Operational area of VIJAYAPURAM SOCIAL SERVICE SOCIETY

5 Civil Districts in Kerala. Kottayam and Idukki in full. Ernakulam, Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta in parts. 96 Gramapanchayaths. 31 Development Blocks. 5 Municipalities. Coverage of population is 4.8 million irrespective of caste, creed and religion.

VSSS PROFILE
VIJAYAPURAM SOCIAL SERVICE SOCIETY is the official organ of the Diocese of Vijayapuram for Social actions. It was established and registered as S.No. K.36/61 under Travancore Cochin Literary, Scientific and Charitable Societies Act of 1955 in the year 1961. The operational area of Vijayapuram Social service Society (VSSS) is the five revenue districts of Kerala, the whole of Kottayam & Idukki and parts of Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta and Ernakulum. The Society involves itself in heterogeneous community. Poor agricultural laborers, plantation laborers, inland fishermen, construction workers, sundry coolie workers, women, children scheduled castes and tribes are the target communities of VSSS.

VISION
Establishment of a society vibrant with the values of Justice, Love and Self Reliance.

MISSION
Total development of the poor and the marginalized through empowerment towards a life of self-reliance, human dignity, confidence and complete harmony with nature.

OBJECTIVES To Promote, conduct, facilitate and coordinate development and social welfare activities.
for the poor and the needy irrespective of caste, gender or community. To Promote and strengthen peoples organization for community development. To Empower women and other weaker sections in order to ensure their creative participation in community development. To Conserve and regenerate natural resources towards sustainable development of the humanity. To Organize and train children and youth for integral development. To Promote alternative health care system and eco-friendly life style. To Build up the capacity of the people for sustainable livelihood. To Promote the rehabilitation of the disabled persons. To Facilitate and support infrastructure development. To Facilitate the struggle for social justice.

ijayapuram Social Service Society (VSSS), the social service organization of the Catholic Diocese of Vijayapuram is completing fifty years of its committed and dedicated ministry. We praise God for all His grace and goodness showered on us and look forward to Him for future guidance and protection. VSSS has been struggling for the last fifty years for making the world a livable and lovable reality for humanity, especially for the poor and the marginalized of our operational area. I have the pleasure to acknowledge that Vijayapuram social Service Society is one of the best departments in the diocese for organized and concerted efforts to promote the welfare and development of our people. We take pride that through the years VSSS has grown to be a forceful catalyst in the society for sustainable development. This annual report is a document of total dedication with which the Society has spearheaded a relentless process of mass education, mobilization and action through its numerous programmes in the past one year, unravels a success story unparalleled in the history of Peoples Movements. I take this opportunity to congratulate and thank the Executive Director and Staff and all the comrades for their total application and selfless dedication to our work and for having given leadership to our Social Apostolate to make it a real source of life and growth for hundreds of thousands of people around. I exhort all for a renewed commitment for the cause of the poor. With prayful wishes and Gods blessings to all of you.

Sebastian Thekethecheril
Bishop of Vijayapuram

e are entering into the 50th year of our commitment to the poor and the marginalized. This is a time of retrospection; this is a time of thanksgiving to the Almighty, to the many friends and benefactors who have journeyed with us in fulfillment of our commitment. This is a time of re-dedication. I do hereby exhort all the members of the General Body to partake creatively and critically in the process of retrospection in this Golden Jubilee Year. Now, looking back to the activities and achievements of the past one year, we can take pride over our achievements. We have consciously and creatively gone ahead in nation building through our child centered development initiatives. The 23500 children of our Balavedis have been introduced into the political systems of the country through our Bala Panchayat. They think and act for the community they are in. The process is well appreciated and welcomed by the Panchayatiraj Institutions of our operational area. The Self Help Groups have entered into income generation enterprises jacking up the economy of the families and ultimately of the nation. The political actions initiated by the SHGs have given birth to 41 contestants in election to the Panchayatiraj systems. We are happy to note that all those who have got through the election are faring well. Inspite of our efforts the educational programmes do not keep up the tempo of the initial period. Serious reflections are needed in this area. As responsible members of the General Body all the members have to put in their time and mind in bringing up the Tuition Centres, the Study Centres and the Resource Centres. Many families get out of their problems of housing, sanitation, drinking water, sickness, livelihood issues etc. through the welfare programmes of the Society. The development orientation given to the welfare programmes have helped the families to bring light to their lives. I take this opportunity to place on record the committed service of Rev. Fr. Thomas Tharayil and his dedicated team of staff, both central and field levels, for the development of our target population. These form the think tank of the Society. May God reward them for their service. We cannot rest brooding over our achievements. We have to journey miles and miles with commitment and focus before we can think of resting. Let us all join hands and minds in the effort of discharge of the Social concern of the Church and the process of nation building.

