Annual Report KSSF 2010

Annual Report2009 - 2010

Kerala Social Service Forum

ANNUAL REPORT 2009 - 2010

29th year29th yearof celebrating the networking experience

Contents

Objectives of Kssf● Strengthen and professionalise partner

organaisatons● Facilitate the planning process of the

partner organaisations● Exchange of ideas and experiences● Strengthen the federations of

community based organisations● Network with development actors● Conduct quality training to address the

social issues● Provide consultancy services● Initiate policy dialogue, advocacy and

lobbying● Conduct scientific studies and

researches● Inspire and encourage the application

of science and technology in social work● Develop new approaches in

development● Monitor and evaluate the activities of the

partner organisations● Declare solidarity to the struggles for

social justice● Facilitate democratization process

through peoples participation● Initiate and promote local resource

mobilization

VisionVisionVisionVisionVisionGrowing into a vibrantresource centre ofexcellence in social workfor the establishment of ajust society

MissionMissionMissionMissionMissionCapacitating of the partnerorganizations throughAnimation, Training,Knowledge dissemination,Consultancy, Networking,Advocacy, Lobbying andResearch.

Chairman's Message6789

172327313538414445464852

From Director's desk

Homage to Great Shepherds

Building Perspectives

Bhakshya Samurdhy

CBDP

WatSan

FARM Wayanad

IDEA

Research

Liaisoning

Women and Child Protection program

AMOS Centre

Advocacy

Spiritual Exercises at Taipei

Annual Accounts

Executive Board

Rt. Rev. Stephen Athipozhiyil(Member, JPD)

Mar. Mathew Arackal(Chairman, JPD)

Thomas Mar Koorilos(Member, JPD)

Rev. Fr. Romance Antony(Executive Secretary, JPD)

Rev. Fr. Main Melvettom Rev. Fr. Varghese Maruthoor Rev. Fr. Shaj Kumar. D

Rev. Fr. Jacob Kattady Rev. Fr. Jose Venmelott Rev. Fr. Michael VettikattuRev. Fr. Thomas Tharayil

Kerala Social Service Forum 4

Ex- officio members1. Alleppey Rev. Fr. Siju P. Job2. Bathery Rev. Fr. George Vettikatil3. Calicut Rev. Fr. Sebastian Karakkat4. Changanacherry Rev. Fr. Jacob Kattady5. Cochin Rev. Fr Johnson Chirammel6. Ernakulam Rev. Fr. Thomas Vaikathuparambil7. Idukki Rev. Fr Sebastian Kochupurakal8. Irinjalakuda Rev. Fr. Jose Palaty9. Kannur Rev. Fr Benny Manapatt10. Kanjirappally Rev. Fr Mathew Paikatt11. Kothamangalam Rev. Fr Paul Choorathotty12. Kottappuram Rev. Fr Johnson Panketh13. Kottayam Rev. Fr Michael Vettikkatt14. Mananthavady Rev. Fr John Choorapuzhayil15. Mavelikara Rev. Fr Jose Venmalot16. Muvattupuzha Rev. Fr Geevarghese Melepidikayil17. Neyyatinkara Rev. Fr D. Shajkumar18. Palai Rev. Fr Thomas Valummel19. Palghat Rev. Fr Jacob Mavumkal20. Punalur Rev. Fr Roy Prakash B Simson21. Quilon Rev. Fr Rajech Martin22. Tellicherry Rev. Fr Mani Melvattom23. Thamarassery Rev. Fr Roy Thekumkattil24. Thiruvalla Rev. Fr Wilson Nirakandathil25. Trichur Rev. Fr. Geo Kadavi26. Trivandrum AD Rev. Fr Sabbas Ignatius27. Trivandrum AD-M Rev. Fr John Vilayil28. Verapoly Rev. Fr Mathew Kallinkal29. Vijayapuram Rev. Fr Thomas Tharayil30. Pathanathitta Rev. Fr. Christy Thevaravelil

Associate membersCaritas IndiaIndo Global Social Service SocietyCatholic Relief Services

Nominated Members1. Alleppey Mrs. Jenova Philip Thekkepalakkal2. Bathery Mr. P.M. Pathrose3. Calicut Mr. P Antony4. Changanacherry Mr. Jose Puthupally5. Cochin Mrs. Catherine Roy6. Ernakulam Mrs. Annies P.J.7. Idukki Mr. Joy Mathew Plathara8. Irinjalakuda Mr. Chacko Parekaden9. Kannur Mr. Jesudas10. Kanjirappally Mr. Saji Poovathany11. Kothamangalam Mr. Robin Antony Mundackal12. Kottappuram Mr. Shinil P.C.13. Kottayam Sr. Linette14. Mananthavady Mr. O.P. Abraham15. Mavelikara Mr. C.S. Reji16. Muvattupuzha Mr. Prasad .R.17. Neyyatinkara Mrs. C.Lalitha18. Palai Mr.V.L.George19. Palghat Mr. Shaji T.J20. Punalur Adv. Jerome P21. Quilon Mrs. Mary Latha22. Tellicherry Mr. P.M. Devadas23. Thamarassery Ms. Bincy Mathew24. Thiruvalla Mr. K.C. Mathai25. Trichur Prof. Elizabeth Mathew26. Trivandrum AD Mr. Hubert Pink27. Trivandrum AD-M Mr.George28. Verapoly Mr.Christy D’Silva29. Vijayapuram Mr.K.P.John

Annual Report 2009-105

Member Societies1. Alleppey Alleppey Diocesan Charitable and

Social Welfare Society2. Bathery Shreyas3. Calicut Jeevana4. Changanacherry Changanacherry Social Service society5. Cochin Cochin Social Service Society6. Ernakulam Ernakulam Welfare Services7. Idukki Highrange Development Society8. Irinjalakuda Social Action Forum9. Kannur KAIROS10. Kanjirappally Malanadu Development Society11. Kothamangalam Kothamangalam Social

Service Society12. Kottappuram Kottapuram Integrated

Development Society13. Kottayam Kottayam Social Service Society14. Mananthavady Wayanad Social Service Society15. Mavelikara Chetana Integrated

Development Society16. Muvattupuzha Samrudhy17. Neyyatinkara Neyyatinkara Integrated

Development Society18. Palai Palai Social Welfare Society19. Palghat Peoples Service Society Palaghat20. Punalur Punalur Social Service Society21. Quilon Quilon Social Service Society22. Tellicherry Tellicherry Social Service Society23. Thamarassery Centre for Overall Development24. Thiruvalla Bodhana25. Trichur Social Action26. Trivandrum AD-L Trivandrum Social Service Society27. Trivandrum AD-M Shrothas28. Verapoly Ernakulam Social Service Society29. Vijayapuram Vijayapuram Social Service Society30. Pathanathitta Anugraha Social Service Society

OrganogramKerala Catholic Bishops’ CouncilJustice - Peace - Development Commission1. Chairman2. Two Elected Members

Executive Body1. Chairman2. Executive Secretary3. 7 Elected Ex-officio Members

KSS Forum General Body1. Chairman2. Executive Secretary3. Directors of 30 Diocesion Social Service

Societies4. 30 Nominated Lay Members from DSSS5. Associate Members

Standing Committees on1. Tribal2. Gender3. Fisher-folk4. Good governance5. Environment6. Agriculture7. Health8. Livelihood


Chairman's Message

“Today the subject of development is closelyrelated to the duties arising from our relationship tothe natural environment. Environment is God’s giftto everyone, and in our use of it we have aresponsibility towards the poor, towards futuregenerations and towards humanity as awhole.”(Pope Benedict XV1, Caritas in Veritate 48).

Environment has occupied the centre stage ofthe road map f development and we are summoned topilot the flagship of eco- restoration.

The path of sustainable development is paved withbold initiatives by the State blended with the advocacyof the voluntary sector. The myth and reality ofdevelopment need to be exposed to arrive at a consensusthat will merge with the aspirations of the people. Theplethora of meanings and emphasis on development,and the subsequent diverse implications pose questionsthat bewilder us most often. Development should meetthe needs of the present without compromising theability of future generations to meet their own needs.

The crux of sustainable development lies in theconservation of the ecosystem. People’s ability tomaintain a spiritual, cultural or aesthetic relationshipwith environment, including the availability of clean airand adequate living space for all people should providethe proper framework for the campaign on sustainabledevelopment. It is desirable to have a paradigm shifttowards an ethos of sustainable relationship with fellowhuman beings and nature, the flora and fauna. This leadsto what Pope Benedict XV1 calls covenant betweenhuman beings and the environment, which should mirrorthe creative love of God as an image of responsiblestewardship over nature (Caritas in Veritate 49, 50)

2010 is being observed as the International Yearof Biodiversity. The campaign on biodiversity the worldover provides a unique opportunity for demarcating thefrontiers of development. A development mode thatrespects the concerns of the future generations shouldbe adopted by all the actors in the field. This is actuallya campaign for the survival of humanity, the survival ofthe poor and the marginalized. Deforestation for decadesposes the danger of an oncoming desertification. Wehave plundered Mother Earth to the extent of pushing

many species to extinction. The drive to conservedepleting species in the agriworld is systematicallybeing blocked by groups and institutions out to takemonetary benefit from the crisis of the biomass. Fishbiodiversity, whether marine or inland waters, is anotherconcern that invites urgent intervention.

Ecoprotection is intimately attached to thelivelihood options of our stakeholders — be it the farmingcommunity or the fishing community — and should beaddressed through the eyes and ears of people who arealready being thrown to impoverishment consequent toa spiraling culture of biomassacre. As protagonists ofthe Gospel of Life, the Diocesan Social Service Societiesand the Kerala Social Service Forum are called up tolead a crusade for the protection of the world God “sawthat it was good” and gifted to humanity with a mandateto protect it with all its pristine beauty (Gen 1.29-31) .

Kerala Social Service Forum has always been inthe vanguard of protecting nature and natural resources.As latecomers in the field claim patent, let us notwithdraw from the field but surge forward with newdynamism. Basically we are dealing with ResourceManagement Systems. Traditional systems of resourcemanagement provide good models. The introduction ofnew technology must respect ground rules in themanagement of resources. This applies tomicroenterprises by Self Help Groups as well. People’sparticipation is the most important instrument to protectenvironment. Water management and waste disposalare two areas where Diocesan Social Service Societiesshould reincarnate as pastures for the apostolate.Innovative programs in this are to be drafted.

As Pope Benedict says “The Church has aresponsibility towards creation and must assert thisresponsibility in the public sphere” (Caritas in Veritate51). We are sent by our divine master to “give life andlife in all its abundance.” As this network is flagged offto another year of opportunities, let us rededicateourselves to this divine call.

Mar Mathew Arackal


From Director's desk

unscientific fishing practices continue under the maskof traditional fishing. Kerala’s Back Water and lakesare turning to be graveyards of fish resources. Tourismis shattering and polluting our waters. All the DSSSshaving marine area or inland water bodies in theiroperational area are to creatively intervene for advocacymeasures hand in hand with like minded NGO’s in theirarea.

Conserving Biodiversity in the agricultural sectoris multifaceted. Farmers are no more concerned abouttraditional values that respected seeds, soil and climate.Over farming mono-crop and disastrous use of chemicalfertilizers and pesticides are issues that are discussedin workshops and media, even as farmers go unheeded.Migrating from a despoiled land to fresh pastures cannotbe the answer to the present agricultural crisis.

People, culture and land are inseparable elementsof human ecology and as such they are a key tosustainable development. Traditional cultures bettermaintained the relationship between these threeelements. The sacred groves around our temples are abeautiful testimony of respect to trees. We live in a culturewhere soil, water, vegetation and animals form an integralwhole.

Environment resources are equally a source oflivelihood. Some of our partners successfully restoredabandoned water sources through simple techniquesand set models for eco-restoration in the just concludedCBDP Program. Replication of such restoration is highlyrecommended.

The political dimension in eco- restoration is aninevitable factor to be dealt with. Framing of policiesand enforcement of laws rests with political power fromNational Government, State Government to the GramaPanchayath. In Plachimada, the political power exhibitedin closing the coco-cola factory on the ground of affectingground water is a story of people’s power in favour ofenvironment.

As the world celebrates the diversity of natureand lining beings let us remember our mission to givelife –life in all its abundance

Fr.Romance Antony

As I present the report of yet another year of thisnetwork, I am happy to present a program for the causeof our beautiful land –God’s own country. Promotingpeople’s participation in protection, maintenance andregeneration of biodiversity should engage the prioritizedattention of this network. People have a right and dutyto protect nature and environment. Managing resourcessustainable in the local level is essential for achievingthe global good of sustainable development. Howevergrass root participation has multiple dimensions. Firstin question is “the right of citizens to know and haveaccess to current information on the state of theenvironment and natural resources, the right to beconsulted and to participate in decision making inactivities which are likely to have a significant effect onthe environment, and the right to legal remedies andredress for those whose health or environment has beenor may be seriously affected” ( Brand t land commission1987)

Presentation of environment impact study andinterface with people of local area is mandatory for thesanction of any project. Transparency is critical in thisregard. Kerala has the rare distinction of havingabandoned a mega hydro-electric project in Silent Valleyon the basis of the risk of endangering biodiversity inone of the rare biomass in our planet. The ongoingcontroversy on Athirapally is significant in this regard.The thermal Electrical Plant in Kayamkulam has resultedin heavy loss of biodiversity in Kayamkulam Kayal is aliving example of industry intruding in to the reserve ofrare species.

