About Us

A Synopsis of Gramodhaya

Gramodhaya is a nonprofit and non political grass root level non Governmental voluntary social service organization.  It was founded in 1989 by a group of men and women with social consciousness. It was registered in 1992 as a voluntary social service organisation under Tamil Nadu State Societies Registration Act of 1976.

The Registration numbers are – Old No. 15/92, New No. 78/08. Donations are tax exempted under sections 12A and 80G of the Income Tax Act.  It has a Governing Body of 15 members; of these 12 are women.

Read More

Mission & Vision

Mission

Our mission is to be the society  to enhance the quality of their lives through conscientisation, community organization, direct interventions, linkage facilitation and capacity building to achieve their empowerment.To  facilitate  the socially,   economically and  culturally marginalized sections of the.

Vision

Our vision is to be the Ensuring equal rights and opportunities to the oppressed and the marginalized to enhance the quality of their lives to enable the marginalised communities to develop themselves through a process of capacity building, organizing and concerted action for their empowerment.

Rural Education Challenges

Over 70% of India's population resides in rural areas, yet access to quality education remains a challenge.

Healthcare Accessibility in Rural Areas

Over 600 million people in India live in areas without reliable healthcare facilities.

Agriculture & Sustainable Livelihoods

Sustainable agriculture practices can increase productivity by 30% and reduce environmental impact.

Programs


pr-img

Women Development&Empowerment


Women Development

Name Of the Program Women Development
supporting Agency Andheri Hilfe Bonn
Project Period Oct 1993 to Sept 1998
Place of the Programme 31 villages in Karungulam Block in Tuticorin District.
No of Beneficiaries 2863

Major Components


  1. Formation of Women Associations.
  2. Trainings to the leaders and members of the women Associations.
  3. Awareness education.
  4. Promotion of savings habit.
  5. Education on Mother and Child health.
  6. Education on Immunization

Achievements


  1. 31 Women Associations formed with 2863 members.
  2. All the 31 Associations got strongly organised.
  3. 2863 women started regular savings.
  4. 100% immunization of all under 5 years children against the six killer diseases.

Women Empowerment

Name Of the Program Women Empowerment
supporting Agency Andheri Hilfe Bonn
Project Period Oct 2001 to Sept 2003
Place of the Programme 60 villages in Karungulam and Palayamkottai Blocks in Tuticorin and Tirunelveli Districts
No of Beneficiaries 4846

Major Components


  1. Group formation.
  2. Trainings on social, economical, cultural and political analysis.
  3. Trainings on decision making role and leadership.
  4. Promoting group savings and internal lending.

Achievements


  1. Awareness level of the target women increased sharply.
  2. Women claimed their share in decision making at home and in society.
  3. 42 women contested in the Panchayat elections 34 were elected.
  4. Savings habit became strong; internal group lending was started.
  5. Habit to getting loans from local money lenders for 10% interest declined.

Mahalir Thittam

Name Of the Program Mahalir Thittam
supporting Agency Mahalir Thittam Scheme of Tamil Nadu
Project Period April 1998 to 2013
Place of the Programme Tuticorin District - 241 villages and slums in Karungulam, Srivaikuntam and Alwarthirunagari Blocks. In Tirunelveli District - 72 villages in Palayamkottai Block and 24slums in Tirunelveli City
No of Beneficiaries 26,312

Major Components


  1. Formation of Women Self Help Groups (SHG).
  2. Trainings to the leaders and members on SHG and women development.
  3. Formation of Panchayat Level and Block Level Federation of SHGs.
  4. Trainings to the leaders and members of the governing body of the federations.
  5. Promotion of savings and credit in each SHG.
  6. Entrepreneurship development trainings and Income Generation Programmes.
  7. Foster credit linkage with Banks and linkages with Government Departments.

Achievements


  1. 1476 Self Help Groups formed; total members 26,312.
  2. Confidence level of women increased; SHGs are managed by members themselves.
  3. More local women leaders are emerging.
  4. All the members now have regular saving habit and internal lending from pooled up savings of the SHG.
  5. Total amount saved by SHGs: Rs.542.8 million. Total loans received from banks: Rs.285.9 million.
  6. 3626 women and 14 SHGs have started Income Generation Programmes
  7. Accessing Government Departments for rights and welfare has tremendously increased with their increased awareness, self confidence and collective bargaining power.

Micro Loan Scheme

Name Of the Program Micro Loan Scheme
supporting Agency Mahalir Thittam Scheme of Tamil Nadu
Project Period November 2011 - 2016
Place of the Programme Tuticorin District 241 villages and 7 slums in Karungulam, Srivaikuntam and Alwarthirunagari Blocks; in Tirunelveli District 72 villages in Palayamkottai Block and 17slums in Tirunelveli City.
No of Beneficiaries 3428

Major Components


  1. Trainings to women on savings, finance literacy, motivation to start income generation activities and women empowermen.
  2. Promote saving culture among the target women.
  3. Entrepreneurship development for the target women.
  4. Help them identify viable income generation activities and guide them in marketing strategies and taking calculated risks.
  5. Provide access to credit.

Achievements


  1. All the members now have regular saving habit and intra lending from pooled up savings of the SHG.
  2. Credit access provided to 3428 Women from 266 SHGs; total credit accessed is Rs.17,140,000.
  3. 3374 women from 266 SHGs have started Income Generation Activities; one SHG members have started IGA as a group.
  4. Habit of borrowing money from local money lenders at about 10% per month has been reduced by about 90%.
  5. Women entrepreneurship has enhanced the self esteem and empowerment process of women
  6. Life quality of the target women and their families has improved.

