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International Internship Program 23rd January 2018 – 10th February 2018

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SEEK Foundation is one of the leading NGO serving the deprived community working for women & children empowerment and stimulating welfare activities to bring consciousness towards health, education, life enhancement and environment. International Internship Program with National Taiwan University is one of the missions of the foundation to have the knowledge and technical know-how sharing with the Taiwan university which paves way for the development of the village projects.

INTERNATIONAL INTERNSHIP PROGRAM:

SEEK Foundation and National Taiwan University have mutually agreed to have an International Collaboration for the Taiwan Students to do an International Internship Project focusing on 2020 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) particularly in Community Development, Poverty Reduction and Renewable Energy Production.

An International Internship Program was organized for 7 Students from National Taiwan University forming part of various disciplines were scheduled from 13.01.2018 to 10.02.2018. The Internship was scheduled for a month to have a detailed overview of the activities and development progress of the SEEK Foundation.

The Schedule had been split into four major divisions ensuring smooth flow of the agenda of the Internship Program including Visit to Kuthambakkam Village also all adopted villages near Salavakkam for an overview of the developmental projects, Economic Growth, Educational Background and women empowerment.

The team had Interactive sessions with students of St. Britto’s Academy and College, and also with Father Louie from Loyola College who briefed about the role and Development of NGO. Students also visited Bio Gas Plant in Loyola College and were taken to slums which have migrants from different parts of the country. Ms.Helena Vive Principal of St. Britto’s Academy briefed about the history and origin of India and its rich tradition and customs. arranged by the Taiwan Economic & Cultural Center at the University of Madras which helped the Internship Team to know more about the collaboration of Taiwan & India. The visit was arranged to National Institute of Wind Energy, Chennai to know the scope of Wind Energy and its potential in India and also to Kuppathotti, a social organization focusing on collecting reusable materials to protect the environment.

The excursion was arranged to Dakshinchitra, renowned place for cultural heritage.  A rejuvenating trip was organized to Pondicherry and Mahabalipuram to have an overview of mixed traditions in customs among people of different backgrounds.

 

Activities on Founder’s Day 7th Sept 2017

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SOCIAL EMPLOYMENT SCHEME:

Hollow and Solid Block Manufacturing Unit. Boomi Pooja for H&S BMV was done on  07.09.2017 at Salavakkam.The unit will become fully functional in October.

HEALTH, WATER AND SANITATION

Drinking water facility was established on 07.09.2017. Borewell was established and tank  was set up with taps to provide ease of access to potable water at Maruthuvanpadi Village

YOUTH SPORTS INITIATIVE

Sports Materials were distributed to the youth of the Sagayapuram, Pennalur, Ammaiyappanallur, Vayalar villages on 07.09.2017 for the development of skills and fitness.

WOMEN EMPOWERMENT-PHENOIL AND SOAP OIL

Raw materials for making Phenyl and soap Oil was distributed along with drums and cans used for preparing it. Women prepare and sell the products to generate revenue.

LEARNING AIDS FOR GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS

Learning materials were distributed for village Government schools. The headmaster / Mistress, teachers and students of the schools appreciated the initiative of seek foundation in providing Charts, Books, Note Books, exam pads, Mats,   Educational DVDs and stationery items to make learning more easier and interesting. First Aid Kit was also distributed to all the 10 Schools. These are Situated in Ammayappanallur, Pennalur, Poondandalam, Kattupakkam, Vedapalayam, Kaliampoondi, Vayalur, R.N Kandigai, Karanai Mandapam, Uthiramerur.

SKILL TRAINING CENTRE

Tailoring Training unit was established at Ammaiyapanallur on 07.09.2017.   This is the 2nd unit, the first is fully functional at Poonthandalam. 15 Ladies have completed training and are using the facility to generate income. The second batch of 10 ladies has started the training at poondandalam .Women have started stitching blouses, Baby clothes and started earning. Hence the initiative to start the tailoring centre at Ammaiyapanallur is appropriate. There are 25 women ready to train in the first batch.