Msgr. Jose Navez

President, VSSS

Governing Body Members of VSSS 2010-2011

Trustee : Rt.Rev. Dr. Sebastian Thekethecheril Vijayapuram Bishops House, P.B.No. 82, Kottayam-686001 President : Very Rev. Msgr. Jose Navez Vijayapuram Bishops House, P.B.No. 82, Kottayam-686001 Executive Director : Rev. Fr.Thomas Tharayil Vijayapuram Bishops House, P.B.No. 82, Kottayam-686001 Vice Presidet : Mr. P.C. Raju Putettumattam, Parampuzha P.O., Kottayam Members : Rev. Fr.Varghese Kottakattu Holy Cross Church, Mannackanad, Via Kuravilangad-686633 Mr. T.T. Georgekutty Thodupallathu House, Pandanad North P.O., Kallissery Mrs. Susamma Varghese Mandakathil, Karinilam P.O., Amaravathy Rev. Sr. Jain CTC St. Pauls X convent, Kuttikkanam, Peermade 685513 Mr. Aneesh Edappally Madom, Kattachira P.O., Kidangoor Mrs.Thresiamma Mathai Valachira House, Thellakam P.O., Kottayam 686016

Our Partners
Partage, France We Share, USA Caritas India, New Delhi REHASWISS, Switzerland Italian Bishops Conference Save Family Plan, Canada Kerala Social Service Forum Indian Kindermisionwerk, Germany George Ludwing Rexroth, Germany Government of India Government of Kerala State Bank of India Union Bank of India State Bank of Travancore Catholic Syrian Bank Life Insurance Corporation of India Dewan Housing Financial Corporation Ltd. CAPART Individual Benefactors and Supporters

he poor shall always be with you, said Jesus Christ. And for that reason, service to the poor has been an indispensible hallmark of the Catholic Church from its origin. The Diocese of Vijayapuram has faithfully fulfilled this mandate through its social organ Vijayapuram Social Service Society. Though the diocese was formed in 1930, its social apostolate took an organized shape in the year 1961. Having stayed with the poor for the past fifty years we have also moved with the times. The reporting year saw the inauguration of the Golden Jubilee of VSSS. Extensive dialogues, discussions and deliberations led to the formation of a twin package of activities for the Golden Jubilee. From October 2010 onwards, every month saw a program of the Jubilee at the central office. We also drew up four projects to perpetuate the memory of the golden Jubilee. A common consensus was that the Jubilee of VSSS should be the celebration of each and every person in the operational area. Thus myriads of programs were organized in basic units like Balavedis, Yuvavedis, SHGs, Parishes, and Zones. In the light of the diminishing foreign financial support more focus was given to take up development programs in collaboration with the Government. As I present this report on behalf of the General Body I wish to place on record my deep sentiments of gratitude to a line of people. At the very outset I want to thank His Excellency Rt.Rev. Dr. Sebastian Thekethecheril, Bishop of Vijayapuram and Trustee of VSSS for the bold and strong support and guidance he extends to us. Profound feelings of thanks should be placed on record to all the supporting agencies, especially PARTAGE, who holds our hands tight in this journey of service. I acknowledge the valuable sacrifices of Rev. Fr. Sebastian Plathottam, the Assistant Director, and Rev. Fr. Sebastian Kallumpurath, the Regional Director at Munnar in this journey of development. The zonal presidents and the parish priests are the strong holds in the field, and I thank each one of them sincerely. The dedicated staff at central and regional offices, the coordinators, the animators and the volunteers in the field are indeed the back bone of VSSS. I salute them. The Peoples Development Committees, the Zonal Forums, the General Body and the Governing Body are the participatory face of VSSS. I sincerely thank all of them for their great support and cooperation. Finally with profound gratitude to the Almighty Lord I humbly present this report of the activities of VSSS for the year ended 31st March 2011.

Fr. Thomas Tharayil Executive Secretary & Director

Contents
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Community Based Organizations......................................................... 9 Self Help Groups ................................................................................... 11 Child Development Programmes ......................................................... 15 Youth Development Programmes ......................................................... 18 Educational Programmes ...................................................................... 21 Family Development Programmes ....................................................... 25 Sponsorship Programmes...................................................................... 27 Animation Programmes ........................................................................ 28 Gender Development Programmes ..................................................... 30

10. Community Based Rehabilitation of the Handicapped ............................................................................... 33 11. Social Security Measures ...................................................................... 35 12. Community Health ................................................................................ 36 13. Infrastructure Development ................................................................. 39 14. Agriculture and Animal Husbandry .................................................... 41 15. Kerala Labour Movement (KLM) ......................................................... 43 16. Integrated Development Through Empowerment & Action (IDEA) Programmes ..................................... 44 17. VSSS Entering in the Golden Jubilee Year ............................................ 48 18. Balance Sheet as on 31st March 2011 ................................................. 51

COMMUNITY BASED ORGANIZATIONS

nhancing the capacity of community based organizations in our operational area is the main focus of our work. We strive hard in developing a greater understanding of participatory decision making which is an effective means of empowerment with visible result. At present we have different forms of CBOs to address the needs of the society. Focused on the problems and situations in our operational area we have formed groups for children, youth, women, men, and senior citizens. This is achieved best through building up of Peoples Organizations by which the bargaining capacity of the people would be enhanced. Self Help Groups (SHGs) and its federations were largely formed in the operational year with this objective in view. This programme is given special thrust for the institution building process at grass root level. During this period the SHGs were linked with State Bank of India and State Bank of Travancore, which accelerated the accessibility ........................................................................................................................................................
Vijayapuram Social Service Society Annual Report 2010-2011 9

on finance. The savings of the people are distributed to the needy in the SHGs for income generation programmes, infrastructure development, education, marriage and treatment with easy terms and conditions. The Micro Credit support of VSSS is utilized for their provident purposes.

COMMUNITY BASED ORGANIZATIONS

Details of Community Based Groups

SL No.

