“Every day you may make progress. Every step may be fruitful. Yet there will stretch out before you an ever-lengthening, ever-ascending, ever- improving path. You know you will never get to the end of the journey.” ------Winston Churchill
Annual Report of
Rajagiri OutREACH Service Society for the year ending 31st March 2007
1 Foreword:
Social work is a powerful force for good in our society and the range of the Social workers is vast. From running sheltered housing to preserving national buildings; from nursing the dying to helping premature babies live – there is no area of our lives that charities do not touch.
Having defined in the year 2006-2007 our mission as Wholistic Community Development by targeting on Waste management, Natural Resource Management, Family / Child Welfare, Promotion of Organic products, Basic health care, Access to Social work Education and Skill upgradation programmes, Rajagiri OutREACH helps transform the living conditions of various target groups in various project areas all over Kerala. Our work extends assistance to all people, regardless of their religious beliefs, gender, race or ethnic background.
Networking with Government / Non Government Organizations and holistic Community Development are the starting point and the end goal of various projects of Rajagiri OutREACH. By our demonstration of Almighty’s care through our community work, we hope that the communities in which we work will experience life in all its fullness. Through our projects, we help people to discover and use their own vision, skills, and resources to move from unstable financial situation to a decent living.
ROSS is happy to present its fifth annual report that includes reports on its major programmes and note from Chief Co-ordinator. The organization had stayed close to its mandate to promote, organize and facilitate various Community Development projects as a powerful tool for social transformation.
We will continue in our mission to develop Social work in the heart of Society by encouraging innovation and effectiveness in our projects.
2 Introduction The crucial role played by Non Government Organizations in our society, and their associations with both the Government Organizations and other similar NGOs, is changing at an ever-increasing pace. The society facilitates the NGOs to be placed in such a position to control this momentum and help them maximize the impact they have for their beneficiaries through various development programmes like Community Development projects, Empowerment projects, Awareness Campaigns, Family Welfare Programmes, Capacity Building programmes and many other projects to be added to the list.
In the year 2006-2007, we had the opportunity to make a major contribution to implement projects which build public trust and confidence in the vital work that NGOs do in developing the Society. We are dedicated to repetitively improve the value of the approach that we undertake to make societal changes fruitful.
This year, with our Community Development Projects, we successfully achieved our objective to work at the heart of society, to express how we are creating a trend focused on the needs of Society.
Our Projects for the period April’ 06- March’07 Boomika Eco Centre - for promoting Eco friendly Products & Technologies Community College- for imparting Computer Education in Rural Communities Community Development - for the implementation of Housing & Sanitation Projects Child Welfare - for the growth & development of children of age group 3months-6years Discussion forums- for taking decisions at Community Level Community Health- for imparting Community Health Community Sensitization- for sensitizing community on current issues Health education-for imparting Health Education through Distance Learning Income Generation Programmes-for generating income for Social work ventures Literacy Mission-for organizing Continuing Education Programmes Natural Resource Management-for conserving natural resources for future Training Division- for rendering Training for various groups Women Empowerment- for empowering Women group
3 Boomika Eco Centre- -the Centre for the promotion of Eco friendly Products & Technologies
The centre was inaugurated on 17th August 06 by Rev. Fr.Superior of Sacred Heart Province. In this hitech world which publicizes wide collection of consumer products of big shot companies, Boomika Eco Centre- launched by ROSS marks her uniqueness with a range of Herbal medicines and Herbal cosmetics. Besides, the promotion of Herbal products, Boomika is also engaged in other areas like:- Promotion of - Organic Products & products of Self Help Groups through Bio Shop, Cultivation of Mushroom & Bush Jasmine, Herbal Garden & Horticulture Nursery, Capacity Building Programmes to Organic Farmers from Adimaly, Training programmes and Awareness Campaigns in Agro Socio Projects, Pushpa Karshaka Samgam (Association for Flower farmers) - Ernakulam Cable Vision recorded the activities of the members and telecasted the programme in the month of June 06 and this was a great appreciation for the members. Promotion of :- - House hold waste management through Vermi composting and - kitchen garden through the supply of vegetable seeds.
