Milestone

2009
Foundation launched Disha Sports Academy to train underprivileged children in football, athletics and boxing to make them national champions
Gems of Disha was launched in 4 centres.
EKAM project was registered as a separate organization.

2016
Launch of Pasumai Avadi project

2017
Inauguration of Ma Foi Smart Centre at Avadi – employability  skills development training centre launched.

“ Skillz on Wheelz “ – mobile digital literacy programme for women and girls at the doorsteps.

2008
Joy Center – A vocational training center is set up. The Center begins training for women and youth to strengthen and enhance their employability and marketable skills.

2007
Ekam – An unique community pediatrics initiative is set up to provide holistic healthcare for children between the ages 0-17 years. 100 pediatricians and hospitals come together in this project to provide high quality comprehensive continuous healthcare to children who cannot afford to pay for specialist healthcare services. Project Ekam ensures easy and quality access to healthcare for underprivileged families.

2006
The Ma Foi foundation was formally registered as CSR arm of Ma Foi. It brings Sornammal scholar scheme under its banner and renames it as DISHA.

2004
CIOSA – Confederation of Indian Organizations for Service and Advocacy is initiated to serve as a facilitative platform for NGOs, companies and individuals for mutual learning, sharing and the collective espousal of social causes. Capacity Building of NGOs is the prime focus of this initiative. Over 200 individuals, corporate houses and NGOs are a part of this network.

2004
Ma Foi Foundation decides to look at holistic community development. Project Sornam is set up to empower women. Sornam Self Help Groups are formed to ensure that women could stand financially independent. Today more than 60000 women are a part of this group and are carving their own path to progress.

2001
A school in Chennai – St. Anne’s Primary School which is on the brink of closure was revived by the Foundation. The school is renamed ‘Sornammal Matriculation School’. The school becomes the most affordable school in the neighborhood. It goes through tremendous developments in infrastructure and quality of education in the subsequent years.

2000
Many scholars start joining professional courses and degrees. Disha continues to support them to see them through higher education.

1998
The initiative extends to Chennai. Disha continues to identify children who possess the courage to face life’s odds and realize their dreams. Education is still the prime focus. Disha scholarships ensure that underprivileged children continue to go to school.

1996
Sornammal Educational Trust was setup seeing the plight of child laborers working in firework factories and match factories in Sivakasi Virudhunagar district, Tamil Nadu, India, the trust decides to do something to restore their childhood. Sornammal Scholar Scheme conceived with a singular focus of providing children with access to education and improving their self-esteem. Children are removed from these factories and sent to school.