Groups Women SHGs Men SHGs Self Help Groups for the disabled persons Childrens Clubs (Balavedis) Youth Clubs (Yuvavedis) Farm Clubs Elders Clubs TOTAL

No of Groups

No of Male

No of Female

Total 11856 1530

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

741 102 4 686 65 20 5 1623 1530 24 11515 928 360 64 14421

11856

28 11985 755 308 56 24988

52 23500 1683 668 120 39409

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Self Help Groups

elf help groups and its federations are largely formed in our operational area with the following objectives in mind.

Objectives
To ensure sustainable development of people through community organizations To capacitate the peoples structures to address their needs, issues and problems through decentralized planning, local linkage and collaboration and collective action. To empower the peoples organizations so that they may manage and influence over the resources, power and life situations in the local area for self-reliance. To promote and conduct projects and programmes for Socio economic development and welfare of the community. To enable the members to take up an assertive role in all political process and the village governance. To enhance the capacity of the leaders for managing SHGs. ........................................................................................................................................................
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To help the Federating structures to mobilize and channelize financial resources for development initiatives. To ensure optimum utilization of local finance for income generation and entrepreneurial activities. To promote skill up gradation with appropriate technology transfer. We have conceptualized a net working of SHGs as all SHGs, operating under a Parish, are coordinated as SAMYOJITHA. All the Samyojithas in a zone together constitutes a SAMYUKTHA. Eight Samyukthas together form the SANGHACHETHANA.

SELF HELP GROUPS

Small and Medium Enterprises started by SHGs in the reporting year

SL No. Enterprises for making Individual Group

No. of Units 2 1 5 6

No. of beneficiaries Male Female

1. 2. 3. 4.

Carry bags Dry flowers Fancy items Fabric painting / printing

2 1 5 6

34 4 5 12

........................................................................................................................................................
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Small and Medium Enterprises started by SHGs in the reporting year

SL No. Enterprises for making Individual Group

SELF HELP GROUPS

No. of Units 5 1 1 7 15 25

No. of beneficiaries Male Female

5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Confectioneries and bakery items Curry powder making Flour Tailoring units Petty shops/ Small production units Installment business

5 1 1 7 15 25

5 14 12 7 10 5 25

Community Development Programmes Conducted

Goat rearing programmes under Rural Enterprise programme. 244 beneficiaries from 56 SHGs benefited Chicken rearing project 97 beneficiaries from 26 SHGs benefited. Conducted Entrepreneurship development programme in handicrafts and training in micro project preparation (EDP) 78 SHG members participated. ........................................................................................................................................................
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Activities and Achievements

Micro credit programmes. Federation level meetings once in three months. Conducted the training in leadership for Zonal level leaders. Bank linkages for community welfare programmes. Income Generation Programmes. Skill Training Programmes. Training on Accountancy for animators and SHG leaders. Vijay Vidya Nidhi for education promotion of children Cleaning of public places. Celebrating Republic Day, Independence Day, Onam, Christmas and Gandhijayanthy. Promotion of thrift and credit. Micro Insurance. ........................................................................................................................................................
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SELF HELP GROUPS

Child Development Programmes

ijayapuram social service Society envisions Vijay Balavedi (childrens groups) as an ongoing systematic process to develop children physically, mentally, intellectually, spiritually, culturally and socially. The primary responsibility to bring out, train and develop the innate latent and dynamic talents of children vests with the parents. So the parents also involve themselves in the promotion and efficient conduct of the Balavedis. We organized various programmes in the reporting year for the integral development of the children through Balavedis. In fact Balavedis is the vehicles for child development. During the reporting year there are 686 balavedis and 23500 children are actively participating in the various programmes. ........................................................................................................................................................
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Major activities

........................................................................................................................................................
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Child Development Programmes

Promotion of sports and games. Talent Development. Leadership and personality development. Capacity enhancement. Special day celebrations. Social awareness. Environment awareness. Health and hygiene care. Educational supports. Child right and non violence. Counseling service to children and their parents in distress.

Highlights of 2010-2011
Programme Holiday/Summer Camp (Social Awareness Camp) Objective The objective of this programme was to create social thinking among Balavedi children and to promote childrens participation in the development process. To develop leadership qualities, self confidence, communication skill, and team building. To learn and experience children to use their minds and brain to prepare them for a well-lived life that is productive, socially useful and personally satisfied. No. of Children Participated 23,500 Result Achieved 4 days Camp conducted at 79 villages and in each village Children formed balapanchayat and discussed various development issues in their localities. Conducted field survey to study the social issues and report made by the children was presented in Grama sabha. Screening carried out by providing workbook to find the level of their mind and brain capacity. Specially trained facilitators evaluated the work done by the children and noticed the abilities of the children. Brain, Word, Logic, Music, Picture, Body, Self and Social are the sectors of smartness taken for screening. With the help of a Counseling Team children with problems were counselled. Unit, Parish, Zonal and central level competitions were held and talented children were rewarded. The leadership qualities of the unit leaders were enhanced.

Emotional quotient Development Programme (EQDP)

18,400

Counselling

To make the children aware of their character and make them free from tensions. To galvanize and promote the inherent physical and cultural talent of the children. To bring out their inherent potentialities of leadership and make it useful to the development of balavedi units and society. To evaluate the functioning of the units and ensure smooth functioning of the federations. To celebrate Onam and Christmas Workshop aimed to generate creativity in story, script and poetry writing which would be helpful to their studies. To conduct awareness programmes on Environment Day and Anti-Tobacco Day to form children to be better citizens of the country who would contribute to the growth and development of the society.

