Shree Ram Krishna Community Projects

Language education, transportation, and community building.

Formed in 1978, the Shree Ram Krishna Community Projects seeks to enhance the quality of life for all members of the local community, regardless of race, gender or age.

Shree Ram Krishna run a number of different projects, each designed to meet specific needs within their local community.

The Under 8’s multi-cultural project was set up over 25 years ago, and since then it has rapidly grown in popularity. The aim of the project is to encourage the use of all preschool facilities, tailored to the diverse cultural needs of the local community. Five playgroups take place every week throughout Charnwood. Parents and their children often face language barriers, so children have the opportunity to listen to stories in their mother-tongue and liaison work is carried out between parents and playgroup leaders. The playgroupís work is enhanced by home visits that are essential to build confidence and raise awareness to the whole family. One-on-one support is given to children from new families moving into the area, to ease their transition.

Specific projects such as the innovative multi-cultural resource library have proved a phenomenal success. The group intends to seek additional funds to continue updating and refining this provision. Workers are also involved in multi-cultural training for other agencies.

As part of the Basera Mental Health Project, the group's mental health worker provides support to people with mental health problems, helping them achieve a prosperous life as valued members of the Asian community. The project also organises complimentary therapies for people with mental health problems. Awareness is raised of the issues associated with mental health by the group's involvement in Mental Health Day. Activity support is provided on a one to one basis and as part of a group.

The Little Fingers playgroup opened in Autumn 2000, and caters for children aged between two and five years. It supports the indigenous white, the Bengali Muslim and Gujarati speaking communities. Around half of these families have little or no knowledge of the English language.

Little Fingers provides young children with a planned curriculum in a safe environment. By giving the children preschool opportunities, Shree Ram Krishna introduces them to the English language as well as their own mother tongue.

The Centre is easily accessible to all parents, particularly those who are not able to speak English.

The community transport project is aimed at the lonely, disabled, and isolated people who require transport to be active members of the community. The minibus takes clients to a day centre which provides activities and food. They also provide transport for those that want to visit the Indian temple or go shopping.

Other activities include:

• Gujarati language classes
• Cultural education and traditional dance training sessions
• Yoga classes
• English speaking classes
• IT classes
• Child care courses
• Sewing classes for housebound women.

Quotes

“The group does an excellent job of taking into account the diverse cultural needs of all of its members. The people feel like they are becoming a part of their community without giving up their cultural identities.”

Contact details

Mr. V Soni
shreeramkrishna@btconnect.com
01509 232401