DHAARIN

Dhaarin

KERALA SOCIAL SERVICE FORUMAdichira, Thellakom Post, Kottayam, Kerala, India - 686 016 www.kssf.org, [email protected] Tel: +91-481-2594802/03, Fax: +91-481-2591795 Regional Offices Opp. Civil Station, Kalpetta North, Wayanad, Kerala-637 122 Tel: +91-4936-206473 [email protected] TC 26/269, Spencer Jn, AGS Office PO, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala-695 039 Tel: +91-471-2325401 [email protected] us on:

Analytical consolidation of the interventions by Diocesan Social Service Societies of Kerala in the year 2009-10layout: [email protected]

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DhaarinAnalytical consolidation of the interventions by Diocesan Social Service Societies of Kerala in the year 2009-10

CONTENTSPage No

MessageI am happy to note that Kerala Social Service Forum is bringing out a consolidated report of the interventions by the Diocesan Social Service Societies in the year 2009-2010. The report is unique as it is the first ever consolidated report for any given year. This report should set a precedence which I am sure will be continued in the years to come . I am sure this consolidated report will go a long way in enhancing the image of the Church in the civil society of Kerala and in contributing towards harnessing social support for the programs of the Catholic dioceses in their welfare and development programs. This report is in partial fulfilment of the mandate of the Kerala Catholic Bishops' Council to project a unified picture of the contribution of the Church to the socio economic development of the State. The report should serve to place the Church as a force to be reckoned with in addressing the concerns of the people , very specially the marginalised sections. The presence of the Church in sectors like agriculture , fisheries , environment and a host of other areas is as important as its presence in education and health care . The findings of this report amply testifies the enviable position of the Church in contributing towards the emancipation of the deprived sections in our community. On behalf of the Kerala Catholic Bishops' Council , I am offering felicitations to the directors of the Diocesan Social Service Societies ,their associates and all those involved with programs and projects. I do hope that this report will serve to strengthen the partnership Kerala Social Service Forum has forged with its supporting partners including Central and State Governments .

KERALA SOCIAL SERVICE FORUM

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Part I Data Analysis & Interpretation Introduction Background Intervention areas Organisational Strengthening Community Based Organisations formed and promoted by DSSSs Entrepreneurial Development Programme Microfinance Livelihood Measures Disaster Response Social Development Programmes Good Governance Social Action Research Focused Group Interventions Natural Resource Management Rural Technology Innovation Constraints Consolidated Financial Utilisation of the 30 DSSSs during the financial year 2009-10 Part II Spheres of Influence

Vision Growing in to a vibrant resource centre of excellence for the establishment of a just society Mission Capacitating partner organizations through animation, training, knowledge dissemination, consultancy, networking, advocacy, lobbying and research. Thrust Areas of Intervention Sustainable Management of natural resource Rejuvenating the farm sector with emphasis on promotion of bio diversity and organic farming Accelerating response to the livelihood crisis in fisheries sector integrated Dalit & Tribals Enhancing development with focus on social inclusion and accessing equity people centered health care Facilitating in and promoting good Partaking governance of gender mainstreaming as an Promotion overarching tool for empowerment.

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23 25 28 29 31 35 36

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Stephen Athipozhiyil Chairman Justice Peace & Development Commission, KCBC President, Kerala Social Service Forum

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ForewordThe voluntary sector has contributed significantly to finding innovative solutions to poverty, deprivation, discrimination and exclusion, through means such as awareness raising, social mobilization, service delivery, training, research, and advocacy. The voluntary sector has been serving as an effective non-political link between the people and the Government. {from the National Policy on Voluntary Sector}. As one of the biggest clusters of Voluntary organisations in the State, Kerala Social Service Forum has been in the vanguard in the fight against poverty and to promote services to the cause of rural development and empowerment of the deprived sections of people. As a network of organisations that share the same assigned to the voluntary sector. Many previous efforts in consolidation had to be wound up half way through. The input in financial terms is a sine a qua non in any consolidation both as a relevant indicator in establishing transparency and to gauge the volume of intervention by the Network. We are to admit that the financial volume of intervention is far below the actual financial utilization. We hope to tide over this lacuna in our future reports. While compiling the activities of DSSSs for the year 2010-2011, we will put in place ready matrix wherein DSSSs can just feed information which in turn could be easily consolidated and would present a truer picture of the social apostolate of the Church through the DSSSs. Synergy and Convergence are two essential constituents for the effective functioning of any organisation and especially of a network system. Networking being the objective of a regional Forum like KSSF, joint work and co-operative action has to be promoted with no compromise. The combined action of the member organisations is bound to increase the effectiveness of each of the member DSSSs. When we put together the output of the members of the network the result is definitely greater than the individual sum of each of the DSSS. Synergy is created when things work in concert together to create an outcome that is in some way of more value than the total of what the individual input is. The reason why DSSSs come together is to pool together different complementary skills. The flow of synergy in KSSF is to yet to be mainstreamed and regulated so as to become an instrument for effectiveness and collective learning. inspiration and similar vision/mission, Kerala Social Service Forum This report would not have been possible without the commitment and persistent efforts of KSSF team. We place on record the leadership given by Ms. Nycy A. Ninan M.S.W in data analysis and interpretation. We also thank Ms. Lakshmi Shankar M.S.W and Mr. O.J. Deepak M.S.W who assisted the project. We also extend our sincere gratitude to Mr. John T. Samuel (Consultant) and Ms. Alphonsa Bini for their contributions. Last but not the least, this venture would not have seen the light of the day without the strong cooperation from our 30 partners. is happy to present this analytical consolidation of the interventions of its member organizations in the year 2009-2010. We are more concerned about discovering ourselves than showcasing the collective achievements of the member organisations. This first ever compilation of the activities of Diocesan Social Service Societies {DSSS} is in response to the mandate of Kerala Catholic Bishops' Council to present a consolidated report of the interventions by the Diocesan Social Service Societies in Kerala. The ultimate target is to capture the total picture of the welfare and development interventions by all the Church entities DSSSs, NGOs affiliated or recognized by Church, Religious Congregations, Parishes and Lay Associations. We shall embark on such a mission while preparing the report for the year 2010-2011 and we hope we will succeed .Such a report is bound to enhance the image of the Church especially at a time when the Church is being targeted for attack. The present report is limited to the activities of DSSSs. Though the present attempt has not met all the standards that would make it complete, this report displays a true picture of the total social intervention of all the Catholic dioceses in Kerala through their official departments for social action. There are inherent limitations in compiling the activities of DSSSs as the parameters of reporting and documentation are not the same. There is no unanimity in areas of intervention or in thematic areas. The present report is more analytical in nature. The consolidation cannot be claimed as comprehensive but it should provide ample material for revamping the thrust areas as against the aspirations of the people or the national priorities

Convergence is an essential process that must accompany any Network. The activities and social interventions must meet together to create cumulative results .The overall impact of the divergent interventions of the Catholic dioceses should create a cumulative impact which could be projected as a platform for effective lobbying with Government agencies as well as international funding partners for partnership in welfare and development projects. The interventions of DSSSs cannot any more remain independent and unconnected responses but must find some space to merge so as to emerge as a unified entity or part of a common venture to address vulnerabilities of the human race. At the ultimate analysis the mission of the Church is to proclaim the good news of liberty and all actions of the Church are called to be part of this healing mission. What makes the DSSSs different from other NGOs is its divine call and shared mandate to make lives different for men and women of our time. This combined story of development initiatives is planned to add to the mission of the Church to proclaim the good news and give witness to the redeeming love of God which demands a preferential option for the marginalised. We are adding to this report a few stories of excellence by DSSSs which should make interesting reading. We have included all the stories in human development that were sent by the member organisations. The kaleidoscopic scene that comes out of this presentation is meant to display the many patterns and splendid colours of the varied activities of DSSSs. As we submit this report we feel infinitely humbled with the grace poured on this Network by the Lord who summons humanity to a promised land. We hope that this report will serve to convey to the civil society of Kerala the all embracing love of God incarnate in Jesus Christ at whose word the blind see , deaf hear , dumb speak lepers are cleansed and good news is proclaimed to the poor {Mt.11.5}

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Fr. Romance Antony Secretary, Justice Peace & Development Commission & Executive Director, Kerala Social Service Forum

1. Introduction

DSSSs were divided among the staffs and each staff personally visited the respective DSSSs assigned. Along with data collection the staff also collected pioneering initiatives of each diocese. KSSF staff collected the data from 30 DSSSs in a period of one month. The collected data was then further interpreted and analysed.

