ENVIRONMENT, EDUCATION AND EMPOWERMENT
21GNP301L - COMMUNITY CONNECT REPORT 2024-2025
Submitted by
MADHUMITHAA N [RA2211037010070]
L SHRIVARSHINI [RA2211037010072]
NIRANJANA M [RA2211037010090]
in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of
BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY
in
BIOTECHNOLOGY GENETIC ENGINEERING SPECIALISATION
DEPARTMENT OF GENETIC ENGINEERING
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
SRM INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
KATTAKULATHUR – 603203
SEPTEMBER 2024
SRM INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
KATTANKULATHUR – 603203
BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE
Certified that 21GNP301L Community Connect report titled “Environment, Education and
Empowerment” is the bonafide work of “Madhumithaa N [RA2211037010070],L
Shrivarshini [RA2211037010072], Niranjana M [RA2211037010090]” who carried out the
community work under YOUTH SHINE FOUNDATION. Certified further, that to the best
of my knowledge the work reported herein does not form any other report or dissertation on
the basis of which a degree or award was conferred on an earlier occasion on this or any other
candidate.
Dr. Ganesan Govindan, Dr. B.Usha,
Faculty Advisor, Academic Advisor,
Designation, Designation,
Department of Genetic Department of Genetic
Engineering Engineering
Panel Head, Dr. Kirankumar.S,
Designation, Professor and Head,
Department of Genetic Department of Genetic
Engineering Engineering
COMPLETION / ATTENDANCE CERTIFICATE
COMPLETION / ATTENDANCE CERTIFICATE
COMPLETION / ATTENDANCE CERTIFICATE
OBJECTIVES OF THE COMMUNITY CONNECT
Objective:
The main objective of this community connect was to engage ourselves with the
community and promote social responsibility. Other aspects include improving our
interpersonal skills and social skills. The NGO (YOUTH SHINE FOUNDATION)
engaged us on activities like, food donation, tree planting event, and delivering mental
health awareness pamphlets, with the goal of fostering meaningful connections,
addressing community needs, and contributing to sustainable social well-being and
empowerment.
The reason for choosing this organization is they have a main objective of improving
the Environment, Educating students, Empowering the people in the society. Since our
interests aligned with their objective we chose to work with this organization.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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1 INTRODUCTION OF THE ORGANIZATION
2 WEEK - WISE REPORT
3 TANGIBLE LEARNING
4 STUDENT’S CONTRIBUTION
5 CONCLUSION
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION OF THE ORGANIZATION
Youth Shine Foundation was started on 5th September 2018 in Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu
district. It was initially started to help students improve their knowledge, bring out their
talent and excel in their field of interest. The organization got officially registered in the
Government of Tamil Nadu on 5th September 2020 receiving the registration number of
Reg.No.19/2020.
Besides bringing talented individuals to the forefront the organization also is involved in
various charitable works such as creating awareness programmes, offerings, conducting
speeches for awareness and motivation. The organization also aims to keep our unity in
tact besides being diverse in our cultures, languages, ideas, social status, and various
other aspects.
The organization mainly focuses on 3E’s – Education, Environment, and
Empowerment, aiming to educate the students, protect the environment and
empowering the young minds for their future. The organization also assists the youth for
their personal development thereby creating assets to our nation.
They focus on a specific issue or set of issues, and their activities are often shaped by the
needs of the communities they serve and the goals they seek to achieve. They typically aim to
improve the well-being of communities, provide aid and relief in times of crisis, and promote
development and sustainable practices.
Their specific objectives can vary widely depending on their mission, but common goals
include:
Addressing environmental issues like climate change, conservation of biodiversity, and
sustainable development.
Offering healthcare services, disease prevention, and health education to underserved
populations.
Providing support and resources to help people escape poverty through education, healthcare,
economic opportunities, and more.
Providing immediate and long-term assistance to communities affected by natural disasters,
conflicts, or other crises.
The Foundation aims to create opportunities for youth to realize their full potential and
become positive change-makers in society. This outlines the key activities carried out by the
Foundation over the past years.
Career Guidance: The Foundation conducted career guidance programme guiding the
students who have completed their higher secondary schooling on what to study and where to
study based on their interests, also based on the demands of future thereby creating a more
realistic understanding of career.
Environmental Conservation Projects: In collaboration with local communities, the
Foundation initiated several environmental conservation projects. These included tree
planting drives and clean-up campaigns. Over 1,000 trees were planted and school students
were educated about importance of cleanliness.
Health and Wellness Campaigns: Youth Shine Foundation organized health and wellness
campaigns focusing on mental health, sexual and reproductive health, and substance abuse
prevention. Over 2,000 young people participated, gaining valuable knowledge and resources
to improve their health.
