Annual Project Partners Workshop

The Annual Project Partners’ Workshop 2009 was a spectacular event. This year’s APPW not only celebrated the successes and the development results achieved, but also introspected in terms of accomplishing the mission and achieving the vision of TdH-NL in India. As articulated by Mr. Lei Brouns the objective of the workshop was to carry out proper constructive self-criticism with a view to reviewing the changes in the organizational structure, project set up, implementation of activities and monitoring and the approach towards the beneficiaries which would help TdH-NL and the partners to reach the beneficiaries more purposefully.

Therefore, this year the theme of the workshop emphasized critically to assess what TdH-NL and the partner organization have achieved so fare and what need to be undertaken in the days to come. And hence, the workshop theme was titled as “Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow- The Collective Experience, Learning and the Way Forward.” This year the moment of celebration is also distinct with another event of gaiety to spot the Silver Jubilee Celebration of development initiatives of TdH-NL in India under the leadership of Lei Brouns. One cannot deny that TdH-NL supported development programs superheaded by Lei Brouns in South Asian Region in general and India in particular for the last twenty five years; is a history of phenomenal achievement which is marked by progress, growth and change. 

The events

The three day workshop was started with the silver jubilee celebrations. The erstwhile project partners of TdH-NL also participated in the jubilation and bore witness the development results achieved and changes brought about in the target community. This program was followed by thematic deliberations on education, health and socio-economic development.

Background papers on education, health and socio-economic development were presented by Mr. Meru, Ms. Jayalakshmi and Mr. Thangaperumal. The participants were divided in nine smaller groups to have discussion on their collective experience, learning and to suggest the way forward. Each group had a leader to co-ordinate the group dynamics. The concerns of each organization were spelt out, consolidated and the groups brought forward all pertinent issues for further deliberations.

The thematic presentation culminated with the business hours. Mr. Fons, the Regional Communication Officer, made a presentation on communication channel. He raised issues on Newsletters which helps to promote the activities of TdH-NL and also satisfies the sponsors’ requirement in the Nederlands. He made a presentation on how the newsletter should be and asked the partners to give suggestions to improve the outlook and content of the newsletter. He emphasized on issues such as

• • Quality information.
  • Planning, organizing and timeframe.
  • Writing and
  • Designing etc.,

He also said that the sponsors are looking for two major things in the newsletter like description of the projects, its aims and objectives and information about the activities in the project. T- Shirts with the logo of TdH-NL distributed to all the project partners  who attended the workshop as part of the promotional activities of TdH-NL.

Presentations on MMS & NELINDCO Foundation

Mrs. Vijayalakshmi, Principal of Mathagondapalli Model School (MMS) made a presentation about the various activities of the school. The laurels earned by the students and the innovative practices of MMS were highlighted in the presentation. The Principal sought the support of project partners to recommend the deserving children from the underprivileged communities. Ms. Anne Priya the Operational Manager made a presentation on the objectives, activities and achievements of NELINDCO Foundation.

Best Partner Award

Mr. Thangaperumal announced the best reporting award for the year 2009. Mobility India (Bangalore) bagged the best reporting organization award and on behalf of the organization, Mr. Jayakumar, the Project Manager received the award. Eventually, APPW 2009 was concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. S. Prabhudoss followed by a photo session.

The next Project Partners Workshop (APPW 2010) will be held 19th-21st November 2010.