Protection of nature as well as livelihood educationin environment biodiversity conservation must be takenup by all DSSSs as a prime intervention area,mainstreamed in to the over all awareness generationof the community level organizations.

Conflicts over resource management andenvironment concerns are in the increase. The epochmaking struggle of Medha Padkar in the cause ofenvironment and livelihood is a case of assertion bypeople. The agitation by traditional fisher folk in thecoastal districts in 1986 moved the State governmentto introduce trawling ban in monsoon, restrict nighttrawling etc which are positive steps towards protectionof fish biodiversity. And yet over fishing continues,


Rev. Fr. Mathew Thoyalil VC

Kerala Social Service Forum pays tribute to the memoryof Rev.Fr.Mathew Thoyalil V.C. who played the pioneering andpivotal role in the formation of this state level Network andnurturing it with ennobling vision and enviable charisma beingits chief functionary for a span of thirteen years. He wasinstrumental in forging unity among all the social service wingsof dioceses in Kerala and in developing common perceptionsleading to co-ordinated social and development ventures. Itwas indeed his farsightedness which enabled the Forum toemerge as the harbinger of many an innovative initiative tailoredto respond to development issues and thrust areas. Worthmentioning in this regard are the Credit Union Movement andEnvironment Campaign propagated throughout Kerala underhis leadership. A terra firma was laid under his unfailingleadership for the Forum to mature as the collective voice andconscience of the Catholic Church in Kerala equipped to deviseresponse to socio-economic issues concerning the state fromtime to time. We the member organizations of this august Forumthank God for the beautiful life and message of Fr. MathewThoyalil and pray the Lord of life to grant him eternal life.

MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE.

Homage to Great Shepherds

His GraceMost. Rev. Dr. Daniel Acharuparambil.

(Died on 26th October 2009)

He was the President of Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council,was an internationally renowned academic, an expert on IndianPhilosophy and Hinduism.

He was a man of great vision and a vibrant leader pilotingthe Kerala Catholic Church since 2007. His timely interventionsand guidance and contributions to the Kerala society had beenmanifold and significant. We place on record his unfailingsupport to this Forum.

Kerala Social Service Forum, the networking andcoordinating wing of Justice Peace and DevelopmentCommission pays tribute.


“Cogito ergo sum”…It is when ideas germinatethat human race reaches new heights. The journey ofHomo sapiens to the cyber global village has gonethrough various vistas. Each generation is born with adifferent perspective. The paradigm shift in theperspectives of the voluntary sector is so fast that veryoften many organizations fail to catch up withcorresponding response to the ever changing socialrealities and emerging challenges.

Kerala Social Service Forum initiated a protractedprocess to prepare a Regional Perspective Plan (RPP)for the social and development sectors in Kerala, underthe auspices of the Catholic Church. This was an attemptto put together our vision of development for the nextdecade, considering aspects relating to developmentneeds, availability of resources, strategies for resourceallocation with a focus on the sustainability ofdevelopment results.

The RPP is destined to be flexible as it will leave

Building PerspectivesKerala Catholic Churches in retreat to formulate perspective plan

scope for continuous on-course improvement. We hopeto build on strengths and results, rather than beingexclusively limited by pre-set objectives. Focusing onthe Sectoral development needs during the next five toten years, we hope to depart from piecemeal solutionsand project based approach. It is recalled that a similarexercise was held in 2005 by the JPDC and KSSF todevelop a RPP. However, departing from the 2005initiative, we have now begun with Diocesan PerspectivePlans and combine the same to formulate a regionalplan. It is our hope that the Regional Perspective Planfor Development would become socially beneficial,regionally contextual, environmentally sustainable,financially feasible, institutionally viable and politicallyacceptable, adopting an inclusive approach.

Methodology

1. Scanning of Diocesan Perspective Plan (DPP):All 29 Dioceses have completed their exercise ofpreparing DPP during the last three years. These


documents have been collected and scanned toderive common concerns, strategies and developmentperspectives for Kerala.

2. Questionnaire survey and consolidation of data:A comprehensive questionnaire was prepared andresponses from the dioceses were collected. Datafrom these are tabulated and analyzed

3. Interactions with Diocesan Social ServiceSocieties: Interactions with Director and Staff of 29Diocesan Social Service Societies were held to elicittheir opinions and responses on development issues.

4. Staff discussions at Kerala Social ServiceForum: Several rounds of staff level discussions wereheld at KSSF regarding the RPP and conclusionsfrom these discussions are incorporated

5. Interactions with Church related DevelopmentOrganizations: Discussions have been held withCaritas India, Indo-Global Social Service Society andother similar national level lead NGOs.

6. Inputs from Experts and Advisors: Inputs and feedback from sectoral and thematic experts was suitablyincorporated in the RPP document

7. Review and Revisit of RPP document: A Statuspaper on Kerala was prepared and the RPP document

was reviewed while drafting the RPP document.8. RPP workshop: The draft RPP discussed for

approval in the RPP workshop organized at Vazhoor.The final document prepared based on the comments,deliberations during the workshop and inputs fromthe experts.

The processes of RPP identified the developmentissues through participatory approach and assessedthe deficiencies in the prioritized sectors of development.An alternative set of development strategies evolved andprepared. The process helped to arrive at an acceptablefuture direction for development. The processsupplemented to identify shortfalls in management skillsand capacities for achieving results.

Workshop on Regional Perspective Plan

Culmination of the exercise was the RegionalPerspective Plan Workshop held on 27-29 April 2009 atAnugrha Renewal Centre, Vazhoor. His Excellency MarMathew Arackal, Chairman, Justice Peace &Development Commission inaugurated the function. Dr.K. K. George, Director-Centre for Socio Economic


Studies, Cochin gave the key note address on the roleof Catholic Church in the issues and challenges of theDevelopment scenario of Kerala. Mr.T.A Varghese,Development Consultant introduced the chief guest tothe participants. Mrs. Lida Jacob IAS (Rtd), Mr. KushalNeogy CRS India and Mr. K.A.Sebastian, State Officer,Caritas India felicitated. Rev. Fr. Romance Antonywelcomed the participants and Rev. Fr. Joseph Oliakkatil,Director, Centre for Overall Development extended voteof thanks.

Valedictory function of RPP workshop held on29th April 2009. His Beatitude Baselios Mar CleemisCatholicos, Vice President, Catholic Bishops’Conference of India presided the function. Concludingremarks was given by His Excellency Mar MathewArackal, Chairman, KCBC Justice Peace andDevelopment Commission. Rev Fr. Romance Antony,Executive Director of KSSF presented the Regional PlanDeclaration. Vote of thanks was extended by Rev Fr.Jacob Kattady, Director, CHASS.

GOOD GOVERNANCEFISHERIESENVIRONMENTHEALTHAGRICULTURETRIBALS AND DALITSGENDER

Sectoral Perspective Plan WorkshopsObjectives of SPP

● To find out the sector wise issues and problems inKerala context

● To prepare Sectoral background paper on theprevailing issues/problems/conditions

● To promote the participation and involvement ofDSSSs in formulating focused prospective actionsin each social development sector

● To identify the intervention areas of churches onvarious issues identified (sector wise) and to preparea draft plan

Workshop on Good Governance

Workshop on Good Governance was organizedon 26-27 October 2009 at AMOS Centre.Representatives from 22 diocesan societies participatedin the workshop. Placid G, Director of SAHAYI facilitatedthe sessions. Discussion on the Governance issues atPanchayat Raj Institutions and at Diocesanorganizations was analyzed in the group sessions. Theworkshop identified suitable strategies to address thegovernance issues.

Workshop on Marine Fisheries

RPP Workshop came out with a historicdeclaration which may be considered the Magna Cartafor the Church sector in socio economic developmentfor the next decade. The workshop identified sevensectors and it was decided to conduct an in-depthanalysis of social development sectors in Kerala andthen to develop Sectoral Perspective Plan for theinterventions of the Catholic Churches in Kerala. SectoralPerspective Plan aims at an intensive analysis ofprevailing conditions in various social developmentsectors in Kerala context. For convenience, the sectorsof intervention have been categorized into seven.


Perspective plan workshop on marine fisheriessector was organized at Jubilee Animation Center,Trivandrum on 3-4 Dec 2010. Objective of the workshopwas to generate discussions among the participantsabout the problems pertaining in marine fisheries sectorand to formulate a draft plan for the marine fisheriessector in Kerala. Special focus was given to thelivelihoods of fishermen in Kerala coasts. Task forcemembers from the CBOs formed under CBDPprogramme and the point persons from the partnerdioceses participated. Experts from fisheries sectorcontributed their valuable comments and suggestion toformulate the plan document.

Workshop on Health

issues of environment degradation in Kerala.Representatives from 14 partner organizations joinedthe sessions. Dr. Abey George, Former Director of KILAled a session on the prevailing environmental issues ofKerala. Dr. John Mary, Development consultantfacilitated Group discussions to generate ideas oninterventions to address the locally specific environmentalissues. The workshop ended with the formulation of 13point strategies to address the issues of environment.

Workshop on Agriculture

Workshop on the preparation of RegionalPerspective Plan on Agriculture was organized on 4thFebruary 2010 at AMOS centre, Kottayam.Representatives from 29 partner organizations attendedthe workshop. Sri. Thomas Chazhikadan, HonorableMLA inaugurated the workshop. Fr. ThomasPeelianickal was the chief resource person for theprogramme. Mr. T. A. Varghese, DevelopmentConsultant moderated participatory session in theworkshop.

Workshop on Tribals and Dalits

Workshop on Dalit issues

Sectoral perspective plan on Dalit was conductedon 15-16 March 2010 at AMOS Center, Kottayam. 20participants attended from different partnerorganizations. Rev. Fr. John Areekkal, President ofDCMS-Kerala inaugurated the programme. He focusedon the continuing woes of Dalit Christians in Kerala. Dr.John Mary was the facilitator for the sessions.Interventions on the issues specific to the Dalits in Keralawas proposed by the group and a draft plan on the samewas formulated.

Two day workshop on health was organized atAMOS Center on 17th and 18th November 2009. Mainobjective of the SPP was to ensure safe and comfortablefeeling by increasing the awareness level on preventivemeasures and accessible facilities, and thus to helppeople to figure out their human rights and benefits.There were 15 participants for the workshop from differentdioceses. The participants were staff with health andallied programs and those rich experts who couldcontribute to the discussion and workshop dynamics.15 point strategies were by the end of the workshop.

Workshop on Environment issues in Kerala

Sectoral perspective plan workshop onenvironment was organized on 28-29 at Amos Centre.The workshop aimed to build a perspective on the burning


Workshop on Tribal issues

developmental interventions targeting the tribes. Issuespertaining in the sector like land issues, health problems,concerns in infrastructure development and goodgovernance was discussed. Fr. Thomas JosephTherakam, Director of ‘Maattoli’ Community Radioinaugurated the workshop. He presented the topic‘Adivasi Rights Violation’.

Workshop on Gender

Two day workshop on gender was organized atWelfare Services Ernakulam on 28-29 October 2009 withthe objective of preparing a draft perspective plan forgender mainstreaming interventions by the Churches inKerala. The workshop revisited the basic notions ofgender and development in social service context anddiscussed about the major issues and problems relatedto gender in Kerala. Mr. P.V.Baiju, Lecturer, SreeSankarcharya University of Sanskrit led the sessions.

The final document of RPP and separate SPPdocuments are scheduled to be released on 1st

November 2010.

The Sectoral Perspective Plan workshop held atSHREYAS, Bathery on 23-24 March 2010 put forwardedthe need of addressing the livelihood issues of Adivasisin Kerala. The workshop analyzed the present situationsof the Kerala Tribes and identified the gaps in the


● The social development mission of the Churchis based on an inclusive approach whereby themost marginalized gets the benefit ofdevelopment, going beyond all divisive forces andbeliefs. The Church also believes in linking andnetworking with all like minded individuals,organizations and institutions in creating asociety based on equality and justice.

● The Workshop also has concluded that it is ofutmost priority to enhance the capabilities ofpeople so as to enable them to effectivelyrespond to the emerging issues in socioeconomic and cultural vicissitudes of life. Thedevelopment model adopted by the Churchshould be one that respects and ensures thefreedom of people. The workshop has deploredall forces who try to deny the freedom andcapabilities to the people. The church remainscommitted as ever to uphold the freedom of theindividual and his inalienable rights. In the dawnof the new millennium, the Church recognizesthat along with responsible human freedoms, itis necessary to strengthen efforts to promotebiodiversity and the conservation and sustainableuse of the natural resources.