Volunteer Engagement: The Foundation actively engaged volunteers in its activities,
providing them with opportunities to contribute to community development while gaining
practical experience. Over the past year, 300 volunteers participated in various programs,
contributing a total of 5,000 hours of service.
The Youth Shine Foundation has made significant strides in empowering young people
through its diverse programs and initiatives. By focusing on education, leadership,
community development, and advocacy, the Foundation continues to create a positive impact
on the lives of young people and their communities. The Foundation remains committed to
expanding its reach and enhancing its programs to ensure that more youths are equipped to
shine and lead in their respective fields.
Future Plans: Looking forward, the Foundation plans to expand its focus on educating the
students, creating a society that is more aware about the current environmental condition and
help create a more sustainable world.
CHAPTER 2
WEEK – WISE REPORT
WEEK-1 & WEEK-2: FOOD DONATION
In a heartwarming initiative, I, along with four volunteers, organized a food donation
drive in Chennai city from June 17th to June 28th. This Primary goal is to provide
essential food supplies to the underprivileged sections of the community, ensuring that
those most in need received the necessary nourishment and support. The drive was a
resounding success, marked by the distribution of over 200 food packages to families
and individuals facing food insecurity.
Throughout the two week-long drive, we witnessed the firsthand gratitude and
appreciation of the recipients. Their smiles and words of thanks served as a reminder of
the importance of giving back to the community and supporting those facing hardships.
It was a humbling experience for all of us, and we felt grateful for the opportunity to
make a positive difference in the lives of others.
The primary objectives of the food donation drive were:
1. To alleviate hunger and malnutrition among the needy in Chennai.
2. To foster a spirit of volunteerism and community service among participants.
3. To establish sustainable support networks for ongoing assistance to those in need.
4.To raise public awareness about the issue of hunger and food insecurity in the
community.
Key activities included:
Food Collection: We Bought a variety of highly nutritious food items.
Distribution: Our team visited several neighbourhoods across Chennai.
We worked co-ordinately to ensure smooth distribution and avoid crowding.
Individuals facing food insecurity received a food package that could stave off their
hunger.
The food donation drive had a significant impact on the communities we served:
Immediate Relief: Over 200 Individuals received food packages, providing them with
much-needed relief from hunger and malnutrition.
Volunteerism: Our initiative inspired many young people to volunteer, fostering a sense
of community and shared responsibility.
Community Spirit: The drive fostered a sense of social responsibility and community
spirit among us.
Learning:
Effective Planning: Detailed planning and clear communication were essential to
overcoming logistical hurdles.
Flexibility: Being adaptable to changing circumstances and feedback helped us improve
the efficiency and impact of our efforts.
Outcomes:
The food donation drive from June 17th to June 28th was a testament to the power of
community and volunteerism. By coming together, we were able to provide crucial
support to those in need and make a tangible difference in their lives. The success of this
drive has motivated us to continue our efforts and plan future initiatives to combat food
insecurity in Chennai. We are deeply grateful to all the volunteers, donors who made
this possible. It highlighted the power of generosity and compassion in making a
difference in the lives of others, and we look forward to organizing more such initiatives
to give back to the community.
WEEK - 3: TREE PLANTING EVENT
On the 5th of July 2024, a tree planting event was conducted in Mukkala
Nammalwar Chetty Vivekananda Vidyalaya, Kundrathur.
The objectives of this programme were:
To create awareness among the young minds the causes of global warming
To provide mitigation strategies.
To educate the students importance of planting trees.
Key activities include:
Presentation: We prepared presentation on topic of global warming and
planting trees as way of reducing it.
Talk: We educated the students on the topic of global warming and ways to
reduce the it by bringing changes in our regular activities- such as saving energy,
using cloth bags, etc.
The children were of adolescent age group; therefore, it was very important for
us to educate these young minds about the causes, impacts of global warming
since they will serve as the future citizens of the nation.
We were glad to know to that many of the students were contributing to the
compost pit in the school, an impressive initiative by the school. Most of the
students responded that they were growing plants in their home and promised
that they would plant at least one in every year. Throughout the programme the
students were enthusiastic in responding to our questions and we were happy
that the students were a lot more aware about their environment and ways to
protect it.
Towards the end we conducted a quiz programme to know how much the
students have benefitted from our talk. We presented gifts for the students
responding precisely for the questions.
We then planted the saplings along with the students, including them in the
noble work.
We expressed our gratitude to the Principal of the school for having us to host
the programme.
