Our Activities
Together for a Brighter, Inclusive FutureMaintenance of Senior Citizen Home
Under the financial assistance of the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India, New Delhi, SERDO has been running an Old Age Home since 1994. Here, we cater to the needs of left-out or abandoned old age people by offering comprehensive support, including accommodation, meals, shelter, clothing, recreation, regular medical check-ups, yoga, companionship, outings, and the fulfillment of all their daily needs. We also ensure that prescribed medications are provided as required.
In addition to meeting their basic needs, we actively engage our residents in income-generating activities such as making baskets, fishing nets, trays, mats, and incense sticks. These products are sold at fair market prices, allowing the residents to feel empowered and motivated by earning their own income.
To promote the well-being of both our staff and residents, we focus on mental health by organizing regular internal excursions and recreational activities, creating a supportive and uplifting environment for all.
Awareness of Drug Abuse and Prevention
Youth are the key driver of the nation. Drug abuse among them is a pressing issue in the state of Manipur. Addressing this problem with the right approach at the right time is our primary concern. Recognizing the severity of the situation, our organization has been actively conducting awareness programs on drug abuse and prevention across various locations in the Thoubal District, particularly in remote areas. These initiatives aim to empower the youth of Thoubal to steer clear of drug use and its harmful consequences.
To further strengthen our efforts, we have engaged a dedicated counselor to provide counseling services to both young individuals and their parents. These sessions focus on educating them about the dangers of drug abuse and its profound impact on families and society as a whole. Through these efforts, we strive to create a drug-free environment for the youth and foster a healthier, more aware community.
Cultural Development Programme
We also conduct cultural development programs with the mission of preserving the ancient cultures of the various ethnic tribal communities present in Manipur. The primary objectives of these programs are to promote and revive the traditional art and culture of indigenous ethnic groups, fostering social integration and communal harmony.
In one such program, eight delegates from different parts of Manipur participated, contributing to the rich exchange of ideas and traditions. The key activities included lectures, talks, discussions, and the presentation of papers, all focused on exploring and celebrating the heritage of these communities. Through these efforts, we strive to safeguard the cultural legacy of Manipur’s diverse ethnic groups for future generations.
Skill Upgradation Program
Having skills is essential for anyone dreaming of working in a prestigious field. We provide skill development training programs on Cane and Bamboo Crafts during September and October at our campus (Training Hall) using our own funds. A total of 25 trainees benefited from the program, with one master trainer engaged on an honorarium basis. The beneficiaries have since secured jobs in both public and private sectors, as well as in various units and establishments.
The cane and bamboo industry offers promising prospects in the state, producing items like furniture, partitions, and decorative items. Although bamboo has immense commercial potential, financial issues limit production. Government support could greatly increase bamboo output and industry growth.
Awareness Program on Ayush
We also work to raise awareness of AYUSH at two locations in Thoubal District, Manipur. Our main aim is to serve those disappointed with modern medicine and those seeking alternative healthcare treatments. Resource persons delivered talks on various topics, emphasizing the importance of Yoga and Nature Care as alternative treatments for chronic diseases like gastritis, peptic ulcers, constipation, hypertension, obesity, sciatica, and diabetes. A demonstration for school children was also held. A total of 30 participants from Imphal West District attended, and basic yoga exercises were conducted as part of the program.
Disaster Management
An awareness program on disaster management was organized by SERDO under the guidance of the Manipur State Disaster Management Authority, Government of Manipur. Through this program, attendees get comprehensive knowledge on essential do’s and don’ts during disasters, aiming to enhance preparedness and safety. Topics included response strategies for natural calamities and basic survival techniques, ensuring that participants are better equipped to handle emergencies effectively.
HIV Awareness Program
Since its inception, we have been working to spread awareness about HIV/AIDS, focusing on educating rural youth about its causes and transmission. We organize awareness programs in collaboration with local youth and clubs. The main objectives are to prevent the spread of the disease and raise awareness among rural communities, as the infection rate continues to rise. Key activities include distributing IEC materials and holding street corner meetings. Various resource persons delivered talks on the primary transmission routes of HIV/AIDS and how to care for infected individuals. 60 participants attended the awareness campaign.