Children Development & Education Programmes


Holistic development of children

Name Of the Program Holistic development of children
supporting Agency Andheri Hilfe Bonn (upto 2003) Social Welfare Department(from 2004 to 2011)
Project Period Jun 1994 to May1998, Dec 1998 to Mar 2003 From Dec 2004 to 2011
Place of the Programme 16 villages in Karungulam Block in Tuticorin District; 2 villages in Palayamkottai Block in Tirunelveli District.
No of Beneficiaries 2863

Major Components


  1. Crèches (Balwadis) for under 5 years children.
  2. Provision of supplementary nutrition.
  3. Periodical health check up.Immunization.

Achievements


  1. 3528 children have benefited in the crèches.
  2. Cognitive  and physical development of 3528 Children achieved.
  3. Better health ensure.
  4. 100% immunisation achieved in 18 villages.
  5. 100% school enrolment achieved in 18 villages.
  6. All the 18 Crèches have been transitioned to ICDS scheme of the State Government.

Total enrolment & elimination of school drop-outs Campaign

Name Of the Program Total enrolment & elimination of school drop-outs Campaign
supporting Agency NetAid - CSR
Project Period Sep 2002 to Aug 2004
Place of the Programme Karungulam Block in Tuticorin District
No of Beneficiaries 843

Major Components


  1. Awareness education in community based organisation.
  2. Awareness education to the communities through street theatre.
  3. Motivation to parents of school drop outs.
  4. Assistance to poorest students to continue their education.
  5. Strengthening of Parents Teachers Associations.

Achievements


  1. 100% enrolment of children achieved.
  2. 168 school drop-outs were put back in school.
  3. 56 Parents Teachers Associations were strengthened.

Development of Rag Pickers’ and Scavengers’ Children

Name Of the Program Development of Rag Pickers’ and Scavengers’ Children
supporting Agency -
Project Period 2007 onwards
Place of the Programme 4 Slums in Tirunelveli city
No of Beneficiaries 124

Major Components


  1. Provision of note books, school bags, school uniform dresses and writing materials.
  2. Personality development and value education activities.
  3. Recreation.
  4. Summer motivation camp.
  5. Monthly parents meetings.

Achievements


  1. 124 children of rag pickers and scavengers families benefit.
  2. Better performance in school as the children are able to understand better the lessons taught at school.
  3. Motivation to continue their school education has become stronger.
  4. Dropping out from school is 100% arrested and children saved from child labor.

Educational Assistance

Name Of the Program Educational Assistance
supporting Agency LCM – USA and Local Donations
Project Period July 2001 onwards
Place of the Programme Tuticorin and Tirunelveli Districts
No of Beneficiaries 456

Major Components


  1. Provision of note books, school bags, school uniform dresses, writing materials and other educational materials.
  2. Recreation and get together.

Achievements


  1. 456 Children who would have discontinued their studies due to poverty have been helped to continue their school education.

Support to Orphan and other Most Vulnerable Children

Name Of the Program Support to Orphan and other Most Vulnerable Children
supporting Agency Govt.of Tamil Nadu and Local contributions
Project Period June 2014 onwards
Place of the Programme Tirunelveli and Tuticorin Districts
No of Beneficiaries 25 girl children

Major Components


  1. Education support; provision of note books, school bags, school uniform dresses and writing materials.
  2. Provision of food, accommodation, health care and recreation.
  3. Personality development and value education activities.

Achievements


  1. Children living in pathetic conditions have benefitted from the holistic care given to them.
  2. Continuation of their school education is ensured; motivation to continue their school education is stronger now.
  3. Dropping out from school is 100% arrested and children saved from child labor.
  4. Malnutrition and other health problems and needs have been addressed.
  5. Holistic development of children is ensured.
pr-img
pr-img

Enabling the Disabled


Medical Treatment and Rehabilitation of the Disabled

Name Of the Program Medical Treatment and Rehabilitation of the Disabled
supporting Agency SLF – NL, Red Giant Movies Ltd
Project Period Sept 1993 to Dec 1996 and Apr 2008
Place of the Programme Tirunelveli and Tuticorin Districts.
No of Beneficiaries 368

Major Components


  1. 8 Orthopaedic Screening camps conducted.
  2. Interventional surgery of limps for orthopaedically disabled children.
  3. 136 Children were provided callipers, 3 were given trichycles and 1 was given a motorized three wheele.
  4. 3 children with serious visual disability were provided with special spectacles and medical treatment.
  5. Parents of 142 children with minor disabilities were given training in physiotheraphy.
  6. 21 Mentally Retarded children were given educational play materials.
  7. 8 adults with disabilities were helped to start income generation activities.

Achievements


  1. 19 children who were unable to walk were able to walk by themselves.
  2. 3 children who could not read or write due to serious visual problems are able to read and write and are able to go to school.
  3. Parents of disabled children became confident to take care of their children.
  4. 22 disabled persons got various benefits like special admissions in educational institutions.
  5. 8 adults who were totally dependent on others were able to earn steady income and be independent.

