We continue the photographic tour George and Gailene Wester of Perth, Australia have prepared for us of the humanitarian service projects run at the international headquarters of the TS at Adyar, Chennai, India.  In this issue, we visit the Social Welfare Centre where vocational training is given to young women of modest means and day care activities are offered to underprivileged children of kindergarten age.

All who attend the international convention of the TS in late December each year are invited to an Open Day at the Social Welfare Centre where they can meet the staff and students and discover the year’s achievements.  The vocational training ladies and the children put on delightful dance and drama performances and their beautiful work is displayed. 
 

TS members awaiting the start of the Open Day celebrations

Here we see some of the pre-school children ready to perform.  Around 85 children aged between two and five are looked after.  Classroom and outdoor activities are arranged, as well as field trips. A nutritious vegetarian breakfast and midday meal are provided for the children, who are looked after by a staff of 4 teachers and 5 helpers.
 

The children tell a story through drama. Intellectual, personal, physical and social development is attended to and special emphasis given to language work.
 

Folk dancing performed by the vocational training ladies

International TS Vice-President, Mrs Linda Oliveira, presents a certificate of course completion to one of the students, along with a gift.
 

Mrs Breda Zagar of the TS in Slovenia cuts the ribbon on one of the room displays.

TS members enjoy the beautiful art and craft work.
 

Samples of the ladies’ sewing work
 

Equipment for the teaching of weaving and tailoring which is offered to some 25 women per year
 

Free medical treatment is provided at the Social Welfare Centre for needy villagers by the doctors of the Theosophical Order of Service in Chennai.