Part I

Kerala Social Service Forum {KSSF} is a confederation of the Social Service Societies of the Catholic dioceses in Kerala and as such is the official organ of the Catholic Church in Kerala to give expression to its social concern. KSSF functions under the supervision of the Justice, Peace and Development Commission of the Kerala Catholic Bishops' Council. There are now 30 member organisations in the Forum and is recognised as one of the biggest networks of NGOs in Kerala. The partnership formed under the aegis of this confederation has enabled to broaden the intervention base of the DSSSs and to establish sustainable linkages with the development goals and strategies of both the Central and State Governments. This first ever consolidation of the intervention of the member organisations envisages a factual assessment of the projects implemented by the DSSSs and to capture the outcome and the broad contribution of the consortium to the overall development agenda of Kerala.

Data Analysis & Interpretation

Objectives of the venture of knowledge, experiences and the best Transfer practices / model identified within and across the social development sector of the Catholic Church in Kerala among the partners for using the same conceptually as learning and enlightenment and practically in the form of modified or new practices. use of the printed document for collective Effective bargaining for tapping financial resources from various government departments for the partners as well as the regional forum. of various social development intervention Analysis areas of the partner organizations where the best practices / innovations are coming up and to identify the areas that need capacity building and accompaniment. stake holders are kept informed and Various updated about the social development activities of Kerala Social Service Forum and its member organisations.

2. Background & MethodologyThe social development activities initiated by the voluntary organisations of the Kerala Catholic church have been well appreciated by various social development actors. But the mechanisms to make visible the achievements and impact of the efforts even among the partners are not sufficient enough to showcase it. It was observed that the lack of collective effort to record the outcome and impacts of the Church interventions with relevant statistical data is the obstacle. In this context the general body meeting chaired by Mar Mathew Arackal (former Chairman) decided to conduct a study on the activities and achievements of the Catholic Church in Kerala for the year 2009-10. Several strategic planning were undertaken. A questionnaire was developed for the purpose after prolonged discussion and consultation with the experts. The KSSF staff completely dedicated themselves in the process of data collection. The 30

Human resource involved in the process1. Ms. Nycy A. Ninan, MSW - Documentation Officer 2. Ms. Lakshmi Shankar, MSW-Documentation Officer 3. Mr. Deepak O.J., MSW - Programme Officer 4. Ms. Bindhu Abraham, MSW, LLB - Office Manager 5. Mr. Jaison Varghese , MSW - Programme Officer 6. Ms. Simi C.L, MHRM - Liaison Officer 7. Mr. Jobie Mathew - MCom, Finance Manager 8. The project officers of 30 diocesan partners

Kerala Social Service Forum

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Annual Report 2010 -2011

3. Intervention AreasThe relevance of a an NGO or a cluster of NGOs can be assessed from its range of intervention. At the outset we have to state that the intervention base of the member organisations covers a divergent profile. Some of the DSSSs that were established between 1960 and 1970 have come of age having passed through the various paradigm shift in the NGO sector-from welfare to empowerment and to sustainable development . Those DSSSs that emerged due to bifurcation of diocese and DSSS have indirectly inherited the above pardigm shift but set out their journey at some point of the shift of emphasis. There are also DSSSs that emerged in the new millennium with all the charm of millennium development goals. We are however beginning this consoidation from an unbiased listing of the intervention areas.

The above chart illustrates the different areas of intervention by the Diocesan Social Service Societies in Kerala. Among the 24 activities undertaken by the DSSSs, Education, Health and Family Development occupy prime place. 19 DSSSs are concentrating their resources in these areas. The second favoured intervention areas are Natural Resource Management and Micro finance along with investment in Institutional Development and Linkages and Networking. Agriculture and Livestock, Habitat development, and Child Good development, Youth development

4. Organisational StrengtheningOrganizational Strengthening has become more and more important in the development sector with emphasis on capacitation in effective planning, implementation and monitoring of projects and programmes. It is also concerned about putting in place policies and systems that would help standardize the practices in the DSSSs.

governance are promoted by 50% of the DSSSs. Income generation Programs /Small and Medium Fig 3.1 Enterprises continues to be top in the agenda of half the number of DSSSs. Response to natural calamities and relief activities remain an inevitable and recurring intervention scene by one third of the members of the network. As regards family development there are a series of Sponsorship programmes like Save A Family Program, Student Sponsorship program, Adopt a Grany etc which are commendable in terms of giving expression to social protection. Health Insurance Schemes and Accident Insurance Policies are new entries in the intervention chart of DSSSs. Fisheries sector emerges as an area not adequately addressed.

4.1 Institutional DevelopmentInstitutional development is an integral part of the growth of an organisation whether it is staff development or the structural development. 18 Diocesan Social Service Societies have identified the importance of investing in institutional development so as to improve the productivity of staff. The DSSSs have provided 471trainings to their staffs in order to update their professional skills and knowledge. Exposure visits have also been conducted for the staff to expose them to the various innovative and successful projects which have motivated the staff towards effective replication. A total of 32,511 staff benefited from the above said activities. Fig.4.1.1


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4.2 CEP/IDEA- Integral Planning and Capacity Building for DSSS PartnerThe programme titled INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT FOR EMPOWERED ACTION (IDEA) supported by Caritas India is specially designed for empowering partner organizations to move on to an integrated approach to development initiatives by bringing together all the actors in human development in a diocese. Fig.4.2.1

4.3 LinkagesDSSSs have established linkages and networking with 88 departments comprising of 61 Government departments and 27 local, national and international organizations.

List of various Government Departments and Organizations with whom linkages have been established Table 4.3.1 Institute of Fisheries Technology Central Plantation Crops Research Institute Central EKM Child Line, Coast Guard Development Board Coconut Coir Board for People's Rights Council Department of Health, Government of Kerala Department of Science and Technology Directorate of Public Interaction Administration District Blood Bank District Homeo Dept District Industrial Centre District DMO office, DLSA, KELSA-Legal training Fire & Rescue Department Department, Govt. of Kerala Fisheries Kerala State Women's Development Corporation Ltd Kerala Water Authority Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) Krishi Vinjan Kendra Life Insurance Corporation of India Ministry of Environment and forest Ministry of Health & Family Welfare , Govt of India Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India Ministry Small and Medium Enterprises ,Govt of India Municipality, Corporation, Grama, Block and District Panchayats National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development NABARD National Center for Organic Farming National Human Rights Commission National Institute of Design (NID) National Minority Development Finance Corporation NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation) NUALS, Department of Law, CUSAT Revenue Department Govt. of Kerala Tsunami Cell Rubber Board Sarva Shikaya Abhayan Spices Board State Disaster Management Authority State Horticulture Mission Tropical Botanic Garden & Research Institute Vegetable and Fruit Promotion Council (VFPCK)

Key achievements of IDEA Programme

Government Medical Colleges Rights Defense Forum Human

Organizational Development Process has been initiated Introduced professional planning systems with strategic approaches for sustainable development. Promoted identification of thrust areas based on the Diocesan Perspective Plan and constitution of Thrust Area committees. Clustered all the ministries and organizations in the diocese for concerted development initiatives. Platform for participatory planning at diocesan level put in place Core concerns have been mainstreamed into the general fabric of the concerned DSSSs. Development concepts are now integrated with other ministries in the dioceses.

Rights Law Net Work Human Indian Institute of Crafts & Design Department of Kerala Irrigation Jan Shikshan Sansthan Kerala Agriculture University Mission Kerala IT Kerala Khadi and Village Industries Board Kerala Police Department Kerala Rural Water Sanitation Agency Kerala State Backward Classes Development Corporation Ltd Kerala State Handicapped Development Corporation Kerala State Women's Development Corporation


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Table: 4.3.2 List of International Funding agencies & National Agencies who support DSSSs

Table 5.1 CBOs mobiized by DSSSs

Type of Community Organizations India Caritas Relief Services Catholic REHASWISS, Switzerland Ko Nig Kirche Germany Christus Bishops' Conference Italian Unidas Manos Club Rotary Hilfe Andheri MU Engineering and Industrial Trust Lions Club Indo Global Social Service Society Family Plan India Save a Kuwait, SMCA Foundation RASKOB Solar Systems (agency) Unique KELI International Switzerland Social Service Forum Kerala SELAVIP, Chilie Foundation Kandoth LACON Functional Vocational Training Research

No 1262 28790 3944 115 349 42 44 40 782 1673 1536 1 1052 1303 20 29 361 116 1 4658 176 1033 146 65 75 14 16 103 10

Membership 363367 486456 62679 1835 5813 18755 553 696 8784 150842 28950 300 21303 320986 364 824 30684 3036 130 90422 1504 12088 3545 3250 16544 98 144 13477 90

Credit Union

SHG (Women Exclusive)SHG (Men exclusive) SHG (mixed) Elder SHG's SHG federation SHGs of PLHAs Livelihood SHGs Differently abled SHGs Mahila Samajam / Mandal Farm Clubs Tea Farmers Cooperatives

Society CBR Forum

5. Community Based Organisations formed and promoted by DSSSsCommunity mobilization is the accepted strategy for organized and planned social change, which is the cardinal objective of the voluntary sector. It has now been accepted that micro level organisms stand better chance for bringing about change in the lives of people and social situations. The emergence of Community Based Organisations {CBOs} through the initiative of the voluntary sector marked a defining milestone in community development. CBOs are formed for almost all sections and for a variety of purposes. From thrift and credit to EDP and to disaster management, it is an endless list. Self Help Groups the most well known CBOs has now become the carrier for poverty eradication by Govt. People living in similar situations form groups for collective efforts with specific goals. Their coming together creates conditions which broaden the base of self governance and diffusion of power through a wider circle of the population. It is seen as highly localized or neighbourhood institutions whose membership is placed on equal level and whose main goal is the improvement of the social and economic well being of every member. The CBOs mobilized by DSSSs are listed below with their respective numbers.