STI/HIV/AIDS Programmes


HIV/AID Awareness Programme in High Risk Villages

Name Of the Program Medical Treatment and Rehabilitation of the Disabled
supporting Agency Gramodhaya
Project Period December 1997
Place of the Programme 16 villages in Karungulam Block of Tuticorin District
No of Beneficiaries about 8000

Major Components


  1. Conducted street theatre programmes on HIV / AIDS in 16 villages where large number of people were migrating.
  2. Handbills on HIV/AIDS were distributed.

Achievements


  1. About 8,000 people became aware of the mode of HIV virus spreading and prevention.
  2. 3 children who could not read or write due to serious visual problems are able to read and write and are able to go to school.
  3. Parents of disabled children became confident to take care of their children.
  4. 22 disabled persons got various benefits like special admissions in educational institutions.
  5. 8 adults who were totally dependent on others were able to earn steady income and be independent.

Prevention of STI/HIV/AIDS Among Truckers and Helpers(TH) and Female Sex Workers(FSW)

Name Of the Program Prevention of STI/HIV/AIDS Among Truckers and Helpers(TH) and Female Sex Workers(FSW)
supporting Agency USAID – APAC
Project Period Oct 2004 to Jun 2007
Place of the Programme National Highways No.7,7A and 45B in Tirunelveli and Tuticorin Districts
No of Beneficiaries 195,916

Major Components


  1. One to one and one to group interpersonal communications.
  2. Counseling services.
  3. STI referral and follow up.
  4. Health camps for truckers and helpers.
  5. HIV testing and referral for treatment.
  6. Condom demo sessions.
  7. Promotion of non traditional condom outlets.
  8. Identification and training of Peer Educator and Volunteers.
  9. Medical check up for FSW.
  10. FSW partner treatment for STI.

Achievements


  1. Knowledge without myths and misconceptions on STI / HIV/ AIDS increased among the truckers and helpers and among FSW.
  2. 87% of the TH and 89% FSW had clear risk perception; 81% of TH and 83% of FSW had change of behaviour for safe sex.
  3. STI treatment and HIV testing increased.
  4. STI prevalence was reduced from 9% to 4% among TH and 15%to9% among FSW.
  5. HIV prevalence reduced.
  6. Condom availability at truckers halt points and with FSW was ensured 100%.
  7. Condom usage increased from 44% to 81% among TH.

Voluntary Counseling and Testing Centre

Name Of the Program Voluntary Counseling and Testing Centre
supporting Agency USAID – APAC
Project Period April 2006 to June 2007
Place of the Programme Tirunelveli and Tuticorin Districts
No of Beneficiaries 2321

Major Components


  1. Pre test and post test counseling.
  2. HIV positivity testing.
  3. Outreach camps.
  4. Referral services for STI treatment and for Anti Retroviral Therapy (ART).

Achievements


  1. 2321 persons benefitted from the counseling services.
  2. 2287 Persons got tested for HIV.
  3. 2023 persons benefitted from referral services.

Anti Retroviral Therapy and Care for the PLHIV

Name Of the Program Anti Retroviral Therapy and Care for the PLHIV
supporting Agency Children’s Investment Forum (CIF–UK) and TANSACS
Project Period September 2005 to April 2009
Place of the Programme Tirunelveli,Tuticorin and Kanyakumari Districts
No of Beneficiaries 3754

Major Components


  1. Distribution of ART medicines on doctor’s prescription.
  2. Distribution of supplementary nutrition.
  3. Registration and documentation at ART Centre.
  4. Sensitisation  programmes for Tirunelveli Medical College staff where ART Centre is located.
  5. Trainings to care givers and NGOs on follow up care, nutrition and hygiene for PLHIV..
  6. Coordination meetings for NGOs.

Achievements


  1. 3754 PLHIV benefitted from the services and improved their health.
  2. 3754 PLHIV got the hope to live with ART.
  3. Nutrition intake of the PLHIV improved.
  4. Personal hygiene of the PLHIV improved.
  5. Discordant status of the couples regarding HIV infection was kept at 100%.
  6. Drug resistance was controlled by follow up services.
  7. Tirunelveli Medical College Hospital staff gave the medical services to the PLHIV without discrimination.
  8. The care givers of PLHIV started effective care giving.
  9. Positive prevention of HIV improved.
  10. NGOs became more efficiently involved in referral and follow up services.

STI/HIV/AIDS Prevention and Care Continuum among Core Groups

Name Of the Program STI/HIV/AIDS Prevention and Care Continuum among Core Groups
supporting Agency October 2007 to September 2010 USAID–APAC, from October 2010 to January 2015 TANSACS
Project Period October 2007 onwards ongoing
Place of the Programme Karungulam, Alwarthirunagari and Tuticorin (Rural) Blocks and Tuticorin City
No of Beneficiaries 1127 (MSM 835;FSW 292)

Major Components


  1. Identification of MSM, TG and FSW.
  2. Conducting one to one and one to group interpersonal communication sessions on STI / HIV/ AIDS to improve knowledge and change attitude and behaviour and increase risk perception among the MSM and FSW.
  3. Accompanied referrals for STI treatment, HIV testing and Anti Retroviral Therapy for PLHA.
  4. Medical check up for the target group members once in the three months.
  5. Identification of Peer Educators and trainings to them; involve them in the out reach activities.
  6. Vocational skill trainings to the target groups.
  7. Community get – togethers.
  8. Crisis response.
  9. Creating enabling environment through advocacy and lobbying.
  10. MSM campaign.
  11. Condoms and lubricants promotion.
  12. Social marketing of condoms and lubricants.

