International Labour Organization -Alternative Lively Hood Project-United Nations Tsunami team for Tsunami Recovery Introduction:

Rotary Vocational Award of Excellence 2006

Fr. Romance Antony Director of Quilon Social Service Society was selected Rotary Vocational Award of Excellence 2006 for his commendable service in Social Work field. The award is given to those who excel in Social Work, Educational field, Media and Health. From the position of director for the charitable society of the Diocese of Quilon, the works initiated by him made the Rotararians to select him for the award. The ex. District Governor of Rotary club Mr. K.P Ramachandran Nair awarded Fr. Romance on the 12th November 2006 at a function in Hotel Sudharshan Kollam.

Seed Capital distribution and Capacity Building Training For ESHG’S

Quilon Social Service Society in association with HelpAge India organized two day capacity building training for Elder Self Help Groups (ESHG’S) and Seed Capital distribution for A and B graded ESHG was held on 23rd and 24TH Nov 2006 at Bishop Jerome Nagar Hall, Kollam.The first day Programme was presided by Fr. Romance Antony, Director Quilon Social Service Society.

In the first day, thirteen ‘A’ graded SHG’s received 3, 25,000/- rupees as seed capital for nurturing their IGP activities. HelpAge India Project Head, Mr.Rajeshwar and Fr.Romance Antony were decorated the function with their presence.

Honorable Kollam Mayor, Mr. N. Padmalochanan, inaugurated the second day training programme and seed capital distribution for ‘B’ graded SHG’s. Ten ‘B’ graded SHG’s received 2,00,000/- rupees as seed capital. Lead Bank Manager, Mr. Chandrasekhar Ayer delivered the chief guest tone.

Capacity Building Training Programme for Graded ESHG’s

Two day capacity building training programme for Graded ESHG’s conducted at Bishop Jerome Nagar Hall, Kollam on 23rd and 24th Nov. Twenty Four ‘A’ graded ESHG’s office bearers participated in the first day programme and twenty five ‘B’ graded ESHG members attended in the second day programme.

SHG concept orientation, Leader ship training, motivating games, self-analysis of ESHG member, bookkeeping and SHG management etc. explained to the delegates by evoking the active participation of the members.

“Elders above 55 are able to get together and share. We have an account in bank in which we are able to save through the small business we started after forming SHG’S”, Comment from Jerusalem ESHG member Port Kollam

Orientation on grading of SHG’S: each group was asked to assess their group and provide points according to their judgment. Points were pasted on board and the group was asked to stand under the point they award to their group. Latter they explained why or how their group scored the points. The indicators of good SHG was also displayed and explained to the members.

World AIDS day celebration

December 1st is observed all over the world as World AIDS Day. United Nations has decided to observe World AIDS day with the slogan “STOP AIDS. Keep the promise”. QSSS also observed the day with two programmes.
Prayer for those who died and live with HIV/AIDS.

The staff along with the Director and well wishers of the organization had a special prayer Session. Rev. Fr. Romance Antony, Director of the organization led the prayer. Every one wore the RED RIBONS as a symbol of AIDS Day Celebrations. Every one lighted candle praying a tribute to those infected and died. A special banner was arranged to write messages, on the theme STOP AIDS KEEP THE PROMISE. Every one wrote their messages on the theme of AIDS. A special Information Education and Communication materials exhibition was arranged in the premises of the organization.

In the Chittumala Block awareness classes and Poster Exhibition was arranged for the Self Help Group Members. Mr.Biju C Mathew, coordinator Akshaya project took class on AIDS. A meeting was arranged and various dignitaries attended the function.

AIDS Day Observation and SHG Gathering at Chittumala Zone.

In keeping view of sensitizing the SHGs about the issue of HIV/AIDS and their role in controlling its spread in the target area QSSS organized a public meeting and SHG gathering on 1st of December at Nanthirickal, Chittumala Zone. President of Perinad Gram Panchayth Mr.S.L Sajikumar inaugurated the function. Followed by the inauguration a seminar on the role of SHG’s in controlling the spread of HIV/AIDS in the target area was facilitated by Mr. Biju C Mathew, Coordinator Akshaya Kollam. A gathering of 272 women from 230 SHG’s attended the function at the Rebiero Hall at Nadirickal from 10 am to 1.30 pm. A Poster Exhibition was arranged among the SHG members and prices were awarded to Sangeerthanam SHG from Kottapuram, SHG No.1 from Kanjarakode South, SHG No.2 from Nanthirickal who bagged 1st, IInd and IIIrd respectively.

Outcomes of the programme:

Networking of SHGs for combating the issue of HIV/AIDS

A good study process on HIV/AIDS has taken place in 230 SHGs in the target area.