Youth Clubs Village Development Societies Landless agricultural labourers groups Students Farm Clubs Regional Structures / federations Senior Citizen Forums Women's co-operative Society Children's Groups Widow Groups Task Force in CBDP/CMDRR Domestic Workers Groups Health Clubs DCMS Unit KLM CWM Self Employment Units Community Vigilance Groups

TotalKerala Social Service Forum

47756

1,647, 519Dhaarin 2009 -2010

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Prominent CBOs of DSSSs

Fig 5.1

Among the Self help Groups the Women's SHGs rank first with 28, 790 units and 486456 membership. This is definitely the single biggest cluster for women empowerment in the State. And the livelihood SHGs ranks are insignificant because the number of SHGs formed exclusively for livelihood enhancement are less though most of the SHGs carry out one or the other income generation activity whose output in terms of poverty eradication is yet to be assessed. A total number of 47756 CBOs are sponsored, nurtured and promoted by the DSSSs and a large army of 1,647,519 persons are enabled to make significant changes in their lives. The cumulative contribution of this large cluster has not been projected as it deserves. One of the major block is that the CBOs remain as isolated clusters attached to DSSSs with very little networking. A State wide labeling would have provided automatic visibility besides furnishing space for cross cutting co-operation and linkages. It is time to undertake a total review of the accompaniment of CBOs by DSSSs.

income over a period of time is assured. Livestock is widely opted by women as they do not have to dedicate their full time and they can spend a considerable time for their household duties. Livelihood activities like agriculture, kitchen garden, vegetable cultivation, flory culture and fish vending are major activities supported by DSSSs

7. MicrofinanceMicro finance systems constitute the base for promotion of entrepreneurial development by the partners in the network who rightly claims to be pioneers in promoting thrift and credit initially through credit unions and subsequently through Self Help Groups. There are various models practiced by DSSSs in streamlining Micro finance-some in a decentralised system following strictly the SHG dynamics, some DSSSs have set up People's Bank while some follow a centralized system. The volume of savings mobilized, credit dispersed etc. is not given in this report. WESCO a branded outfit for microfinance set up by Welfare Services Ernakulum deserves mention as it is a commendable venture and could provide a model frame work for other DSSSs.

Fig 5.1 shows the status of the prominent Community based organisations promoted by DSSSs. The SHGs ranks first among the CBOs with Children's Groups ranking second. A total number of 34064 SHGs under different categories are supported by DSSSs with 566816 members from vulnerable groups streamlined to development dynamics. There are 4658 groups of children with 90422 members who could be supplied with appropriate training and orientation. The recent Self Help Groups of DSSSs

entry in this micro dynamism is the Task forces formed in the coastal villages as part of Community Based Disaster Preparedness Program with 12088 members clustered into 1033 micro units. There is another group under the label Self employment units with 13477 members in 103 units. The increasing number of Farm Clubs promises the formation of a strong network of the farming community.

6.

Entrepreneurial Development Programmes

Promotion of Income Generating Programmes was always a priority of the voluntary sector because the ultimate end of mobilizing people and formation of micro units of people is enhancing the economic level of families. A variety of options in Income Generation activities have been explored as individual activities and group activities in Micro enterprises. It has not been possible to list the trades adopted by the individuals and the SHGs. However activities like garment making, tailoring and embroidery, saree printing, petty shops, paper carry bag, book binding, poultry, goat rearing, dairy farming, rabbit rearing, pickle making, bakery and confectioneries, curry powders, laundry items etc are carried out with considerable success. There are a very large number of women taking fish vending as an income bearing activity. It would appear that with regard to Small enterprises beneficiaries have preferred to take up Livestock (milch cows and goat rearing) as a preferred enterprise as the investment involved is considerably low and a stable

8. Livelihood MeasuresA participatory approach has been adopted by DSSSs as regards livelihood measures based on the belief that people experiencing poverty have abilities and assets that can be used to help them create sustainable livelihood options.

8.1 Agriculture and LivestockThe economy of Kerala is no more governed by any single sector. However a large portion of our population is dependent on agriculture for livelihood be it food crops, spices or other cash crops. Kerala is the producer of 96 percent of India's total yield of pepper and 91 percent of natural rubber. Other major crops in the State are coffee, tea, coconut, cashew and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla and cardamom. The space occupied by cultivation of food crops has shrinked considerably. Home gardening is very popular in Kerala.


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Animal husbandry and livestock is an equally important aspect of the state's economy It is evident that farmers are withdrawing from cultivation of food crops. Major reasons for the above are non-availability of large plots, the acute shortage of labour force and the spiralling hike in farm wages. Paddy cultivation is increasingly abandoned by our farmers though rice remains the staple food of Keralites. KSSF network should pay heed to this alarming trend with emphasis on making paddy cultivation both profitable and assured of immediate compensation for crop loss.

Mono cropping goes on unheeded in a State lauded for its rich bio diversity profile. DSSSs should rally round with a better package to address the concerns of farming and farming communities. The KSSF consortium however deserves credit for standing with the farming communities despite all odds. The challenge is to redeem the dignity for faming and to sustain the campaign for sustainable agricultural practices with the ultimate aim of attaining food security, food safety and food sovereignty.

Fig 8.2.1

Fig 8.1.1

Figure 8.2.2 is all about the area of cultivation of various crops. Banana cultivation ranks first with regard to the area taken up for cultivation. The vegetable cultivation ranks second and the least cultivated area is for the food crops. Figure 8.2.2

The chart 8.1.1 describes the Number of units developed under Agriculture and Livestock and its male and female beneficiaries. Female beneficiaries are higher in number. The reason is that most of the Agriculture and livestock programmes are being carried out through SHG's constituted by women.

8.2 Units and areas of cultivationFigure 8.2.1 is about the cultivation units of various crops. It is evident that the vegetable cultivation units are higher. One of the reasons behind high rate of vegetable cultivation is that the economical risk involved in the vegetable cultivation is comparatively less when compared to the other crops and also it is considered to be economical and profitable.


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8.2 Bhakshysa SumrudhyBhakshysa Sumrudhy the proud intervention of KSSF as a collective response of the Catholic Church in Kerala to the ensuing crisis in Food Security has made inroads into a dying agri scenario of the State. Basically we are dealing with the fundamental right to life. Based on Article 21 of the Constitution, the Supreme Court has regarded the Right to Food as a fundamental requirement for the right to life. The number of under nourished persons has increased from about 210 million in 1990-1992 to 252 million in 2004-2006. India has about half the worlds under nourished children. There has been a decline in the per capita calorie consumption in recent decades. The percentage of children below three years who are undernourished is 40%. The paradox is that grain mountain and hungry millions continue to co-exist.

Food Security, as internationally accepted, involves physical, economic and social access to a balanced diet, safe drinking water, and environmental hygiene and primary health care. The above definition will involve concurrent attention to the availability of food in the market, the ability to buy needed food and the capability to absorb and utilize the food in the body. Thus food and non food factors {that is, drinking water, environmental hygiene and primary health care} are involved in food security The partners in the program have selected 176 cluster villages in 60 Grama Panchayaths and formed 283 Farmer's Fraternity Groups spread across the State as part of the Food Security Campaign. We have presently mobilized 5807 farmers for introduction to organic farming practices as detailed below district wise. Table 8.2.1

An effective linkage is established between partners and agriculture and allied departments knowledge in Agriculture is shared and Traditional promoted for possible preservation.

Promotion of Sustainable Agricultural Practices is the key highlight of the special intervention in Wayanad. Practical demonstrations on organic input preparations and seed selection improved the skill and knowledge in chemical free farming and revived innate methods of soil fertility. .Besides training on organic farming, exposure visits were arranged for farmers to renowned farms in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The programme coordination unit located at Kalpetta besides coordinating the programmes by the partner agencies arranged several training programmes for the personnel of NGOs on a range of related subjects. A total of 46 workshops attended by 3328 persons were arranged as part of the campaign.