7,402

Sports & Arts Competition

23,500

Leadership Training

4,00

Zonal Forum

4,00

8 zonal federations have been formed and the parish level activities are evaluated. Improved the team spirit and unity and nurtured the we-feeling. 60 children participated in the three days workshop.

Onam & Christmas Celebrations Literary Camp

23,500 62

Awareness Programmes

23,500

Children conducted rally, Poster design competitions, and took oath to protect environment.

........................................................................................................................................................
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Youth Development Programmes

o train the youth to be leaders of tomorrow with apt skills, deep rooted sense of social responsibility, strong ethical values and global outlook to face the challenges of the changing world. To achieve this goal we have formed Yuvavedis (youth clubs), 65 Yuvavedis are functioning in our operational area. The Yuvavedi is structured as Unit at village level, Zonal committee at Zonal level and Central committee at central level.

Objectives
To inculcate in youth sense of commitment to the society, dedication and values. To help the youth to become economically self reliant through entrepreneurship and skills training for income generation programmes. To help to realize the dignity of labour and to create the attitude to accept any job. ........................................................................................................................................................
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To promote and foster the inherent talents in youth. To create in youth sense of respect for man and nature. To create gender sensitivity among youth. To promote leadership among youth.

Activities and Achievements of the reporting year

Structure development: Zonal and central forums were formed and leaders were elected. Leadership and Personality Development: Zonal level and central level leadership training organized. Active debates, training, organization of various programmes, arts, media education were the components of leadership training. 210 youth participated in the leadership training programme. Vocational and Technical Programmes: Started Five mobile computer centres at Pattithanam, Kattampack, Kanjirapara, and Vandiperiyar. Accounting software Tally, Photoshop, DTP and computer basics are the courses offered. It helps dropouts to get an opportunity of placement in IT fields and other private enterprises. 22 youth successfully completed training in diesel mechanic course and were assisted in their placement. ........................................................................................................................................................
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Youth Development Programmes

Gave technical job training for the school dropout. 12 Youth were trained in Scaffolding, Rigging, Airless painting, Sand blasting and after successful training 5 youth are employed in gulf countries and other 7 are waiting for appointment Oversees. 65 Youth were given specialized training in the courses of Panchakarma, (20 youth) the traditional massage therapy (15 youth) for Duct insulation (15 youth) and for Aluminum fabrication (15).

Youth Development Programmes

Employment guidance and consultancy services to 65 Youth. HIV/AIDS awareness creation programme among the youth and the general public. Conducted Zonal level awareness programme for the youth on the effects of alcohol on human body and society and 65 youth benefited from the programme and they made a pledge to avoid alcohol and work for an alcohol free society. A vigilent cell was formed at village level to take up leadership for anti alcoholic programme among youth. Celebration of environment day by the Youth and the community at large.

........................................................................................................................................................
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Educational Programmes

or the creation of an empowered community, due importance is given to education of the members of the community to make them excel in all fields of life. The educational aspects of the target groups are transacted in formal and non-formal ways through various organizations functioning under the umbrella of VSSS. Among them the members of Vijay Balavedi receive the prime attention and are the recipients of formal education carried out by the Society. The major activities in this connection are:

1. Tuition Centres
To enrich the learning processes taking place in regular classes. Classes are conducted at parish centres with four or eight teachers. High school and upper primary classes are conducted separately. Core subjects catered in these centres are English, Hindi, Science and Mathematics. Classes are arranged in the morning or evening according to the ........................................................................................................................................................
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Educational Programmes

convenience of the children without hampering the school time. In the current reporting year 2885 children benefited from the tuition and made improvement in their studies

2. Study Centres (Child to child learning centres)

To provide congenial learning atmosphere for children, who come from homes having no or less learning atmosphere. Children from various classes assemble at a convenient place and carry out self study for one or one and half hours under the supervision of a teacher. These centres are formed where the children of Balavedi are in good number. A centre starts functioning when it has a minimum strength of fifteen children. During the reporting year 5465 children benefited from 246 study centres 246 teachers provided study support to the children. For tuition and study centre activities Rs. 27,00,650 has been utilized.

3. Resource Centre
More than 70 resource centres were established in 62 parishes during the period of implementation. To assist children coming to resource centre for self study with resources available at the centre. These resource centres provided scaffolding to 1365 children in their attempt to do self study. To supplement the source of reference in ........................................................................................................................................................
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resource centres and in order to widen the areas of referencing for children coming to resource centres, some books and CDs have been procured and supplied to centres. Books and CDs of English literature, Mathematics, Science, Legends and Folk stories are included.

4. Training for teachers of tuition and Study Centres

To provide orientation to all the teachers engaged in tuition and study centres we arrange periodical training. Training conducted in four spells; 294 teachers benefited from the training programme.

Educational Programmes

5. Preparation of Work Book

A survey conducted among the children of Balavedi revealed the fact that the children are getting class promotion without acquiring requisite level of learning. And depletion in values of life is also felt evident. To redress the lagging a work book has been designed with the help of educationists which would be dealt in the weekly meetings of all the 686 units of Balavedis.

6. Career Planning Classes

To provide orientation to children to set a goal before completing the secondary education we have arranged career planning classes in 81 parishes. This programme ........................................................................................................................................................
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helped the children to have firm decision to achieve their goal. 3988 children benefited from the career planning classes.