ENVIRONMENT INITIATIVES

Saplings were planted at Ammaiappanallur in place of the tress uprooted by Vardha Cyclone

NEW VEHICLE FOR COMMUNITY OUTREACH

A new vehicle was purchased to aid in community services. This will also help commutation for International doctors to travel to various villages for conducting medical camps.

ELIMINATING HUNGER AND POVERTY

Full day food is being provided for around 45 inmates of old age home at Adambakkam. This will be on 7th of every month

Medical Camp 13-15 Sept 2017

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STATE WIDE MEDICAL CAMP

Conducted by

SEEK FOUNDATION-an NGO

in association with

 CHANGUA CHRISTIAN MISSION HOSPITAL, TAIWAN

 

SEEK FOUNDATION, an NGO in association with Changua Christian Mission Hospital, Taiwan organized Free Medical Camp on 13th, 14, and 15th of September at Southern Districts of Tamil Nadu. The villages of Kottakarai near Pondicherry, Puthuthrai in Karaikal and Thirunageri in Poompuhar near Nagapattinam was chosen for the medical camps since it is a remote place and there are minimal primary health centres nearby. The camp was a huge success and the doctors were able to identify few patients who needed further treatment for their general well being., Read More

Day 3: Nagapattinam

Day 1 : Kottakarai

Day 2 : Karaikal

Award Ceremony for Academic Excellence

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Mary Vasanthakumari, Project Coordinator , SEEK Oriented the students and the parents of Hyundai at Irungattukottai on August 3rdin a function organized to award the toppers in std X and XII Board examination

She provided a comprehensive insight about the various available in science and arts stream. An aptitude test for students was conducted by her, in addition to, dealing with matching career prospects.

Kerry Indev -21.06.2017

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Indian Cultural legacy in Art, Music and Dance were presented to dignitaries of Kerry – Indev from diverse countries during the program organized by the Seek Foundation and St. Britto’s Group of Institution’s at Leela Palace on 27th June 2017. The Chief guest Mr. GeorgeYeo, chairman of Kerry Logistics Network and other dignitaries were bestowed a warm traditional welcome by  Mrs. Vimala Britto, offering turbans with the traditional music – taarai and tappu, played by the Youth of  Poondandalam village.

Kathak, Yoga, North and South Folk Fusion, mélange of  Indian and Chinese style of dance and Dance drama were few  performances which made the audience experience the richness of Indian Culture. The singers enthralled the audience by their unique opus in English and Chinese  Paintings and hand-made bouquets designed exclusively by the students of  St. Britto’s were presented to the dignitaries as a symbol of honor and pride.

Mr. Xavier Britto , The Chairman of Indev Group of companies delivered the welcome address. Special address was bestowed by the founder of Seek – an NGO,  Mrs. Vimala Britto. A Special turban and the royal attire along with princely sword specially made for Mr. KUOK KHOON HUA, executive director of Kerry Logistics Network limited Singapore was received by Mr. George Yeo on his behalf. The Chief Guest Mr.George Yeo congratulated the students on their splendid performances.

Believe you can 2017

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St. Britto’s Academy, in association with the SEEK FOUNDATION, organizing  Young Forum 2017.

Young Forum 2017

Registration for Royal Gridlock starts from 10th of July 2017

Workshop on Disaster Resilient Sustainable Communities

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Workshop on Disaster Resilient Sustainable Communities

(Exclusive for Asia Pacific, Caribbean Islands and Latin America)

Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with International Cooperation and Development Fund organized Workshop on Disaster Resilient Sustainable Communities from June 15th to 28th 2017.