8.3 Save Farmers Campaign (SFC)Save Farmers Campaign (SFC) is a Network promoted by KSSF in the wake of the Agrarian Crisis and Suicides in Wayanad. The strategic intervention has made remarkable contribution in addressing issues related to agrarian crisis and in proposing remedial measures. The SFC network is constituted of seven NGOs in Wayanad and the programme is supported by Caritas India.

Consolidated Intervention of FARM, WayanadSocial: Name of Activity Orientation on seminar on PRI Mass awareness program on food safety, security, climate change and organic farming No. of programs 18 18 36 Participants Male Female 852 535 1387 1374 1002 2376 Table 8.3.1 Total 2226 1537 3763

Sl. No 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

District Thiruvananthapuram Kollam Pathanamtitta Alapuzha Kottayam Idukki Ernakulam Trichur Palakkad Malappuram Kozhikode Wayanad Kannur Kasargode Total

No of Farmers mobilized 326 165 200 892 820

Economic: 489 905 433 298 156 100 622 324 77 5807 Ecological: Name of Activity Key Achievements mobilized 5807 model organic farmers all Partners over Kerala. safety Campaign was organized in 176 The Food villagers / 60 Panchayaths in the State.Kerala Social Service Forum

Table 8.3.2 No. of programs 17 12 13 20 0 02 64 Participants Male Female 779 193 62 475 36 100 1645 425 146 146 421 115 50 1303 Total 1204 339 208 896 151 150 2948

Name of Activity Workshop on promotion and certification of organic farming Model creation of organic farming units Skill training for IGP Interface with development Actors IGP Support Distribution of seeds and seedings

Table 8.3.3 No. of programs Participants Male Female 760 883 Total

Partners identified Lead Farmers who are practicing sustainable agriculture. The cluster level orientation and seminars covered 10000 farmers. Farm Clubs are being registered under NABARD.

Awareness generation on the importance of promotion and conservation of indigenous variety of food crops 19 760 883 1643 19 1643

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Health: Name of Activity Awareness on pesticide free food crops Awareness creation on anti-alcoholism & drug abuse Health awareness and value education for children Awareness generation for family members and volunteers on killer diseases Medical support No. of programs 30 30 30 27 117 Tribal: Name of Activity Awareness programs Promotion of collective farming Farm based vocational training (LMV driving) Nutrition farming No. of programs 54 Participants Male Female 1187 58 48 1293 8.3.1 BEFRIENDING One of the achievements of SFC was the initiative to touch the lives battered by suicides. Befriending was adapted as an effective tool to redress the minds of persons in psychological distress. The concept of befriending implies an empathetic intervention set to heal and restore the clients to 1861 33 44 1938 Participants Male Female 1166 919 1878 852 4815 1738 1554 2429 1655 7376

Table 8.3.4

8.4 Other major interventions in agricultureTotal 2904 2473 4307 2507 175 12366 Table 8.3.5 Total 3048 91 92 210 3441 8.4.1 WHITE PEPPER produced by Wayanad Social It is evident that farmers are withdrawing from cultivation of food crops. Major reasons for the above are non-availability of large plots, the acute shortage of labour force and the spiraling hike in farm wages. Paddy cultivation is increasingly abandoned by our farmers though rice remains the staple food of Keralites. KSSF network should pay heed to this alarming trend with emphasis on making paddy cultivation both profitable and assured of immediate compensation for crop loss. Mono cropping goes on unheeded in a State lauded for its rich bio diversity profile. DSSSs should rally round with a better package to address the concerns of farming and farming communities. The KSSF consortium however deserves credit for standing with the farming communities despite all odds. The challenge is to redeem the dignity for faming and to sustain the campaign for sustainable agricultural practices with the ultimate aim of attaining food security, food safety and food sovereignty. Service Society (WSSS) is a unique initiative in the promotion of organic farming. WSSS started it experiments on the production of white pepper in association with National Institute of Inter disciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST), Thiruvanathapuram since 2003. Scientist from NIIST gave necessary technical support in experiments in the development of new method of white pepper production from black/fresh pepper. WSSS succeeded in the commercial production of white pepper from 500 kilograms to 25 metric ton in the year of 2010. For more details see page 60-62 8.4.2 Farm Fests conducted by Kottayam Social service Society and Tellicherry Social Service Society stand out as proud moments for the Catholic Church in Kerala. Chaitanya Mela is organised by KSSS is an annual fete since a decade. POLIKA organised by TSSS has all the potential of becoming the most enlightening event for farmers in north Malabar. dignity, confidence and self esteem. Our befriending coordinators attended families orphaned due to suicide by the head of the family, persons who attempted suicide, persons prone to attempt suicide and families in distress. A total of 2141 persons were be friended as detailed below. Other mentionable FARM FESTS are those arranged by WSE, NIDS, PSWS, and SHREYAS. 8.4.3 BANANA VILLAGE initiated by Welfare Services Ernakulam at Angamaly is an experiment in creating a model farm with varieties of traditional bananas in a single plot with prospects of small farmers rallying round to produce chemical free banana for domestic consumption.

Table 8.3.1.1 Suicide victim M 182 F 596 Suicide attempted M 27 F 74 Suicide prone M 20 F 72 Distressed families M 405 F 765 M 634 Total F 1507 Grand Total 2141

8.5 FisheriesKerala accounts for a huge output of freshwater and marine fish haul every year. Fishing and related activities are the major occupations of about 10.85 lakh people in the State. The State yields about 6.75 lakh tones of fish each year, which create a significant boost to the business and economy of Kerala.


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Fig. 8.5.1

issues are so grave that urgent attention of the State and NGOs is called for. KSSF must urgently strategise the intervention plan in this sector with a time bound plan of action.

hazard and limiting further damage and returning as close as possible to the state before the hazard incident. Effective Emergency Management relies on a thorough integration of emergency plans at all levels of the organization and an understanding that the lowest levels of the organization are responsible for managing the emergency and getting additional resources and assistance from the upper levels.

9 Disaster ResponseDisaster Response or management is the generic name of an interdisciplinary field dealing with the strategic organizational management processes used to protect critical assets of a community from hazard risks that can cause disasters or catastrophes, and to ensure their continuance within their planned lifetime. Assets are categorized as either living things, non-living things, cultural or economic. Hazards are categorized by their cause, either natural or human-made. The entire strategic management process is divided into four fields to aid in identification of the processes. The four fields normally deal with risk reduction, preparing resources to respond to the hazard, responding to the actual damage caused by the

9.1

Emergency Relief Activities

Fig. 9.1.1 is about the emergency relief activities carried out through out Kerala by the DSSS's which consists of distribution of food and cloths during the emergency hours, providing necessary medical assistances, establishing relief camps etc. Along with these other major emergency relief activities include providing assistance for house maintenance, education, 'Sharmadan' (cleaning up surroundings including ponds and wells), and also providing awareness to the vulnerable groups.

Fig.9.1.1 Figure 8.5.1 describes the number of units developed in the fisheries sector and the total number of male- female beneficiaries under the program. The major interventions in the fisheries sector are undertaken through CBOs - SHGs and credit unions. Income Generation Programmes, health promotion activities and support programmes like health insurance, assistance for education etc are the major activities initiated in the sector. The major beneficiaries in these programmes are women folk.