7. Educational Seminar for parents

This programme is envisaged to reach out parents of children of Balavedi and equip them to deal with their wards as far as the learning of the children is concerned. The main highlights of this programme:

Educational Programmes

Parish level conduction. Participation of 80 parents at one place. Thematic and spiral approach in dealing topics. Conducted in 81 parishes. 5863 parents participated, mostly mothers.

8. Distribution of study materials to children of Balavedi

Study materials like note books, mathematical instrument box, school bag, etc. are distributed to children of balavedi promoted by VSSS. For eligibility 80% attendance in unit meeting of balavedi and participation of summer camp are must. In this reporting year 19400 children received support and the fund utilized was Rs. 47,10,977.00.

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Family Development Programmes

his Programme aims at the socio economic development of poor families. We have been partnering with Save A Family PlanSAFP Canada and We Share Programme USA. The main focus is to reduce poverty by enabling sustainable livelihoods. The selection of families is based on the criteria set by SAFP, WSP and VSSS and the criteria ensure the selection beyond caste, creed, religion etc and inclusion of widows with children, families with old persons and terminally ill persons. The main objectives of the programmes are: To enhance positive self image and hope in the life of poor families. To Support families who are too poor to care for them. To promote long-term development perspective for most vulnerable families. To support income generation activities. ........................................................................................................................................................
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To support in the development of infrastructure. Economic planning for self reliance. Economic Empowerment of the families.

Family Development Programmes

Activities and Achievements

149 families under SAFP and 236 families under WSP benefited in the reporting year. Contributing to a greater self sufficiency to 385 families. Family budgeting. Availing Funds for provident purposes. 31 families met the educational need of their children. 20 families did their house repairs and maintenence. 22 families received support for the construction of latrine. Four Zonal level Family gathering of beneficiaries and one family gathering at Central level. Medical assistance for 45 families. 40 families were supported in starting livelihood activities. Supporting livelihood activities for the beneficiaries: Small production unit 8 families. Live stock units 18 families. Petty shops 19 families.

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Sponsorship Programme

t is a Programme envisaged to the development of the children especially in education and talents. The children with in the operational area irrespective of caste and creed are focused. A French donor agency called PARTAGE generously supports this programme with individual sponsors to each child. The scheme gives an opportunity to have a good relation between the sponsor and the child. It leads to a positive out look to personal development. The agency supports for various developmental activities like Balavedi, Education, Talent development etc. During the year we have 1533 children. All the children sent letters to their sponsors in every quarter of this year. Apart from this children who got special letters, cards, photos, parcels, gift etc. sent letters in reply and gratitude to them. During the year 9 sponsors visited their godchildren.

List of various benefits received

Name of Items No of children Amount per head Total amount approved

Destitute Subsidy Scholarship Special Gifts

100 160 144

3.000.00 3,500.00

3,00,000.00 5,60,000.00 24,41,148.00

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Animation Programme

he animators and coordinators are placed at parish and zonal level to take care of and guide the development initiatives of the people. The animators and coordination were given training in community organization, child psychology, personality development, participatory action research, office manners and proceedings, family budget and assets based community development. Monthly review meeting s are held as usual at central level and zonal level. Effective monitoring and evaluation are done. The animators work in close collaboration with peoples Development Committees (PDC) of respective village and they have to report to them for their daily work. ........................................................................................................................................................
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Activities and Achievements

Activities Specific Objective Activities undertaken Achievements

Monthly Review Meeting Zonal Meeting

Performance evaluation of field staff. Evaluation of zonal level activities. Strategic planning and preparation of the annual evaluation.

Conducted animators and coordinators review meeting Conducted animators zonal level meetings. Arranged a class for the animators and coordinators on preparation of the annual evaluation.

12 monthly meeting conducted. 74 zonal meeting conducted An effective Tool for annual evaluation has emerged.

82 Animators and 7 Coordinators benefited. 82 Animators and 7 Coordinators benefited. 82 animators and 7 Coordinators benefited.

Orientation Class for the animators and coordinators on preparation of the annual evaluation.

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Animation Programme

Gender Development Programme

.S.S.S. has prioritized gender as cross cutting theme for all intervention. The society has developed the gender policy to be adhering in future in all its initiatives. Gender mainstreams is a thrust area to be considered in the organizational culture and programmes. Gender equality is a prerequisite for achieving political, economical, social and environmental security. Therefore real development does not promote power over someone or something and undue control. Here togetherness and mutuality is envisaged, where men and women work together and relation envisages equality, justice and freedom.

Women Empowerment
In view of women empowerment we have started an organization call Vijaymahilavedi later it is known as Kerala Latin Catholic Women Association (KLCWA). We have termed the women development programme. STHREES HOLISTIC EMPOWERMENT (SHE). The organization has ........................................................................................................................................................
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started in all parishes. It has three level federations. Parish level, zonal level and diocese level.

Objectives
To promote capacity building and empowerment of women to be equal partners with men in development. To promote and conduct projects and programmes for socio economic development and welfare of the community. To ensure assertive role in all political process and village governance. To promote thrift and credit activities.

Gender Development Programmes

Activities and Achievements

Central level election and leadership training. Seminar on girl child and self esteem. Prevention of domestic violence in perspective of domestic violence act. Practical training to women for masoning. Leadership training. Mothers day and girl child day celebration.