Achievements


  1. 835 MSM and 292 FSW have been identified and profiled.
  2. Correct knowledge on STI/HIV/AIDS has improved among about 99% of the target groups.
  3. Attitude and behaviour regarding safe sex has changed among 90% of the target groups.
  4. Risk perception and medical treatment seeking attitude has improved by 90%.
  5. About 98% have undergone quarterly STI check up / treatment and six monthly HIV testing.
  6. Regular medical check up once in three months.
  7. 32 persons have been given vocational skill trainings in computer courses and tailoring and dress making.
  8. Self confidence and esteem improving.
  9. Income generating opportunities improved.
  10. An enabling environment is being created reducing stigma and discrimination.
  11. Condom usage is increasing.

Link Workers Scheme

Name Of the Program Link Workers Scheme
supporting Agency October 2010 to March 2014 by NACO–APAC and from April 2014 onwards by NACO–TANSACS
Project Period October 2010 onwards ongoing
Place of the Programme 110 high risk villages in Tirunelveli District
No of Beneficiaries 18,108

Major Components


  1. Identification of HRG, Vulnerable and Bridge populations and PLHIV.
  2. Conducting mid media events-poster display, exhibitions and folk media programmes and distribution of IEC materials to create more awareness and risk perception among the target groups and their clients.
  3. Referrals for STI treatment and HIV testing.
  4. Ensure continuous adherence of Anti Retroviral Therapy by PLHIV.
  5. Identification of Link Workers and Community Volunteers; train and involve them in the out reach activities.
  6. Formation of Village Health Committees, Youth Red Ribbon Clubs; setting up Village Information Centres.
  7. Creating enabling environment through advocacy and lobbying.
  8. Condoms promotion and social marketing.

Achievements


  1. 275 MSM, 757 FSW, 8153 BP, 5541 VP, 403 PLHIV, 2 children infected by HIV and 78 children affected by AIDS have been identified and services are being provided.
  2. Correct knowledge on STI/HIV/AIDS has improved among about 80% of the target groups.
  3. Attitude and hebaviour regarding safe sex  has changed among 60% of the target groups.
  4. Risk perception and medical treatment seeking attitude has improved by 60%
  5. 388 PLHIV are under regular follow up care.
  6. 40 Link Workers who work as part time staff and 811 male and 617 female Volunteers have been trained. They actively reach the target groups.
  7. 110 Village Information Centres have been set up.
  8. 131 Folk Media programmes have been conducted in 131 places; about 30,000 people saw the programmes.
  9. Hand bills have been designed, printed and distributed to about 47,600 people.
  10. An enabling environment is being created; stigma, discrimination and harassment reduced.
  11. 78 children affected by AIDS have been helped from local donations in kind to meet educational needs.

Holistic Development of Children Infected by AIDS and Children Affected by AIDS

Name Of the Program Holistic Development of Children Infected by AIDS and Children Affected by AIDS
supporting Agency Love and Care Mission
Project Period September 2008 onwards ongoing
Place of the Programme Tirunelveli and  Tuticorin Districts
No of Beneficiaries 60

Major Components


  1. Psycho social counseling.
  2. Referral to Anti Retroviral Therapy (ART) Centre and follow up.
  3. Helping to meet expenses for education of 60 Children (CAA).
  4. Provision of supplementary nutrition.
  5. Helping parents to have improved income.
  6. Children’s get-togethers.

Achievements


  1. Education of 60 CAA has been ensured; most of them would have been stopped from school by parents due to poverty.
  2. Nutrition needs of the 60 CAA has been satisfied resulting in improvement of health.
  3. Children are happier and confident..
  4. Parents of 7 children have been supported for income generation programme.
pr-img
pr-img

General Health Programmes


Emergency Ambulance Services

Name Of the Program Emergency Ambulance Services
supporting Agency Tamil Nadu (Government) Health Services Department
Project Period April 2007 to August 2008
Place of the Programme Karungulam Block in Tuticorin District
No of Beneficiaries 476

Major Components


  1. Ambulance services for pregnant women, accident victims and others in need of emergency medical services.
  2. First Aid services during transit to Health Care Facilities.

Achievements


  1. 132 pregnant women, 6 accident victims and 338 people in medical emergency were helped to get life saving medical treatment on time in the Health Care Facilities available in the far away towns.
  2. Emergency First Aid was given by the medical staff attached to the Ambulance and loss of life en route to the hospital was avoided.

Promotion of Native Medicines

Name Of the Program Promotion of Native Medicines
supporting Agency Andheri Hilfe - Bonn
Project Period October 1992 to September 1999
Place of the Programme 31 villages in Karungulam Block in Tuticorin District
No of Beneficiaries 14,300

Major Components


  1. 31 Women Association members were trained in Native Siddha Medicines in identification of medicinal plants, preparation of medicines and application.
  2. Awareness education was given in 31 women associations about the native Siddha medicines and to grow simple medicinal plants at home.

Achievements


  1. People living in 31 remote villages without health care facilities were able to get medical treatment and improve their health.
  2. 31 rural women became ‘bare foot doctors’ in their villages.

