The Founders

A.J. Hariharan is the Founder Secretary of Indian Community Welfare Organization. He has vast experience of working in the field of HIV/AIDS prevention and care & support for the high risk communities. He is Bachelor of Economics from Madras University and has also done a course on Health and Human Right s from Harvard University, Boston.

About the organisation

Indian Community Welfare Organisation as a registered voluntary organisation was established in the year 1994. It was born out of deep and abiding concern for marginalised and exploited women in difficult circumstances in India. ICWO is doing a considerable amount of work in the field of STD/HIV/AIDS prevention with the commitment of several dedicated volunteers and regular support of the government. The main objective behind the organisation is to increase the awareness about STD/HIV/AIDS and prevention in various target groups and to reduce the prevalence and incidents of STD/HIV/AIDS among the high risk groups. The organisation also works to create alternative employment for sex workers.

The vision behind the organisation is to improve the standard of life among homosexual men, sex workers and their children by ensuring their basic rights.

Association with Smile Foundation

ICWO is associated with Smile Foundation as a part of its Smile Twin e- Learning Programme. The programme is designed to impart professional skills in the field of computer and English language to the underprivileged youth. The objective of the programme is to provide alternative livelihood opportunities to these youth, so that they can live life with dignity .

Stories of Hope

R.Sowmiya is an 18 year old girl, from Vijayaraghavapuram. Her mother is a female sex worker and her father expired when she was studying in 5th standard. Soumya completed her 12th standard from a local Government Girls School, after which she had to discontinue her studies because of financial constraints in the family. It was at this time that Soumiya came to know about Smile Twin e- Learning through ICWO staff. She joined The STeP program and is now successfully working in the Customer Service Department of Spencer Bakery and is earning a monthly salary of Rs. 4500/-. After studying this course she is able to support her family financially.

Sowmiya says, “Before joining the STeP Programme, I didn’t know how to find a job, but now because of this training I have become confident and I’m able to communicate and interact better. I’m glad that I have got a job and I feel better now that I’m earning”

M.Balaji is 20yrs old and comes from Thirumulaivoyal. His father had expired when he was at the age of eight. Balaji could not continue his studies due to financial constraints in the family and used to support the family by working part time in Times of India. After the training in Smile Twin e- Learning Programme. he has been promoted as a Team Leader (Senior Relation Executive) in Times of India. He is working full time now and is earning a salary of Rs. 7000/- per month.

Balaji says, “The training which I got in STeP has helped in getting a promotion as Team Leader and securing my job as a full time employee. Now, I’m in a better position to support my family.”