MY ANANDA EXPERIENCE: Sherly Mathews, India Country Director
Introduction
Early this year I was looking for a change of job from computers to something that was more personal where I could connect to people. I still remember my first contact with Ananda Foundation in January 2006 for an interview with the directors. I got an overview of Ananda Foundation and the opportunity to share my personal strengths and experience in the development field.
I was fascinated by the vision of the Foundation – “a world free of poverty and suffering, disparities and injustice, in which ordinary citizens participate in the larger global community to affect social change for the betterment of humanity”-and wished to be a team member. I was extremely happy when I was offered the post of Country Director.
Ananda Foundation supports interventions by Indian NGOs that remove social injustice, reduce economic disparities, improve health and provide educational opportunities.
Our present projects have components of education, income enhancement and social justice. We have carefully selected beneficiary groups from the most disadvantaged sections of the society. Although most of our projects are in Tamil Nadu, there is no restriction on the geographical area. Ananda Foundation gives importance to the need of the community and the potential of the NGO partner.
Conclusion
Ananda Foundation has developed valuable projects with reliable partners in India. We have excellent goals and objectives for each project. Efficient implementation with community participation would definitely help us to reach project goals. As the country director my dream is to facilitate this process through proper mediation, guidance and support.
Sherly Mathew, November 2006