Medical Camps

Name Of the Program Medical Camps
supporting Agency District  Health Services, Private Hospitals, Doctors, Pharmaceuticals and Local Philanthropists
Project Period April 1992 onwards
Place of the Programme Karungulam and Alwarthirunagari Blocks in Tuticorin District and Palayamkottai Block in Tirunelveli District.
No of Beneficiaries 12,276

Major Components


  1. Eye camps – 18.
  2. Women and Children camps - 4.
  3. Skin Camps – 4.
  4. Native Medicine Camps-16.
  5. STI Camps – 23.
  6. For the Aged - 6.

Achievements


  1. Rural communities with little access to health care facilities benefitted and improved their health.
  2. Altogether 12,276 people have benefitted.

Improvement of Reproductive and Child Health

Name Of the Program Improvement of Reproductive and Child Health
supporting Agency Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of the Government of India and TNVHA
Project Period August 2002 to July 2004
Place of the Programme 10 remote villages in Palayamkottai Block.
No of Beneficiaries 5864

Major Components


  1. Education on reproductive and child health through one to one sessions and one to group sessions.
  2. Referral services.
  3. Organised 12 camps for Reproductive Tract Infections (RTI ) and helped in mobilising people to  Immunization camps.

Achievements


  1. Women improved their knowledge on reproductive and child health aspects.
  2. ANC and PNC improved.
  3. 100% institutional deliveries achieved.
  4. 464 Women underwent treatment for RTI and also their spouses.
  5. 100% immunization of under 5 years children ensured.

WaterSanitation&Hygiene Programmes


Provision of Safe Drinking Water

Name Of the Program Provision of Safe Drinking Water
supporting Agency WaterAid
Project Period October 1997 to September 1999
Place of the Programme 30 villages in  Karungulam Block in Tuticorin District
No of Beneficiaries 16,327

Major Components


  1. Provide new bore wells with hand pumps.
  2. Set up garden or leach pit near the borewell to absorb spilled water.
  3. Formation of water committees and trainings to them in the management and maintenance of drinking water sources
  4. Create awareness on water borne diseases.
  5. Education on water safety and safe handling of water.

Achievements


  1. Safe Drinking Water need in 30 villages fulfilled.
  2. People became aware of the water borne diseases and followed safe water handling practices.
  3. Drinking water sources in 30 villages managed and maintained well by the communitie.
  4. Incidence of diarrhea and other water borne diseases reduced.
  5. 100% immunization of under 5 years children ensured.

WaterSanitation and Hygiene Behaviour Promotion

Name Of the Program WaterSanitation and Hygiene Behaviour Promotion
supporting Agency WaterAid
Project Period October 1999 to March 2002
Place of the Programme 60 villages in Palayamkottai Block in Tirunelveli District
No of Beneficiaries 20,267

Major Components


  1. Create awareness on water borne diseases.
  2. Promotion of hand washing practice.
  3. Education on contamination / diseases from faeces and motivation to stop defection in the open.
  4. Trainings to rural masons on latrine construction.
  5. Construction of household latrines.
  6. Hygiene education for communities and school children.

Achievements


  1. Hand washing practiced by 60%.
  2. 2020 household latrines constructed and used.
  3. 12 school latrine blocks constructed for the benefit of 2124 students and 44 teachers.
  4. Drinking water borewell with hand pump installation in 12 schools.
  5. Decrease in diseases-diarrhea, typhoid, jaundice, gastro enrtitis, worm infestation.

Rural Sanitation

Name Of the Program Rural Sanitation
supporting Agency CAPART (An Agency of the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India )
Project Period March 1998 to March 1999
Place of the Programme 2 villages in Karungulam Block in Tuticorin District and 2 villages in Palayamkottai Block in Tirunelveli District
No of Beneficiaries 2370

Major Components


  1. Awareness education on Faecal – Oral contamination and diseases spread due to defecation in the open.
  2. Construction and use of household sanitary latrines.

Achievements


  1. 2370 People in 4 villages became aware of faecal – oral contamination and diseases spread due to defecation in the open.
  2. 350 household sanitary latrines constructed and 100% usage ensured.
  3. Spreading of diseases due to defecation in the open controlled.

Improvement in Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation

Name Of the Program Improvement in Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation
supporting Agency CAPART (An Agency of the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India )
Project Period April 2000 to March 2003
Place of the Programme 60 villages in Palayamkottai Block in Tirunelveli District
No of Beneficiaries 4860

Major Components


  1. Installation of new borewells and hand pumps in villages with acute drinking water scarcity.
  2. Construction of household sanitary latrines.

Achievements


  1. 7 New borewells installed with hand pumps in 7 villages and solved drinking water scarcity problem.
  2. Water borne diseases were controlled.
  3. Sanitary latrines were constructed in 500 houses and being used.

IEC Programmes for the usage of Community Sanitary Complexes

Name Of the Program IEC Programmes for the usage of Community Sanitary Complexes
supporting Agency District Rural Development Agencies (DRDA) of Tirunelveli and Tuticorin Districts and Tamil Nadu Urban Development Project II (TNUDP)– ISP
Project Period May to August 2003
Place of the Programme 54 villages in  Palayamkottai, Sankarankoil, Kadayam and Manur Blocks in Tirunelveli District and in 31villages in Karungulam Block in Tuticorin District; and in 34 places in Tirunelveli, Tuticorin and Kanyakumari Districts
No of Beneficiaries 32,216

Major Components


  1. IEC programmes on faecal – oral contamination, diseases spread due to defecation in the open and necessity of using sanitary latrines.
  2. Formation of User Group Committees and trainings to them.