● The Church would like to share with the civilsociety, the Government and other developmentactors, the development mission which it wouldlike to adopt for implementation during the nextfive years.

● Plan and implement a massive scheme to ensurelivelihood security to one million families. Theinitiatives in livelihood security programme willcover agriculture, fisheries, micro enterprises andservice sector.

● Respond to the emerging crisis in food security/food safety by molding and putting in place tenthousand {10000} farmers spread across 200villages in Kerala, who will adopt organic andintegrated farming methods.

● Motivate 50,000 Community BasedOrganizations under the partner organizationsof KSSF to take up programmes to mitigate theeffects of climate change and consequentenvironmental disasters. They will also attempt

Regional Perspective Plan on Development

Declaration by Kerala Social Service Forum onBehalf of Justice, Peace DevelopmentCommission of Kerala Catholic Bishops Council

● The Catholic Church in Kerala has decided toformulate strategic development initiatives to facethe challenges posed by global economic andecological crisis. The initiative to formulate thestrategic response of the church to the globalcrisis is taken by Kerala Social Service Forum(KSSF) on behalf of the Justice, Peace andDevelopment Commission of the Kerala CatholicBishops’ Council (KCBC). KSSF is theFederation of 29 Diocesan Social ServiceSocieties under the Catholic Church in Kerala.

● The Church has played a critical and key role inthe achievements of Kerala State especially inthe sectors of education and health. It has broughtseveral streams of communities to themainstream of development over the ages,through its efforts. The Church has shapedreplicable models of development besidesjourneying with the people of the State in their“tryst with destiny” and struggles for justice. Ithas always constructively responded to the socialissues faced by the State of Kerala. The Churchrecognizes its pivotal role in the contemporarydevelopment scenario of Kerala and to actualizeits mission to "proclaim the good news".

● With the above objective in mind, the KSSForganized a three days workshop during 27-29April, 2009 at Anugraha Renewal Centre,Kodungoor, Kottayam. Approximately, 100representatives, drawn from the CatholicDiocesan Social Service Societies, Para-ChurchSocial Work Organizations, ReligiousCongregations, Development Activists, Scholars,Scientists and lay representatives participatedin the workshop. The Workshop has concludedthat it is necessary to critically evaluate the socialinterventions of the Church till date andreconstruct new and modified responses againstthe contemporary challenges and concerns. Theresponse of the Church has to be founded onsocial equity, justice and sustainabledevelopment.


to build social defense against natural and man-made disasters and build community basedcoping mechanisms to face disasters.

· Give leadership to overcome the agrarian crisisrocking the State. We will concentrate onparticipatory interventions to augment production,making farming economic and dignified, buildhealthy relationship between farmers andlaborers, design appropriate processingmeasures and ensuring a marketing system thatwill assure fair price for produce. We will renderco-operation to all measures that will restore thefreedom our farmers and introduction of eco-friendly practices.

● Special focus on distress areas such as Idukki,Wayanad, Kuttanad and Kole lands {Trichur},addressing the grave environmental degradationand ensuing occupation crisis therein.

● Provide leadership to mitigate the problems inthe fisheries sector, ranging from ownership overproduction infrastructure, operational costs,marketing systems including the problems of fishvending women, environmental issues related todepletion of fish resources and habitat, lack ofinfrastructural facilities in fishing villages. Bothmarine fishing sector and inland fishing sectorpose grave livelihood crisis as well as ecologicalthreats inviting sustained intervention by theChurch and its development organizations. Wewill also intervene in favor of fishing communityas regards coastal management laws andconservation measures.

● Reinforcement of the 33000 Self Help Groupsunder the patronage of partner organizations ofKerala Social Service Forum so as to emergeas effective tools for community developmentwith emphasis on professionalization ofMicrofinance and Micro Enterprises.

● Enhance the role of socially and economicallybackward sections of people in local policyformulation and participation in implementationof policies and programmes. Social fraternities{CBOs} under the patronage of the partnerorganizations of Kerala Social Service Forum willbe geared towards articulating the concerns ofpeople and in proposing alternate models of

Development. Kerala Social Service Forum willstrive towards increasing the creativity of civilsociety by strengthening the participation ofcommunities in participatory democraticinstitutions under Panchayat Raj System anddecentralized peoples’ planning process so asto improve the role of the civil society ingovernance and make attempts to ensuretransparency and accountability.

● Formation of Self Help Groups (FraternityGroups) of physically challenged and mentallychallenged to provide social security and dignifiedre-habilitation.

● Provide leadership for the collective interventionin ensuring the availability of land the primarymeans of production to farmers as well as theraising number of landless in the State. TheChurch will support struggle of farmers- farmersin Cardamom Hill Reserve {CHR} in Idukki,fishermen, Tribals and economically and sociallybackward for entitlement.

● The Health care machinery under the Church willbe geared for preparing programmes to provideaffordable health care to the poor andmarginalized and linkages will be established toeffectively combat communicable diseases.

● Kerala Social Service Forum will continue to mapthe disaster prone areas in Kerala and promotedisaster preparedness among the communitieswho live in disaster prone locations. KSSF willalso support initiatives to protect eco-fragileareas and take leadership for promotion andconservation of mangrove forest systems for theconservation of coastal and lowland locations inKerala.

● The Church will support campaign to control theexploitation of groundwater and undertakerestoration, rejuvenation and maintenance oftraditional water sources.

● Make focused interventions for and among theyouth so as to address issues of insecurity,erosion of values among the youth and controltendencies of violence among them. The Youthwill be given life skill trainings so as to place


them in the vanguard in the battle for socialchange.

● Church stays united with the rights ofmarginalized communities especially the Dalits,Tribals and unorganized laborers. Church assertssupport to the campaign for restoration of theinalienable rights of Dalit Christians who havepaid a heavy cost for discipleship.

● Empowerment of women will enjoy prime placein the social and development interventions ofthe Church in the new millennium. All efforts willbe made to end domestic violence anddiscrimination against women. Women initiativesand movements will be given all support to endthe exploitation against them, as well as civilsociety efforts to accord protection to women.

● All efforts will be made to ensure gendersensitivity and equity in all programmesundertaken by the member organizations ofKSSF and in all avenues of civil society.

● Efforts will be made to tap the skill and expertiseof elders {senior citizens} and to design suitable

It is decided to constitute Expert Working Groups(EWG) to prepare Sectoral Perspective Plan (SPP) forthe shortlisted sectors. Such EWGs will make use ofscientific data collection and analysis in preparing SPP.Such SPP will be placed before the seven Regional NGONetworks (RNGON) in Kerala and will be subjected towider discussion. It is our hope that the first phase ofthe RPP will be completed by 1st November, 2009, beingthe Kerala Formation Day.

schemes for participation of elders indevelopment process.

● Church will campaign against the use andpromotion of Genetically Modified Seeds inagriculture.

● Church will cooperate with like minded and othermovements and institutions engaged in socialand development work. KSSF will give qualifiedsupport to all measures and programs of theCentral and State Governments in povertyalleviation and in addressing issues of small andmedium farmers, Fishermen, Dalits, Tribals andother deprived sections

● Special effort will be made to convert experienceinto knowledge and promote action research inthe partner organizations of KSSF. Vigorousefforts will be made to link science andtechnology in development interventions by theChurch and its auxiliaries. A center for research,knowledge promotion and documentation will beset up at AMOS center, Kottayam. ParticipatoryResearch will be given significant focus at thecentre.

The Catholic Church in Kerala believes in thewelfare, integral development and liberation of all sectsof the population in the State especially the marginalizedgroups. The Church remains committed to the cause ofnational integration, communal harmony and secularfabric our nation. We also reaffirm our faith in non-violenceas an approach to development and conflict resolution.

(The above draft RPP was approved by the plenary assembly of the Regional Perspective Plan Workshopin the afternoon of 29th April 2009)

Follow up Actions for the Workshop on RegionalPerspective Plan


“Bhakshysa Sumrudhy” the proud intervention ofKSSF as a collective response of the Catholic Churchin Kerala to the ensuing crisis in Food Security hasmade inroads into a dying agri scenario of the State.

We need to have an integrated view of FoodSecurity. The ultimate goal is to achieve a hunger freeIndia. It is for the first time that we are taking a rightbased approach to hunger and livelihood.

Basically we are dealing with the fundamentalright to life. Based on Article 21 of the Constitution, theSupreme Court has regarded the Right to Food as afundamental requirement for the right to life. The numberof under nourished persons has increased from about210 million in 1990-1992 to 252 million in 2004-2006.India has about half the world’s under nourished children.There has been a decline in the percapita calorieconsumption in recent decades. The percentage ofchildren below three years who are undernourished is40%. The paradox is that grain mountain and hungrymillions continue to co-exist.

Bhakshya Samurdhy“Unless we urgently address agriculture issues, the country may have to revert to a ship- tomouth existence once again after 40 years” - Dr. APJ Abdulkalam

We are moving from a patronage based approachto a right based approach in areas related to humandevelopment and well being. Act like RTI, right toEducation, Land for Scheduled Tribe, forest dwellersand NREG are examples. Food Security Bill is the nextin the line; perhaps the most important legislation since1947.

Food Security, as internationally accepted,involves physical, economic and social access to abalanced diet, safe drinking water, and environmentalhygiene and primary health care. The above definitionwill involve concurrent attention to the availability of foodin the market, the ability to buy needed food and thecapability to absorb and utilize the food in the body.Thus food and non food factors (that is, drinking water,environmental hygiene and primary health care) areinvolved in food security.

From 1970s the agriculture and land use patternin Kerala have undergone tremendous change. Thefarming communities in Kerala are switching over to cash


crops in mono-cropping pattern which has virtually riskedindigenous food production. Over usage of chemicalfertilizers and pesticides has affected the natural fertilityof land as well as the sustenance and rejuvenation ofbio- mass. Extreme low productivity and prolonged lessinvestment in agriculture, poor farmer friendly policies,inappropriate rules for trade and investment betweenrich and poor countries, diversion of valuable foodresources, population explosion, shrinking landrecourses, climate change, disorders in the publicdistribution system are the main issues related to foodsecurity.

“Bhakshysa Sumrudhy” was inaugurteed by MarMathew Arackal in 2009. The activitesas areimplemented by 38 partners covering the whole State.For the better implementation the partners are groupedunder seven NGO network. Each network has aChairperson representing the newtork who is reponsiblein organising the meetings and trainings in consultationwith the Forum. The following are the various NGOnetwork, the dioceses and the Chairperson of thenetwork;

Dioceses

1. Neyattinkara Integral Development Society (NIDS),2. Malankara Social Service Society (MSSS),3. Trivandrum Social Service Society (TSSS),4. Quilon Social Service Society (QSSS),5. Punalur Social Service Society (PSSS)

1. Changanassery Social Service Society (CHASS),2. Alappey Diocesan Charitable and Social Welfare Society

(ADC& SWS),3. Kuttandu Vikasana Samithy (KVS),4. Chethana Integral Development Society (CHIDS), and5. Tiruvalla Social Service Society (Bodhana)

1. Kottayam Social Service Society (KSSS),2. Vijayapuram Social Service Society (VSSS),3. Palai Social Welfare Society(PSWS),4. Malanadu development Society(MDS)

1. High Range Development Society (HDS),2. Peerumade Development Society (PDS) and3. VOSARD, Kumily

1. Welfare Services Ernakulum (WSE),2. Kothamangalam Social Service Society (KSSS),3. Muvattupuzha Social Service Society(Samrudhi),4. Cochin Social Service Society(CSSS),5. Ernakulam Social Service Society(ESSS)

1. Social Action-Thrissur,2. Social Action Forum- Irinjalakuda,3. Kottapuram Integral Development Society (KIDS),4. Peoples Service Society Palakkad (PSSP),5. Attapadi Social Service Organization (ASSO),6. Kuriakose Elias Social Service Society (KESS),7. AVARD Chalakudy

1. Telicherry Social Service Society (TSSS),2. KAIROS Kannur,3. MASS Kannur,4. Payavur Community Development Project(PCDP),5. Centre for Overall Development (COD) Thamarassery,6. Calicut Diocesan Social Service Society-Jeevana

(CDSSS),7. Shreyas -Bathery,8. Wayanad Social Service Society (WSSS)-Manathawadi,9. Women Welfare Association (WWA) Wayanad

Chair person Director of

Neyattinkara IntegralDevelopment Society(NIDS)

Changanassery SocialService Society (CHASS)

Kottayam Social ServiceSociety (KSSS)

High Range DevelopmentSociety (HDS)

Welfare ServicesErnakulum (WSE)

Social Action-Thrissur

Telicherry Social ServiceSociety (TSSS)

NGO Network

Southern Keralanetwork

Central Travancorenetwork

Kottayam NGONetwork

Idukki NGO network

Ernakulum NGOnetwork

Central Kerala NGOnetwork

Malabar NGOnetwork


Objectives

● Formation and strengthening of RegionalNetworks for effective campaign for food security

● Enabling Diocesan Social Service Societies andother faith based NGOs to intensify initiatives topromote agri-related ventures and in motivatingpeople to join the struggle to ensure food security.