Kerala has a coastline of 560 Km covering nine districts. The marine fisheries sector covering total dependents of 2 lakh fish workers and allied workers has over the years turned out to be a sector with high capital investment. With total and semi mechanisation having complete sway and the introduction of increasing number of large deep sea trawlers with no control mechanisms, the sector is being taken over by corporate houses and monopolies. Some of the DSSSs who were actively involved with mobilization of traditional fishermen, transfer of technology, auctioning and marketing have been bowled over. The Kerala State Fisheries department and Matsyfed has stepped into provide technology and capital support to traditional fishermen leaving very little space for DSSSs. Only six DSSSs have some sort of intervention in the sectorKerala Social Service Forum

which is limited to micro finance support to fish vending women, value addition ventures and welfare measures. Despite the above ground realities, the coastal villages {222 fishing villages in marine sector and 113 fishing villages in the inland sector} remain the most backward spots in Kerala in terms of internationally accepted indicators of human development. No justification can be provided for KSSF and the DSSSs with operation area in the coastal belt to skip this most vulnerable sector. Kerala has a strong Inland fishing sector with 34 lakes, 44 rivers besides its rich backwaters. All the 30 DSSSs have stake in this sector and yet little intervention in the sector is reported. Both marine and inland fisheries sectors are linked to environment concerns and the ecological

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9.2 Disaster ManagementFig.9.2.1 Task forces formed Community Members 2417 2892 2502 2467 1507 891 891 13567 GP* members 249 221 256 194 117 73 179 1289 Table 9.3.1 No 315 287 303 309 198 122 43 1577 Children 132 152 151 114 51 395 234 983 GO* members 128 139 217 141 55 20 183 883

Task Forces Early warning team Search and Rescue Team Medical & First Aid team Relief & Rehabilitation Team Damage Assessment Team Water & Sanitation Team disaster Manaent Team Total

10.Social Development Programmes10.1 HealthFig 9.2.1 illustrates the disaster management programs and the involvement of the community in terms of male- female bifurcation. 1655 activities were undertaken throughout the coastal and back water areas of Kerala. A total of 6, 77,446 persons benefited by the activities undertaken. Recent studies have proved that Kerala State is vulnerable to a multitude of disasters and is categorized as a multi-hazard prone State. The State experiences various kinds of disasters of recurrent nature which result in loss of life, livelihood and property (public and private), and disruption of economic activity, besides causing immense misery and hardship to the affected population. The activities undertaken in disaster management are mainly meant to empower vulnerable sects of the community to face disasters with reasonable maturity. It also aims at building a good rapport between the community and the local administrators.

9.3 Community Based Disaster Preparedness Programme (CBDP)CBDP, a joint initiative of the Caritas India, Kerala Social Service Forum and Diocesan Social Service Societies was implemented from 2006 in 382 wards in 28 Grama Panchayats and 2 Muncipal Corporations in five coastal districts (Thiruvanathapuram, Kollam, Alapuzha, Kochi, and Thrissur) and 54 wards in Kuttanad , another disaster recurring spot of Kerala. After the relief and rehabilitation phases in the tsunami response operation, Caritas India and Kerala Social service Forum partnered to enter a phase of resilience building by initiating the CBDP programme. The laudable contribution of the programme is the formation of Task forces and preparation of Contingency Plans for effective disaster preparedness and management. The programme has since been rechristened as Community Managed Disaster Risk Reduction.

Fig. 10.1.1


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Health is termed as physical, mental and social well being rather than absence of disease or disability. The interventions undertaken in the field of health by the DSSS is in alliance with the above said definition. The major activities undertaken in the field of health include awareness programmes, medical camps, free medicinal aids, nutritional supplement, reproductive child health programmes, herbal plantations, health insurance programmes, alternative medicines etc. Among the activities awareness creation stands first with 1667 awareness programmes covering a population of 1, 11,396 as educating people regarding heath and various factors affecting it is a valuable investment. The scope of intervention by DSSSs in the Health Sector has been downsized with the widening of health care facilities by the State and the improvement of health status of people and greater awareness on health issues by people. And yet the fact remains that health care is increasingly becoming unaffordable to a large segment of our population and the emergence of new health issues poses serious questions for discussion. Resurgence of life style illness is an issue to be met with matching response. It would seem DSSSs should return to the Health Sector with reworked focus and stress on community owned health education and promotion of alternative health care facilities.

10.2 EducationEducation is a basic tool for emancipation of any given community and entry point for sustainable development. The Fig 4.2.1 describes the importance given to the education sector by DSSSs. Here also the female domination is obvious. The programmes undertaken in the education interventions include sponsorships, scholarships, career guidance programmes, computer educations, non formal education programmes, vocational trainings etc. In the education sector the other major activities undertaken include the following:

Providing employable skills to youth has been taken up as a priority by almost all the DSSSs. The facility provided by FVTRS to assist th school drop outs to qualify themselves for employment is a notable contribution. An additional feature is the provision for certification by National Open School Institute and Indira Gandhi National Open University which imparts dignity to people deprived of University degree.A programme for skill up gradation with the support of NORKA ROOTS has provided upgradaion in their respective skills to 156 youngsters. 20 of them have found placement in Gulf Countries through the courtesy of Norka Roots. Almost total literacy, total pass up to Xth std, wide options and patronage of English medium schools, large scope for professional courses with mushrooming of self financing institutions, decline in quality and standard in education, indebtedness bestowed on

families on account of patronage of self financing courses, the increasing trend of overseas immigration are some of the features of the education scenario of God's own country. The ongoing debate as to whether our education system provides employable skills to a large segment of our young generation should engage the priority of the voluntary sector. Yet another challenge is to provide life skill education, value education and appropriate course guidance. There are new openings in education like agriculture and fisheries related courses, which will serve to enable job opportunities with traditional skills. An education system unattached to our farms, sea and lakes and only focus on opportunities abroad are to be resolved with alternatives. It has become important to the Church sector to explore fresh avenue in education sector so as to redeem our community from degeneration.

formal Education Programmes 669 Non 766 Sponsorship Programmes, 161 Career Guidance Programmes Computer Education Programmes Vocational Training Programmes 1868 Scholarship Programmes.

10.3 Habitat DevelopmentFig 10.3.1

A total of 46,798 students benefitted from the activities undertaken in the educational sector. future generation. The above programs play a vital role in empowering the

Fig. 4.2.1

The above figure is about the habitat development programmes which include house constructions, maintenance of houses, formation of Residence Associations etc. Total number of beneficiaries covered under the programme comes up to 5826. House construction was one of the major activities in habitat development. Under the house construction 1340

houses have been built covering 4305 beneficiaries and 438 houses are under construction. It is worth mentioning in this respect the pioneering initiatives of Quilon Social Service Society in relocating families living in disaster prone areas which are a commendable model in NGO Government partnership in habitat development depicted in pages 78-79 in this report.


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10.4 Family DevelopmentFig. 10.4.1

concentrates on providing leadership trainings so as to amalgamate citizens into governance structures. It would appear that DSSSs have not adequately approached the decentralized planning process and social auditing process, which are evidently effective means to empower people. Strengthening Grama Sabas stand out as a single biggest challenge to a strong network like KSSF.

clustered on the hills and mountains of Kerala, the Western Ghat, bordering Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Wayanad has the highest number of tribals (1, 36,062). Idukki (50,973) and Palakkad (39,665) are the next two districts that make the lion portion of the native tribal people groups in the State. Paniyas is the biggest tribe among the major 36 tribes. Paniyas inhabit in the regions of Wayanad and the neighboring parts of Kannur and Malappuram. Cholanaikans, Kurumbas, Kattunaikans, Kadars and Koragas are the five primitive tribal groups in Kerala. They constitute nearly 5 % of the total tribal population in the State. Cholanaikans can be said as the most primitive of them and found only in the Malappuram District. Kattunaikans, another lower-hill community related to Cholanaikans, are mainly seen in Wayanad district and some in Malappuram and Kozhikode districts. Kadar population is found in Trichur and Palakkad districts. Kurumbas are living in the Attappady Block of Palakkad district. The Koraga habitat is in the plain areas of Kasaragod district. Fig 13.1.1

12. Social Action ResearchDiocesan Social Service Societies have paid attention on Social Action Research which is powerful tool in linking development to ground realities. Topics covered for research were : Decentralization, Civic Consciousness, Legal Rights and Social Accountability, Educational Backwardness of Tribal & Involvement in NREGS , Pazhazhi Kanal survey(CWRDM),Organic Family is the fundamental unit of a society. All the 29 DSSSs focus on family development and in the programmes organized, family sponsorship is the major activity focused by the DSSS with coverage of 5,330 families throughout Kerala. A total of 12,518 beneficiaries are covered under the SAFP programme alone .There are at least two other family sponsorship programmes promoted by DSSSs. various types of insurance programmes are also organized for the family benefits. The family sponsorship, insuranceprogrammes, counseling, trainings etc mainly focuses on assisting the disadvantaged families in the societies. Many DSSSs are involved in strengthening family through support systems and mediation. Addressing domestic violence is a challenge of our times. Farming, Manual Scavengers, Women Empowerment, Child Development, CBR- Evaluation Survey, ICDP, and Duck Farming respectively. Kerala Social Service Forum have also played a key role in studying the various burning issues like Agrarian Crisis in the district of Wayanad and the Multi Stake Holder Responses to the agrarian crisis in Wayanad , Psycho Social Autopsy of Suicides in Wayanad, A participatory action research on facilitating agricultural regeneration measures (FARM) as an intervention to agrarian crisis and farmers suicide of Wayanad has been completed The geographical area covered under the studies include Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Wayanad, Valapattanam, Kuppam, Ancharakandy Rivers, Pazhzhi Canal areas, Naduvil punchayat, areas under Japan water supply-(JBIC), Ranni, Mallappally, Niranam, and Kattapana respectively.