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Awareness seminar on adolescence. Training of trainers on self awareness. Started a HELPLINE scheme for the protection of women against domestic violence and atrocities against them Protest against the use of liquors and closed a toddy shop. The VMV (KLWCA) unit Poovam started flour mill and it is running profitably. By this they provide job for five women in the unit. After the successful running of flour mill they now started the chilly powder making unit. Nine women working there the unit in Thellokam involved in agriculture (tapioca cultivation) and some small scale business like pain balm making and readymade garment making are some of them. 11 women are involved making soap powder, soap solution and cleaning lotions. KLWCA honored 45 newly elected members of local self government who are from the diocese.

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Gender Development Programmes

Community Based REhabilitation of The Handicapped

ur intervention in this area envisages economic rehabilitation of the handicapped by providing fund support and technical assistance for launching micro enterprises of income generation. This programme also aims to provide a life of dignity and self assertion for the handicapped persons. REHASWISS Switzerland extends financial support for the programme. We have organized the disabled persons into Self help groups and makes them visible in a larger community. There are four Self Help groups for the disabled persons.

Activities and Achievements

28 Micro Projects are being supported for the economic rehabilitation of the physically handicapped. Vocational training and income generation programmes. ........................................................................................................................................................
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Community Based Rehabilitatuion of the Handicapped

Assisted with subsidized loans of Rs. 10,000/- each to start self employment activities. Projects initiated in the reporting were, running tea shop, petty shop, stationery shop, lottery sale unit, Tailoring unit, Pickle making unit, cow rearing unit, goat rearing unit, Garments sale in installments. Celebration of World Disability Day. Promotion of livelihoods by the support from local self government. 30 persons with physical disability and their family benefited from the micro credit programmes and become contributing members in the family and society.

Social Security Measures

SSS in collaboration with Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) introduced micro insurance scheme (JEEVAN MADHUR) for the beneficiaries. The aim of the scheme is to extend the policy coverage to the poor and the marginalized sections of the society. The scheme was initiated in 2008 and till now 2400 families are covered in our operational areas.

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Community Health
ealth sector works to promote effective health education program for the children, youth, families and community in our operational areas. We promote holistic health care systems which give emphasis to preventive and promotive measures. Our health sector support to bring together concerned people, agencies, and organization to address the need of the people and assist them in establishing healthy behavior, develop, promote and implement healthy lifestyles programs.

Activities and Achivements

At the community level Animators have organized eye camps, health seminars, and prevention of communicable diseases. Besides this following programmes have been undertaken from the centre. The service of Doctors, Government Health workers and social activists are availed to resource the seminars and camps. ........................................................................................................................................................
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Conducted 54 medical camps in our operational area Participants in the medical camp are 10338 in this children were 6856 and 3462 parents too. Balavedi children with affected with skin diseases, vitamin deficiency, eye problems worm infections and general diseases were identified and treatment given. Dental awareness camp, check up organized for the children in balavedis promoted by VSSS. 2435 children benefited from the dental camp. Health seminar for balavedi children, the main focus was to teach the children the importance of oral hygiene and to increase the awareness of basic hygiene and preventive health care. Organized 76 health seminars in our operational areas and 7946 children from balavedi and 3245 SHG members participated in the camp. Conducted 15 health seminars on Cancer and HIV/ AIDS for the SHG members in 15 parishes. Increased the awareness level of Children, parents, and community with regards to communicable diseases, and preventive measures taken against such diseases. ........................................................................................................................................................
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COMMUNITY HEALTH

COMMUNITY HEALTH

Organized a special medical camp for the victims of the landslide at Velliayamattom on 21st November 2010 and 256 persons benefited from this camp. Conducted three special eye camps at, Chathanthara on 27th November 2010, Vazhoor on 4th December 2010 and Pakkil on 14th December 2010. 233 patients participated in the camp and 34 patients were selected for Cataract operation.

Community Health Programmes

We have recruited and trained 76 voluntary health workers. They provide door step services, keeping track of childrens vaccinations, monitoring the health of pregnant women, meeting with groups of women and children to discuss basic hygiene issues. The special focus to patient with diabetics and hypertension. They check blood sugar and pressure of patients at home and give direction for remedial measure.

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Infrastructure Development
evelopment of the housing facilities for the poor and marginalized in our target area is a great concern of the organization. Our approach is to promote cost effective housing. Bank linkage are also arranged to realize this dreams of the poor. The loan schemes are implemented with the support of DHFL as part of the jubilee year we proposed to build 50 houses for the most deserving families in our operational areas. Repairing of damaged houses, roof water tanks for storing rainwater are main activities in the reporting year. During the year we could attain the following. ........................................................................................................................................................
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Infrastructure Development

Sl. No.

Activity

No. of Units

No. of Beneficiaries

1. 3. 4. 5. 6.

House constructions completed Maintenance of houses Latrines Lobbying with government houses to the needy Roof water tanks

25 20 25 20 25

25 20 25 20 25

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Agriculture and Animal Husbandry

V
SL No.

SSS organizes different programmes to improve agriculture production and to revive the standards of agricultural practices in its operational areas. The objective of the action is to have a positive trend to agricultural production. During the reporting year we focused on the following activities.
Activities No of Units No of Beneficiaries

1 2 3

Organic Farming practices Herbal cultivation Capacitating Programmers / Seminars organized

9 20 4

178 193 160

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Sl. No.

