About us

The Elders for Elders Foundation [EFEF] is a registered voluntary organisation under Indian Trusts Act, 1882, working towards overall development and rights of the aged community. EfEF targets working elders, assisted elders and destitute elders and focuses its efforts to mitigate their problems-'10+1':Economic insecurity Neglect, Isolation, Fear, Boredom, Abuse, Loss of Control, Lowered self-esteem and lack of preparedness. EfEF is now functioning in two states, covering four districts namely Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Virudhunagar and Ramanathapuram in the state of Tamil Nadu and one district namely Kollam in Kerala. EFEF serves to the needs of 11300 elder members from 113 villages across the above two states.

The Tsunami that struck the coastal India in 2004 December created untold devastation to life and property. This drew the attention of the world, which organized massive humanitarian aid. As far as the survivors are concerned, the elderly many of whom turned destitute overnight remained largely invisible in the background. At this juncture, Help Age India during its rehabilitation phase planned to create a structure to look after the welfare of the aged in two states namely Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Accordingly, formation of Elders Self Help Groups [ESHGs] in each village, federation of the ESHGs at the village Panchayat and District level have been undertaken through the democratic process. Elders Self Help group (is a group of 12-20 elders, aimed at the socio-economic, physical and psychological upliftment of the working elders.

Vision

"To improve the livelihood of poor and downtrodden peoples towards their upliftment, educationally, economically, and socially through an integrated participatory development approach."

Our Mission

A Protect and empower their rights to eradicate various forms of discrimination in society and raise awareness for social equality, creating equal opportunities on the basis of caste, religion, gender, and language. description of the project's mission

Sensitivity (to Elders and Their Needs)

We understand the unique physical, emotional, and social needs of elders and provide care with patience, kindness, and attentiveness.

Integrity

We uphold the highest ethical standards, ensuring honesty, trust, and professionalism in all our interactions.

Democracy

We believe in inclusivity, valuing the voices and choices of elders, and encouraging active participation in decisions about their care.


Transparency

We maintain clear and open communication with elders and their families, ensuring accountability and trust in our services.

Recognize, Respect, and Faith (in the Capacity of the Elders)

We honor the wisdom, experience, and dignity of elders, empowering them to lead fulfilling and independent lives.

The Organization

DR.M.P.BORAIAN

MANAGING TRUSTEE

Dr. M.P. Boraian, is a distinguished academic and rural development expert with over 40 years of experience. He has led numerous research projects for global organizations like UNDP and UNICEF and has authored 19 books. His work spans teaching, consultancy, and community outreach, particularly in tribal and elderly welfare.

ELANGO RAJARATHINAM

DIRECTOR

Mr. Elango, is a seasoned expert in rural development with over three decades of experience in elder care, livelihood promotion, and community-based initiatives. He holds an M.Phil. in Micro Level Planning and has been instrumental in mobilizing 13,000+ elderly members across Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

Aims & Objectives of the Trust


Delve into flowing sequences that harmonize breath and movement, fostering mental clarity and physical strength.

To Promote, support and sustain grassroots Elders Self Help Groups (ESHGs), their higher order federations, as a co-operative action for furtherance of sustenance and sustainable livelihoods.

To explore the available resources for the benefit of elders are including health, micro-credit and micro-finance initiatives to further the cause of productive and health ageing.

To undertake disasters and emergency preparedness and risk reduction plans, programmes and projects with special emphasis on the elderly.

To actively support the genuine community development initiatives, projects and organizations of the elderly and to undertake all activities charitable in nature directly of indirectly.

To engage the services of extension workers and consultants directly or through suitable agencies and/or member federations to assist the elders in a)carrying out their livelihood activities either independently or collectively, b)healthy ageing through provisioning for medical consultations/services/special medical camps, orthopedic aids, IOL surgeries and such other allied services, from time to time.

To advocate, lobby and be the spokes person/ pressure group forum of the elders or their associations/groups, and their higher order federations for achievement.