Community College:-
ROSS initiated the concept of Community College in the year 2003. Since then, short term computer courses are being promoted through 3 centres
Under Grameena Computer Literacy Mission (GCLM), through 9 batches, around 300 students completed Short term vocational courses in MS Office, Computer Basics and DTP from our GCLM centre at Rajagiri. The application for the 10th batch has been invited the last date of which is 20th April 07. A short term
4 Vacation course for School students will commence on 1st April. Our Extension Centres at South Paravur and Kattikunnu now functions as the Computer Centre for providing employed/ unemployed Youth, House wives and School Students with basic Computer Literacy. ROSS is sanctioned with an Akshaya e Center- an extension centre of Kerala State IT Mission. Around 150 students are being benefited from the center.
Community Development Projects Housing Project for Scheduled Tribes - In Kerala, Pulayas, Ulladans Paniyans, Maratis, Malayarayas, Kurumas, Kurichiyas and Irulas are the prominent Scheduled Tribes in Kerala. These communities, to some extend are isolated from the universal mass in terms of socio- economic background and general measures. Our State Government has a pack of development projects to uplift Scheduled Tribes to the mainstream of social life. Fortunately these groups are making use of such projects to the fullest. Under the Tribal Shelter Project of Kerala Development Project of State Government, ROSS constructed 38 houses which are nearing completion. District Panchayath required ROSS for constructing 14 housing projects, as an extension of the ST project.
ROSS by joining hands with Government Departments implemented ST Housing Project the details of which are mentioned below:- District Panchayath:- Maradu 6 Udayamperoor 8 Vengola 4 Elamkunnapuzha 10 Kottuvalli Grama Panchayat 9 Paravoor Block Panchayat 1
‘Kamaram’- By joining hands with Rajagiri College, ROSS organized Kamaram- 15 days (25th April- 9th May 2006) art work for the promotion of Indigenous Culture. Around 33 artists from various districts took part in this Cultural Fest.
5 Parirakshan- A collaborative Venture of Rotary Club Cochin West Side and ROSS for implementing Community Development Projects mainly at Glass Colony and the rest at Puthusserymala. 1 Rain water Harvesting Tank worth capacity of 10,000 litres was constructed in Kumbalangi Grama Panchayath as a part of Parirakshan. This project has been officially inaugurated by Hon’ble MP, Shri Chandran Pillai on 26 th June 06. The project included the construction of 11 Rain water harvesting tanks, 34 Toilets and 24 Bio gas plants.
National Environment Awareness Campaign’ 07 (NEAC’07) - By joining hands with Centre for Environment & Development, ROSS successfully implemented the project NEAC’07 with the name- ‘Back yard to Best yard’. Degradable house hold waste make up approximately 2/3rd of the waste stream. Fortunately, nature has provided one option that has been receiving increasing attention--Vermi composting. Though the public are aware of this option, they are not at all concerned about the management of house hold waste in their own premises. Most of the house hold wastes are being thrown in public places or vacant plots which is an expected or usual portrait seen in urban areas. As the major producers of household wastes, house wives can easily minimize the quantity of wastes generated or if trained, they can easily manage the waste in their own premises. On 30th March the project was officially launched by providing 10 families in Kalamassery Municipality with vermi compost pots and seeds to motivate them to promote Kitchen garden in their own premises.
Child Welfare Projects
ROSS is running 6 Creche units with the grant under the ‘Rajiv Gandhi Creche Scheme for working mothers’ of Central Social Welfare Board. Care taking of the Children of age group 3 months- 3 years, Awareness Classes for mothers, Medical Check up for the children, Supply of Supplementary Nutrition, SHG formation for the mothers etc are the activities organized under Creche units. The following are the details of Creche Projects run through ROSS:-
Location of the Creche No of Children
6 1. South Puthuvype 34 2. Aniyan Beach 35 Edavanakkadu 3. Chemmanadu 30 Kodamthuruth 4. Ezhupunna Panchayath 25 Alappuzha 5. Eramalloor P.O 33 Kannukulangara 6. Edathala P.O 20 Kunjattukara
The Creche teachers were given Training at MLTC, Rajagiri on 4th , 5th & 6th January 07.