Outcomes:
We felt grateful for being a part of this tree planting event which was a move by
us towards a more responsible society which cares for the Mother Earth that
takes care of us. We also had a sense of satisfaction by educating the students on
how their activities can help protecting nature.
We were immensely happy that we hosted this event, which was a small step
towards sustainable future. This event was an eye opener for us, henceforth we
are planning to continue our efforts in this direction to make a more responsible
society.
WEEK-4: AWARENESS PROGRAMME
On July 14th2024, we distributed pamphlets aimed at increasing awareness and
providing practical tools for mental well-being at Tambaram Sanatorium Bus
Stand. The bus stand is a bustling area with diverse foot traffic, ensuring the
pamphlets reached a broad audience. The pamphlet covered essential topics like
the definition of mental health, tips for maintaining a healthy mind, and included
a self-care worksheet with a checklist for daily habits such as hours of sleep,
glasses of water consumed, and a rating scale for daily feelings.
The objectives were:
To increase awareness about mental health
To provide practical tips for maintaining mental well-being
To encourage self-care habits.
Key activities:
Pamphlet preparation: We prepared pamphlets including the definition of
mental health, the importance of mental health, tips for staying mentally healthy,
and a worksheet to help set manageable goals, encouraging self-monitoring and
reflection.
Pamphlet distribution: The pamphlets were distributed to people of different
age groups promoting the importance of mental health.
Outcomes:
Through this programme we learnt a lot of valuable lessons. Effective
communication, utilizing simplified language and clear formatting, made the
information more accessible and understandable. Providing practical tools, such
as actionable advice and self-care worksheets, helped individuals integrate
mental health tips into their daily routines. Community engagement was crucial;
distributing materials in diverse spaces increased our reach and impact. We also
recognized the importance of catering to diverse needs by offering a range of
tips to ensure relevance for a broader audience.
From a life lessons perspective, we reaffirmed that mental health requires
ongoing attention and care, akin to physical health. Small, consistent changes in
daily habits can significantly enhance mental well-being. Regular self-awareness
and reflection help individuals stay attuned to their emotions and mental state.
Building a supportive community through empathy and support can make a
significant difference in collective mental health. Taking proactive steps to
manage stress can prevent larger mental health issues. Lifelong learning about
mental health strategies fosters personal growth. Finally, we learned that mental
health awareness and care are shared responsibilities within the community,
emphasizing the importance of working together to create a supportive
environment.
The pamphlet distribution was successful in raising awareness and providing
practical tools for mental health management. The positive feedback and
engagement indicate the value of such initiatives. Continued efforts and
improvements can further enhance the impact and support mental well-being in
our community.
CHAPTER 3
TANGIBLE LEARNING
Working in this Foundation, we were involved in food donation, tree planting, and
mental health awareness which offered us an invaluable practical experience. The
process of coordinating food drives, from collecting donations to distributing them,
provided us with a deep understanding of logistical planning, resource management, and
community outreach. In the process we realized giving food is not charity; it is an
expression of humanity and compassion.
The tree planting event involved planning the site for planting, receiving proper
permission from the school authorities, coordinating with the team members for
selecting proper tree saplings and mobilising them to the tree plantation site. The tree
planting event made us realize our responsibility towards the society and made us know
the importance of planning and teamwork.
Distributing mental health awareness pamphlets required effective communication and
interpersonal skills. Engaging with people from diverse backgrounds and providing
appropriate information about mental health resources demanded empathy, patience,
and cultural sensitivity. The experience left us satisfied knowing that we were a part of
promoting mental health in the society we live in. We were thankful for the opportunity
because this programme enhanced our understanding of how grassroots efforts
contribute to social betterment and how direct involvement can lead to meaningful
change in various sectors of society.
End-User Benefits
The end beneficiaries of these NGO initiatives experience a multitude of benefits.
Food donation: Food donation program contributed in alleviating hunger, improving
nutritional status, and enhancing overall well-being. Recipients gained immediate relief
from hunger and a sense of security knowing their basic needs are met.
Tree planting event: Tree planting contributes to a healthier environment, mitigating
climate change, improving air quality, enhancing the local biodiversity and preventing
soil erosion. Over time, these trees can also contribute to soil stabilization, better water
retention, and even provide economic benefits through fruits or other resources.
Mental Health Awareness: Mental health awareness pamphlets provided individuals
with knowledge about mental health conditions, how to keep a check on their mental
health and how mental well-being could contribute to their overall success. This thereby
reduces stigma, and encourages the help-seeking behaviour.
By addressing basic needs, promoting environmental sustainability, and fostering
mental well-being, these initiatives contributed to the holistic development of
communities.