Activities

No of Units

No of Beneficiaries

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

Awareness Programmes conducted Training Programmes conducted Distribution of sapplings / seeds Waste land cultivation (25 Acres) Vegetable cultivation (75 Acres) Paddy cultivation (50 Acres) Banana (15 Acres) Tubers (45 Acres) Apiculture Group farming (65 Acres)

6 4 350 18 350 6 30 45 30 5

320 218 350 57 350 200 60 90 30 375

Agriculture And Animal Husbandry

Animal Husbandry
Sl. No. Activities for the reporting year No of Units
(House Holds)

Average monthly income / unit

1 2 3 4 5

Milch animals Goat rearing Rabbit rearing Duck rearing Poultry

10 35 60 20 units 225 units (5 chicken per unit)

Rs. 5000 per units Rs. 1500 per units Rs. 1200 per month Rs. 1600 per month Rs. 250 per unit

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Kerala Labour Movement (KLM)

Profile
Kerala Labor Movement (KLM) is a civil society organization registered under the Kerala charitable Societies Registration Act of 1955 in the year 2004 with Register No. ER620/ 04 to operationalize its strategies for the effective organization of informal workers of Kerala. Now Kerala Labour Movement (KLM) works under the umbrella of Labour Commission of Catholic Bishops Council of Kerala as an effective organization who caters the developmental needs of the unorganized laborers of the Kerala State.

The presence of Kerala Labour Movement in our operational areas:

Formation of forums : 1.Tapping workers forums. 2. Domestic workers forums. 3.Construction workers forums. Animation : Enrollment in the Labor Welfare Funds. Networking : Empowerment of the unorganized women labourers. Labour Education : Promotion of social Safety net for the unorganized workers.

Zonal Committees
Five zonal committees were formed in our operational areas: Pattithanam, Kottayam, Mundakayam, Muvattupuza, Peerumadu. In all the zones we have 39 units and total member of units 1761.

Progrmmes organized in the reporting year:

1. Labourers Convention at unit level: Conducted 18 unit level labour convention. Registration of labourers were done in the unit level convention Awareness about the government schemes for the unorganized workers. 2. Zonal level awareness programmes for zonal level leaders were organized in 3 zones. 3. Central levels Convention. Vijayapuram social service Society supported KLM in celebrating May Day Labourers Convention at Amalanilayam Kottayam. Elder laborers were honored at the convention. ........................................................................................................................................................
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Integrated Development Through Empowerment & Action (idea) Programmes

n the initial stages of the implementation of the IDEA programme it was really challenging for VSSS to integrate the other potential actors and institutions of the diocese in a common forum. Slowly the creative and motivating involvement of the Bishop and the regular CDC meetings changed the situation and the stakeholders internalized the importance and need for integration. Now, the disinterest among the actors is slowly narrowing down. The project is in the process of integration with different congregations, commissions, NGOs and CBOs through participatory approach to bring about changes in the socio economic and ........................................................................................................................................................
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political backwardness of the people of operational area of the diocese. One very positive outcome of IDEA is the steps initiated for perspective plan of the Ministries and Organizations. This has accelerated the support to IDEA.

Integrated Development Through Empowerment and Action (idea) Programmes

Overview of activities implemented under IDEA project in the reporting year

8 one day awareness programme on IDEA have been conducted for Priests, Religious, Development committees, Field and Central level Staff. The Group ranged from 12 to 65. Formed Core Development Cell (CDC) with 40 Persons. Five Core Development Cell (CDC) meetings held and 10 decisions have been made. 6 Trust Area Committees (TAC) with five persons each are formed. Thrust area committees (TAC) on Education, Infrastructure development, NRM, Health, Gender and CBOs have been formed. 13 meetings have been held. Draft Position Papers on Gender, Education and Health have been finalized. 2 one day programmes were organized for religious and 3 one day programmes were organized for Ministry people. Seven 2 days trainings were conducted in SHG for a group of 30-70 Samyojitha Leaders at seven different places. 355 Samyojitha leaders participated. Three two days programmes and one day training were conducted for a group of 20 Central staff. 3 Central Staff were exposed to the training on Project formulation and Project Management respectively at Karl Kubel Foundation, Coimbatore, one staff at Trivandrum and one at Kerala Social Service Forum, Kottayam. All the staff were given course in Spoken English and basic computer application. 13 two days and one one day training was given to 25 community leaders in political Leadership. 400 half day awareness classes have been conducted in 25 panchayats by the trained 25 leaders. 14 one day trainings have been conducted for a group of 1256 peoples Development Committee (PDC) members (440 leaders) in development concepts.

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Integrated Development Through Empowerment and Action (idea) Programmes

4 one day training in development topics were organized for Zonal Forum members in different Zones. 80 members participated. 7 one day training in IDEA and Development Topics was given to Governing Body Members. The Social work initiatives of women religious got consolidated. Food Security Programme initiated. Girl Child Day Celebrations held. Formulation of a document in Malayalam to sensitize all concerned in view of promoting INTEGRATION. Convened three meetings of all Ministries, Associations and Organizations working in the Diocese in view of integration and joint annual planning. Training in Change Management for 5 Ministry heads Workshop on Social concern of the Church.