Discussion Forums
Organized a Community Awareness Programme on House Hold Waste Management at St.Joseph’s U.P.School, Kadavanthara on 12th April 06.
Community Health Camps:- As a joint venture of ROSS & L.F Hospital, an Eye Camp was organized at Kangarapady which was benefited by 146. Organized Eye Camp on 7th May 06 at Thundathumkadavu, Varapuzha which was benefited by 83. Organized Homeo Medical Camps each at Pallilankara & Glass Factory Colony (29 th May 06) respectively for the distribution of Preventive Medicine Distribution against fever. The camp was benefited by around 1000 families. Organized Eye Camp on 8th June 06 at Muppathadam, which was benefited by 168. 23patients did their cataract operation. Organized Eye Camp on 6th July 06, at Sacred Hearts Church, Manattuparambu, which was benefited by 319. 36 patients did their cataract operation. Organized Eye Camp on 29th July 06 at St. Sebastian’s Church, Gothuruthu, which was benefited by 353. 39 patients did their cataract operation.
7 Organized Eye Camp on 29th August 06 at St. Antony’s Church, Athani which was benefited by 85. Organized Eye Camp on 9th September 06 at Elamakkara, which was benefited by 127. Organized Homeo Medical Camp at Ochamthuruth, Vypeen on 21st September 06) for the distribution of Preventive Medicine Distribution against Chikun Guniya. The camp was benefited by around 5000 families. Organized Eye Camp on 12th October 06 at St.Joseph’s Church, Thuthiyoor , which was benefited by 201. Organized Eye Camp on 9h November 06 at Nithyasahayamatha Church, Valappu which was benefited by 180. Organized Dental disease detection Camp on 17th December 2006 at St.Joseph’s Church, Neercode, which was benefited by 83 patients. The Camp was sponsored by Indian Dental Association, Aluva Organized Eye Camp on 9th January 07 at Holy Family Church, Chittoor which was benefited by 174 patients. The Camp was sponsored by Indian Dental Association, Aluva Organized Eye Camp on 1st March 07 at St.Joseph’s Church, Kadamakkudy which was benefited by 120. Organized Homeo Camp on 2nd March 07 at Chunangamvely for the distribution of preventive medicine for Jaundice. Nearly 1000 benefited the Camp. Organized Dental Camps on 6th March 07 at Mariapuram and Pallilamkara which was benefited by 80 and 70 respectively. Organized Homeo Camp on 7th March 07 at Rajagiri, Kalamassery for the distribution of preventive medicine for Chicken Pox. Nearly 256 families benefited the Camp. Organized Eye Camp on 17th March 07 at St.Antony’s Church, Panangadu which was benefited by 120. Under the Mobile Medical Programme that is being implemented in association with Medical Trust Hospital, ROSS provided nearly 3000 beneficiaries from downtrodden Communities with Treatment and Medicines
8 Community Sensitization Programmes
The Community Sensitization Programmes of ROSS integrate: o Community Campaigns against Tobacco/Pan Masala/ Drugs Abuse- During the year ROSS conducted 13 Campaigns in various communities o Awareness Campaigns on Water Conservation & Waste Management- i) 3 Campaigns at Town Hall in association with Cochin Corporation, ii) 1 Campaign each in association with the Residents association of Elamakkara & Pachalam Divisions respectively iii)1 Campaign each at Thaikkattussery and Vypeen in association with Sahrudaya Services & Charities iv) Conducted campaigns all over the State through the Sukrutha Keralam Project of Malayala Manorama v) 1 Campaign each in association with Maravanthuruth & Kumaranelloor Panchayaths respectively vi) 1 Campaign at Mannanam in association with CMI Province vii) 1 Campaign at Kottayam in association with Krishi Bhavan viii) Public Campaign through India Vision
Health Education Programmes
A week contact class (4th -6th May 06) for the students of 6 months Distance Learning Programme (DLP) at CMC Provincial House A week contact class (15th -20th May 06) for the students of 6 months DLP. Examination for the trainees of Vijayapuram Social Service Society was conducted on 6th June 06. DLP final exam on 1st July 06, for 24 candidates from Mary Matha, Vengoor Forth batch of DLP started in July 06 with 41 candidates DLP Contact Class for Visitation Generalate on 29th - 30th July 06. DLP Certificate Distribution on 3rd August 06 for 18 candidates from Vijayapuram Social Service Society A week contact class (18th -23rd September 06) at Rajagiri for the students of DLP A week contact class (8th -12th December 06) at Rajagiri for the students of DLP
9 Fifth batch of DLP started in October 06 with 30 candidates Completed the Lesson works for the Second stage DLP of One year duration. This course is being registered with 125 students. Second half of 1 year DLP started in April with 108 candidates
Income generation projects Facility centre- given on lease to the staff members Madonna Bakery –given on lease to the staff members
Literacy Mission Organized Community level Awareness Classes Thalolam Day Care Center is functioning well. Equivalency classes for 3 and 2 students of 4th & 7th standards respectively are being conducted. Equivalency classes for 5 students respectively for 10th Std ‘O’ level and 5 students respectively for has started 10th Std ‘A’ level.