● Promoting conservation of traditional knowledgeand practices in agriculture

● Encouraging exclusive use of organic inputs likeindigenous seeds, manure and bio-pesticides andrestraining use of chemicals in farming

● Conserving indigenous seeds● Ensuring integrated farming system where

agriculture and animal husbandry go hand in hand● Enlisting self reliance in essential food

commodities: rice vegetables, tubers, fruits, milk,egg and meat.

● Formation of farmer groups that would functionsas trend setters in organic farming for ensuringfood safety and food security.

● Streamlining the ongoing programs for foodsecurity in DSSS/NGOs and linking them to themainstream campaign for food security.

S.No Zone Venue Date

1 Southern Kerala TSSS 8th July 2009NGO Network

2 Idukki NGO HDS 7th July 2009Network

3 Kottayam NGO KSSS 29th June 2009Network

4 Travancore South CHASS 13th July 2009Central KeralaNGO Network

5 Ernakulam NGO WSE 14th July 2009Network

6 Central Kerala Social 16th July 2009NGO Network Action

Forum

7 North Malabar Shreyas 18th June 2009NGO Network

Regional Planning workshops

Regional Planning workshops were organized atzonal level as detailed below for designing area specificaction plans. The workshops analysed the agri -relatedissues at stake and explored fresh avenues andinnovative initiatives in responding to the worsening foodsecurity scenario of the State. The workshop alsofocused to bring a common understanding among theimplementing partners regarding the staggering foodcrisis and food insecurity.

Facilitator’s Training

Three day residential workshop to capacitate theProgram facilitators was organized at AMOS Centre onMay 11-13, 2009. The sessions consisted of inputs andexposure visits to a few farm models. The main sessionincluded: an overview, issues and challenges of FoodSecurity, integrated farming- Food crops with relevanceto food security, Planning the farm ecosystem throughParticipatory Rural Appraisal, Integrated farming withlivestocks, Strategic relevance of organic farming in FoodSecurity, Seed conservation and watershed approaches


Formation of Farmers’ Fraternity Groups (FFGs)

The partners in the program have selected 176cluster villages in 60 Grama Panchayaths and formed283 FFGs spread across the State as part of the FoodSafety Campaign. We have presently mobilized 5807farmers for introduction to organic farming practices asdetailed below district wise.

Sl. No District No of Farmersmobilized

1. Thiruvananthapuram 3262. Kollam 1653. Pathanamtitta 2004. Alapuzha 8925. Kottayam 8206. Iddukki 4897. Ernakulam 9058. Trichur 4339. Palakkad 29810. Malappuram 15611. Kozhikode 10012. Wayanad 62213. Kannur 32414. Kasargode 77

Total 5807

The Organic farmer creates fervor among thevillagers

Mr. George Joseph, an organic farmer in Puthoor village,Trichur has set himself as a farmer different in his farmingpractice. He is one of 156 members of the Farmers FraternityGroups (FFGs) formed by the Kuriakose Elias Social ServiceSociety (KESS) with the guidance of Kerala Social ServiceForum (KSSF) as part of Bhakshya Samrudhi-Food Securitycampaign.

Mr. George has three acres of land and he startedorganic farming in one acre by 2007. He cultivates crops likeplantain, tubers, and different vegetables like lady’s finger,bitter guard, pumpkin, brinjal, amaranths, snake guard, tapiocaetc Mr. George became aware about the allied agriculturalfields like livestock management, vermi-composting and so on.He uses neem cake, cow dung, vermi-compost, vermi-washand natural pest repellents like tobacco decoction and neemoil emulsion to cultivate the food crops. The dairy unit withthree cows also brings profits and gives fertility in the land.

Mr. George establishes a marketing unit of vermi-compost and bio fertilizers l in his home which he sells to thevillagers at affordable price. shares that around

Mr. George is marketing his organic food crops andbio-fertilizers through Vegetable and Fruit promotion CouncilKerala (VFPCK). At present, Mr. George Joseph who claimsto have gained Rupees one Lakh as profit in the past yearfrom one acre of land through organic farming and allied organicfields like dairy units, bio-fertilizers etc which according to himis approximately equal to that from the semi-organicallycultivated 2 acres.

Joseph is the key person of the Farmers’ FraternityGroups of Puthoor Panchayath and he is motivating the villagersto practice organic farming. The replicable farming modelspracticed by Mr. George create fervor among the neighborsand help them to reduce the anxiety regarding the profit plightdue to organic farming. He is an approved trainer and awardholder from Kerala Horticulture department in 2000.It is obviousthat Mr. George is an ambassador of Bhakshy Samrudhy-Food Security campaign in Puthoor Panchayath.


We are committed to upscale the number to tenthousand soon which does not appear to be a distantdream as the partners together cover over a lakh farmersin routine interventions.

Participatory Rural Appraisals (PRA)

Poor marketing sources

Lack of value additions

Scarcity of agriculture labourers

Food adultration and health issues

Lower income from food crops

Defragmentation of agricultural land

Disorders in the Public Distribution Systems

Poor linkage with agriculture and allied departments

Unscientific micro level planning

Lack of tecnological knowledges in cost effective organic farming

Issues related to land possession

Partners conducted PRA exercises in the targetedvillages. Study helped to identify the issues of therespective villages related to Food Security and to planout appropriate strategies. The important tools usedwere Social Mapping & Resource mapping, Transectwalk, Village crop mapping, Seasonality calendar, FoodPath mapping, Venn-diagram etc.

Village Level Seminars and Training

Partners organized 55 village-level orientationseminars on diverse topics in collaboration withagriculture department, NABARD and other allieddepartments. The seminars brought more visibility tothe food safety campaign.

Zonal level review meetings

The objectives of the zonal review meetings wereto ensure NGO level food safety interventions and reviewthe past one year activities of the partners. ProgramFacilitator of ‘Bhakshya Samrudhi’ submitted the reportof the progress of the program. The session alsoplanned future activities like Lead Farmers Training,District Level workshop on Food Security, Seed bankformation, linkage with NABARD, State HorticultureMission etc.

The State team along with the participants of zonalreview undertook visit of successful organic farmers inthe area which provided ample opportunity for learning.

S. No Seminar Total

1 Organic integrated farming 17

2 Livestock management 8(cow, goat, rabbit, piggery poultry,duck, quill etc)

3 Organic vegetable cultivation and 4marketing sources

4 Training on Food Processing 3

5 Food Security and climate change 6

6 Health and Food adulteration 11

7 Organic manure preparation 3

8 Zero budget natural farming 2

9 Traditional knowledges in farming 1


Key Achievements● Partners mobilized 5807 model organic farmers

all over Kerala● The Food safety Campaign was organized in

176 villagers of 60 Panchayaths in the State● Partners identified Lead Farmers who are

practicing sustainable agriculture● The cluster level orientation and seminar

covered 10000 farmers in Kerala● Farmers Fraternity Groups (FFGs) are being

registered under NAARD● An effective linkage is established between

partners and Agriculture and allied● departments● Traditional Agriculture knowledge is shared

S.No Date Venue1 02/02/2010 HDS, Idukki2 09/02/2010 WSE, Ernakulum3 12/02/2010 WSSS, Mananthawadi4 16/02/2010 KSSS, Kottayam5 23/02/2010 ASSO, Attapadi6 25/02/2010 TSSS, Trivandrum7 05/02/2010 CHASS, Changanassery

Dominic practices dry land paddy cultivation‘Think before you leap’ becomes meaningless in the

case of Mr. Dominic, Cheerankode Thalackal house, an organicfarmer from Nedumanagad village of Trivandrum District. Hisdedication and deep love for nature enable him to leap withoutconventional thinking of farming. The dry land paddy cultivationmade good results.Successes will not origin in a day

Mr. Dominic 37 aged young farmer is doing organiccultivation in 7.5 acres of land. He has 22 years of experiencein organic farming. Out of 7.5 acres, 6 acre is leased propertyat @ Rs. 1000/acre for 6 months. Twelve verities of plantains,tapioca, ginger, turmeric etc are being cultivated in his land.‘Munkili’, ‘Kaveri’, ‘Kumbillakannan’, ‘Crystal Ethan’, ‘Vatti’, etcare the main verities of plantains in his land. He is experimentallycultivating cauliflower, cabbage, carrot in small area of hisland. “At starting time I had concerns about the success ofcabbage and cauliflower cultivation in our area. Vegetableand Food Promotion Council Kerala (VFPCK) gave seeds forthis innovative practice. Now I am confidant to continue thecauliflower and cabbage cultivation by using organic fertilizersand pesticides”, Dominic said.

A well maintained vermi compost tank is there in hisagriculture land. He developed an innovative method to reducethe damages caused by wind by tying the skins of the plantainstogether.‘Jaivam’ reveals his innovations in agriculture

‘Jaivam’ the book published by ‘Thulika’ publicationsdescribes the agriculture innovations of Mr. Dominic i an awardholder from TBGRI (Tropical Botanical Garden and ResearchInstitute) for his innovative interventions in agriculture. “Dominicis a model for our youth and an inspiration to all those whoaspire to take up agriculture as a career” said Father Shajkumar,Director of NIDS.


Community Based Disaster PreparednessProgramme, a joint initiative of Caritas India, KeralaSocial Service Forum (KSSF) and Diocesan SocialService Societies is being implemented since 2005. Theprogramme has entered into the final stage of resiliencebuilding in this year and hence the programme focusedon transferring the knowledge on disaster preparednessto the general public and to make them competent inmitigating any disasters. Linking the community basedorganizations to the local self governments was alsogiven priority.

Project Goal

Partners become capacitated to mobilizecommunity for building up a resilient society in sixcoastal districts of Kerala state through addressing riskreduction, vulnerability reduction, and plans forprevention, mitigation, preparedness and developmentalinterventions in a sustainable manner.

Community Based Disaster PreparednessProgramme

Cluster Programmes

Objectives

● Through efficient coordination, monitoring andcapacity building partners are capacitated for thesustainable implementation of CBDP programme atstate level

● Disseminating the CBDP concept into other areasthrough documenting & networking for promotingbest practices, experimental studies and replicablemodels at state level for mainstreaming CBDP

EVENTS OF THE YEARInauguration of third year programme

Third year programmes of SOA II was inauguratedby Sri. P.K.Gurudasan, Hon. Minister for Labor & ExciseGovt of Kerala. In his inaugural address, he upheld theservices provided by Catholic Churches of Kerala in thespectrum of social and community developmentinitiatives. Expressing his happiness in associating with


the programme he declared that Govt. of Kerala wouldextend all support to Catholic Churches in manydimensions for the betterment of people and community.He appreciated Caritas India and its associatingagencies and NGO’s for rightful implementation ofdisaster preparedness project in coastal villages comingunder 10 dioceses of Kerala. Most Rev. Dr. StanleyRoman Bishop of Quilon presided over the function. Allthe partners were honored for their achievement inresilience building activities. Mr. N. Padmalochanan, HonMayor of Kollam released the Annual report of CBDP2008-09. Sri. Rajadas, President, Alappad GramaPanchayath, Mr. Ajith Chacko, State Coordinator, UNDP-CBDRM and Mr. Ambrose Christy, Team Leader-CMToffered felicitation. Fr. Romance Antony deliveredwelcome speech.

the platform for critical review of performance, crosslearning and for course correction. Four review meetingconducted in the reporting year.

STATE LEVEL REVIEW MEETINGS

Review meetings were the occasion of comingtogether of the funding agency representatives,coordinating team and the implementing partners. It’s

Date Venue No ofparticipants

12 May 2009 ADC & SWS, 28Alappuzha

4 Aug 2009 Ernakulam Social 26Service Society

16 Oct 2009 Welfare Services 24Ernakulam

13 Jan 2010 ADC & SWS, 25Alappuzha

FIELD ACCOMAPANIMENT

KSSF has accompanied Caritas India in fieldmonitoring of the project. KSSF point personaccompanied the Programme Support Officer of CaritasIndia in attending the monthly review meetings organizedat partner level. Feedback and suggestion on the visitswere given during the visits. A total of 63 visits made inthe reporting year to the 10 partenr organizations. Thesevisits ensured quality in programme implementation andthe process documentation of partners.

TRAINING PROGRAMMESWorkshop on Climate Change

One day workshop on “Climate Change and itsimpact on human life” was organized on 13th May 2009at ADC & SWS. Dr. Aby George, Resource Person-KILA led the sessions. Point persons from the partneragencies participated in the workshop. Climateconditions of Kerala and the possible remedial measureswere discussed.

Online data management-orientation

An orientation programme on ‘Online datamanagement for Tsunami housing’ was organized atAleppey (ADC & SWS) on 18th August 09. Ms. Milan,PSO-Caritas India handled the sessions.Representatives from seven partnering DSSSparticipated in the programme. Online data entry wasdemonstrated in the session and an action plan withdeadlines was prepared on mutual mutually agreementof the participants.


