Pehlay Akshar
Conducted storytelling sessions for underprivileged children with the view to inculcate not just moral values, but also the importance of expressing oneself through effective communication skills.
Relief efforts during the Kerala floods
The unprecedented floods in the South Indian state of Kerala in 2021 caused extensive damage to property and also led to loss of life. I was one of the chief organizers, actively involved in the relief efforts organized by my school and ‘Goonj’, an NGO. We conducted the entire procedure in a phased manner. We divided ourselves into groups to perform varied tasks and to procure goods required for distribution. I played an integral role in the following functions.
Research and Analysis: A need-based analysis performed to ensure there wasn’t wastage of relief material and also to ensure it reached the truly needed and affected. This was done by connecting with the NGOs and other resources closer to the affected regions to get an estimate of the requirements in the region. We also did a survey on the products required by the affected to make sure we sent the appropriate goods and materials.
Procurement: The shortlisting of the final list of products required – diapers, sanitary pads, milk powder packets, tissues, clothes, etc., followed by a social media drive soliciting aid in procurement of these items.
Sorting and Packaging: After procurement, sorting based on product category like hygiene, food and clothing and finally packing in cardboard boxes.
Transportation and Distribution: Partnered with the NGOs to reach the relief materials to the responsible volunteers for distribution.
Budgeting: This was a key area under my portfolio. I was entrusted with the responsibility to take charge, ensuring proper budget allocation in the various activities towards the relief efforts right from procurement of resources, creating awareness and timely distribution.