Important Event
| World AIDS/HIV Day | Candle Light Memorial Day | Transgender Day Celebration |
| Independence Day Celebration | Grievance Day at Collectorate | Pooja Festival Celebration |
World AIDS/HIV Day
Throughout the year, STNS CBO, in collaboration with SATVT, organized the World AIDS Day event with the goal of raising awareness about HIV/AIDS within local communities. The event brought together key stakeholders, including TANSACS, DAPCU, and community members, to facilitate open discussions and share critical information on HIV prevention, treatment, and support for those living with HIV/AIDS. It also provided an important platform to educate the public on the significance of combating stigma and promoting inclusivity for People Living with HIV (PLHIV).
A key highlight of the program was the “Samapanthi” initiative, which aimed to ensure equal access to food for PLHIV.Recognizing the vital role that nutritious food plays in maintaining health, this initiative promoted communal meals that included PLHIV, creating a supportive environment that nurtured both physical health and a sense of belonging. The focus was not just on nourishment, but also on fostering equity and inclusivity within the community.
The event culminated in a vibrant rally that attracted significant community participation, amplifying awareness and solidarity across diverse groups. The World AIDS Day event had a lasting impact, deepening community understanding of HIV/AIDS, enhancing acceptance of PLHIV, and strengthening partnerships with local health authorities.It also provided an important platform to educate the public on the significance of combating stigma and promoting inclusivity for People Living with HIV (PLHIV).A key highlight of the program was the “Samapanthi” initiative, which aimed to ensure equal access to food for PLHIV.This collective effort not only helped combat stigma but alsoreinforced the commitment to achieving health equity for all.
Candle Light Memorial Day
Throughout the year, our organization actively participated in the Candlelight Memorial event at the collector’s office, a poignant gathering dedicated to honoring those who have lost their lives to HIV. This annual event serves as both a memorial and a call to action, raising awareness about the ongoing challenges faced by their families, especially the children left behind. It provided an opportunity to highlight the impact of HIV on vulnerable communities and foster greater understanding and support.
A central goal of the Candlelight Memorial was to offer educational support and nutrition to children orphaned by HIV. In collaboration with local schools and health services, we launched programs designed to ensure these children had the resources necessary to thrive. Spanning several months, the initiative brought together educators, healthcare professionals, and volunteers who were deeply committed to improving the lives of these young individuals.
Key accomplishments from the initiative included the distribution of school supplies and nutritious meals to children affected by HIV. Workshops for parents and caregivers focused on health education and essential support systems, creating a nurturing space for families to share experiences and find solidarity. These gatherings fostered hope and healing, strengthening the community’s commitment to supporting one another.
The impact of the Candlelight Memorial and its associated programs has been far-reaching. The educational support led to higher school attendance and improved academic performance among the children involved.Workshops for parents and caregivers focused on health education and essential support systems, creating a nurturing space for families to share experiences and find solidarity. These gatherings fostered hope and healing, strengthening the community’s commitment to supporting one another.By emphasizing the interconnectedness of health, education, and community support, the event has left a lasting legacy, ensuring that the memory of those we’ve lost continues to inspire and uplift the next generation.
World Transgender Day:
STNS CBO, in collaboration with the board members of Salem Thirunangaigal Nala Sangam CBO and the staff of STNS CBO, celebrated World Transgender Day. The celebration included a cake-cutting ceremony, where the cake was shared with everyone present, spreading joy and happiness among the participants.
Independence Day:
Salem Thirunangaigal CBO celebrated Independence Day at their office, joined by board members, staff, and community members. The event began with a flag-hoisting ceremony in front of the office, followed by the distribution of sweets to all attendees, sharing in the joy of the occasion. The celebration emphasized the collective belief that everyone deserves to live freely and safely in society.
Grievance day at collectorate:
Grievance Day is held at the Collectorate across Tamil Nadu on the first Friday of every month, an initiative supported by the TG Welfare Board and regular engagement with government ministers. On this day, transgender individuals can apply for a TG card, national identity card, and other social protection services. They also have the opportunity to file complaints related to violence or discrimination. STNS CBO members and staff actively participate in this monthly event, ensuring that transgender individuals have access to essential services and support.
Pooja festival celebration
Livelihood Activities
Arogaya Group Initiative
The Arogaya Group, a key community-based initiative within STNS, has embarked on a transformative journey to empower individuals through communal savings and low-interest loans. Established with the goal of fostering financial independence, the initiative has successfully formed over 20 active groups with more than 182 dedicated members. Each group meets regularly, cultivating a spirit of collaboration where members contribute to a collective fund on a weekly or monthly basis. This structure not only promotes savings but also provides access to affordable loans, reducing dependence on high-interest external lenders.
A central feature of the Arogaya Group initiative is the monthly review meetings organized by CBO staff, which ensure transparency and collective decision-making. These gatherings offer a platform to discuss financial strategies, celebrate successes, and address any challenges that arise. The positive impact is clear: members have moved away from expensive loans offered by external sources, leading to greater financial stability. This collective financial responsibility has fostered a sense of solidarity and trust, creating a strong support network that bolsters the community’s overall economic resilience.
As a direct result of the initiative, several community members have ventured into entrepreneurship, launching small businesses such as idly shops, fruit stalls, and tailoring services. By enabling individuals to start their own businesses, the Arogaya Group is not only stimulating the local economy but also nurturing a culture of self-reliance and innovation. The entrepreneurial spirit within the group has flourished, demonstrating the success of the initiative in transforming lives and generating sustainable livelihoods.
In summary, the Arogaya Group initiative has achieved its goals of financial empowerment and community cohesion, while sparking a wave of entrepreneurship that significantly enhances the quality of life for its members. The support, solidarity, and sense of responsibility fostered through this program stand as powerful testaments to the positive change driven by community-led initiatives.