Free Coaching for SC/ST/OBC
We offered a 2-month free coaching program for OBC, SC, ST, and BPL students at our organization’s premises to promote quality education and provide free tuition to those unable to afford private fees. This program was for poor students from Classes VI to X. A total of 40 students from various classes and 40 students from different villages in Thoubal District participated. Local educators were engaged to teach different subjects, receiving minimal honoraria. Weekly tests were conducted, and nominal prizes were awarded to encourage students.
Urdu Study center
As part of our educational development program, we conducted a one-month training program in Urdu language. Two experts in Urdu were engaged to lead the sessions. During the camp, 65 students participated, benefiting from comprehensive instruction in the language. The program aimed to enhance Urdu language skills among the participants, contributing to their overall educational development.
Legal Awareness Program
SERDO organized a Legal Awareness Program, where resource persons delivered valuable talks on legal aid, human rights, consumer protection, and the misuse of legal rights. Participants were informed about their basic constitutional rights, including life, liberty, equality, and dignity. Special discussions on “Women’s Rights” and the Right to Information Act were held. Additionally, street corner meetings were conducted at three junctions, with 50 participants from neighboring villages of Sangryumpham.
Youth Development
Youth are the future leaders, and to foster their development, we organized a Youth Development Programme at the SERDO Training Hall. The camp aimed to nurture leadership qualities and personality development among village youth, channeling their energy towards socio-economic growth. A total of 25 boys and 18 girls from surrounding areas participated. Training covered confidence building, self-reliance, problem-solving, personal hygiene, reproductive health, and literacy. Resource persons, including clinical psychologists, vocational counselors, physicians, and teachers, provided career guidance to help participants choose suitable vocations for their future livelihood.
Women and Child Labour Development
For the welfare of women and child laborers, and to eradicate child labor, SERDO has been working at the grassroots level in Thoubal District, Manipur. The organization focuses on freeing child laborers and providing them with education. Numerous programs on child labor have been organized, including a recent workshop with 25 children from surrounding villages, some of whom were engaged in hazardous work. SERDO helped relocate these children and enrolled them in schools, covering all expenses.
To address the issues faced by women laborers, a seminar was organized in Sangaiyumpham, Thoubal District, with 30 women laborers employed in hazardous jobs participating. Three experts in women and child labor were invited as resource persons. The seminar focused on promoting economic independence for women, improving their status, discussing policies related to women’s employment, and encouraging socio-economic development through self-employment and the formation of cooperative societies.
Agriculture and Horticulture Development
SERDO is the only organization dedicated to working selflessly for the welfare of the farming community, investing all its resources without seeking any benefit. Recognizing that agriculture and horticulture are vital for the development of rural farmers and the country, SERDO focuses on enhancing the entire horticulture value chain—from pre-production to marketing. In 2023-24, SERDO organized two programs, inviting experts to guide farmers on reducing post-harvest losses and improving productivity. These efforts aim to boost agricultural output and strengthen the rural economy.
Handicraft and Handloom Development
Handloom and Handicraft Training Programme:
SERDO conducted a Two-Month Handloom and Handicraft Training Programme from May 1, aiming to enhance rural women’s income through skill upgradation. Expert trainers taught various techniques in the training hall.
- Goldsmith Programme:
W held a two-week Jewellery Crafts Development Programme from May 12 to June 11, 2023, for local unemployed youth to improve socio-economic status through self-employment, benefiting 21 participants with provided materials and equipment.
- Block Printing Training Cum Production:
A 7-day Block Printing Training Cum Production Programme took place from June 10, 2023, at our campus for local unemployed youth.
- Wool Knitting Development Programme:
A training cum production program on wool knitting was organized from June 2, 2022, at the SERDO Training Hall for educated unemployed individuals from OBCs. A total of 35 trainees participated.
- Shawl Making Programme:
We conducted a 5-day Shawl Making Training Programme from July 10 to 14, 2023, at our office premises with 25 participants. Two instructors were engaged on an honorarium basis.
- Mushroom Cultivation and Production:
Mushrooms, including Oyster and Paddy Straw varieties, have been successfully cultivated in the state. The training also highlighted naturally occurring edible mushrooms like Uyen and Kanglayen.
- Poultry and Duckery Development Programme:
A 10-day Poultry and Duckery Training Programme was conducted in 2022-23 for small and marginal farmers, with 125 participants. Local leaders facilitated a small loan for startup costs, leading to increased egg and meat production, reduced market prices, and enhanced self-employment opportunities, particularly for women.