Achievements


  1. About 30,000 people were convinced to use the sanitary latrine.
  2. The unused and scarcely used community latrine complexes were used.
  3. 119 Community latrine complexes were managed and maintained by the User Group Committees.

Total Sanitation Campaign

Name Of the Program Total Sanitation Campaign
supporting Agency Rural Development Agency (DRDA) of Tirunelveli District.
Project Period April 2003 onwards - ongoing
Place of the Programme 71 villages in Palayamkottai Block in Tirunelveli District
No of Beneficiaries 16,580 families

Major Components


  1. Facilitate credit linkage for latrine construction.
  2. Give technical guidance for latrine construction.
  3. Training to the Rural Masons on latrine construction.
  4. Educate the village communities on solid and liquid waste management.
  5. Hygiene education in the SHGs and schools.
  6. Domestic and Community waste management.

Achievements


  1. About 5000 women became aware of the problems and diseases caused by faecal contamination.
  2. 3603 families constructed sanitary latrines in their houses.
  3. 1866 women SHG members were helped with credit assistance for construction of household sanitary latrines.
  4. 176 rural masons learned how to construct sanitary latrines.
  5. 2124 school children and 44 teachers changed to hygiene behaviour.
  6. Nirmal Proskar Award was given to Kansapuram Panchayat by the Honourable President of India on 23-03-2006.
pr-img
pr-img

Community Development


Rag Pickers Development

Name Of the Program Rag Pickers Development
supporting Agency CIF – India
Project Period October 2007 to March 2014
Place of the Programme Slums in Tirunelveli city.No of direct beneficiaries:256
No of Beneficiaries 256

Major Components


  1. Focus group discussion with the rag pickers.
  2. Formation of Self Help Groups (SHGs) for rag picker women.
  3. Trainings to the key leaders of the community and SHGs.
  4. Tuition centres for the children of the rag pickers.
  5. Provide school uniform dress and educational materials to rag pickers’ children.

Achievements


  1. Increase in general awareness and self esteem.
  2. The community got organised and are gaining more bargaining power.
  3. 7 SHGs have been formed for Rag Picker women.
  4. Selling the rags together to the whole sale dealer and getting increased income.
  5. Follow practices of safe handling of waste and personal hygiene.
  6. 17 school drop out children have been put back in regular school.
  7. 57 children have benefited from the tuition centres.

Youth Development


Formation of Youth Groups

Name Of the Program Formation of Youth Groups
supporting Agency TNCDW
Project Period April 2003 to March 2013
Place of the Programme Karungulam Block in Tuticorin District and Palayamkottai Block in Tirunelveli District
No of Beneficiaries 2618

Major Components


  1. Formation of Youth Groups.
  2. Trainings for general awareness, leadership and on structure and functioning of groups.

Achievements


  1. 106 Youth Groups have been formed in 62 villages with 2618 members.
  2. The Youth Group members are involving in the developmental activities of their villages.

Capacity Building Trainings

Name Of the Program Capacity Building Trainings
supporting Agency TNCDW,NYK
Project Period January 2006 onwards
Place of the Programme Tirunelveli and Tuticorin Districts
No of Beneficiaries 1871

Major Components


  1. The following trainings have been conducted for the capacity building of youth: Personality development-14 ,Leadership – 11, Societal analysis – 6, STI / HIV / AIDS - 19.

Achievements


  1. The personality of 418 youth developed for the benefit of themselves and promoted positive contributions to communities.
  2. Leadership qualities of 330 youth improved; they got more involved in the development issues of their communities.
  3. 1123 Youth became aware of STI / HIV/ AIDS; protected themselves and spread this knowledge in their communities.

Security Guards Training

Name Of the Program Security Guards Training
supporting Agency TNCDW
Project Period 45 days once in a year from 2008 onwards
Place of the Programme Tirunelveli District
No of Beneficiaries 120

Major Components


  1. Security Guards training was conducted twice for 60 youth.

Achievements


  1. Immediate job placement ensured for the youth who completed training.
  2. The income of the families of youth increased.
  3. The unemployed youth who were used by anti social elements now contribute positively to the society.
pr-img
pr-img

Services to the Aged


Services to the Aged

Name Of the Program Services to the Aged
supporting Agency HelpAge India
Project Period July 2001 to June 2003
Place of the Programme Karungulam and Palayamkottai Blocks in Tuticorin and Tirunelveli Districts respectively
No of Beneficiaries 514

Major Components


  1. 6 Medical camps conducted.
  2. Help the desolate Aged people to access old age pension from the Government.
  3. Income generation activities for the Aged.
  4. Sensitising the communities about the needs of the Aged and community’s responsibility.

Achievements


  1. Improvement in the health of 346 Aged people.
  2. 113 Aged people get monthly pension from the Government.
  3. 168 Aged people have been helped to start income generation activities.
  4. Communities got more sensitised about the needs and issues of the Aged.

Livelihoods Enhancement Programmes


Waste land development

Name Of the Program Waste land development
supporting Agency Andheir Hilfe
Project Period June 1997 to August 1997
Place of the Programme Valluvar Nagar Repatriate Settlement in Karungulam Block in Tuticorin District
No of Beneficiaries 204

Major Components


  1. Reclamation of 80 acres of land.
  2. Installation of motor pumpset.
  3. Cultivation of crops.
  4. Formation of Management Committee and training to the members.

