When college-friends normally meet, they plan to go to movies or go shopping. But, when Reethi Monica, R.C. Balakumaran, and V. Charan met, they decided to do something for the children in orphanage homes.

The three friends, who are still pursuing their under-graduation in Coimbatore, visited an orphanage home in the city. They interacted with the inmates of the orphanage home and realized that these kids too have the potential and the drive to do well in life. What they lacked was guidance and mentoring. That was when the three friends made up their minds to work towards lending a helping hand to children of orphanage homes in the city.

A few months ago, the three friends formed YOUS (a combination of You and Us). Since then, the friends have visited two orphanage homes in the city and interacted with the inmates. “We realize that unlike us, these children, who also go to school, are talented and are capable of doing so many things. However, they lack proper guidance. We would like to help such children choose the right study programme and career path,” Reethi Monica, one of the founders of YOUS, says.

The group has plans of hosting a career fair for children of orphanage homes from Grade IX to XII in April.

In order to raise funds for their project, they have organized a day-long event at the Gujarati Samaj. Focus, the photography exhibition, will allow participants to display their photographs. The drawing exhibition, called Colours, will showcase the artwork of children of orphanage homes and other participants. Those who would like to have their short film screened can submit their entries on or before December 30.

The organizers of the event have clarified that it is a fund-raiser for their career fair, and not a competition.

For information on entry fees, participation criteria, and event timings, YOUS can be reached at 95850-17741