Workshop on Participatory Monitoring andEvaluation

Workshop on Participatory Monitoring andEvaluation (PME) to the CBDP partners was conductedfrom 4-6 March 2010. The prime objective of theprogramme was to strengthen the capacity of theorganizational staff and to put forward someadvancement in PME approach. Mr. P.V.Baiju, Lecturer,Sree Sankarcharya University of Sanskrit led thesessions.

Second day of the programme was scheduledfor a field visit to Kattoor village at Aleppey where theparticipant team applied various field monitoring toolsfor participatory evaluation. The programme ended withthe preparation of an action plan on field exercises atdifferent project locations.

Workshop on Project planning

Workshop on Project planning and proposalwriting was organized at AMOS Centre on 24th February2010. Partner Directors, Project Officers and Pointpersons participated in the programme. Mr. P.J.Varkey,State Officer, Caritas India led the sessions. 26 personsparticipated in the workshop.

Exposure visit

KSSF organized an exposure programme for theCBDP team to Nagapattinam, Velainkanni &Pondicherry. The team visited the operational areas ofTanjavur Multipurpose Social Service Society (TMSSS)and Pondicherry Multipurpose Social Service Society(PMSSS). The exposure programme was intended toaugment the knowledge and experience of the teammembers working with disaster mitigation programmesat diocesan level and to make an understanding of thebest practices in other organizations in disastermanagement. The study team started the journey on16th and came back on 20thFebruary 2010. Directors,Assistant Directors and point persons from the 10partner organizations of CBDP participated in theexposure visit programme. Knowledge about theapplication of ICT (Information Communication andTechnology) in disaster mitigation programmes hasenhanced the insight of the participants.

VIGILANCE WEEK OBSERVANCE 2009

KSSF coordinated the vigilance week observation

programmes at state level in the month of May 2009.Community consciousness on disaster has beencreated resulting to the programme. The partnersorganized processions, cycle rallies, public meetings,awareness classes, cleaning campaigns, medicalcamps, tree plantation, vigilance meet, photo exhibitionsetc in their respective areas.

Objectives of vigilance week observation

● To improve the visibility of CBDP programme● To have an integration of programmes within the

organizations and among the partners● To disseminate information on disaster and disaster

preparedness to all sectors of the community● To develop support groups other than coordination

committee members and task force and tomainstream them in CBDP programmes

● To develop leadership skills of the coordinationcommittee members.

Consolidation of the programmes at partner level

Sl.No Activities at partner level No. ofPrograms

1 District level inauguration 2(Joint venture)

2 Panchayat/Regional level 7inauguration

3 Cleaning campaign 224 Medical camp 75 Blood group detection camp 26 Health awareness campaign 47 Seminar on climate change 68 Social action programmes 19 Boat rowing programme 110 Competition for children 211 Children’s camp 612 EDP candidates meet 113 Task Force convention 114 Bio shield protection program 115 Nature study programme 216 Counseling programme 217 Tele show 1218 Photo exhibition 319 Puppet show 120 Poster campaign 121 Road show 122 Street play demonstration 45


Achievement of KSSF

● Partners became more systematic in planning,monitoring and implementing disasterpreparedness/mitigation programme

● Effective coordination of disaster preparednessprogramme took place at state level

● Close collaboration and accompaniment ofpartners was promoted throughout the projectcycle

● CBDP programme was recognized by the Govtof Kerala

● Programmes of partners are monitored on regularbasis and efficiency was promoted in programmeimplementation

● Strength and weakness of partners inimplementing CBDP programme was identifiedthrough internal evaluation and measures weretaken for progress

● Partners became strengthened to efficiently usethe resources for community mobilizationprogramme

● Programme staff capacitated in various topics toeffectively plan, implement and monitor theprogress and process of CBDP programme

● Gender became the cross cutting theme ofcommunity mobilization programme at partnerlevel as well as community level

● KSSF became a resource centre for disastermanagement

● Visible attitudinal changes of the community afterthe initiation of CBDP programme been recordedand published

Training programmes attendedEmergency Response and Support Team (ERST)training

Mr.Deepak.OJ, Programme Officer attended thetraining on ERST held at Don Bosco center, Bangaloreon from 20-22 Jan 2010.

As we conclude our exploration in some of thedisaster prone coastal villages and lake front areas inKuttanad, we salute the people living in vulnerablesituations and make their concerns our own. We don’texit from the field but resolve ourselves for immersingthe community structures to the village mainstream.We shall continue to dialogue with the people and buildresilience both in the mindset of people and in the localgovernance systems. And we sing with our friends inthe vulnerable areas “we shall overcome”.

Information Tour to GermanyMrs. Laila Lawrence from Thanny village (Kollam) was

selected to represent Kerala for a two weeks information tourto Germany on Caritas Tsunami response in India from 10th to24th October 2009. She visited Germany along with the taskforce representatives from Tamilnadu and Andhra Pradesh andthe representatives of Caritas India. The team members sharedtheir experience and know how in the field of disasterpreparedness during the interactive sessions with thecommunity people and the delegates of Caritas Germany. Thetour was organized by Caritas Germany with the support ofCaritas India.

“I was very much excited and surprisedwhen I was selected to go to Germanyrepresenting Kerala CBDP program. I neverthink of such an exposure in the wildest of mydream. I found that the women in Germany arevery much empowered and ladies are first in

every field. I am grateful to Fr. Romance Antony for giving methis great opportunity and also Fr. Detto Fernandez, DirectorQuilon Social Service Society and all the team members forthe support.


Water and sanitation program emerged as acomponent in CBDP program as a result of theparticipatory need assessment conducted in theoperation area especially those in the water logged areaswho face severe shortage of pure drinking water andsanitation issues. Creating replicable low cost modelsin water and sanitation, emphasizing on the maximumutilization of people’s knowledge and low costtechnologies is the prime objective of the program; i.e.Water and sanitation component in CBDP programmeemphasize on rejuvenating the traditional water sourcesby using local knowledge and low cost technologies.Interventions of CBDP have established close contactswith community people and the participatory exercisesfacilitated by the partner agencies helped them to realizethe key issues related to water and sanitation of theirarea. Further discussion with the community andinteraction with the water experts gave a clear picture

Water and Sanitation Programme

about the issues related with drinking water in the projectarea.

Objectives of the project

● Development of low cost management of waterresources and creation of replicable sanitationmodels.

● To create awareness among the target communityabout the importance of water source protection andrejuvenation.

● Rejuvenating the existing water sources in thecommunities with the help of local people andresources are another objective.

● To establish linkages with Panchayath Rajinstitutions in replicating the low cost models andprotection of existing drinking water sources

Cluster Programmes


Project Activities

WatSan strategy formulation workshop

the operational area of BODHANA. Mr.Rajesh.PD, theZonal Technical Officer-Caritas India, was the chieftrainer of the sessions. Point persons of CBDPprogramme also participated.

Field demonstration training on Filter well

In order to develop skilled workforce inconstructing wells using internal filtration mechanisms,the training was conducted at Thalavady the operationalarea of BODHANA

Process Documentation at State level

Prepared detailed reports on all the trainings andworkshops and circulated it to the partners and facilitatedthe partner level process documentation of WatSanactivities.

Field level accompaniment with the technical teamof Caritas India

KSSF team provided field level accompanimentfor the technical team of Caritas India and providedneeded assistance for the partners in clarifying theirqueries.

A two day residential workshop on strategyformulation was conducted at state level with theobjective of revisiting the DSSS/Unit wise status ofWatSan programs at partner level. The program wasfacilitated by the technical expert and the TT of CaritasIndia. Point persons and assistant point persons fromthe partner agencies participated in the workshop

Achieved results of the workshop:

● Formation of Joint Planning and MonitoringCommittee (JPMC) formed

● Monitoring & reporting plan prepared jointly byCaritas India and KSSF

● Partner wise logical frame work prepared● Enhanced conceptual clarity and technical know

how on WatSan among the participants

Training programsField demonstration training on sanitationmodels.

With an objective of developing masons as acreative skilled work force available at partner level, weorganized three day training programme at Thalavady,


Achievements of WatSan at Partner Level


The project envisagescreating replicable models inWatSan Programs. As the CBDPproject has expanded people’sparticipation and leadership, theWatSan program also succeededin utilizing the resources atmaximum level. With the activeparticipation of PRI and through networking and linkages the modelswould be replicated.

The Number of Persons Benefited out of the Project

4376

1482

2381714

10850

19231498 980

Filter well

Single/household filter

Immersed filter

Pond/well rejuvenation

Rain Water Harvesting

Back washing

Compost latrine

Kitchen Garden


Save Farmers’ Campaign (SFC) Networkpromoted by KSSF as a strategic intervention in theagrarian crisis and suicides in Wayanad has maderemarkable achievements through the effectiveimplementation of FARM (Facilitating AgriculturalRegeneration Measures) Wayanad Project. The SFCNetwork consists of 4 DSSSs, 2 NGOs promoted byReligious Congregations and one Secular NGO. FARMWayanad Project supported by CARITAS INDIA isimplemented in 18 out of 25 Grama Panchayaths inWayanad District. Salient areas of interventions andaccomplishments are briefed below.

The inauguration of the second phase of FARMand the launching of the livelihood support programmeunder the project for 202 suicide victim families washeld on 27th Nov 2009 at Kalpetta. 1250 peopleparticipated in the programme, inaugurated byShri.Mullakara Ratnakaran the Honorable Minister ofthe State for Agriculture, Kerala. The meeting waspresided over by Mar Jose Porunnedom the Bishop of

FARM WAYANAD

Mananthavady and attended by eminent personalitiesincluding the District Collector, President and VicePresident of District Panchayath and Fr. VargheseMattamana, Executive Director, Caritas India .

Massive Awareness Generation

“Ignorance is bliss”, said one of our poets.Knowledge leads to transformation. No change can beexpected without people taking pro-active decisions andto this objective SFC partners arranged massivePanchayath level awareness programmes. Anassortment of topics relevant to the focus group wasdealt with as given below.

● Dynamics of Panchayath Raj Institutions● Organic Farming● Food Safety & Security● Climate Change● Impact of Pesticides in Farming● Alcoholism & Drug Abuse● Killer Diseases

“Agriculture for an honorable and high-minded man, is the best of all occupations or arts bywhich men procure the means of living”- Xenophon

Cluster Programmes


● Value Education for school children.

12099 persons participated in 152 awarenessbuilding programs conducted across the district ofWayanad.

Interface with various State Departmentswere conducted in all Panchayaths. It was anopportunity to build rapport between people and linedepartments. Various developmental schemes of theState were introduced to the people so as to enhanceaccess of the community to such schemes.

Human Right Befriending

The unique intervention of befriending supportto the people in distress especially from the suicidevictim families was continued in the operation area bythe Befriending Coordinators and Panchayath levelCommunity Facilitators. They visit the families and listento clients with undivided attention, empathy, acceptanceand respect, and create space for ventilation of feelingsof anxieties, grief, guilt, fear, trauma etc. The clientsinclude suicide victim, attempted, prone and distress.Suicide prone persons could overcome suicidal thoughtsand regained self esteem. People in distress get relievedfrom stress. Referral services to District Mental HealthServices, De - addiction Centres, Rehabilitation Centres,arranging medical support etc are allied results.Befriending among tribals was also conducted in tenclusters by the Tribal Coordinator. 876 persons benefitedby the support of Befriending Coordinators.

Capacity building programmes

Trainings & WorkshopsStrengthening of project team and master

farmers was a priority area of project activities. Hence,advanced training programmes have been conducted.Themes of trainings were Befriending, mental health,help line for suicide prevention, documentation skills,organic certification process and marketing of organicproduces, & developmental schemes of AgricultureDepartment etc.

A two days’ workshop was conducted on DisasterManagement, in the wake of natural calamities inWayanad under the facilitation of experts from CaritasIndia and State Disaster Management Cell.

Workshop was on Project Formulation incollaboration with State Horticulture Mission and Small

Farmers Agri Business Consortium, in which 19 NGOsfrom Wayanad including SFC Network membersparticipated.

One day workshop on ‘sustainable agriculture’facilitated by Dr. Narayana Reddy, an eminent farmerleader who has been awarded with Honorary Doctoratefrom the Hubly University for his outstanding contributionsin organic farming was held. It was also attended bythe key personnel of NRM from different SFC partneragency.

Exposure Visitsa. An exposure on Organic Farming was conducted

for the Project Team to various farms in Palaghat incollaboration with the State Department of Agricultureunder Agriculture Technology Management Agency(ATMA) Programme.

b. An exposure to Indian Institute of Horticulture (IIHR)and Foundation for Revitalization of Local HealthTraditions (FRLHT) in Bangalore was conducted formaster farmers under ATMA Programme.

Livelihood Support

Rehabilitation of the victims of suicides was oneof the primary objectives of the intervention.Accompanying and concurrent monitoring of the IncomeGeneration Programmes started by 465 families in thelast phase of the Project as rehabilitation measure hasbeen regularly undertaken by the respective projectimplementing partners through their respectivePanchayath level Community Facilitators.