Natural Resource Management Projects Natural resources in their natural form are very valuable for the existence of human life on earth. In the present situation, the demand for these resources is much higher than its availability. Presence of Natural resources often determines the wealth and status of a nation. It’s the social responsibility of NGOs to promote healthy and sustainable air, water and land resources. This process involves waste disposal, waste recycling, water harvesting, water management and water pollution. We have a pack of Natural Resource Management Projects and also render training programmes for the construction of Rainwater harvesting tanks and Bio Gas Plants. We also promote household waste management practices through Bio Gas Plants, Vermi compost pots etc. Rain water Harvesting- We undertake Rain water harvesting projects by joining hands with Government Organizations which are aided by various Government Schemes and Grants. Also we undertake private works. Through out the year, we did mass work the list of which explains the volume:- MGP Fund ( tanks worth capacity of 30,000 litres in Anganwadis) - 23 units
10 a. L.P.School, Valayanchirangara b. L.P.School, Pulluvazhi c. L.P.School, Vengoor d.Govt H.S.S, Chalakkudy e. Govt L.P.S, Sreemoolanagaram f. Krishi Bhavan, Odakkalil g. Govt L.P.S, Thevakkal h. Govt L.P.S, Maneedu i. Govt U.P.S, Kumbalangi j. Govt L.P.S, Elenthikkara k. Govt L.P.S, South Vazhakkulam l. Govt L.P.S, Vadavucode m. Govt L.P.S , Puthenkurishu n. Govt H.S.S, Edappally o. Govt L.P.S , Okkal p. Govt H.S.S, Amabalamugal q. LPS, Chalakkudy, Pinavoorkkudy r. Govt Girls HSS , Perumbavoor s. Govt. Tribal School, Pinavoorkudy t. Puthenvelikkara P.S.M. LP School u. Govt L P School , Kottappady v. Govt Girls High School, Ernakulam w. Govt HSS , Ezhikkara Maravanthuruthu Panchayath (tanks worth capacity of 10,000 litres in Anganwadis) - 8 units a. Mekkara b. Paalamkadavu c. Chemmanagiri d. Gurumandiram e.Maravanthuruthu f. Vazhikkadavu g.Panjipaal h. Edavattom Vayanasala Private works - 12 units a. Edapally 10000 litres b. Maradu 15000 litres c. Edacochin 25000 litres d.Thevara 10000 litres e. Palluruthy 10000 litres f. Kaloor 10000 litres g. KSRAD Bank Staff Training Centre 50000 litres h. Vaikom 25000 litres i. Kakkanadu 10000 litres j. Edacochin 25000 litres k. Vazhakkalil 5000 litres l. Petronet- only filter tank (Plumbing work) Vyttila Block Panchayath (Maradu):- 4 units a. Girl’s High School 25000 litres b. Vetinary Hospital 15000 litres c. Public Health Centre 30000 litres d. Vocational Higher Secondary School 30000 litres Varsha Project:- 10 units a. Njarackal completed 17 tanks - 10000 litres
11 b. Nayarambalam completed 13 tanks - 10000 litres c. Edavanakkadu completed 4 tanks - 10000 litres d. Alangad completed 15 tanks - 10000 litres e. Karumalloor completed 15 tanks - 10000 litres f. Pallipuram completed 4 tanks - 10000 litres g. Kuzhippilly completed 8 tanks - 10000 litres h. Ezhikkara completed 9 tanks - 10000 litres i. Elamkunnapuzha completed 16 tanks - 10000 litres j. Kottuvally completed 18 tanks - 10000 litres CAPART Project :- 10 units Brahmamangalam - 10 tanks - 10000 litres Block Panchayath- Alangad - 10000 litres Mallapally Block Panchayath :- 8 units 36th anganwadi - 1 