Mrs. Vimala Britto, Founder, SEEK FOUNDATION an NGO gave me an opportunity to represent India for the workshop. It consisted of 25 members from 20 different countries like

India, Srilanka, Mexico, Fiji, Belize, Brazil, Paraguay, Uraguay, Solomon Islands, Argentina, United States, St. Vincent Islands, St. Christopher and Nevis Islands, Dominican Rebublic, Peru, Papua New Guinea, Vietnam, Ecuador, Chile, Columbia.

Workshop Venues

The National Science and Technology Center for Disaster Reduction

The main functions of The National Science and Technology Center for Disaster Reduction include: “R&D promotion”, “technical support”, and “application implementation”. . It shall also facilitate the vertical integration of the disaster prevention and response technical development system to bring technical R&D results closer to people’s surrounding environment and enhance security and happiness in life.

The Central Weather Bureau

The Central Weather Bureau (CWB) was established in 1941 in Chongqing, mainland China, as a unit within the Executive Yuan. It had been under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) in 1947. The CWB is concerned with both meteorological and seismic phenomena and their mechanisms. The missions of the CWB include observations, forecasts and warnings. Ocean-Floor Seismic Observatory” project off eastern Taiwan, and actively planning the next-generation of seismic monitoring network.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Taiwan Geographic Information System Center (Taiwan GIS Center)

The Taiwan Geographic Information System Center (Taiwan GIS Center) is a corporate research institution founded on September 25, 1963 with the donation from the National Development Commission. It aims to align with government information development policies, assists in improving the informatization of management of domestic industries, industrial automation and application development to benefit the improvement of industry structure, promote economic transformation, and enhance the international competitiveness of industries.

Vision : Promote the use of geospatial technologies in decision-making and coordinate the application and development of geographic information systems between the public and private sectors

Visiting Spots:

Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf

Located in Tamsui (Danshui), New Taipei City (formerly Taipei County), Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf  is one of the popular scenic spots in Taipei since its opening in 2001. It was established for two reasons: fishing and sightseeing. The sunset view here at the Fisherman’s Wharf is considered as one of the eight famous must-see sceneries of Tamsui.

Tamsui Old Street & Tamsui’s Gold Coast

Tamsui used to be called Huwei. It is a derivation from the ancient tongue Hoba. It means the river outlet. Tamsui is located in northwest of Taipei basin. Tamsui is surrounded by mountains and rivers and the scenery is beautiful. Hongmau Castle is a historical site in Tamsui with historical meaning. It was built by the Spaniards in 1626 and restored by the Dutch.

Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall

In April, 1975, the entire nation mourned the passing of President Chiang Kai-shek. In June, in response to suggestions from all sectors, the funeral committee members decided to build the CKS Memorial Hall in Taipei, in order to commemorate the memory of our great leader. No sooner had this decision been made, than the CKS Memorial Hall Preparatory Committee was officially established. Later, in October 1976, a CKS Memorial Hall Building Preparatory Directing Committee was established. The underlying concepts of the design:
1. To express the spirit of Chinese culture
2. An innovative design in a unique and grand style

3.The utilization of modern construction technology, with emphasis on economy and practical use. The color of the blue sky and white sun symbolize freedom and equality.

Taipei 101 Building

Taipei 101 formerly known as the Taipei World Financial Center, is a landmark skyscraper located inXinyi DistrictTaipeiTaiwan. The building ranked officially as the world’s tallest from 2004 until the opening of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai in 2010. In July 2011, the building was awarded LEED Platinum certification, the highest award in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system and became the tallest LEED building in the world.

The tower has served as an icon of modern Taiwan ever since its opening, and received the 2004 Emporis Skyscraper AwardFireworks launched from Taipei 101 feature prominently in international New Year’s Eve broadcasts and the structure appears frequently in travel literature and international media.

Taipei 101 comprises 101 floors above ground and 5 floors underground. The building was architecturally created as a symbol of the evolution of technology and Asian tradition.

