Close X
Tuesday, November 19, 2024
ADVT 
India

The Inspiring Journey of Make a Difference 

Mrinalini Sundar Darpan, 29 Nov, 2023 01:32 PM
  • The Inspiring Journey of Make a Difference 

In a world where millions of children suffer from the harsh realities of poverty, abuse, and neglect, Make a Difference (MAD) shines as a beacon of hope. Established in 2006 by the passionate and dedicated Jithin Nedumala, this remarkable NGO is making a profound impact on the lives of orphaned and vulnerable children in Bangalore, India, and beyond. 

As countless children worldwide face uncertain futures, MAD's mission is to offer them a lifeline—to live with dignity, security, and the ability to cope with life's challenges. Join us on a journey to explore how MAD is making a real difference in the lives of these children, providing them with the foundation for a brighter future.

For Jithin Nedumala, who founded MAD in 2006 when he was just 20 years old, volunteering with children was a coincidence. After losing a close friend at the age of 19, he began volunteering at an orphanage in Kochi to "escape his own pain." There, focusing on someone else's struggles helped him find deeper happiness. "I was able to focus on something larger than myself for the first time," he adds. However, he soon realized that most children he was working with, owing to their circumstances, might get sucked into the world of crime and violence. "MAD was born because I was angry at society, where instead of providing children with the best care and support they need to break free of the cycle of poverty, we are just keeping them alive till 18 and then washing our hands of them," says Nedumala.

What They Do

Make a Difference (MAD) is on a mission to help orphaned and vulnerable children in India escape the intergenerational cycle of poverty. It is dedicated to providing long-term support and nurturing relationships to vulnerable children, allowing them to thrive in the real world. The organization's interventions cover academic support, life skills, emotional health, and transition readiness. These initiatives are tailored to different age groups, ensuring that children are equipped to navigate life's challenges successfully.

For the youngest age group, aged 10-13, MAD's Foundation Skills program lays the groundwork for their future, enabling them to cope and grow. As children progress into the 14-16 age range, the Education Support & Dream Camps offer individualized attention and high-quality support, bridging learning gaps and fostering the pursuit of higher education. Transition Readiness, designed for young adults aged 16-18, equips them to make a successful transition into broader society as they leave shelter homes. Furthermore, MAD's Aftercare Programme, tailored for individuals aged 18 and above, provides consistent support through a reliable mentor as they venture into college, vocational training, or employment, ensuring a reliable safety net during this critical phase of their lives.

The Impact

Today, the first generation of children that Nedumala taught are all adults. Most of them are married and earn a monthly income of Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000 on average. MAD has also provided them with interest-free funding to build their first homes, creating a "cycle of support and happiness." For many MAD volunteers, the long-term relationships they have built with children bring them special joy and satisfaction. MAD has mobilized 4,250 young leaders to seek better outcomes for approximately 3,400 children annually in shelter homes across 23 cities.

How to Volunteer

MAD's success relies on its dedicated volunteers. The organization has worked with around 20,000 volunteers in the past 17 years. If you're interested in volunteering with MAD, you can join the ranks of the passionate individuals who have made a real difference in the lives of these children. Visit MAD's website for more information on how to get involved.

Jithin shares his inspiration and drive: "MAD gave me the opportunity to support and empower the most vulnerable children in India, and knowing it is possible keeps me going." He believes in the power of hard work and remains committed to ensuring every vulnerable child in India has a safe place to go.

 

 

 

MORE India ARTICLES

35 more Afghan evacuees released from ITBP quarantine centre in Delhi

35 more Afghan evacuees released from ITBP quarantine centre in Delhi
These 35 persons arrived at ITBP quarantine facility from the IGI Airport, New Delhi on August 26 after they were airlifted from Afghanistan.

35 more Afghan evacuees released from ITBP quarantine centre in Delhi

Farmers unions to meet on Sep 11 to decide future course of action

Farmers unions to meet on Sep 11 to decide future course of action
Bharatiya Kisan Union leader Rakesh Tikait on Wednesday announced that they will continue the peaceful protest here and will not obstruct any official day to day activities. He said that farmers across the state will continue the agitation on the lines of ongoing protests at the Delhi borders.

Farmers unions to meet on Sep 11 to decide future course of action

Punjab, J&K Police jointly seize Rs 1.64 cr drug money

Punjab, J&K Police jointly seize Rs 1.64 cr drug money
The drug money is allegedly linked with the seizure of 17 kg heroin, which was recovered by the police in Amritsar (Rural) on August 26 after arresting Ranjit Singh, alias Sonu.

Punjab, J&K Police jointly seize Rs 1.64 cr drug money

Farmers sit in protest at Karnal DC office enters 2nd day

Farmers sit in protest at Karnal DC office enters 2nd day
The demands included an FIR and strict action against SDM Ayush Sinha, who on August 28 instructed the police to beat the protesting farmers. A video-clip of Sinha ordering the force to smash the farmers' heads had stirred a row after it went viral on social media. 

Farmers sit in protest at Karnal DC office enters 2nd day

Govt should avoid confrontation with farmers: Hooda

Govt should avoid confrontation with farmers: Hooda
Amid farmers protest in Karnal, former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda said on Wednesday that the government should avoid confrontation with the farmers and find amicable solution. He said confrontation is not good as farmers have every right to protest peacefully for their demands.

Govt should avoid confrontation with farmers: Hooda

India, Portugal ink pact for recruiting Indian workers

India, Portugal ink pact for recruiting Indian workers
This agreement would set an institutional mechanism for partnership and cooperation between India and Portugal on sending and accepting Indian workers and a Joint Committee will be set up to follow up the implementation of the same.

India, Portugal ink pact for recruiting Indian workers