tank 10000 litres 39th anganwadi - 1 tank 26000 litres 78th anganwadi Rajeev Colony - 1 tank 10000 litres 96th anganwadi Pulinchuvally Colony - 1 tank 10000 litres 107th anganwadi Vrindavan - 1 tank 7500 litres 114th anganwadi - 1 tank 10000 litres 115th anganwadi Nadekkal - 1 tank 10000 litres Govt H.S.S - 1 tank 17000 litres COCHIN CORPN:- 6 units SRV High School, Ernakulam, 1 tank -25000 litres Kalavathy Community Hall, Mattancherry- 50000 litres - 1 tank Ponnurunni LPS - 1 tank -10000 litres Vikalanga Vanitha Mandiram, Thevara - 1 tank -25000 litres Vennala H.S - 1 tank -25000 litres Ernakulam Town Hall- 50000 litres - 1 tank
Waste management Projects
12 Rajagiri OutREACH has been selected by Clean Kerala Mission as the Voluntary Agency to play advisory role for Local Self Government Organizations for “Integrated Solid Waste
management Projects”. The work done by the agency during the year are listed below:-
200 Bio Gas Plants (ranging from the capacities , ½ m3- 6m3 ) as Private works Waste water Treatment Plant at S.H.Provincial House, Kalamassery Water Treatment Plant at Holy Cross Convent Eloor Panchayath:- Project for the construction of 56 Bio Gas Plants and Waste segregation unit with Vermi unit just started during this year.
Training Division
3 days Workshop (25th -27th April 06) on NGO Management & Project Preparation with a strength of 33 participants. 3 days Workshop (4th -6th May 06) on NGO Management & Project Preparation with a strength of 17 participants 3 days Workshop (22nd-25th May 06) on NGO Management & Project Preparation with a strength of 14 participants. One day (24th June 06) Training Programme on Leadership, Communication & Motivation for 80 children from CMC Orphanage 3 days (10th- 13th August 06) Training programme on NGO Management and Project Preparation 3 days (30th September- 2nd October 06) Training programme for Social workers in Orphanages/ Balabhavans Organized 3 days (27th, 28th & 29th November 06) Capacity Building Programme (1st Level) for Organic farmers group of strength 18 from Adimaly Organized 3 days (21st , 22nd & 23rd December 06) Capacity Building Programme (2nd Level) for Organic farmers group of strength 18from Adimaly. 3 days (24th, 25th &26th December 06) Training programme on NGO Management and Project Preparation. 3 days (24th, 25th &26th December 06) Training programme for Social workers working with Balabhavan.
13 3 days (22nd -25th January 07) Training programme on the construction of 1m3 Ferro cement Bio Gas plants. 3 days (9th, 10th & 11th March 07) Training programme for Social workers working with Balabhavan.
Women Empowerment
Doll’s Dress stitching unit on behalf of M/s Body Gear Ltd, Kalamassery- Through this programme each member is earning an average of Rs 1000- Rs 15 00 per month depending on their potential. Paper bag production Unit on behalf of ONYX agencies- This is a seasonal Income Generation Programme for the Women group from local area. As per the requirement of ONYX, ROSS arranges the group and gets their work done within the stipulated time. In future, we are planning to form 6 Self Help Groups with the mothers of our Creche units. As a part of this, we have already started the initial formation of the group with regular meetings and awareness classes.