To prevent the building from swaying during typhoons or earthquakes, an 800-ton, US$4 million, ball-shaped damper is used to dissipate lateral vibration to a spring system underneath. For the first time in architectural history, the damping system is not hidden, but part of the building’s design. This world’s largest damper ball has a diameter of 5.5 meters and is visible from the 88th and 89th floors.

Longshan Temple

Longshan (lungshan) Temple is a famous old temple in Taiwan. It is for worshiping Guanshiyin Budda and other divine spirits. Longshan (lungshan) Temple is facing the South. Its architecture is a three-section design in shape. There are the front hall, the rear hall and the right/left dragons protecting the middle hall. The layout is square and serene. The temple was built in Qianlong 5th year in Qing Dynasty. Due to natural disaster and damages caused by men, the temple was restored for several times. The doors, beams, and poles are beautifully decorated. There is a pair of bronze dragon poles in the front hall, four pairs of dragon poles in the middle hall.

Learning Outcomes: Taiwan policies and strategies on environmental management

Field Trip to communities gained a lot of knowledge from different county e.g. Volunteer work from community and how community value collaboration during disaster events.

Hardware-infrastructure such as roads and bridges

Human ware-Human management that is coordinating and managing different players before, during and after is vital to Disaster management.

New Software/tools such as GIS, google  for accurate hazard mapping and so forth…

Technology requires more research to be conducted at the community level.

Human Management, improve community awareness, training and simulation exercises.

Investigate; develop more precise community hazard maps and so on…

Set-up early warning arrangement and evacuation plan.

Knowledge, real time early warning system linking different authorities/stakeholders

The GHG Reduction and Management Act

To build a disaster resilient community in the disaster prone area.

The Big data and open data, the hazard mapping and flood gates.

JOB FAIR at St. Britto’s College

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JOB FAIR at St. Britto’s College
Seek foundation, an NGO in association with St. Britto’s College is organising a Job Fair at St. Britto’s College on 17th June 2017.

It is our great privilege to invite you to the Mega Job Fair 2017.

Workshop on Women’s Enterprise Start-up

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International Cooperation and Development Fund, Taiwan conducted the workshop on women enterprise start- up, exclusive for ASEAN and South Asian Countries from May 4th – May 17th and 12 participants took part in it representing India, Indonesia, Nepal, Thailand, Sri Lanka and Thailand with a goal of making women start up enterprises for self, societal, and country’s economic elevation.

We were warmly welcomed by the Director, International Education and Training Department Mr. Stephen J H Lee, Taiwan ICDF and were introduced to the New Southbound Policy by

Mr. Daching Yang, Senior Executive Officer, Office of Trade Negotiations and Ms. Kristen HSIEH, Program Officer  of International Education and  Training Department, Taiwan ICDForiented us on New South Bound Policy and the course of the training organized for the next two weeks respectively.

Lectures and orientations were conducted with question and answer sessions which really helped us to understand the practical functioning of the Government and the NGO’s for the cause of Women’s Development in all the above mentioned countries including Taiwan.

Ms. Shu-Hui SHIH, Director,   Workforce   Development   Innovation   Center, Workforce Development Agency, Ministry of Labor spoke on Women-owned Enterprises Development, Guidance andCounseling   Resources   –   Phoenix   Micro   Start-upPrograms. Essentials are

  1. National Development Fund for start – ups in Taiwan
  2. Consultancy – Training, Incubation and follow up for start-up
  3. Training provided is free of cost and also fund given free for certain types of start-ups that have cultural value.
  4. The innovations in existing products, be it a fan or a purse was a WOW factor to us.

 An Introduction to Taiwan was done by Prof. Chen-shen J. YEN, Ph.D, Research Fellow, America-Europe Division, Institute of International Relations, National Chengchi University and he stressed the need to develop the country’s human resources independent of China, though the present political and social scenario seems to deter the progress of the younger generation. His passion to make his students achieve in life globally was deeply felt.