The level of awareness about the issue and the possible role of SHGs in its control are increased.

“Suraksha”

Advocacy and Legal Aid programme against Trafficking

Street Plays

Suraksha is a new venture of QSSS aimed to contain the issue of Human Trafficking in Kollam district. It is a fact that day by day the crimes against women and children are increasing and the day today news reports is a clear picture of the issue of human trafficking. Quilon Social Service Society and Catholic Relief Services aims to build a resilient society in which the community is been prepared to combat with such shocks and stresses. The project aims to improvise the quality of life of women and children.

Awareness building is one among primary steps of this project and in connection with that the project team is organizing street plays in various parts of operational area depicting the theme of human trafficking and it end results. The street theatre from Karunagappally, Nattarangu is playing the drama for QSSS.


Murukan is giving offers to Sicily’s mother and getting her trafficked	Librarian warns Saramma about Murukan’s Whereabouts	Librarian informs the community about the HIV infection of Sicily	The Community pledges to combat against the traffickers

Street play passes through the life of Mrs. Saramma a widow living in a rural village whose daughter Sicily is been trafficked by a Marriage broker Mr. Murukan , whom takes her to Bombay offering a chance in film industry. The prominent Social worker the librarian of the Panchayath warns against the migration but due to Saramma over ambitions sends Sicily with Murukan where she gets HIV infection and is been back to her native village. But the community is not accepting her where the librarian makes his presence and convinces the community to accept her.

Community Based Disaster Preparedness Project for coastal area coming under the operational area of QSSS

What is Disaster Preparedness

Preparedness is the readiness of a community to combat a potential disaster. It builds the community’s capacity and capabilities to cope with the onslaught of a hazard. It reduces loss/damage to life, property. Helps to improve quality of life of the poor by sustainable development.

Characteristics of Community Based Disaster Preparedness Project (CBDP)

Addresses root causes of vulnerability, while transforming or removing structures that generate inequity or underdevelopment

Development-oriented approach, with long-term goal to promote sustainable development

Sustainable development can only be achieved by integrating CBDP in all developmental plans & initiatives

Living in disaster-safer communities is considered as a basic human right

Community knowledge, culture and customs are recognised and respected Central role for vulnerable groups and persons

Gender – Women’s participation integrated into disaster risk management at all levels

Role of multiple stakeholders: NGOs, other civil society organisations and government are supportive

Role of media as an important stakeholder

Why Community Based Disaster Plan?

Community is the first sufferer in any disaster. It is also the first real-time responder to every disaster. It is the ultimate target of any disaster preparedness plan. It is the reservoir of time tested indigenous knowledge of coping mechanism. It has most authentic local knowledge on vulnerability. Community prepares vulnerability map by ‘default’. Community is the best assessor of disaster damages. It can also be the best evaluator of disaster recovery . Mutual help is the best help for sustainable risk reduction

Project Goal

Equip the coastal community to effectively manage disaster preparedness, prevention and mitigation activities for establishing safe and secure living in coastal zone.

Project area and duration

On January 1,2006 CBDP project initiated in the coastal area coming under the operational area of QSSS i.e. from Paravoor Municipality to Arattupuzha Grama Panchayath, and the project will be completed by December 2008.

Project Activities

One-day seminars on Disaster management and mitigation , IEC preparation. Formation of Disaster Management team (DMT). Formation of Emergency Response Team (ERT).Capacity building program for DMT and ERT members. Exposure visit for the representatives of both ERT and DMT. Interface program for DMT and ERT members. Strengthening of people’s organization. Fishermen insurance program. Project Area mapping . Bio Shield program.

Process Initiated

Carried out two days project orientation and PLA exercises at 25 wards.
Ex. Minister. Babu Divakaran inaugurated CBDP project of Quilon Diocese on 24/2/06.
Facilitated the community to prepare village contingency plan in all the project areas.
Conducted Key informants meeting . Initiating ward level Emergency Response Team formation
Consolidating Disaster Prone Area Survey and will publish in next month.

QSSS observed International Peace Day

On the 21st September QSSS observed the international peace day in tie up with International . This year the motto for celebration was “Peace in Society and Human’. Office manger Sr. Joslyn inaugurated the seminar and followed by that we had paper presentation on the same topic

ONAM CELEBRATION

Onam is one of the greatest festivals of Kerala. It is the festival, which the Keralites celebrates united without the difference of caste and religion. Onam is a celebration of Ten days. It comes in the month of "Chingam" according to Malayalam calendar. People put flower mats in front of their houses, to welcome the King.