Perspective Plan Workshop for Ministries and Associations in the Diocese. ........................................................................................................................................................
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Achievements

Integrated Development Through Empowerment and Action (idea) Programmes

There has occurred a very specific change in the political field. 25 trained youth reached to the SHGs in ten Grama Panchayats and created awareness on Good Governance and the legal rights to the people. This had enabled our target population to creatively participate in Grama Sabhas and interact with PRIs in their respective panchayats. Over ten RTI had been field to get information regarding beneficiary list, utilization of own fund of panchayats, inclusion in Mahatma Gandhi National Employment Guarantee Scheme, Watershed fund allocation, etc. 60 members trained by us contested in the Panchayat election and 33 persons won the contest. The decisions of CDC have led to the launching of Food Security Programme, Girl Child Day Celebrations, Consolidation of the Social work initiatives of Religious Congregations, Perspective plan workshop for Ministries and Organizations. The Thrust Area Committees on Gender, Education, Health and Environment have helped VSSS for focused action. Policies on Gender, Environment, HR and Finance are being practiced although not yet approved by the Bishop. These were already in practice since the OD Process in 2004, although not systematically framed. Focused Programme Planning is a major shift in the initiatives of VSSS. Review of OD Process has helped the Society to identify the strong and the weak areas and take up measures for strengthening and capacity building. Sharing of human and economic resources among the other partners, Associations and Ministries has been taken up. The basic unit of the Society, has been strengthened to take up local initiatives and monitor the Society.

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VSSS Entering in the Golden Jubilee Year

50 Years moving with times and staying with poor
Vijyayapuram social service society is in jubilee mood. The yearlong Golden jubilee celebrations of the society were inaugurated on the 10th September 2010 at Amalanilayam, the central office of VSSS. The society celebrates its Golden jubilee as call to look into the past, in order to make it a relevant response to the needs of the time, in creative fidelity to Churchs Social Mission, in renewed dedication to the service of the poor. We have envisioned Four Projects in the Golden Jubilee Year. 1. House Construction : Building 50 houses for the most deserving families in our operational areas, 50 percent of the expenses will be met by VSSS and 50 percent will be loan (at a lower interest rate) linked with Devan Housing Financial Corporation (DHFL Ltd). ........................................................................................................................................................
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2. Marriage Endowment Fund: Provide financial support to poor families in their daughters marriage. 3. Educational Endowment Fund : Support deserving students in their higher Education. 4. Neethi Medical Store: Life saving and other drugs at prices far less than what are being charged in the open market. (Start one Neethi Medical Store in our operational area).

VSSS Entering in the Golden Jubilee Year

Highlights of Golden Jubilee Celebrations; in the reporting Year

It was envisaged to have one major programme for each month for the year long celebrations. Local, Zonal and Central level programmes were planned. The first month of Jubilee year October 2010. Witnessed the Thanks giving Mass and inauguration of Lucky dip coupons for the Mobilization of fund for the Jubilee programmes. November 2010. Witnessed the Release of Jubilee anthem and an art exhibition of works of children of balavedhi was also organized at Amalanilayam. December 2010. We organized Sangama Theram a gathering of all the family members of the office and field staff of VSSS. 300 persons come for the Sangama Theram. Development orientation seminars were arranged for the Participants. ........................................................................................................................................................
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January 2011. Gathering of Neighbors, friends, and government officials associated with VSSS to place on record their cooperation and collaboration in VSSS endeavors in all these fifty years. February 2011. A development Orientation workshop for the priests of the Diocese. Rt.Rev.Dr. Peter Remigius, Bishop of Kottar and Chairman of Caritas India and Rev. Dr. Prasanth C.M.I, Principal of Sacred Heart Collage Thevara were the main resource persons. 73 Participated in the seminar. March 2011. Organized two day refresher training for the Secretaries of Peoples Development committees of 82 parishes. People development committees are the main functioning unit at the local level. We also organized a gathering of beneficiaries who scaled heights in life.

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VSSS Entering in the Golden Jubilee Year

Balance Sheet
as on 31st March 2011

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V.S.S.S. UNITS
Sl.No. Name of Industry Unit Activity Particulars

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Holy Cross Tailoring Centre, Mannackanadu Holy Cross School for Mentally Challenged, Mannackanadu Holy Cross Dispensary, Mannackanadu Holy Cross Tailoring Centre Vettimukal V.S.S.S Marketing Centre, Nagampadom V.S.S.S. Pre-primary Teachers Training School, Santhipuram, Nagampadom Sevna Sadanam Andoor Fathima Matha Physiotherapy and Skin Care Unit, Nagampadom St. Josephs I.T.C. Nagampadom St. Josephs Automobile workshop, Nagampadom Thejus Animation Centre, Kuttikkanam

Provides Embroidery training and takes up piece works and marketing Provides special education and counseling services to the needy. Provide Community Health services The students attend to training tailoring, embroidery, and cut works. It is a mini Marketing hub of rural products of SHGs Imparts training to teachers. Five Nuns and one lady teacher work in the centre. Scoobe Bags are produced here and training in tailoring is given Provides health services and helps in the medical camps N.C.V.T. Diesel Mechanic, Automobile Servicing and NORA-ROOTS This unit is run properly and renders training to Youth This unit is being used effectively for several ongoing programmes of the VSSS and other local institutions. The students attend to training tailoring, embroidery, and cut works. Provides Health services This hospital is functioning well to the needs of the poor Cook-mate curry power is produced here.

12 13 14 15

Nirmala Social Institute, Kanjikuzhi, Kottayam Snehalaya Dispensary, Cheenthalar Sevanalaya Rural Health Centre, Pambanar VSSS Mini Industrial Unit, Idukki.