Associating for a better Society - By working in partnership with key organizations in the Government Level, we will help maximise the impact of Social Projects and related developments by spreading knowledge and expertise through out the district. Our collaborators include:- CAPART Central Social Welfare Board / Kerala State Social Welfare Board District Literacy Mission District Medical Office, Ernakulam District Panchayath, Ernakulam Kalamassery Municipality Kerala Development Project Kerala Rural Water & Sanitation Agency Kerala Water Authority Kerala State Youth Welfare Board
14 Little Flower Eye Hospital, Angamaly Ministry of Environment & Forests, Delhi- CED Medical Trust Hospital, Ernakulam Rotary Club Cochin West Local Clubs and Associations Other NGOs
Additions to the family: Ms.Nisha Vincent - joined us in January 2007 became our first Lady Project Manager.
Mr. Manu K.C who joined us in August 2007 as Young Professional under CAPART
Mr.Sajil K.P- who joined us in February 2007 is carrying on his Community level work as Public Relations Officer.
Mr.Sujith K.N who joined us in July 2007 is carrying on his Community level work as Field level co-ordinator of Rainwater harvesting Project.
Ms.Smithamol Raju who joined us in July 2007 is carrying on her work as Assistant to Documentation Officer.
Ms.Sanitha Muralidharan who joined us in July 2007 is carrying on her work as Front Office Manager of ROSS.
12 Community workers- were appointed in December 2006 as Creche teachers and helpers respectively for 6 Creche Units under the Central Social Welfare Board’s ‘Rajiv Gandhi Creche Scheme for working mothers’.
Looking ahead- this year by God’s grace, we successfully achieved our mission for the year- Wholistic Community Development with specific emphasis on Waste management, Natural Resource Management, Family / Child Welfare, Promotion of Organic products, Basic health care, Access to Social work Education and Skill upgradation programmes.
15 In the coming year besides our on going projects, we are planning to step into the following fields which we hope we could make practical:- Promotion of Organic Projects Family Welfare Programmes Women supportive Projects Child Development Projects Eco friendly / Eco tourism projects Formation of Medical Support Group Action Research- Both National/International
Conclusion
The Rajagiri OutREACH Service Society is an independent, non-profit organization with a community assistance status registered by the Societies Registration Act 12 of 1955. This year we ran a successful period which really helped in updating our knowledge and increasing the team spirit which made us confident enough to face the risks and challenges faced by today’s NGO’s.
We are using our resources where they have the greatest impact. This involves working in such a way to achieve simple targets and consequently undertaking more focused projects in an easier manner. We pool the knowledge we gain from our project and work in team with Government and independent Non Government Organizations to share the resources among the needy. With these associations, we take up projects in areas where the capacities and grip of the Government and other private Social Organizations are limited. We utilize the grants not only for individual projects but also for community development programs, capacity building and institutional strengthening. We support community initiatives which increase public participation and create equal opportunities for the most disadvantaged social groups. We organize and support programmes and activities designed to provide various target groups depending on their needs with access to Shelter and other domestic facilities, Education programs, Capacity Building Programmes, Welfare Programmes etc. We assist the community people in facilitating experience sharing in the area of social transformation. We implement projects aimed at building strong neighborly relations within the communities. We initiate and carry out -
16 alone or in partnership with other organizations – various programmes and projects: we conduct research and social campaigns; organize camps, training and workshops and also we participate in Seminars organized by other Social Organizations.
In all our activities, we have tried our level best to observe principles of transparency, openness and accountability. The results & achievements of this year seem to be rewarding and motivating for the team members of ROSS. An earnest thanks to the Almighty for his blessings beyond measure.
We conclude this report with our sincere gratitude to the beneficiaries of our projects and we hope they are fully satisfied with our community development projects. Next, we are expressing our gratitude to our Collaborators; both Government & Non-Government organisations without their help and support our projects would not have been successfully completed. We are very much grateful to them for providing us with diversified dimensions to serve various communities and Community people. With our well bound rapport with our collaborators and well motivated team with high team spirit, we hope we are in such a well placed position to implement more projects for the common good of the Society as a whole.
Last but not least we are really thankful to the Board of Directors of the Society, and the Authorities of our Mother Institution, Rajagiri College of Social Sciences for providing us with the most valuable moral support, pieces of advice, suggestions and also opportunities along with great infrastructure facilities. We request their wishes, co- operation and support in all our future programmes.
Once again the team members of ROSS together express “Thank You”.
Fr.M.K.Joseph CMI Project Co-ordinator
17