Empowering Women Volunteers to Build Compassionate Communities

On 29th October 2024, SARVAM, Puducherry, conducted a transformative training session titled “Building Compassionate Communities” at the Satyam Training Centre. Designed to equip women with skills for supporting vulnerable community members, the session empowered over 90 women volunteers from 15 villages, emphasizing the importance of empathy, kindness, and support within their communities. This one-day training not only taught practical skills but also underscored the vital role women play in nurturing compassion and resilience.

Throughout the session, volunteers received guidance on managing emotions effectively, building supportive relationships, and providing meaningful assistance, especially for elderly community members. The training used a range of interactive methods, including group discussions, role-playing, experience sharing, and storytelling. These engaging techniques helped the participants connect with the material deeply, facilitating an environment where they could share experiences, learn from one another, and establish a strong support network driven by shared purpose.

Group discussions and role-playing exercises provided insights into handling challenging emotions and approaching difficult situations with understanding. The storytelling session inspired the volunteers with real-life examples of resilience and compassion, fostering a sense of shared commitment and motivating the women to apply their learning in practical, impactful ways.

At the end of the day, the volunteers expressed a renewed commitment to supporting the elderly and vulnerable members of their communities. Many were enthusiastic about the training and expressed a desire for additional sessions to further develop their skills. This eagerness highlights the potential for these dedicated women to drive meaningful, compassionate change, enriching the lives of those in need and strengthening community bonds across villages.

The Building Compassionate Communities programme reflects SARVAM’s dedication to community support, making a lasting impact through empowerment, skill-building, and fostering a culture of compassion.