Further, 202 beneficiaries have been identified andindividual business plan for starting sustainable IGPswere formulated in a participatory manner, with proper


technical guidance. Subsequently, appropriate skillstrainings were imparted to all beneficiaries in respectiveenterprises. All of them have been supported with partialfinancial support also to start sustainable enterprises.

A study conducted under FARM on Agrarian Crisiswas released by Geevarghese Mar Divanasio the Bishopof Bathery Diocese during the occasion. Study onSuicides in Wayanad and the Annual Report of the FirstPhase of FARM project also were released during theoccasion. Mr. Balakrishnan Kammana a farmer who wasrecognized by National Innovation Foundation washonored on the occasion.

Model Creation in Organic Farming

Small groups of farmers, motivated in organicfarming system have initiated collective farming ofvegetables using organic inputs in all the 18Panchayaths. Pesticide free products are produced inthese units.

Tribal Development Interventions

Higher suicide rate among tribes, disproportionateto their population, as per the study conducted as part

of FARM Wayanad Project necessitated interventionamong tribes. Hence, intensive involvement has beeninitiated in ten clusters in 6 Grama Panchayaths. Thecoverage is 525 families that belong to different groupssuch as Paniya, Oorali, Kuruma, Nayika, and Kurichia.Organizational structures formed include 11 Balavedhis,4 Youth groups, 9 farmers groups, 6 SHGs & 2 culturalgroups. Organic nutrition gardens have been started by100 families. Ten groups have started collective farming.Paddy Planting Festival and harvest festival in thetraditional system were an event of media appreciation.‘Plant a plantain in every home’ Programme waslaunched in one cluster. Awareness seminars andbefriending support were other activities carried out. Jointfarming was undertaken in tuber crops also other thanpaddy in 2 clusters. Tribal youth are being trained innew skills like rubber tapping.

Monitoring Visitsc. Ms. Danielle from Caritas Australia visited SFC. She

visited some distressed families and the FARMactivities at Arikkalam Tribal colony and interactedwith the FARM Team and the partners of SFCNetwork.

d. Two tribal clusters under the involvement of Jeevanawas visited by Dr. V.R. Haridas Manager NRM,Caritas India along with PCU Staff.


Key Achievements:

1. Livelihood support programme for 202 suicidevictim families

2. 152 seminars were conducted in which 12099persons benefited.

3. Collective farming of vegetables using organicinputs in 18 Panchayaths.

4. 11 Balavedhis, 4 Youth groups, 9 farmersgroups, 6 SHGs & 2 cultural groups formed inthe Tribal community in 6 gramapanchayat.

5. Organic nutrition gardens have been started by100 tribal families.

6. 10 tribal groups have started collective farming7. Joint farming was undertaken in tuber crops

also other than paddy in 2 tribal clusters.8. 876 persons benefited by the support of

Befriending Coordinators

South Asian Farmers’ Conference (SAFC) Visit

On 11th February 2010 as part of the SouthAsia Farmers’ conference hosted by the Caritas India20 delegates from India, Bangladesh, Nepal and SriLanka made a visit to Wayanad to study FARMprogram.

They had the opportunity to exchange the Ideaon FARM Project with the delegates and accompanythem in their field visits to spices processing unit ofWayanad Social Service Society and Vanamoolika.

Participation in Caritas Asia Programmes

Programmes organized by CARITAS ASIAwere also attended by representatives from FARMlike Anti G.M campaign workshop at Bhopal andFarmers Conference in Sri Lanka. Land Rightworkshop at Roshni Nilaya College, Mangalore andseveral workshops and trainings on Befriending werefacilitated by personnel of Programme CoordinationUnit of FARM.

Paniya Sadas

The PCU team Participated in the Paniya Sadason 13th March conducted at Shreyas. The Programmewas organized by Centre for Development Studies (CDS)and Montreal University, in Collaboration with Paniyatribe movements, leaders and NGOs working in tribalsector to discuss the developmental issues of Paniyatribe in Wayanad. A paper on suicides among tribes –Wayanad the lost Paradise of Paniyas – was presentedby Mr.jose ,project Manager FARM

Review Meeting

Program accompaniment was ensured throughperiodic review meetings. 12 review meetings were heldin the reporting period.

A separate review meeting was arranged for directinteraction with the the Zonal Manager, NRM Managerand the State Officer, of Caritas India .

In the reporting period KSSF director visited


Integrated Development through Empowermentand Action (IDEA) is a flagship program of Caritas Indiato promote integration of various ministries at Diocesanlevel. Simultaneously IDEA focuses on the strengtheningof the Diocesan Social Service Societies throughsystematic organizational development process. Thecomponents and structures formed as part of the IDEAprogram serve as the instruments to promote integration.Seven Diocesan Social Service Societies are involvedin the integration process through IDEA.

Three major structures give impetus to theintegration of ministries. Diocesan Development AdvisoryBoard (DDAB) provides the general guidelines, ThrustArea Committees (TACs) gives suggestions fordevelopment actions and Core Development Cell (CDC)decides on the specifics of development action.

Capacity Enhancement Program

The Capacity Enhancement Program aims toprofessionalise and systematise the Diocesan partners.The program envisages to increase the attitude,knowledge and skill of the personnel work in theDiocesan Social Service Societies to enable them to

Integrated Development throughEmpowerment and ActionSynergy for Relevance

Structures formed for promoting integration

Cluster Programmes

be efficient and effective. CEP gives thrust in the Grassroot level, Staff and Organizational level developmentprocess. Diocese of Mevelikara involved in the CEPProgram in the reporting year. One Unit Director’s meetheld at Amalagiri Bishop’s House, Mavalikkara on 30th

June 2009 to develop a perspective for the Diocesanlevel interventions in Social Work.


IDEA partners

Diocese Name of the DSSS Districts CoveredIdukki High Range Development Society(HDS) 1Iringalakuda Social Action Forum Iringalakuda(SAFI) 2Kozhikode Calicut Diocesan Social Service Society(JEEVANA) 4Kannur KAIROS 2Muvattupuzha Samrudhi 1Punalur Punalur Social Service Society(PSSS) 3Vijayapuram Vijayapuram Social Service Society(VSSS) 5

Assessment of the various factors related to IDEA conducted by the Development Consultant during the IDEACoordinators meeting held in January 2010.

Assessment of various factors

IDEA CoordinatorsMeeting (ICM) is a value addedcomponent in the IDEA programin Kerala. It takes placequarterly at each of the partnersDiocese. The meeting reviewsthe outcome of the activities andit brings a platform for thecapacitaion of IDEACoordinators especially in theProject Cycle Management,Documentation and Reporting.Kerala Social Service Forum,State Officer of Caritas India,IDEA Consultant of caritas Indiaclosely accompanies the IdeaCoordinator’s Meeting.


Key Achievements of the IDEA ProgramIdentifying common issues

The program could explore common issuesfor the convergence of the various ministries of theDiocese. Based on selected thrust areas, differentministries come together to address the commondevelopment issues. Educational backwardness ofthe Children is considered as the core issue in theDiocesan premise of Knnur. In Punalur IDEA programgives prime focus to the issues related to socialbackwardness of Dalit population.Common planning of programs

The regular gathering of DDAB and CDCbrought a platform for participatory planning for theDiocesan level activities. Planting of fruit bearing treesin Idukki and Career guidance Cell in KannuarDiocese are the fruits of common planning.Sharing of resources

Partners integrated the activities of theDiocese with the ongoing developmental projects of

IDEA Coordinators Meeting (ICM)

S. No Venue Date1 AMOS Centre June 20092 Jeevana,Caliicut August 20093 PSSS Punalur November 20094 VSSSVijjayapuram January 20105 KAIROS, Kannur March 2010

Key achievements of the CEP

● Strengthened administrative system andmanagement information systems in the IDEApartners

● Promoted PME and planning and monitoringsystem

● Promoting social auditing and gender auditing● Established effective finance management

system● Promoted 5 tier monitoring systems● Capacitated to access the Government projects

microfinance loans.

Objectives of IDEA● Creating a Common Platform for integration● Integrating the Identified Thrust Areas in to

Program● Value Addition by Integration of Programs● Facilitating the formation and functioning of Core

Development Cell for Planning, Monitoring andEvaluation of Programs

● Networking, Advocacy and Lobbying● Promoting Right Based Approach to development

Diocesan Social Service Societies. The technicalguidance and competency of the differentdepartments boosted all the endeavors of the partnerDioceses. Common training programs for theministries in Calicut and energy conservationprograms Vijayapuram were two best models ofresource sharing.Value added programs

IDEA brings value addition in all theinterventions through building linkage with differentGovt departments, banks and allied developmentagencies. Muvattupuha and Idukki Diocesecommenced livelihood promotion activities incollaboration with financial institutions. IringalakudaDiocese witnessed successful model paddycultivation by utilizing the Schemes like NationalRural Employments Guarantee Program and FoodSecurity project supported by development agencies


KSSF Research Department completed twosignificant studies on the Farm crisis in Wayanad. TheForum is to emerge as a resource centre that wouldstudy emerging socio-economic issues. The Forummade a step forward in the realization of its objectivewhen two study reports were released at Kalpatta onNov 27th 2009.

● Wayanad Suicides-A psycho-Social Autopsy- thefirst ever complete survey of suicide households;important findings given separately.

● Agrarian Crisis in the District of Wayanad andthe multi-stakeholder response to the crisis - thestudy was conducted on a sample basis in theGrama Panchayats of Edavaka and Ambalavayal.The interface with the stakeholders has exposedvarious ramifications of the crisis in agri-scenario inWayanad and proposes pertinent mitigationstrategies.

Research

Salient findings of the survey of suicides inWayanad undertaken by SaveFarmers’Campaign a consortium of NGOs inWayanad under the aegis of KSSF.● A total of 1690 persons committed suicide

between 2000 and 2008.● Thavinjal Panchayat recorded the highest number

of suicide followed by Mananthavady,Ambalavayal, Poothadi, Panamaram andPulpally. Vengapalli recorded the lowest numberof suicide.

● The year 2007 witnessed the highest number ofsuicide (229) followed by the year 2006 (213).

● Gender wise segregation shows that of the totalnumber of those who committed suicide 75.5%were male and 24.5% were female.

● Survey reveals the precarious nature of the healthof the people of Wayanad. Incidence of cancer,heart and kidney related illnesses are on theincrease.

● Community wise segregation of suicidehouseholds reveal that the Ezhava/Thiyyacommunity and the Roman Catholics rob thehighest number of suicides. While the Ezhavacommunity rank first in the list of suicide with21.42%, Roman Catholics rank second with15.33%.

● It was believed that suicide was anathema totribal communities. But 19.94 % of suicides were

Study InitiatedIncidence of killer diseases was high in certain

regions due to suspected pesticides residue in foodcrops, as a result of excessive use of chemicals infarming. Under this context a research study has beeninitiated in Thavinjal Panchayath as part of FARMProject. Draft report has been prepared.

from tribal communities with Paniya communityranking first.

● Only 3.43% of the victims were reported asilliterate. 749 out of the total of 1690 victims hadeducation up to SSLC and 136 cases werereportedly educated above SSLC.

● Occupation status of the victims was studied.While 15.62% were farmers, 44.56% were dailywage earners-most of them agricultural labourers.

● It is pertinent to note that majority of the victimshad land holding to the range of less than oneacre. While 60% had less than one ace of landonly 2.07% had land more than 5 acre. 6.27 %victims were land less.

● The causes of suicide are multi-factorial andinterlinked. The study has found that out of 1403suicide victims, 30.72% (430) cases can beallotted to economic reasons and 69.28% (972)cases to non –economic reasons. There was noresponse from 287 households.

● Indebtedness has been identified by 27.73% ofthe surveyed as the principal causative factor forsuicide. Main reason for indebtedness isattributed to repeated crop failure, crash inagricultural products, increasing cost in farminputs.

● Unhealthy competition, luxurious lifestyle,addiction, medical expense consequent tochronic illness etc are oter reasons forindebtedness.

● Survey points out the breakdown of traditionalsupport systems in families and society at large.

● Speaking of religion Roman Catholic communitywith all its socio religious support systems seemsto have failed to design appropriate response toan adverse situation that has direct bearing onits faith.

● The dichotomy between tradition and modernitysurfaces through the analysis of the farm crisis.This is more explicit in the case of tribalcommunities who exposed to modernity seemto have lost its traditional support systems.

● Survey confirms the common perception thatfarm crisis has direct bearing on the phenomenonof anomic suicide in Wayanad.


Documentation

A video document replicating models of WatSanwas recorded under the WatSan program. The title ofthe documentary is “Jalam...Janam…Jeevitham...”(Water…people…life...). This captured all the bestpractices among partners and also the responses/initiatives of the community. Structural demonstrationof water recharging, backwashing, filter well, chamberfilter, biogas plants, eco-san latrines, interview withbeneficiaries, point persons, Directors and PRI memberswas recorded.