QSSS celebrated Onam this year with variety of programmes. The extravagancies were cut shorted and the same was utilized for programmes in jails, orphanages and Juvenile home.

Staff celebration

The staff celebrated Onam on the 2nd of September at Sreyas the training and Research Centre of QSSS.

Specialties of celebration

1) Tug of war 2) Miss QSSS 3) Onam Sadya 4) Musical chair 5) Thiruvathira

Onam celebration of CCDP members at Karunyatheeram

The members of Child Centered Development Project, Thirumullavaram unit had a special Onam celebration with the inmates of the Karunyatheeram Orphanage at Eravipuram. The specialty was cultural programmes, interaction, sharing and lunch offered by the members.

Onam celebration of the kids Garden

The newly started crèches of the QSSS celebrated Onam with colourful programmes of the kids. Fr.Romance Antony Executive Director of QSSS distributed Onam dhotis to the kids.

Onam celebration of CCDP at Juvenile Home

The CCDP members of the Eravipuram unit celebrated Onam with the in mates of the Juvenile home Kollam with colourful programmes. After the cultural programme the member offered a fabulous lunch to the inmates.

Onam celebration at District Jail

QSSS joined the Onam celebration at District Jail with monetary support. Executive Director Fr.Romance Antony attended the celebration at District Jail on the 3rd of September.

Awareness on Chikungunya Virus.

In the coastal areas of Kollam the spread of Viral diseases are creating great tension s in the coastal community. In response to the health problems QSSS has started awareness classes in the coastal communities and distribution of preventive medicine to the common people.

Inauguration of R.C. Emmanuel Lower Primary School, Azheekal – Alappad

R.C. Emmanuel Lower Primary School, Azheekal School was established in 1898 was shifted twice due to Sea erosion. In the Tsunami of December 26, 2004 the school was rendered unfit and subsequently demolished. Respectful homage to 142 citizens of Alappad who died in Tsunami. The Catholic Diocese of Quilon conducted a Relief Camp in this very premise from January 16th to March 31st 2005. 629 families displaced by Tsunami were sheltered in the Camp.

School has been rebuilt as part of the Tsunami Response Programme of Quilon Social Service Society. The school was handed over to the parish on the 28th of August 2006. The Executive Director of Quilon Social Service Society Fr. Romance Antony welcomed the function. School was blessed by Rt. Rev. Dr. Stanley Roman Bishop of Quilon. Minister for Food & Civil Supplies Sri. C Divakaran Inaugurated the school in the presence of Christian Frost, Malteser international, Sr. Daniela, DSSS, Pattuvam, Mr. Rajadas, President, Alappad Grama Panchayat, Fr. Jolly Abraham, Parish Priest, Azheekal.

Without the Cooperation of these agencies we would have not finished this project...

• The City of Oelde, Germany
• Hilfswerk Schwester Petra e.v.V Germany
• Malteser International (Order of Malta World Wide Relief, Germany)
• Aktion Deutsland Hilft, Germany
• Dinasevana Sabha, Pattuvam

Cycle Distribution to Resettled Tsunami Affected Victims

As a part of Livelihood restoration of the Tsunami affected, Quilon Social Service Society handed over 39 cycles for the fishermen from Sakthikulangara who were resettled in new habitat near to Sakthikulangara. Earlier we resettled 39 families in tow residential areas namely John Britto Nagar and Carmel Avenue. As the present settlement was far away from their fishing places QSSS decided to help them by supplying cycles so that they could get an easy access to the harbor. On the 2nd of September in an informal gathering the Executive Director blessed and handed over the Cycles to the Beneficiaries

UPCOMING EVENT

TWO DAY TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR THE YOUTH

Livelihood Development Project for Women & Youth in Tsunami Affected Area

(Supported by Catholic Health Association of India-CHAI)

Objectives of the programme

To sensitize the youth regarding their roles in social development in post tsunami perspective
To motivate the youth to come out from the social stigma which hold them back to become a contributing factor to the society

250 Youth will participate in the programme

Topics to be covered:-	Scheduled dates and places:
Disasters and its background-introduction of QSSS interventions like ‘Suraksha’ & CBDP. Contribution of Youth in social development . Obstacles in Youth development -For discussion. Youth & entrepreneurial development-introduction of Govt & Non Govt programmes focusing youth. Frame your VISION!!(a session on Goal Setting). Change in life through Change in ATTITUDE.	2006 September 27-28 @ Eravipuram 29-30 @ Sakthikulangara 2006 October 04-05 @ Azheekal 06-07 @ Arattupuzha 12-13 @ Thangassery

Project Coordinator: Mrs.GIRLY LUKOSE, MSW

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