11. Good GovernanceGood governance is widely regarded as one of the key ingredients for poverty reduction and sustainable development. The developmental organizations have a crucial role to play in promotion of Governance by providing awareness on structures and facilities under Panchayat Raj/ Nagara Palika institutions acts and rights of citizens. In order to bring awareness among the people, 67 % of the DSSS concentrates on providing orientation seminars, where as 20% of them Fig. 11.1

13. Focused Group InterventionFocus group intervention aims at the holistic development of the communities or sections that are vulnerable for exploitation. Fig 13.1.1 depicts that 2569 activities are undertaken throughout the tribals in Kerala. 1, 32,034 tribal beneficiaries are covered by the interventions undertaken by the DSSS s in Kerala. The activities for the tribals include Education and awareness creation Programmes, Livelihood enhancement, Leadership promotion and capacity building (in order to mainstream them into the society), Promotion of tribal culture and indigenous practices, Health Programmes etc.

13.1 Tribal DevelopmentThe scheduled tribal population in Kerala is 3, 64,189 (female- 184020; male- 180169). Tribal communities


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13.2 Child Development

Fig.13.2.1

13.4 Geriatric CareAs a result of the activities undertaken by the DSSS a total number of 18, 208 geriatric population including 6,641 males and 9,160 females benefitted. As per the depiction shown in the pie diagram above 27 % of the focus of DSSSs is on providing social protection measures to the aged. As a result of the nuclear family trend prevalent in our society the aged are deprived of proper care in terms of health along with fact that the family fails to provide proper psychological support. It has been clearly depicted in the pie chart that various activities like senior citizens' clubs, motivational programmes etc are taken up to encourage the geriatric population to overcome the emotional stress faced during the process of ageing. The elder SHGs formed by QSSS is an innovative venture and may be replicated across the State.

Fig. 13.4.1

Children are considered to be the back bone of the society and hence programmes to mould them into conscientious citizens are very essential. With this concern all the 29 DSSS are conducting various programmes for moulding the budding citizens. 1506 children's clubs / groups have been formed throughout Kerala by the DSSSs with various programmes which

help to harness the various cultural and academic skills of the children. Among them the female children are given priority since only educated women can bring up a healthy family and the DSSSs have been successful in eliciting the girl's participation and it is very evident from the chart that the girl's participation is far ahead in all activities when compared to the boys.

13.3 Youth DevelopmentYouth Development has gained prime importance in the new paradigm shift. The major programme organized for the youth by the 29 DSSSs is the formation of Youth clubs. Youth from various stratas' of the society are provided with opportunities for harnessing their talents through Youth Clubs. They are also provided with awareness on various social evils prevalent in the society. Vocational trainings, employment guidance, consultancy services and career guidance provided to them help them to avail jobs to secure their future and also support their families. 60% of the DSSSs focus on providing employment guidance as it is an important aspect in which the prime focus is to make the youngsters self reliant by providing proper guidance to take up apt careers in order to make their future safe and secure. Prabhodhini the innovative programmed of Welfare Services Ernakulam is a laudable initiative for formation of adolescent girls who are exposed to so many perils. See page 64 Fig.13.3.1

14.Natural Resource ManagementNatural Resource Management is the scientific management of land, water, soil, plants and animals, with a particular focus on how management affects the quality of life for both present and future generations. Natural resource management is interrelated with the concept of sustainable development and the challenge for the voluntary sector is to co-relate both. Agro- forestry ranks first among interventions with 69, 852 units. The reason behind the high rate of agro forestry is that it is the easiest and a viable programme that can be undertaken.


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14.1 Eco friendly waste management measuresThe major activates undertaken by the DSSSs under this head include vermi compost construction and production, vermi bed, waste management, construction and maintenance of sanitary measures. The partners were able to provide viable models of latrine in areas below sea level and water logged areas that have always been wrestling with lack of appropriate technology. As regards disposal of household waste the partners continued to popularise terracotta tanks (vermin compost). Back yard organic vegetable cultivation is an accomplishment promoted. Several models in purification of water have been tried out by partners. Chamber filter, household filter, filter well are some of the models successfully tried.

14.2 Water ConservationThe major activities undertaken in the water conservation include ground water recharge, rain pits, silpaulin tanks, renovation of wells and ponds, springs development and water shed development. Among these interventions construction of rain pits stands high with a total number of 190031 Fig.14.2.1

Fig.14.1.1

14.3 Water and Sanitation Programme (WatSan)WatSan implemented by ten DSSSs under CBDP (Community Based Disaster Preparedness) programme stand out as a commendable intervention to protect natural resources. People in the operational area, especially the water logged areas, were facing severe shortage of pure drinking water and sanitation issues. Creating replicable low cost models in water and sanitation, emphasizing on the maximum utilization of people's knowledge and low cost technologies is the prime objective of the programme. Awareness generation on health, hygiene and

sanitation, rejuvenation of water sources and cleaning campaigns were the major components of the baseline survey conducted under the project to make an understanding about the water systems and water sources in the area. Water test was conducted in the villages to ensure the purity of water sources. Rejuvenating ponds and water sources was a successful intervention in the project area. Back washing and phyto remediation are other two methods taken up for water renovation. Further different models of filter wells, sanitary latrines were also introduced. Community user groups were also formed in e project areas to ensure the participation of people. The graph shown below depicts the number of persons benefitted out of the project.Dhaarin 2009 -2010


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15. Rural Technology innovation

Fig.15.1

Fig.6.2.2

14.4 Renewable EnergyAny source of energy that gets replenished naturally and does not suffer permanent depletion due to use can be called renewable sources of energy. 85% of the energy we use comes from the fossil fuel which is a form of non renewable energy. It would take millions of years to completely restore the fossil fuels that we have used in just a few thousand years. Renewable energy comes in as a resolution for this global issue as it provides sustainable use of natural resources. In Renewable Energy the major activities undertaken by DSSSs are promotion of solar lantern and biogas as its establishment and usage is not too complicated and it is environment friendly. In respect of the issues affecting the biodiversity, there is an increasing concern in the optimum utilization of the natural resources available. Hence innovative rural technologies are being promoted and smokeless Chula and vermin compost are the two activities which are highly promoted by the DSSSs. Fig.14.4.1

16. ConstraintsThis consolidation has not been an easy task and there were constrains both in gathering information and in consolidation. Uniform reporting and documentation patterns are not practiced in DSSSs. In the absence of unanimity in thematic areas followed by DSSSs it was not an easy job to feed the information to slots. The network is to evolve a broad framework for documentation which will enable KSSF to capture the collective achievements in a coherent manner. The consolidation of socio economic intervention of the Church in Kerala through the DSSSs is possible by prefixing the reporting schedules and by placing the interventions in prefixed thematic area. The answer lies in adopting professional tools in documentation which we will possibly apply for the documentation of the activities for the reporting year 20102011.


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17. Consolidated financial utilization of the 30 Diocesan Social Service Societies during the financial year 2009-10DSSS contribution Rs. 56, 74, 54, 455/Beneficiary Contribution Rs. 39, 46, 78, 431/-

Part II

Grand Total Rs. 96, 21, 32, 886/-

Spheres of influence At a GlancePage No

Welfare & Charity Research studies Educational Assistance Tribal Development Emergency Relief Geriatric Care Health , Water & Sanitation Micro Finance Development Social Housing Income Generation Program Disaster Management Family Welfare & Development Gender Strengthening of CBOs Training/ Capacity Building NRM & AgricultureNGO contribution Beneficiary contribution

3,26,54,792 78,69,375 3,18,43,550 18,97,500 73,86,742 33,25,650 4,99,83,250 2,93,36,578 4,15,60,500 6,96,74,200 3,36,41,836 5,45,43,850 3,67,64,524 2,82,59,653 4,98,75,918 8,88,36,537

0 0 0 3,16,763 49,87,652 1387540 4,59,84,925 3,22,70,235

18. Intoduction ---------------------------------------------------------------------------19. Sustainable Solutions in water & sanitation -------------------------------------20. Promoting Health Care -------------------------------------------------------------21. Creating wonders from Natural Fibre --------------------------------------------22. Leading to a land flowing with milk and honey --------------------------------23. Sahyadri organic tea A winning combination --------------------------------24. Ensuring food security and sustainable agriculture with the integration of agriculture and animal husbandry ------------------------------------------------25. Creation of a just society -----------------------------------------------------------26. Niramaya : Health Insurance Scheme -------------------------------------------27. Enduring experience in the Tribal Development Sector -----------------------28. Opening new avenues to marginalised fish vending women's forum -------29. Pioneering Initiatives ---------------------------------------------------------------30. An innovation for the preparation of White pepper in Wayanad -------------31. Banana village a new initiative to promote conservation and promotion of Bananas ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

37 38 40 41 44 47 48 50 53 54 56 58 60 63 65

7,23,40,750 8,66,41,620 2,01,85,102 4,45,42,619 1,01,91,131 1,08,90,878 1,49,62,775 4,99,76,441

32. An initiative effective lobbying ----------------------------------------------------A unique investment in emancipation of excluded people Tribal School

at Marayoor ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 66 33. Promotion of technical education among school drop - out youths ---------34. Jan Shikshan sansthan ------------------------------------------------------------35. Regional Resource Trainig Center south zone --------------------------------Elders for Elders --------------------------------------------------------------------67 68 72 80

36. A credible model in NGO Government partnership in development initiatives 78

18. Introduction:The gap between preaching and practice is a barrier in taking forward any mission. Ideas when successfully implemented turn to be models. Social engineering is no exception to this principle. Voluntary organizations are laboratories in devising models in social transformation. Diocesan Social Service Societies have been in the forefront in pioneering social change and in creating models which have since been applauded and adopted as general practice by NGOs and even the State. We are happy to present some of the many models created by the DSSSs. We hope they will add to the credibility of this network and enhance our drive to adopt evidence-based practice in development intervention.