CHAPTER 4
STUDENT’S CONTRIBUTION
Niranjana M (RA2211037010090)
This report outlines my experience and contributions as a volunteer with Youth Shine
foundation. The primary objectives of the NGO often include enhancing community well-
being, aiding and relief during crises, and promoting sustainable development practices. My
involvement began on 14th June 2024 and concluded on 14th July 2024, during which I
actively participated in a range of activities designed to advance the organization’s mission.
These activities included Food donation, Tree Plantation Program, Pamphleteering. Through
this experience, I gained valuable insights into the challenges faced by the communities we
served and the impact that targeted interventions can have on their lives. My time with YSF
not only allowed me to contribute meaningfully to the cause but also deepened my
understanding on the importance of grassroot efforts in driving social change.
One of the significant projects I was involved in was Food Drive Program. Participating in
the food drive program was an enriching and eye-opening experience. The event, organized
by YSF, aimed to collect non-perishable food items for families in need. Volunteers,
including myself, gathered early in the morning to set up collection stations and sort
donations. The sense of camaraderie among the volunteers was palpable, as we worked
together to ensure that the process ran smoothly. The experience underscored the power of
collective effort in addressing community needs and highlighted the generosity that exists
within our society.
The impact of the food drive was significant, with 200 packets of food collected and
distributed to local families. Witnessing the gratitude of the recipients was profoundly
moving, and it emphasized the importance of such initiatives in alleviating food insecurity.
The program also served as a reminder of the ongoing need for community support and
engagement. Overall, participating in the food drive was not only a rewarding experience but
also a call to action for continued involvement in efforts to support those less fortunate.
In addition to this, I contributed in Tree Plantation Program which was conducted in Mukkala
Nammalwar Chetty Vivekananda Vidyalaya, Kundrathur on 5th July 2024. I was involved in
preparing presentation for the event. I participated in the distribution of materials needed for
the tree plantation drive. I was involved in the purchase of saplings, ensuring that we selected
species that were well-suited to the local environment and would thrive in the area. I assisted
in briefing participants on the use of tools and the importance of proper planting techniques.
On the day of the event, I assisted in coordinating the activities, guiding volunteers in planting
the saplings, and ensuring that the event ran smoothly. I also helped in conducting an
orientation session for volunteers, explaining the importance of planting trees for combating
climate change. The tree plantation drive was a great success, with active participation from
the School Students and a significant contribution to the School Teachers. The experience was
fulfilling, and it was rewarding to see the collective effort of everyone involved. Participating
in this event was an enriching experience. It gave me the opportunity to contribute to a
meaningful cause, work closely with a dedicated team, and see the immediate impact of our
efforts. I look forward to participating in similar initiatives in the future.
On the last week we focused on mental health awareness, I had the opportunity to engage with
a diverse audience about the critical importance of mental health care. The event featured a
comprehensive pamphlet designed to educate the public on recognizing mental health issues,
seeking help, and promoting overall well-being. The pamphlet effectively outlined key signs
of mental health challenges, provided resources for support, and emphasized the importance of
reducing stigma around mental health. The pamphlet not only served as an informative tool but
also as a catalyst for community engagement, helping to bridge the gap between mental health
resources and those who need them. By increasing awareness and providing accessible
information, the event successfully contributed to a more informed and supportive community
environment, underscoring the NGO’s commitment to advancing mental health education and
advocacy.
L Shrivarshini (RA2211037010072)
My participation as a volunteer in Youth Shine Foundation was an enriching experience since
I had the opportunity to take part in activities for the betterment of the society. Being a
youngster, I had always thought of helping the community but I was not sure on how to lend a
helping hand. Joining YSF helped me with the latter. I was volunteering in this Foundation for
a month, where I realized, we as a part of this world must be responsible in every action we
take because this will have impact in the society we live in and also the greater society.
We were given the freedom to choose the programmes and events to be conducted. This move
from their side made us, the volunteers, to share ideas and ways to implement the plans as a
team. The regular discussions improved our coordination as a group and helped us to get more
understanding about why each of us chose to be a part of this programme.
The first two weeks involved donating food to the needy. I was involved in purchasing the food
packets and coordinating with my team members for the location. We distributed food to nearly
200 people who were facing food insecurity. Later, I prepared social media post for the event.
I felt grateful to the almighty and YSF for giving me the opportunity to alleviate hunger. I also
learnt that there were a lot many people in this world suffering in hunger while there are
restaurants and events where large amount of food is being wasted. The experience gave me a
lasting lesson – do not waste food.