Progress and Achievements

1335 ESHGs / 141 Village Level Federations / 4 Dist. Level Federations / 1 Project Level Federation / 1 Apex Federation have been formed. About 13000+elders are covered under the ESHGs programme directly.
812 elders have been receiving essential daily provisions
ESHGs’ own savings about Rs.16 crore and money in rotation is Rs.8.6 crore within group and federations.
93 groups have credit-linkage with commercial banks under various schemes
9807 elders have received direct livelihood assistance
Received MF loan of Rs. 52 crore from NABFINS and secured 100%loan repayment status.
Facilitated 2192 elderly to receive old age pension from Govt.
7 multi- purpose elder care centers, which are under the management of DLF
328 bedridden patients are getting medical support under “Home Care Visit” at “Palliative care sub-centers in Cuddalore.
Organised 52 multispeciality camp, 36 eye camp, Prosthetics camp-3, village clinic 125
Spectacles distributed to 3799 persons

Programs

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Institutional Building

EFEF emulates the concept of ESHG among the aged so that they are able to equip themselves in ensuring their basic human rights and physical, psychological, social - economic welfare. Subsequently by Federating the Elders Self Help Groups (ESHGs) from the village level to the district level their solidarity is fortified. The year 2012-2013 is a remarkable one as about 156 new ESHGs were formed across the project area,

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Livelihood Promotion

EFEF has a new ascend in promoting the livelihood of elders in all their intervention areas. Since its inception, EFEF with the grants of Help Age India promote the livelihood activities by revolving the seed capital along with the savings of ESHGs and Federations. In course of time linkages with financial institutions were attempted. In the year 2012-13 credit assistance of Rupees 2.5 crores availed by the Cuddalore, Nagapattinam District Federation.

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Social Protection

Many elders lose the love and care of their family life due to various reasons. Increasing number of old age homes could not be the solution to restore the respect, recognition and affection of the dejected elders. Strengthening of existing system and practice at community level along with the services of government machinery is the right approach towards ensuring the social protection of the aged. EFEF facilitate ESHG's and their federation in looking after the programme of care and support of 236 destitute elders at their villages itself.

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Health care

EFEF takes the needed steps for the optimum utility of services from 14 numbers of palliative and primary care centre of Help Age India located across the project area except Virudhunagar district. The vibrant medical team (consisting of Doctor, Nurse and Physiotherapist) is making home visits, besides medical and psychological care and palliative care services to the needy.

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Digitabl Literacy

The increasing pace of change in technology often excludes elders from the mainstream social fabric. To address this vital issue, EFEF has started an easy 'Digital Literacy' program introducing elders to the online world through Digital Literacy workshops so that they can lead an active life. Under this novel initiative, elders are encouraged and enabled to use Computers and Smart Phones through which digital learning is made accessible and easy for the elders.

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ADVOCACY & LOBBYING

It is imperative that for any long term change to take place for elders to live a better quality of life, implementation arrangements are to be supplemented and augmented with a conducive policy environment. To this end, a two pronged advocacy action is envisaged – vertical advocacy and horizontal advocacy. The Project looks at advocacy as a pattern of communication conducive to change perceptions of the elderly about themselves and the elders’ community as a whole.

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Awards and Recognition

Social Responsibility Award for empowering Elder lives & Livelihoods in their community ( 2016 -17 ) Cochin NGOs Leadership Award presented to EFEF in 2018

Details of Donor Organization
  • ★ Help Age International
  • ★ Help Age India
  • ★ National Stock Exchange through HelpAge India
  • ★ TNSRLM – Tamil Nadu State Rural Livelihood Mission
  • ★ NABARD Financial services ltd [CSR fund]
  • ★ Star Health Insurance
IMG

Annual report EFEF

1. 2022 - 2023

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2. 2023 - 2024

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Contact Us

Registered Address

Thamaraikulam Elders Village Cuddalore-2

Communication Address


No.33, Dhanabakiyam Nagar Vanniayarpalayam, Cuddalore-607001