40 students from BSc. in Fashion and Apparel Design course visited Gerizim Rehabilitation Trust – an NGO, on 21st January 2023, along with Ms. Zulaika Asif. The initiative was part of the Love for Knowledge by the students of  JD School of Design powered by JD Institute of Fashion Technology. 

Gerizim Rehabilitation Trust is more than 30-years old and was founded by Mr. G. J. Yesudian in 1989. It is currently being run and looked after by his wife, Mrs. Indira Yesudian who is the Co-Founder of the Trust, post his demise. Whereas his son Mr. Joseph Ponraj is the Director of the trust. They work exclusively with children who are  challenged mentally and physically.

The trust started with only 40 children during its initial days and were sheltered in the home of the founders along with their own children. They used their own salary to look after the complete expenses. Starting out from their own home, Gerizim is now blessed with four special schools, three vocational training institutes, four children homes, four free evening tuition centres, four help groups, two social development centres, six branches of family counselling units. 

The trust’s maintains truthfulness through the course of their service. Integrity  is given priority at every stage of their work. They are always patient and never settle their values in any way while trying to be genuine and committed to the entrusted task.

The day was started with an offering of prayers, after that the Jediiians were explained about the NGO, its principles, ideas and the value it adds to the NGO children’s life. The students were taken on a tour of the classrooms where the children are taught. They showcased the work of the children which included socks, sweaters, frocks, foot mats with old sarees etc., thus giving a view of their skill and creativity. The teacher further shared that the children learn through actions as this made it easy for them to understand and absorb the skills that were being taught. 

The activity commenced after dividing the students and the children in eight groups. Each group was tasked to train the children in art and craft with the use of  sustainable materials. 

One group trained in fabric painting with finger impression and vegetable impression. Another bunch instructed the children on how to create bracelets with beads.

Children who were older were taught macramé techniques. This craft also fascinated the teachers of the NGO who joined the group to observe and learn about the same. 

While another group took up teaching book markings, whereas one showed the children on how to fashion dreamcatchers and wall hangings with the use of newspaper.

Once the group activities were completed by the children, the jediiians arranged for few games like jigsaw puzzle, blocks, animals identification and other fun games.

Post the games, the children from the NGO started painting fabrics. The detailing, the flair of the strokes, the attention to the intricacies was impeccable. From showcasing craft, painting and games, the children were a creative lot. Their love for knowledge was witnessed through their zeal to mimic what was taught and they embraced it with enthusiasm. 

After the activities and the tasks were completed, Mr. Joseph Ponraj, Director of Gerizim Rehabilitation  Trust  gave a vote of thanks and laid emphasis on the vision and mission of the NGO. 

He also shared that the work made by the children will be put up for sale during exhibitions. The money collected from the sale will be utilised for the welfare of the children. 

The day was concluded with an exchange of thanks and gratitude for the experience that the Jediiians felt. Before bidding farewell, the students distributed some sweets and stationery among the children. The students were happy to have gained a new understanding and were overwhelmed. They extended their appreciation to Gerizim Rehabilitation  Trust. As an institute JD School of Design helps students to spread love for knowledge by going beyond the conventional diktats and take life lessons through such acts of noble initiatives. This is instrumental among the youth to gain a sense of empathy to become aware leaders of tomorrow.