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%


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4.

Household filter

Compost latrines Compost latrines are designed to overcome the issues generating out of single pit or double pit latrines. In the compost latrine method two pit model is used. Both the two pits are made water tight with cement sealing. For the first six months either of the one pit will be used and other remain closed. During this period the water coming to the pit will be drained out though a filter mechanism arranged inside the pit. Thus only solid fecal matter will remain in the pit. After six months the next pit will be put under use and the waste in the previous pit will be allowed to be converted into compost. This compost can be collected and used as manure after 2-3 months.

BODHANA

19.

Sustainable Solutions in Water & Sanitationentire labor force . Then it was cleaned several times by the community members themselves. Having accepted the suggestions from the technical team of Caritas India, different water purifying plants like Ramacham, Neerkoova, Ambal etc. were planted. 2. Open well Existing unused wells were renovated by further deepening the wells and strengthened using with precast RCC rings. Two different radials have been constructed adjacent to the well. Rain water recharging conduits were also provided. 3. Chamber Filter Initially the filter chamber comprised of three small jars of 60 ltr capacity each. The first jar was filled with sand and metal. Second jar with metal chips and sand. The final chamber was filled with chips, fine sand and charcoal. The water was flowing upward through all the cambers. Later considering the suggestion of the Caritas Technical team, a little modification was done to the model. Presently the filter chamber consists of two jars. Instead of downward filtering we have introduced upward filtering mechanism with good result.

BODHANA the social action department of the Archdiocese of Tiruvalla has created sustainable models in water and Sanitation in some of the segregated areas .The Pulikeezhu block panchayat of the Upper Kuttanadu Region is drained by the Pamba River, polluted water discharge from which makes the Upper Kuttanadu highly vulnerable to water-borne contagious diseases. Protecting drinking water from faecal contamination is another major challenge faced by the inhabitants. It is in this backdrop that Bodhana introduced eco friendly and geo specific models in Water and Sanitation. The intervention came as part of the Community Based Disaster Preparedness Programme. The idea of rejuvenating existing water bodies and making efforts to clear the reddish coloured water into clear drinkable water was quite unbelievable to the community. Bodhana constructed sanitation and water purifying models suitable for the area- ecofriendly sanitary latrines and water filters at water logged conditions with community participation at Thalavady and Peringara Panchayaths. The structural design proposed was economically viable when compared with the local rates of construction materials. Ferro cement technology was used in all the possible ways to reduce the cost. The organic manure produced from the human sewage are used for kitchen gardening and developing model farms in the operational area.

Medium size and small size filter using single jar of 300 liters, 160 liters and 60 liters have been developed. These filters contain half of its volume filled with filter media. The fine sand, medium sand, charcoal, metal chips and metal pieces are arranged upwardly. 5. Back washing PVC pipes have been used to channelize the water from roofs to the well. 6. Filter well A well is dug and two set rings of 3 feet and 4 feet diameter is inserted in to the well. The portion in between the two set of rings is filled with filter media. Sand, metal, charcoal, sand, and chips are arranged upwardly in the gap as filter media. 6. Immersing filter Simple filtering method is used in this. This filter consists of two small chambers of which one is for filtering and the other is for storage. A hand pump is connected to the storage chamber, though which water can be fetched out.Photo:Deepak.OJ

Impact of the Intervention The following are the intervention strategies: quality of drinking water in the area through the conversion of water polluting toilets to sanitary Improved models.

health and sanitation status in the area. Improved1. Pond rejuvenation The wall of the pond was developed using bamboo and silt. The community members contributed the

Community familiar with the technology of eco sanitation model and User groups are capacitated for the sustainable management of sanitation. Skilled workforce available at community level for replicating and maintaining the low cost models. 101 families have benefitted from the intervention. A total of

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Kannur Association for Integrated Rural Organization and Support {KAIROS}

The Kottapuram Integrated Development Society (KIDS)

20.

Promoting Health Care

21.

Creating Wonders from Natural Fiberprices with the result that even new-generation girls of the families are attracted to the craft. The artisans were also given training in developing new designs. They are encouraged to attend various exhibitions in the country. Besides bed mats, the artisans are now making products like vanity bags, carry-bags, wastepaper baskets, newspaper holders, laundry boxes, files, interior decoration items etc. The artisans get training in planting of screw pine, collection of the leaves once in three months without harming the plant, management of raw material, dyeing using both eco-free and permitted dyes as well as organic dyes, stitching and splicing of the leaves, fumigating, packing etc which makes them professionally competent to meet international demands.

KAIROS the organ for socio economic development of the dioceses of Kannur is involved in the sustainable development of people of Kannur and Kasargode districts through a right based and integrated development approach. REPRODUCTIVE AND CHILD HEALTH CARE PROGRAM - At a Glance MNGO scheme was introduced in Kannur & Kasargod Districts, in collaboration with NRHM since 2008. With an emphasis in providing care to mother and child health which includes reduction in home delivery, discouragement of early marriage, increase in immunization rate and early registration of pregnancy and its care, with an aim of Healthy mother- Healthy Nation. With the guidance of RRC & NRHM, MNGO (Mother NGO) - KAIROS has selected 8 FNGOs (Field NGOs) to introduce this scheme effectively in both the districts. Proper attention is given in providing quality Integrated and sustainable Primary Health Care services to the women in the reproductive age group and in providing Immunization. Achievements of the programme

The Kottapuram Integrated Development Society (KIDS) the official wing of the diocese of Kottapuram for the development of the people has been in the forefront in mobilizing the underprivileged for empowering action. The clusters developed and facilitated by KIDS for screw pine artisans have turned out to be a role model in the development of artisans.

percentages to 90 percentages in the project. Early marriage rate was reduced to 10 % from 23 % in the operational area The institutional delivery is promoted to 98 % where it was 91 percentage Sensitized the society to utilize the low cost nutritious local food items instead of artificial food to promote the healthMainstreaming Fisher folk KAIROS is involved with programs that address the problems and issues of the fishermen and the so far achievements are listed below. of fishermen were formed 120 SHGs The environmental problems, and

Mobilizing SHGs into clusters have proven to be highly useful for the sustainability of the initiatives undertaken by people for self propelled development initiatives. Each cluster is envisaged to be a self sufficient community based structure having specialized group of persons for various sections. The networking of various specialized persons within the cluster is found to be the reason of its success. Facilitation for this proper networking is the most important responsibility of an NGO. KIDS give prime importance for this facilitation process.

b) Water hyacinth: Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), though native to South America, is now an environmental and social menace throughout the tropical and subtropical world. This is undoubtedly the weed for which the world has spent maximum money for eradication. The problems posed by water hyacinth are multifaceted. It has severe impacts on aquatic biodiversity. As both the biological and chemical methods for the control of these weeds are not found effective, their proper and efficient utilization is a highly sustainable and sensible option, though this has not been efficiently developed. KIDS' research and development wing has found that the petiole of water hyacinth is an excellent soft and spongy natural fibre which can be weaved as such for making wall matting, door mats, cushions, hats, purses etc, or can be easily blended with other materials like coir, banana fibre, screw pine, reeds, bamboo, sedges, sea grass, jute etc. Water hyacinth fibre is also found to have great affinity for basic dyes. By using the mordent, natural dyes can also be conveniently used for colouring this fibre. Thus a 'water hyacinth fibre craft cluster' was formed incorporating all the craft persons involved in this project.