Achievements


  1. 80 acres of waste land was reclaimed and brought under cultivation.
  2. 32 Sri Lankan Repatriate families living under poverty line were able to come out of it with increased income.
  3. Linkages established with Agriculture Department, markets and commercial banks.
  4. The Management Committee is actively engaged in the management of assets and resources.

Watershed Project

Name Of the Program Watershed Project
supporting Agency AgricultureDepartment of Tuticorin District
Project Period April 2003 to March 2004
Place of the Programme 17 Villages in Karungulam Block in Tuticorin District
No of Beneficiaries 3422

Major Components


  1. Awareness education on watershed to the target group.
  2. Conduct Participatory Rural Appraisal Survey (PRA).
  3. Bench mark survey.
  4. Formation of user groups.
  5. Enhancement of water sources and management.
  6. Soil testing and crops selection.

Achievements


  1. 3422 small and marginal farmers were educated on watershed.
  2. Water sources enhancement and management and cultivation of suitable crops increased their income.
  3. About 250 hectares of uncultivated land due to water scarcity was brought under cultivation.

Vocational Skill Trainings

Name Of the Program Vocational Skill Trainings
supporting Agency Andheri Hilfe,  Lepra Hilfe, GAA, Just Trust, Tamil Nadu Corporation for Development of Women, District Rural Development Agency and Gramodhaya
Project Period January 1996 to 2018
Place of the Programme Karungulam, Srivaikuntam and Alwarthirunagari Blocks in Tuticorin District and Tirunelveli City Slums and Palayamkottai Block in Tirunelveli District
No of Beneficiaries About 100Women and 30 youth (male)every year

Major Components


  1. Conducting other need based short term vocational skill trainings on food processing, repairing of home appliances, repairing of cell phone.
  2. Linkages with institutions, firms, business houses and offices for employment opportunities.
  3. Linkage with banks and Government Departments for self employment.
  4. Formation of user groups.
  5. Enhancement of water sources and management.
  6. Soil testing and crops selection.

Achievements


  1. 1826 women and 807 youth have benefitted.
  2. About 78% have been employed.
  3. About 15% have found self employment.
  4. Improvement in the quality of life of the trainees and their families due to increase in income.

EntrepreneurshipDevelopment Programme

Name Of the Program EntrepreneurshipDevelopment Programme
supporting Agency Tamil Nadu Corporation for Development of Women
Project Period April 2000 to April 2007
Place of the Programme Karungulam, Srivaikuntam and Alwarthirunagari Blocks in Tuticorin District and Tirunelveli City Slums and Palayamkottai Block in Tirunelveli District.
No of Beneficiaries About 60  Women and 30 youth every year

Major Components


  1. 14 Entrepreneurship Development trainings were conducted for women and 7 for youth.
  2. Linkages with Banks and Government Department for self employment ventures.
  3. Linkage with banks and Government Departments for self employment.
  4. Formation of user groups.
  5. Enhancement of water sources and management.
  6. Soil testing and crops selection.

Achievements


  1. 420 women and 210 youth acquired entrepreneurship skills.
  2. 283 women and 61 youth started income generation ventures.
  3. The quality of life improved for the trainees and their families due to increased income.
pr-img
pr-img

Environment Programme


Domestic Waste Management

Name Of the Program Domestic Waste Management
supporting Agency CIF – India
Project Period October 2007 onwards
Place of the Programme 3 slums in Tirunelveli City
No of Beneficiaries 10155

Major Components


  1. Awareness creation on negative effects on environment caused by improper domestic waste disposal.
  2. Motivation to keep the lanes litter free.
  3. Tree planting.
  4. Education on segregating at source and proper disposal of degradable and non degradable wastes.

Achievements


  1. 10155 people became aware of the negative effects on environment caused by improper domestic waste disposal.
  2. 328 families are segregating degradable and non degradable wastes at home and dispose them in the public waste tubs.
  3. The streets and lanes are kept litter free by the target community.
  4. 28 trees have been planted where suitable space was available.

Emergency/Disaster (TSUNAMI) Relief


Emergency Relief for Tsunami Victims

Name Of the Program Domestic Waste Management
supporting Agency Trust and Gramodhaya
Project Period December 2004 to January 2005
Place of the Programme 5 coastal villages in Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari Districts
No of Beneficiaries About 850

Major Components


  1. Supply of rice, pulses and vegetables to the relief camps.
  2. Provision of clothing, blankets, buckets and baby food in the relief camps.
  3. Provision of stoves and cooking vessels and croackeries to those who lost their houses.

Achievements


  1. The immediate needs of about 850 Tsunami victims were fulfilled.

Tsunami Temporary Shelter Based Waste Management

Name Of the Program Domestic Waste Management
supporting Agency UNICEF and DRDA Tirunelveli
Project Period September 2005 to March 2006
Place of the Programme Kuthenkuzhi and Koottapuli villages
No of Beneficiaries 868

Major Components


  1. Construction of latrines, bathing facilities and waste disposal tubs.
  2. Hygiene education.

Achievements


  1. 868 people had access to sanitary latrine and bathing facilities and used them.
  2. Cleanliness was maintained at shelters and surrounding places.
  3. Water borne diseases and diseases caused by defecation in the open, improper waste disposal and poor hygiene habits were controlled.
  4. Better health ensured for the target group.