Mrs. Lakshmi Shankar, Documentation Officer,was the team leader.

Documentary on WatSan Jalam..Janam..Jeevitham

Publications


IEC Materials

Poster on Disaster Vigilance WeekA poster on disaster vigilance week was designed

and printed. The same was circulated among thepartners and exhibited throughout the operational areasof the CBDP project during disaster vigilance weekobservance 2009.

Poster campaign on “World Forestry Day 2010”A multicolor poster was developed on world

forestry day and circulated to the partners. All thepartners exhibited the posters in the operational areasthrough the task forces. On the same day various taskforces organized community gatherings to announcethe importance of conserving forest resource of thenation. It was an awakening exercise for the task forcesin environment protection, forest conservation and itsrelevance. 1000 posters printed and circulated.

Diocesan partners Joined in the protest against BT BringalKSSF initiated fasting as a protest against the BT Brinjal promotion across

Kerala on 30th January 2010. . The protest envisioned to protect the traditionalseeds and make aware the farmers and villagers regarding the harmful impacts ofBT Bringal in the field of agriculture, health and economy.


Liaisoning

The Government Departments, which areinteracted by KSSF Liaison Department

1. State Horticulture Mission2. Vegetable Fruit Promotion Counsel Kerala3. National Horticulture Mission4. National Medicinal Plants Board5. Coconut Development Board6. Central Tuber Crops Research Institute7. Small Farmers Agri-business Consortium8. Directorate of Marketing9. Spices Board10. Department of Biotechnology11. Kerala State Agency for Expansion of Cashew12. Ministry of Agriculture; Central Sector Scheme13. The Non Resident Keralite Affair Department;

NORKA ROOTS14. Kerala State Handicapped Persons Welfare

Corporation15. State Social Welfare Department16. State Fisheries Department17. State Agricultural Department18. State Women’s Commission19. Kerala State Women’s Development Corporation20. Ministry of Environment and Forest21. Kerala State Backward Class Development

Corporation (KSBCDC)22. National Horticulture Board (NHB)23. Central Social Welfare Board24. NABARD25. Ministry of Textile26. Ministry of Science and Technology27. Ministry of Youth and Sports Affairs.28. Ministry of Social and Justice

Liaison Office -Thiruvanathapuram

Laisoning and lobbying on behalf of the memberorganizations is an important mission of the regionalForum. The Liaison Office in the capital city couldstrengthen its relationship with the different departmentsof the State Govt and negotiate effective partnership.The wide possibilities of sourcing State fund was exploredand the mediation of the Laison office did unfold insuccessful partnership with Government lineDepartments. We have established ourselves as acredible network that can work with the Govt in a rangeof programs in community mobilisation and povertyeradication.

Objective● To network with Government departments, quasi

Government departments, corporations andboards under the patronage of Government forformulation of policies and for NGO collaboration.

● Information Exchange and updating relevant data● Lobbying for partnership in relief, welfare and

development interventions● Representing DSSS to Government Departments

and following up on their behalf● Helping the DSSS for effective action● Linking CRS to State Programs

Strategies● Linkages with state/central government

departments and govt sponsored corporations.● Transferring information on funding possibilities

and NGO collaboration● Timely transfer of notifications, application

guidelines and forms● Forwarding applications and following up with

concerned departments● Representing DSSSs/KSSF for project

discussion etc..● Representing KSSF in conferences and

workshops at the capital city.


Some of the Successful Ventures in Government-DSSSs Collaboration

Schemes and Projects DSSSs Availed Total Amount SanctionedKerala State Handicapped Persons KSSS (Kottayam) 2,60,000Welfare Corporation NIDS (Neyyatinkara)

VSSS (Vijaypuram)COD (Thamarassery)TSSS (Thalassery)

National Environment KSSS (Kottayam) 48,000Awareness Campaign KSSS (Kotahamangalam)State Horticulture Mission KSSS (Kottayam) 48,72,800

NIDS (Neyyatinkara)SHREYAS (Bathery)QSSS (Quilon)TSSS (Thalassery)Vanamoolika (Wayanadu)SAMRUDHY (Muvattupuzha)COD (Thamarassery)WSSS (Mananthavady)MASS (Kottayam)PSSS (Pala)

NORKA ROOTS KSSS (Kottayam) 4,81,270VSSS (Vijayapuram)CHASS (Changanserry)

Kerala State Backward QSSS (Quilon) 2,60,000Class Development Corporation PSSS (Pala)(KSBCDC) KSSS (Kottayam)

PDS (Bathery)ESSS (Verapoly)WSE (Ernakulam)SWCT (Thrissur)KIDS (Kottappuram)COD (Thamarassery)JEEVANA (Kozhikode)TSSS (Thalassery)KAIROS (Kannur)

National Horticulture Board HDS (Highrange Development Society) 20,00,000Central Social Welfare Board TSSS (Thalassery) 70,144NABARD JEEVANA (Kozhikode) 42,07,775

SAFI (Thrissur)COD (Thamarassery)QSSS (Quilon)HDS (Idukki)SHREYAS (Bathery)

Ministry Of Textiles AHVY- Project SHREYAS (Bathery) 2,54,000SWCT (Thrissur)GRAND TOTAL 1,17,18,719

Rs. 1,17,18,719 was mobilised from the State Governments Projects


Catholic Relief Services (CRS) supported project onCare and Support and Prevention of HIV/AIDS withspecial reference to the People Infected with HIV/AIDS(PLHIVs) in Kerala” have been implemented by 10partners primarily the Diocesan Social ServicesSocieties (DSSS) of Kerala. The project started in theyear 2007 and scheduled to end in December 2009.

As part of the evaluation, Dr. Anil Krishna (externalevaluator) interacted with Directors of DSSS, ProjectManagement and Implementing Team, OutreachWorkers, and the project beneficiaries. He also met withGovernment officials and other key actors supportingthe project at various stages. The review was done inqualitative nature, using project literature and datagenerated through discussions at various levels. Thereport comprises of a comprehensive findings of 10projects, which included the major problems faced duringthe project planning, implementation period andrecommendations for future direction. The assessment

Assessment of Care and Support andPrevention of HIV/AIDS Programme

● Department of Science and Technology (DST)● UK Department for International Development● Red Ribbon Award● International Labor Organizations Innovation

Grand● Department of Biotechnology● United Nation Global Initiative to Fight Human

Trafficking● Swiss Re International Resource Award for

Sustainable Watershed Management – 2011● Development Innovation Fund for Small and

Medium sized NGOs● Democratic Fund for NGOs

Forthcoming Programs● DST (Department of Science & Technology)

Projects● NABARD Projects● NHB (National Horticulture Board) Project● Post Harvest Management Workshop● NORKA scheme- for the Second Batch● SHM (State Horticulture Mission) Projects● NMPB (National Medicinal Plants Board) Projects● Bio Technology Projects● Biodiversity Projects

started with the finalization of the research questionsand tools with KSSF. The interaction with theimplementing partners started during the period ofNovember 3-13, 2009.

The project has made a good beginning to all thepartner organizations in the field of HIV/AIDS and gainedknowledge. From directors down to the field staff hasreported that they had acquired fresh insights on issuesrelated to HIV/AIDS especially, the care and supportcomponent. The new insights have also led toperceptible changes in capacity like increasedconfidence to address the public on the sensitive issuessuch as addressing stigma. This project has builtextraordinary levels of relationships across variousgovernment departments such as PRIs, health, socialwelfare and local NGOs. The partnership with Rotaryand Lions’ clubs were also explored by the partner andgained result out of it. Further, the partners have beenintegrated HIV/AIDS project to their other projects and

Funding Opportunities Disseminated to thePartners● Ministry of Environment and Forest● Ministry of Textile - Ambedkar Hastasilp Vikas

Yojna● State Horticulture Mission● Centre for Environment and Development● National Commission for Minorities● Bio - technology Innovation for Rural Development● Ministry of Tribal Affairs● NABARD● NORKA● Grants for Development of Play Grounds from

State Youth Board● National Commission for Women● Kerala State Handicapped Persons Welfare

Corporation● Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and

Environment● Rural Business Hubs from Ministry of Panchayat

Raj● Kerala State Women’s Development Corporation● European Instrument for Democracy and Human

Rights● Grants from European Commission for Gender

Equality


programs for the sustainability.

Income Generation Programs (IGPs) haveimpacted the lives of the infected and the affected peoplesignificantly. Formation of Self Help Groups (SHGs)integrating the infected and affected people andentrepreneurship development initiatives are indeedeffective and yielded considerable impact in the careand support and prevention strategy in HIV/AIDSprograms implemented by the partners over the years.Many of the organization had been documenting thebest practices which are focusing towards communitymobilization through the awareness generation. Theproject activities and initiatives of the partners helpedthe community for their behavioral, attitudinal changethereby adoption of healthy life style. Whileimplementing this project the partners learnt that thePLHIVs need to be treated as normal human beings sothat it could reduce the discrimination and stigma tosome extent. Further, the stigma at their family levelneeds to be addressed first and this would help theimplementers in addressing the discrimination at largerlevel.

The community has a major role in thedevelopment of PLHIVs especially on care and support.The due importance was given to the communitymembers to promote the 4 community participation evenin the beginning of the project. To reach out more PLHIVsthe project has identified about 15 Outreach Workersand over 10 peer educators from the PLHIV communities.Although the partners had faced problems in identifyingthe Out Reach Workers from the direct beneficiary,however some of the partners were able to identify allthe ORWs from the PLHIVs.

The project period is too short to come up withvisible impact. The attitudinal and behavioral change ofcommunity has impacted little in reduction of stigma atvarious levels. The PLHIVs have developed skills onlivelihood which gained confidence and lead a healthyand positive living. Some of the notable impact wasprimarily on the change in the attitude of thestakeholders especially the PRI members. The projecthas also provided the awareness on HIV/AIDS to thedifferent session of the general community. There aremany case studies documented in this project, wheremost of them were focusing on care and support relatedissues with respect to stigma and discrimination. It wasevident that the creation of awareness, care and supportactivities created an impact in the community andsubsequently the communities were accepting thePLHIVs and eventually they were leading a happy life.

Women and ChildProtection program

Five coastal districts of Kerala were covered under thisprogram to ensure safe migration, to reduce domesticviolence, campaign on increasing incidents oftrafficking. Our achievements;

a. 106 Community Vigilance Groups with 2111members are formed &

b. 86 Bala Panchayats with 3347 members wereorganized under the program.

c. 7 Counseling centers were established as part ofthe project which are effectively extending servicesto the communities. 585 clients were reached out ofwhich 178 cases were handled successfully and therest are in progress.

d. 604 unemployed youth were successfully trained onvarious trades. All of them were placed with variousagencies with attractive packages. Out of which 65%are stable.

e. 5 Legal Aid Cells were formed as part of the projectare effectively functioning through which 46 casesare successfully settled so far.

f. 7 Street Play teams were formed with focus contentdelivery as part of the project is sustained. They areretained by the partners’ mainstreaming effort to theirregular development programs.


AMOS CENTRE

AMOS, the commitment of Kerala Social ServiceForum in capacitating the Voluntary, Government andCorporate Sectors for shaping their interventions forhuman and social development, stands for Animation,Motivation, Orientation and Strengthening. Establishedin the year 2000, AMOS training centre offers quality

training programs to its stakeholders and provide thefacilities to those who engaged in developmentalactivities. We have arrangements with variousGovernment Departments, Quasi Governmentinstitutions and Non Government Organizations forTrainings, workshops, seminars and other capacitybuilding programs.

TRAINING PROGRAMMES ORGANIZED BY KSSFName of the Program No. of ProgrammesTraining Programme for the Point Persons of CBDP 4Training Programme for the Point Persons of Sureksha 2Right to Food Campaign 1Training of Trainers Programme for the Gender Co-Ordinators 1IDEA Coordinators Meeting 1IDEA Consultants Meeting 1Farm Review & Coordinators Training 2Directors & Program Officers Capacity Building Programme 3Sect oral Perspective Plan Work-shops 4Review Meeting of CBDP 1Total 20

TRAINING PROGRAMMES ORGANIZED BY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTSName of the Program No. of ProgrammesDistrict Inistitute for Education Training Kottayam 2Kudumbasree Kottayam 1Medial College Kottayam 1Mahathma Gandhi University Kottayam 7Youth welfare Board 1Sarvashiksha Abhiyan Kottayam 2Total 13

TRAINING PROGRAMMES ORGANIZED BY NGOs AND OTHER INSTITUTIONSName of the Program No. of ProgrammesTheme Centered Intervention Kottayam ( TCI) 7GET WIN Marketing Net work Ernakulam 3Council of People Living with HIV AIDS of Kerala (CPK + ) 2Kerala Panchayath Employees Association 1Backward Minority Communities Employees Federation 1Fraternity for Peace 3Workshop on meditation 3Centre For Reform and Research Trivandrum 1

2P B S Kottayam 1Total 24


Other Programs

Opinion building on National Policy on VoluntarySector

KSSF initiated a series of formal and informaldiscussions on the draft National Policy on VoluntarySector. Member organizations and other NGOs wereconsulted and critical comments were communicatedto both to the Central and State Govt. This Forum ispresently engaged in lobbying with the Govt foramendments to the Direct Taxes Bill under considerationof Parliament.