Introduction to Flying Geese Program was delivered by Ms. Hannah CHOU, consultant, Sun Yat-Sen Management EducationFoundation and it allowed us to understand the need for women consultant professionals to mentor and monitor the progress of women start-ups. She was also the moderator for participants report and it helped each one of the participant to deeply understand their country’s stand compared to the global ranking.

 Orientation on Start-up  Capacity  Building  and  the  Development  ofWomen Potential was delivered by Ms. Yueh-Chin CHIANG,Secretary-general , Taipei Awakening Association and concepts of clothing for life- be it the first or the last cloth is the concept of happiness clothing that is a wing of TAA, was rightly dealt with. It was interesting to see that many Taiwanese have the skill in clothing, food andhandicrafts similar to India.

 A seminar on Women’s Enterprises Innovation and Incubation Systemin Taiwan was conducted byMs. Chungui YANG, Program Manager, Innovation and Incubator Center, National Taitung University,which is a county in the south-eastern Taiwan and falls under the hilly areas. The people belonging to the county are mentored to produce mainly the agri, poultry products that are eco-friendly and organic and are innovations in Technology developed by the university students are incorporated in the practices.These innovations are incubated and made to achieve better products. But due to the physical and geographical constraints marketing the consumable products becomes a challenge.

 Start-up Financing and Guidance and Credit GuaranteeMechanisms in Taiwan were dealt by Mr. Yun-sen JIANG,Head of Client Services Dept.,Small and Medium Enterprise Credit Guarantee Fundof Taiwan, Ministry of Economic Affairs. He explained the various steps and policies that are available for the Nationals to start up business in Taiwan to contribute to the Economic Development of the country. EXIM Bank for International finance and Insurance was also focused on for International visitors who get Entrepreneurship visa to Taiwan. The Government of Taiwan has approved 2.6 billion dollars as CG for the past 3 consecutive years.

Seminar on Ventures in Women Enterprises was delivered by Peter LIN, Managing Director, Catalyst Capital Group. He explained about the steps taken by the Taiwan Government in funding Entrepreneurs through loans, connecting Angel Investors and Entrepreneurs and Crowd funding platforms. Government regulates it all, where as in India, we have a lot of private platforms providing the necessary Venture Capital through Angel Investors and Crowd Funding.  Entrepreneurs with a vision should approach the Investors with a proper business proposal and make their dreams into reality.

 PRESENTATIONS:

COUNTRY REPORTS:

Participants from six different countries viz., Nepal, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and India presented the present position of the women start-ups in their countries, the challenges associated with it, and the role and support of the Government and it was a huge awakening for me to realize that out of 54countries assessed worldwide for women start up eco-system, Vietnam stands in 7th position globally and India in 49th position

FIELD TRIPS:

KOAHSIUNG CITY GOVERNMENT:

Visits were also arranged by ICDF to understand the practical application of the Women start-up ecosystem in Taiwan. We visited the following places

Kaohsiung City Government: Kaohsiung county is in the southern Taiwan and we reached there by speed train that took us exactly 1hr and 30 mins, which normally takes 6 hrs by road. We were warmly welcomed by the director general Yao, Yu-Chingand the meeting was headed and convened by Ms. Yeh, Yu RuDeputy director general of the social affairs bureau of the KCG and we had practical insights about the work of the Government and NGO’s since an introductory session as well as interactive sessions were arranged. Participants included representatives from SHE ECONOMICS-Kaohsiung Female Economic Empowerment project comprising of Social Affairs, KC women, children and Youth center, Tien- Ching’s Association- health in a stick team, KCWomen’s Vision association, KCWomen’s Right’s Commission, KC story mama association, KC Charity association, KC Entrepreneurship Association and other representatives. It was a great privilege to speak our country India and the state of Tamil Nadu in the session. The officials were interested in the Industry-Institute linkages and creation of Industrial hubs for economic empowerment in Villages through our NGO, SEEK Foundation.