Livelihoods Promotion

Name Of the Program Livelihoods Promotion
supporting Agency Trust and Four Acre Trust
Project Period August 2005
Place of the Programme Kuthenkuzhi and Koottapuli villages in Tirunelveli District and Tiruchendur in Tuticorin District
No of Beneficiaries 527 families

Major Components


  1. Motivation given to the Fishermen to get over the Tsunami tragedy and to go for fishing in the sea.
  2. 527 families who lost all their nets were given 6 fishing nets each.

Achievements


  1. The fishermen got over the Tsunami tragedy and went for fishing in the sea.
  2. 527 families were enabled to catch fish and get necessary income to maintain their families reducing their dependence on relief aid.
pr-img
pr-img

Housing Programmes


Free Housing Programme

Name Of the Program Free Housing Programme
supporting Agency DRDA,Tuticorin District
Project Period 1998 - 2000
Place of the Programme Karungulam Block in Tuticorin District
No of Beneficiaries 48 families

Major Components


  1. 48 free houses constructed for the socially and economically lowest placed families.

Achievements


  1. 48 families who were living in mud walled thatched houses and in rented houses got a house of their own.
  2. The security and esteem of the families increased tremendously.
  3. Money spent on replacing the thatched roof and repairs or on rent was saved.

Housing Loans for the Lower Income Families

Name Of the Program Housing Loans for the Lower Income Families
supporting Agency HFH – India and Local Donations
Project Period January 2001 onwards
Place of the Programme Tirunelveli and  Tuticorin Districts
No of Beneficiaries 348 families

Major Components


  1. Interest free loans given to 348 lower income families to construct their own houses; loan payable in 80 monthly instalments.
  2. Technical guidance for house construction.
  3. Facilitate linkage with whole sale dealers for procurement of building materials.

Achievements


  1. 348 lower income families who were living in mud walled thatched houses or in rented houses were able to construct  their own houses to live in.
  2. Increase in the security and self esteem of the families.
  3. Money spent on recurring expenses for the frequent replacement of thatched roof or on rent is saved.

Resource cum Training Centre


Resource cum Training Centre

Name Of the Program Resource cum Training Centre
supporting Agency Just Trust,Four Acre Trust,GAA,AMLH, The Consulate of Japan at Chennai,Mahalir Thittam,TANSACS,NYK,Red Cross,APAC.
Project Period 2007 onwards
Place of the Programme Tirunelveli , Tuticorin and Kanyakumari Districts
No of Beneficiaries 40,343

Major Components


  1. 11,870 sq.ft extent buildings constructed with the support of Just Trust, Four  Acre Trust, GAA and AMLH in 3.94 acres of land partly purchased and partly donated. 3941 sq.ft extent Multipurpose Training Hall constructed in 2013 with the support of The Consulate of Japan at Chennai. Total area of buildings in the training centre is about 20,000 sq.ft.
  2. Resource team set up to conduct trainings.
  3. Functions as resource cum demonstration centre.
  4. 256 residential trainings, 314 non residential trainings and 526 meetings for the benefit of 40,343 people have been conducted so far.

Achievements


  1. 40,343 people have directly benefitted from the trainings and meetings which increased their capacity of situational analysis, community organisational process, collective bargaining power and quality of life.
  2. 586 Women and youth have benefitted from the vocational skill trainings.
pr-img
pr-img

Forums & Networks


Membership in Government Forums


  1. Tirunelveli District Health Society.
  2. Tirunelveli District Water and Sanitation Committee.
  3. Tirunelveli District HIV / AIDS Programmes Committee.
  4. Tirunelveli District Pollution Prevention Committee.
  5. Tirunelveli Ragging Prevention Committee.
  6. Tirunelveli District Disaster Management Committee.
  7. Tuticorin District HIV / AIDS Programmes Committee.
  8. Tuticorin District Total Sanitation Committee.
  9. Block level Sarva Siksha Abyaan Committee in Palayamkottai and Karungulam Blocks.
  10. Tuticorin District Disaster Management Committee.

Membership in Non Governmental Forums


  1. Confederation of Rural NGOs – India ( CRNI ).
  2. Social Action Movement ( SAM ).
  3. Initiatives of HIV / AIDS_Network ( IHN ).
  4. Tamil Nadu Voluntary Health Association ( TNVHA )
  5. WaterNet.
  6. Earth Net.
  7. Green Care.
  8. Bharani Net.
  9. Block level Sarva Siksha Abyaan Committee in Palayamkottai and Karungulam Blocks.
  10. Tamil Nadu Coalition Post 2015 (TNCP 2015).


Donation


All kind of information regarding Gramodhaya Trust its welfare activities and offering all kinds of contribution can be obtained the following

Demand Draft,Cheques May kindly be drawn in favor of ' Gramodhaya Social Service Society ' payable at Tirunelveli, INDIA and be sent to our address.
Donate Us Donations to Gramodhaya are tax exempted under Section 80G(5)(vi) of the Income Tax Department,Gramodhaya is also registered under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act ( FCRA ) of the Ministry of Home Affairs of the Government of India and hence eligible to receive grants and donations from foreign countries.

Contact Us

Contact For Any Query

Address

No.7/102,Thiruchendur Main road,
Therku Vettiapanthi,Krishnapuram Post,
Maharajanagar via,
Tirunelveli-627 011.

Call Us

+91 98421 63210

+91 94431 56125

Email Us

gramodhaya@yahoo.co.in