The third week we organized tree planting event in Mukkala Nammalwar Chetty Vivekananda
Vidyalaya, Kundrathur. Myself and Niranjana selected suitable variety of trees that would grow
in the specific climatic conditions. I bought the tree saplings and nurtured them until the event’s
time and mobilised them to the location of tree planation. Myself along with Madhumithaa,
presented the causes and effects of global warming, methods to reduce it, planting trees to
reduce the global warming and conducted quiz.
I along with the volunteers and the students planted 25 saplings. In this process I educated the
students that our duty does not end by planting the trees but begins there, from where we shall
continue to take care of their well-being in turn they will take care of us in future.
We then donated 15 medicinal plants to the school. Finally, we presented a token of
appreciation to the Principal. This event made me learn the importance of communication skills
which played a crucial role in the programme’s success. I also was glad that I had taken a step
towards a more sustainable future. The success of the event gave me a sense of satisfaction in
contributing something towards Mother Earth.
The last week of work involved distributing pamphlets highlighting the importance of mental
health, a checklist for proper mental health and tips for maintain a good mental health. Myself
and another teammate were involved in making of the pamphlet. We designed them carefully
so as to include all the necessary details which must be understandable by all age groups. More
than 50 pamphlets were distributed to people among different age groups highlighting the need
for a good mental health. I was happy to know that people were interested to know about mental
health and some were aware and taking steps towards being mentally healthy. I realized that
we must be inclusive of different kinds of people in our society, helping people who seek help
for improving their mental health without discriminating them.
The one-month volunteering helped me learn a lot of valuable lessons that will be useful for
me as a human in this society. I also look forward to work under many more such events with
YSF in future.
Madhumithaa N (RA2211037010070)
In the month of June and July, I have had the opportunity to engage in a series of
meaningful community service initiatives that align with my commitment to social
responsibility and environmental awareness. My contributions have included
participating in a food donation drive, supporting a plant donation initiative at a school,
delivering an educational speech on global warming to 7th-grade students, and
distributing pamphlets to raise mental health awareness.
One of my most impactful contributions was participating in a food donation drive in
Chennai. Collaborating with the Youth Shine Foundation from June 15th to June 30, I
joined with my friends in distributing food packages to individuals and families facing
food insecurity. We worked systematically, organizing packages that included essential
groceries and balanced meals. This experience allowed me to witness the profound need
for consistent food access in underserved communities and reinforced my belief in the
importance of direct, on-the-ground assistance. By connecting personally with the
recipients, I gained valuable insights into the challenges many people face daily and the
positive impact that such initiatives can have.
Following this, I was involved in a plant donation initiative at Mukkala Nammalwar
chetty Vivekananda Vidyalaya . This project aimed to enhance the school’s green spaces
and encourage environmental awareness among students. By donating and helping plant
saplings within the school grounds, I aimed to instill in young students an appreciation
for nature and the environment. This initiative also emphasized the importance of
greenery in urban areas to combat pollution, improve air quality, and create a healthier
atmosphere. The students’ enthusiasm to learn about the importance of plants in the
ecosystem was inspiring, making the experience even more fulfilling.
Furthering my commitment to environmental causes, Me and my friends delivered a
speech on global warming to a class of 8th-grade students. This speech focused on the
causes and effects of climate change, as well as practical actions that even young people
can take to contribute to a healthier planet. Engaging with the students allowed me to
highlight the urgency of climate action and to encourage them to consider the impact of
their daily habits on the environment. The interactive nature of the session led to a
fruitful exchange of ideas and an opportunity to inspire young minds.
In addition, I participated in a mental health awareness campaign by distributing
informative pamphlets. This initiative was designed to address the stigma surrounding
mental health, promote open dialogue, and provide resources for those in need. By
distributing pamphlets within the community, I aimed to increase awareness of mental
health issues and encourage individuals to seek support when necessary. This campaign
allowed me to contribute to an essential aspect of well-being that is often overlooked,
emphasizing the importance of mental health as a core component of a healthy society.
Overall, these experiences have deepened my commitment to community service and
social responsibility. Each initiative addressed a critical area.
CHAPTER 5
CONCLUSION
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the weekly efforts carried out by YSF over the month have demonstrated
a tangible commitment to environment conservation, educating people. Through
consistent activities, we were able to promote sustainable practices, created awareness
among the fellow citizens. These achievements underscore the importance of ongoing,
hands-on engagement and reflect YSF’s dedication to creating positive, sustainable
change. Continued support and weekly outreach are vital for maintaining momentum
and fostering long-term impact within the community.
Every event we were a part of taught us valuable lessons – compassion, respect for the
fellow citizens, team work, punctuality, and on the whole to be a better human.