a) Screwpine: Screwpine (Thazha in Malayalam) is abundantly found in Kodungallur Taluk. Its fine natural fibre, one of the best of its kind in the world, has been in use for centuries for making bed mats. The emergence of cheaper plastic mats paved the way for its being forced out of homes. Screw pine mat weaving is an ancient craft and a cottage industry. However, the artisans are sticking on to the production of mats alone. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has classified screw pine as an ideal alternative to plastic. KIDS selected 3000 of the 30,000 artisanal women (most of those engaged in the craft are women) in this area to form a cluster. They were grouped into Self-Help Groups (SHGs). The SHG is envisaged as the basic unit or nucleus of the organizational frame of the cluster. Value-addition: Designers gave skill up gradation training to the traditional artisanal women enabling them to learn how to make value-added products, which have already started fetching good

social issues

were focused through the SHGs Established net work with the fisheries department

The capacity building trainings provided to the FNGO team (7 in Kannur & 6 in Kasargod) proved very effective providing a strong team of resource persons at the grass root level. The health workers contested in Panchayath election and 9 of them were elected. RCH scheme, many backward areas with Through tribal hamlets have been provided access to primary health care services. with Govt. health department has placed Linkage KAIROS and other concerned NGOs at a better position to cater to the health needs of people The immunization rate has marked an increase among the age group below 15 years and recorded 80 % coverage. the percentage of ANC rate from 61 Increased

that resulted in laisoning of schemes and projects. generation Programmes were initiated with Income

financial support A research study was undertaken for the protection

of the river and integral developments of the area. Increased the fisher folk

participation in the

Gramasabha The involvement of women increased to access the

government offices & avail the schemes The formation and the channelizing of the SHGs

helped to promote harmony and friendly attitude in the coastal area were provided on the following aspects Trainings

Leadership and personality development, Accounting, Good governance, micro finance, Seafood processing & EDP.


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climatic or production characteristics unique to the c) Poverty faced by craft workers: The natural fibre artisanal communities in the area were facing severe poverty as their level of skill was for making mats alone. They make both screw pine mats and reed mats. KIDS with the assistance of the Ministry of Textiles encouraged the screw pine artisans to make more value-added products, which are having good market. This has helped nearly 400 poor rural women to find year-round and dependable income. The water hyacinth craft cluster to be formed, as part of this project, shall provide assured and increased income for around 300 families. Some of the natural fibre products, developed as part of this project, can be an alternative for nondegradable plastic products like laundry baskets, table mats, vanity bags, wastepaper baskets etc. The natural fibre products developed in this manner can provide a good livelihood support for the poor rural women of the area. The most important target groups of the project are the SHG women and their families. The project is expected to improve the quality of life of these families by ensuring their livelihood security. The local administrative bodies, which are spending lakhs of rupees for mechanical removal of water hyacinth, will find this project an eye-opening model. Collaboration with local bodies shall be made in this regard. As part of this project these women will be trained to use the spongy natural fibre of water hyacinth directly for making craft items like table mats, hand purses, hats, mats and matting, blinds, cushions etc. and also to blend them with coir, reeds, bamboo, screw pine, banana fibre, areca nut palm leaf base, sedges etc for making a series of general utility items which can be used as alternative for plastic products.

Resource Centre on Natural Fibre Craft Five years back KIDS was awarded a cluster project under Ambedkar Hastshilp Vikas Yojana (AHVY) for the Enhancement of Screwpine Craft based at Kodungallur by the office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles The development of this cluster of Screwpine artisan women is considered a model for the entire country. In recognition of the remarkable achievements of his cluster, KIDS has been awarded a Resource Centre for Natural Fibre Craft as part of the Eleventh five Year Plan of the country. There is not even a BOARD or a CORPORATION for the promotion of the wide variety of Natural fibers in the country.

Achievements in Natural Fiber SectorRegistration of KIDS as a Fair Trade Organisation by Fair Trade Forum - India, New Delhi. KIDS has been registered as a Fair Trade Organisation by Fair Trade Forum India, New Delhi. Fair Trade Forum - India (FTF-I) is the national level networking organization of grassroots artisan/producer groups, facilitating organizations and individuals who comply with the Fair Trade standards. The movement advocates the payment of a higher price to producers as well as social and environmental standards. It focuses in particular on exports from developing countries to developed countries, most notably handicrafts, coffee, cocoa, sugar, tea, bananas, honey, cotton, wine, fresh fruit, chocolate and flowers. Exemption of Screw pine products from Sales Tax The Govt. of Kerala has exempted Screwpine crafts from Sale Tax. Before this exemption, the artisans used to pay 8 % Sales Tax. This Tax Exemption was a great catalyst in increasing the sales and export of Screwpine products. Inclusion of Screwpine products in Geographical Indication Registry. The Screwpine crafts of Kerala have been registered under Geographical Indication registry. There is a long history of hard work by KIDS behind the inclusion of Screwpine Crafts in Geographical Indication registry. A geographical indication is an indication or appellation of origin of a product. It is used to identify agricultural, natural or manufactured goods which are originated in the said area and continuing in the same area. The registered products should have a special quality or characteristics or reputation based upon the

geographical location. By registering under GIR, the Screwpine products of Kerala are conferred a legal protection. It prevents unauthorized use of Screwpine products of Kerala. The registration will boost exports of the craft and it will promote economic prosperity of poor artisans. This registration also enables seeking legal protection in other WTO member countries. Dyeing and Drying Yard For any industry, hygienic conditions for the workers are must. In our case, most hygienic dyeing and drying facilities are created for the rural artisan women who work in the natural fibre sector. These SHG women are showing meticulous capacity in performing dyeing using dyes. Effluent Treatment Plant KIDS has opted for the use of permitted dyes for dyeing and to set up an Effluent Treatment plant with state of the art standards.. Dyes which are permitted in Western Europe and United States is a must for doing any kind of production, which is oriented towards export. Moreover the water after dyeing which is called effluent water needs to be treated as per the international criteria in order to maintain environmental security. The water after dyeing is passed into a primary collection tank. This water is continuously agitated and made to undergo primary, Secondary and tertiary treatment. This water is passed through Sand filter and Charcoal filter and finally it will be exposed to understand the most sophisticated processes of Reverse Osmosis (RO) in which RO membranes are imported from United States. The same water if necessary can also be used for dyeing so that water can be completely recycled. This initiative explicitly shows the commitment of KIDS and also how far an industry can run in the friendliest manner. Establishment of Sales Emporia KIDS have been awarded full fledged Sales Emporia by the Ministry of Textiles for the promotion of natural fibre products of the SHG artisans of the area. This Emporia is expected to be of great help for the poor rural artisans who otherwise find it very difficult to market the products in an organized manner.

KIDS aims at:

Eco-restoration of the water bodies of the area through plantation of screw pine along the banks of rivers and canals. raw material security and its constant Ensuring supply through large-scale planting of screw pine. Management of wetlands by conversion of water hyacinth into natural fibre for making eco-friendly items of general utility. Achievement of qualitative improvement in production through skill up gradation of artisans. artisans to a level of effectively making Lifting of new and value-added products through design development. of an effective marketing network for Creation these SHG products. Development of a non-polluting industry using a locally available resource, eg screw pine. of jobs for thousands of people without Provision huge infrastructure. Development of screw pine and water hyacinth as an alternative to many plastic products. achieve higher exports for the country. Striving to for the preservation of the cultural heritage Working of mat-weaving by uplifting the declining craft. development of artisans and this village Integrated area.


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2. Animal Husbandry

Malanad Development Society (MDS)

Promotion of animal husbandry in farmers' households is one of the important thrust areas of MDS which established a Livestock breeding farm for the promotion of good livestock breeds at Parathode. Distribution of quality off springs of cow, goat and pigs is one of the major activities of the breeding farm. The farm is also providing technical consultancy services for the farmers and f a r m e r s ' organizations. MDS is also providing technical support and skill orientation t r a i n i n g programmes to the farmers on sustainable animal husbandry and agriculture. It has set up dairy farm named Model Cattle Farm at Vayalpetti, Theni District of Tamil Nadu, with an objective of educating farmers on

Theni and Madurai of Tamilnadu state. A fodder farm is maintained by the society at Vayalpetti, Tamilnadu and a good number of hybrid varieties of fodder grasses are cultivated in the farm. This farm provides quality planting materials for the farmers. With an objective to make efforts for improving the cattle population in the rural villages, MDS has initiated a calf rearing scheme for the dairy farmers. The society is providing technical support for the local farmers through the local milk cooperatives for developing healthy calves in the farmers' farms. Two veterinary doctors and 4 field officers are in charge of this scheme. Apart from the technical guidance, the society is providing calf feed at subsidized rate for the dairy farmers for proper development of the calves. As part of capacity building and skill up gradation of the milk farmers, awareness and training programmes were organized at local milk societies on Animal Husbandry, fodder cultivation etc. MD

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