1.Title of the Practice
SIENA SOCIAL BATTALION
Siena College of Professional Studies, Edakochi is an institution which puts social transformation and communal harmony as a major goal. Our college has strived to foster a better society by engaging in creative and constructive social action. Our college has always prioritized the betterment of the community in which it functions and has placed a higher priority on the community’s overall upliftment than on any individual success. Higher education institutions have an obligation to all of its stakeholders, and that obligation can only be met by encouraging students as well as teachers to be socially responsible by actively participating in the community. It is this concept that has enabled our institution to establish a collective movement in the field of social work under the title “Siena Social Battalion”.
2.Objectives of the Practice
- To contribute to the overall development of the community
- To create a sense of social and civic responsibility.
- To inculcate a greater understanding about the societal problems in the students
- Empower the students to understand themselves in relation to their community.
- Contribute towards acquiring leadership qualities and democratic attitude.
- Develop capacity to meet emergencies and natural disasters among the whole college community
- Utilize their knowledge in generating practical solutions to individual and community problems.
- Develop competence required for a group living and sharing of responsibilities.
3.The Context
Siena College of Professional Studies, Edakochi firmly believes that the welfare of an individual ultimately depends on the welfare of the society as a whole. Siena College of Professional Studies, Edakochi, stands as a beacon of selfless service and community engagement. Since its inception, the college has upheld the ethos that the welfare of an individual is intricately linked to the welfare of society at large. In line with this principle, the college has embarked on a journey of social outreach, bringing together various initiatives under the unified banner of the “Siena Social Battalion.” The various initiatives of the college which were spread under different clubs, committees and so on, were collectively brought under this banner to accelerate and curate the social welfare activities into the flagship initiative of the college. This effort has already proved effective because in the following year the number of activities and their quality is observed to have enhanced. The roots of social outreach at Siena College trace back to its founding principles, which emphasize the holistic development of individuals within the context of community welfare. Over the years, the college has nurtured a culture of service, instilling in its students a sense of duty and compassion towards those in need. This report delves into the rich tapestry of outreach programs undertaken by the college, reflecting its unwavering commitment to social responsibility and community empowerment.
4.The Practice
The social service activities of the college greatly encourages its student community to to work with and among people.The college has organised a good number of programmes with the purpose of educating and helping the society through continuous community engagement and extending support under the banner like “Snehapoorvam Siena”. Under the ambit of social care, Siena College has undertaken a multitude of initiatives to alleviate the plight of the marginalized and underserved segments of society. The Mid-Day Meals Programme stands as a testament to the college’s commitment to combating hunger and malnutrition. Every Tuesday, the students and the staff of the college voluntarily bring “pothichoru” (packed meals) and collect them at the box kept in the college main entrance.It will be distributed among the needy poor people in the nearby places by the students with the help of NSS volunteers. Additionally, free medical camps have been instrumental in providing essential healthcare services to both students and members of the local community, with a focus on preventive care and early detection of lifestyle diseases.
The college’s engagement with the elderly extends beyond mere philanthropy, as evidenced by its regular visits to old age homes. These visits serve as occasions for intergenerational bonding and cultural exchange, with students and staff actively participating in festivities and contributing to the welfare of the elderly residents. Moreover, the establishment of libraries in local schools underscores the college’s commitment to educational empowerment, with students taking the lead in imparting knowledge and fostering a love for learning among the younger generation. Medical camps are conducted in the college which provides opportunity for the students, staff and the people from nearby localities to test medical tests free of cost. Eye testing, lifestyle disease diagnosis camps are conducted.Our college has been organising blood donation camps every year and students and the faculty members come forward voluntarily to donate blood.The college has been so keen in encouraging students to visit old age homes. Each year, multiple visits are conducted where the students and staff contribute to the fund of these institutions along with conducting cultural events and celebrating various festivals with the inmates. The students of Siena College of Professional Studies, Edakochi are keen in extending helping hand and imparting skill and knowledge to the young ones in the local schools. Efforts were taken to set up libraries in nearby schools which were facing challenges in arranging libraries. The students under the leadership of NSS volunteers conducted beech cleaning, park cleaning and arranging gardens.
The students of the college served like paramilitary forces during the flood rescue operations. They even shift patients from flood affected areas to rescue camps. The college organised a medical camp for camp inmates. The college acted as a centre for distributing relief materials to flood affected areas in 2018. The students took active participation in the cleaning and making the homes ready for living. The college provided shelter to hundreds of people displaced by flood.
5.Evidence of Success
- 5000 food packets were collected from the college in the years 2018-2023
- Blood Donation Drives have been conducted many times in which students’ participation is noteworthy.
- Visits to ootushala, old age homes and orphanages were successful with the active participation of the students.
- Sneha poorvam Siena the flagship program to help the needy
- Orupothi Niravu- the foodpacket distributiom program
- Free eye testing camps and medical camps
- NSS programs related to cleaning and helping people in need
Siena College of Professional Studies, Edakochi, stands as a paragon of social responsibility and community engagement. Through its myriad outreach programs, the college has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to creating a more equitable and inclusive society. Whether through initiatives focused on social care, environmental conservation, disaster management, or educational empowerment, the college continues to inspire positive change and upliftment within its local community and beyond. As we look towards the future, Siena College remains steadfast in its dedication to serving humanity and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
6.Problems Encountered and Resources Required
- Lack of time and no credits for students
- More teachers are required to monitor the activities.
- Financial constraints