation supports its residents by facilitating education and skill development courses funded by the government. This session not only fostered creativity but also opened avenues for supplementary income. “We plan to expand this project to reach more people with new ideas,” she added.
The club also aims to organise mental health programmes through art and dance therapy for the community. The Beat with Beads initiative was funded by contributions from club members and supported by the club’s gifting partners Mapleitis.
Under project Pearly Whites, the club, in collaboration with its parent club, RC Navi Mumbai Sunrise, and the Bharati Vidyapeeth Dental College and Hospital, completed three phases of dental camp for schoolchildren. Over 800 children across three schools received free dental check-up and a session on oral hygiene. “We are now planning to extend this project to students in Rotary Happy Schools within our region,” said Akankshi.
On Children’s Day, the club brought smiles to eight street children with their heartwarming “Meals of Love” project. Hosted at a McDonald’s outlet in Kharghar, the event, made possible with discounts generously offered by branch manager Prahlad, gave the children an unforgettable experience. Sponsored by eight club volunteers, the children enjoyed a delicious meal, played games, danced to lively music, and explored the mall for the first time, riding escalators and toy cars. “It was their first time in a mall, and their joy was priceless,” Akankshi shared. At the end of the day, the children were safely reunited with their parents, who worked outside the mall.
Ahead of Diwali, the Rotaractors conducted a creative diya-painting activity at Inampuri School, Kharghar, and CLC School, Hanuman Nagar, Turbhe. The children enthusiastically painted the lamps in vibrant colours, showcasing their artistic flair. “It was therapeutic to see the children unleash their creativity and enjoy the process,” said Akankshi. Each child was encouraged to take home the painted diyas, adding a personal touch to their Diwali celebrations.
