Inner PACE was started in 2006 by a small group of UM graduate students interested in social empowerment. This interest was shaped by their experiences in volunteering with the Pudiyador Association for Community Empowerment (PACE) which runs after-school programs for children in urban slums in Chennai, India. Having worked at the after-school projects during vacations in India, they wanted to get involved on a more regular basis. Thus, Inner PACE was formed with the aim of providing creative direction and generating resources for the after-schools in Chennai, India.
Inner PACE aims to spread awareness amongst its members and the local community about transforming the lives of children living in underprivileged communities in India and the rest of world. In an attempt to fulfill its mission, Inner PACE will contribute to the activities of organizations such as Pudiyador Association for Community Empowerment, Inc. (PACE), a local non-profit corporation chartered by the state of Michigan . Contributions will be in the form of providing information, creative direction as well as generating resources.
Inner PACE members have implemented projects both in USA and Chennai, India. For instance, some of our members embarked on a photo project, called 'We are photographers too!'. Many disposable cameras were collected, mostly donated by several friends and Ann Arborites. In the summer of 2006, these cameras were taken to Chennai and visiting Inner PACE members conducted photography workshops for the kids. The photos taken by the children at the end of the workshop offer an inside view into their lives. An exhibit of their astounding work titled, 'We are photographers too!' was organized in the College of Engineering.
Collaborating Organizations:
- ASHA for Education
- Association for India's Development (AID)
- Indian Students Association
- Society of Women Engineers
- Indian Classical Music and Dance group
Sponsors:
- University of Michigan Engineering Council
- Michigan Student Assembly
- Rackham Student Government
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