Green-in-hand: A brand of organic products that procures agricultural and allied products like rice, honey, tea grown organically and sells it under after branding and attractive packaging. The farmers get three times more price than what the government procures for because of methodology adopted and hence both have win-win situation, farmers and also the farm is pollutant free. The products are five times more costlier, since ware housing, designing, packaging, branding, advertising cost is included and also job is created since many people from the miller, warehousing, designers, packers, people at display stores work to make this product attractive enough to convince people to buy it though it is costly. A kg of rice costs 350 NTD equivalent to approximately Rs.850/-

Anewei Shop: This shop is a story of a woman survivor who created her own brand in clothing through the natural dyes-mainly the indigo blue dye and creates patterns and designs using batik and tie and dye practices by learning through books after facing a lot of personal difficulties. She now outsources designs, printers and her products are on display and sale in airports and other malls.

XIE XIE TEA: This is a brand created by a lady who specializes in Natural process in producing the different types of tea – ginger, chamomile, rose , charcoal roasted, oolong tea and the packets are in a box which is designed like a book and they also specialize in cold tea. Her customers are international and they mainly procure it to gift it to their loved ones.

10artbio

This is a manufacturing company specializing in plant based health care products.

The branding, licensing, decorative packaging are done and marketing worldwide thorough online. These are high end products mainly for women-products such as face masks, cream-anti-wrinkle, anti-aging, babies –lotion, oil, cream and so on.

 FLYING GEESE PROGRAM – TC YACHTS -CASE STUDY

 TC yachts is a 100 year young ship building company which has built more than 2500 fisherman, catamaran, ferry, cruise, travel boats and ships for local and global customers and also provide for tourist operations in Taiwan waters for pleasure and recreation. Right from designing to manufacturing, they operate on the core values of honesty and safety.

 Cultural Trip:

Taipei 101

We visited the Taipei 101. As the name suggests it has 101 floors and an observatory is built in the 87th floor. People visit this iconic place to view the world from the top. The lift to the 87th floor takes exactly 35 seconds. Shops selling natural stone and coral jewelry like diamond, jade, emerald, blue and yellow sapphire, red & green coral are located there.

National Palace Museum

It was an enriching experience to visit the museum. The foundation of Taiwan dates back to the 1947when all the collections were brought back from China after the surrender of Taiwan to China by Japan.It has a permanent collection of nearly 700,000 ancient Chinese imperial artifacts and artworks, which are of high quality and of the Ming and Qing dynasties.

 It was wonderful to experience how Taiwanese associate all products to their history and heritage and encourage their younger generation to adopt best policies in life to create a sustainable eco-system.

Taiwanese Government is also very particular to increase the population either by child birth ratio or also by accommodating people belonging to other Nationalities. They also have a great love and a sense of gratitude for their own country and it is apparent by the attitude that everyone exhibits-wanting to give back to their community and their country.

 My sincere thanks to  ICDF, Director- International Education and Training Department Stephen J H lee, ProgramCoordinator Ms. Kristen Hsieh, Program Officer MrXiao Shen, Student Volunteers Miranda and Lorenzo, and my heartfelt gratitude to Mr, Charles Lee, Director General, TECC and Mr. Steven Chung – Director in Chennai.

 My heart felt gratitude to our Correspondent & Secretary, Mrs. Vimala Britto, for nominating me, believing in me and constantly being a pillar of support for this programme on sustainable community development and to be awarded the best Participant from among 12 by a panel of Judges consisting of Mr. Stephen, Director of IETD, Ms. Tania – MOFA, Ms. YouneYand, Programme Officer, Education and Training, and Dr. Jhang–Client Services Department, SMECGF,MOEA Together we will make our society economically viable.

Career Guidance Program – 2k17

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Seek Foundation – An NGO in association with Kerry Indev Logistics & Lions Club is conducting a Career Guidance Program at Tirunelveli,Tuticorin and Nagarkoil on 15th & 16th May 2017