AdvocacyRepresentation on Coastal Management ZoneNotification

KSSF joined the host of organizations that calledfor the withdrawal of the notification titled “CoastalManagement Zone Notification, 2008 “by the Ministryof Environment and Forests Govt of India. We stayvigilant about about the Fishing control notification andfree trade pact (ASEAN).KSSF is involved in discussionwith Govt on effective implementation of Kuttanad andIdukki packages.

Direct Taxes BillKerala Social Service Forum took up a host of

issues for advocacy with Government. Representationon behalf of the member organizations on Direct TaxesCode was a major initiative. Circulation of drat bill andstudy papers on the bill explaining the implications whichprovoked a wide discussion among the memberorganizations leading to a wide range of response. Aconsultation was arranged on 17th October at AMOScentre which was attended by all the directors andchartered Accountants engaged by member

Idukki Farmers protestThe land right of farmers in Idukki has been a

vexing issue engaging the attention of the politicalparties and the State Government since decades. In aState where land struggles have altered the politicalequations disputes about title deeds to genuine farmerscontinue to be shrouded in controversies.

High Range Samrakshana Samithi organized amassive gathering of farmers from all parts of Idukki atKattapana on 12th March .The one day fast protestmeet was preceded by a rally of farmers. Mar Mathew

Arakkal, Bishop of Kanjirappally diocese and Chairmanof Justice Peace and Development (JPD) Commissionled the rally. Rev. Fr. Sebastian Kochupurackal, theDirector of High Range Development Society is thePresident of High Range Samrakshana Samithi.

Fr. Romance Antony, Executive Director of KSSF,Fr. Jacob Kattady, Director-CHASS and Mrs. Silpa TresaSebastian, State Program Officer, KSSF participated inthe rally and fast offering the support of KSSF to thestruggle of farmers for entitlement.

organizations This was followed by individualrepresentations by all the DSSSs to the Union FinanceMinister. Mar Mathew Arackal the Chairman of the Forummade a personal representation to the prime Ministerand UPA chair person on them subject.. Subsequentlywhen the revised draft was released urnet meeting ofdirectors was held at the office of Malankara Socialservice Society, Trivandrum to study the draft bill. KSSFsubmitted a representation to the Union Finance ministersuggesting yet other changes in the bill.


Relief at MalabarHeavy monsoon rains in mid-July flooded villages

in three districts of Kerala (Wayandu, Kannur and Calicut)and displaced families, causing extensive damage tohomes and farm land. Kerala Social Service Forumwith the support of Diocesan Social Service Societiesworking in the area responded to the floods with fooditems, medical services and well cleaning services.

Monsoon flooding extended for 15 days from July15th to July 30th 2009 inundated villages and causedmajor damage to homes and a loss of personal itemssuch as utensils, cloths, food articles and other valuabledocuments. As a result of the floods, 232 homes werecompletely destroyed 488 homes partially. Financialsupport of $4009672 was arranged from Caritas Indiaand CRS for the relief efforts.

No: of families received food Kits 2890No: of families received Family Kits 2112No: of families received Clothing 1862No: of patients attend the medical treatment 3631No: of wells Cleaned 259No: of families are benefitted after 729the well cleanedNo: of people received the 17285Hygiene message

NORKASkill Upgradation and Pre-departure Orientation- ANORKA-ROOTS Programme

The Non Resident Keralites Affairs (NORKA)offered skill up-gradation training and Pre-Departureorientation to prospective overseas job seekers in Kerala.This programme was implemented in Kerala with theassistance of the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs,Government of India to upgrade the skills of its youngworkforce to meet the challenges of future needs in theOverseas Employment market.

Shri. V.S. Achudananthan, Chief Minister, KeralaState inaugurated the programme at Trivandrum,September 17, 2009. The district level inauguration ofthe programme was done by the District Collector ofKottayam Ms. Mini Antony at YWCA Hall, Kottayamon 7th October 2009. Mr. S.M Najeeb, General Manager,Norka Roots, gave the Keynote Address on thisoccasion. Fr. Romance Antony, Director of Kerala SocialService Forum, Fr. Thomas Tharayil, Director ofVijayapuram Social Service Society, Mr. K.B Vijayan,Inspector of Training in Charge, Fr. Mathew Madathil,Manager ITC, Kottayam, Sr. Judy, Principal ofKaduthuruthy ITC along with the students selected forthe course were also present.

The duration of the course was 60 academic dayswith technical training on plumbing and electrician, dieselmechanic and carpentry along with English languageproficiency training and Personality Development,Computer Training and Pre departure Orientation. Norka-Roots spent Rs4000/- per student. Total 97 studentsbenefitted from this program. The institutions with us;

Mary Matha ITC, Kaduthuruthy Plumbing & ElectricianSt. Josephs ITC, Nagampadom Diesel MechanicKhadi Gramodyoug, Changanaserry Carpentry


Spiritual Exercises at Taipei

SPIRITUAL EXERCISES organized by thePONTIFICAL COUNCIL COR UNUM was a historic eventfor the social apostolate of Catholic Church. From 6-11September 2009 the Pontifical Council Cor Unum heldSpiritual Exercises for the Presidents and Directors ofCharity from throughout Asia. The participants numbering460 including 5 Cardinals, 60 Bishops from 27 nationsand 260 dioceses joined together to give witness toChristian Charity. The event took place at FU JenCatholic University in Taipei, Taiwan. Cardinal Paul JCordes the President Pontifical Council Cor Unum andthe chief organizer of the program was presentthroughout the program. Sr. Prema Superior General ofthe missionaries of Charity was among a host of teamleading the spiritual exercises.

Pope Benedict in his first encyclical Deus Caritas

Est (2005) states that the essential requirement for thosewho serve in the Church’s charitable organizations is tobe persons moved by Christ’s love. Pope calls for aformation of hearts for charity workers, both professionaland volunteer. This conference follows the SpiritualExercises organized by Cor Unum in June-2008 atGuadalajara –Mexico for the American continent. Theassembly that represented Asian continent reflected onPope Benedict‘s teaching on Charity as an unavoidablemark of the Church.

The theme of the conference was “You did it tome” (Mt.25, 40). The conference besides providing aplatform for the apostles of Christian love to cometogether placed charity workers in the context of thecall of Jesus to find him in the poor and enabled theresponsibles of social work in the dioceses of Asia to


discover their identity within the mission and ministry ofthe Church.

The conference provided a life time experiencefor participants to set the right mind set and spiritualityfor charity workers. The present responsibles of socialwork in the Church are fortunate to be part of this historicmoment of spiritual celebration. It was a rare momentwhen the diocesan directors found their vocation aroundthe Eucharistic table, reflections of the gospel, thesacrament of reconciliation and the traditional devotionsof the Church. The whole program provided opportunityfor our diocesan social service societies for interactionand indeed strengthened the bond among the directorsof diocesan Charity and social service.

The Indian contingent consisted of 127 personsfrom 117 dioceses. Cardinal Telesphore Toppo of Ranchi

and a dozen Bishops were part of the Indian team. TheKerala presence in the Spiritual Exercises consisted ofnineteen (19) Directors of Diocesan Social ServiceSocieties and the state officer of Caritas India in Kerala.The commission for Justice Peace and Development ofKCBC is proud to have been associated with this uniqueprogram which has cemented the commitment of theChurch to the least, the last and the last.

The Kerala team which left for Taipei on 5th Septafter participating in the Spiritual Exercises found timeto join a one day cultural tour of Taiwan and on wayback home visited Singapore for two days. At Singaporethe team could interact with the malayalee communityof St. Stephen’s Parish in Singapore. The team returnedon 15th September enriched with a unique sense ofbelonging to the mission of the Church.


Visit To ChinaWith a view to study the growth of People’s

Republic of China , the Chairman and director journeyedthrough China from 23rd to 31st July 2009. Journey tookthem to Beijing, Xian, Shanshai and Suzhour. Besides

of the faithful.China and India share ancient legacy of humanity

and the prospects of co-operation between the twonations would contribute towards the growth of humancivilization, development and world peace.

visiting the renowned cultural heritage sites the teamheld extensive study of agricultural practices of Chinaas well as its traditional medicine. Visit to ChinaAcademy for Chinese medicine, NorthwesternAgricultural University (a key state university under thesupervision of the ministry of Education in the people’srepublic of china) and the Institute of Chinese Materiamedica (engaged in research of Chinese materialmedica) proved very informative. Discussions ontraditional agriculture and medicine in China and Indiawas arranged and attended by senior officials of theuniversity and the concerned ministries. TraditionalChinese Medicine hailing a legacy of 5000 years hasprotected the health care of the Chinese people. Modernresearch has resulted in remarkable achievements andprovides healing for many a modern illness. Visit to theAgricultural University and a few farms showed thedetermination of a nation to protect its traditionalpractices while blending with modern technology. Mr.LinZuoping a senior official of the ministry of educationhosted a dinner for the two member team from KeralaChurch.

Meeting with His Exc. Jin Luxian Bishop ofShangai diocese was memorable and inspiring. Wecould see a vibrant Church that has come through thedark tunnel of cultural revolution and the perils of thebamboo curtain that has not yet been fully removed.Shanghai Diocese covers 143 churches with more than160 religious committed to God’s service (includingbishops,priest and nuns) and about 500,000 members

Visit o RomeChairman & Director journeyed to the eternal

city – ROME in the third week of Dec 2009 to interactwith the president of Italian Bishops’Conference. Aproposal for revamping the social intervention sector ofthe Church in Kerala was presented to CEI. In thediscussion that followed priorities for the Church in Keralain the total development of the state was pointed out.The president of CEI highlighted the need to addressthe concerns of the marginalized sections of people.


30th Member of KSSFHis Excellency Most Rev. Yuhanan Mar Chrysostomwas installed the first Bishop of the newly-formedPathanamthitta diocese of the Malankara SyrianCatholic Church on 20th March 2010. “Anugraha”,

Pathanamthitta Social Service Society led by Fr. ChristyThevaravelil is the 30th member of our family. We greetthe head of the new diocese and warmly welcome theDSSS.

Adieu

1. Rev. Fr. Varghese Thannikuzhiyil SHREYAS,2. Rev. Paul Moojely Welfare Services Ernakulam3. Rev. Fr. Thomas Muthalathara Samridhy Social Service Society4. Rev. Fr. Joemon Varghese Punalur Social Service Society5. Rev Fr. Detto Fernandez Quilon Social Service Society6. Rev. Fr. Joseph Oliakkatil Centre for Overall Development7. Rev. Fr. Varghese Marathoor Bodhana8. Rev. fr. Wilson Thattaruthundil Malankara Social Service Society

Welcome to the New Directors

Rev. George Vettickattil SHREYAS,Rev. Thomas Vaikathuparambil Welfare Services ErnakulamRev. Geevarghese Melepidikayil Samridhy Social Service SocietyRev. Roy B. Simson Punalur Social Service SocietyRev. Rajesh Martin Quilon Social Service SocietyRev. Joseph Thekumkattil Centre for Overall DevelopmentRev. Wilson BodhanaRev. John Vilayil Malankara Social Service Society

New Bishops

We warmly welcome our new shepherds to lead the Church:1. Mar. Remigiose Inchananiyil Bishop of Thamarassery,2. Mar. Pauly Kannookadan Bishop of Irinjalakuda,3. Joseph Mar Thomas Bishop of Bathery.4. Mar Bosco Puthur Curial Bishop of the Syro Malabar

Archiepiscopal Church5. Mar Raphel Thattil Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Trichur6. Samuel Mar Irenious Auxiliary Bishop Trivandrum Major Archdioces7. Philipose Mar Sthephanos Auxiliary Bishop Thiruvalla Arch Diocese8. Thomas Mar Antonios Bishop of the Syro Malankara

Major Archiepiscopal Curia.


Annual Accounts





, THELLAKOM, KOTTAYAM, KERALA - 686 016

KERALA SOCIAL SERVICE FORUM

AMOS CENTRE, THELLAKOM, KOTTAYAM, KERALA 686 016

Outflow of Funds

1 AMOS Expenditure

2 Local Fund

3 Capital Expenditure

4 Earmarked Funds

Inflow of Funds

1 AMOS Expenditure

2 Local Fund

3 Capital Expenditure

4 Earmarked


Staff tour to Goa

X Mas Celebration

Onam Celebration

Kerala Social Service ForumAMOS Center, Adichira, Thellakom P.O.,Kottayam, Kerala - 686 016, IndiaTel: 0481 - 2594802/ 03Fax: 0481 - [email protected]

Regional Offices

Opp Civil Staton, Kalpatta North,Wayanad, Kerala - 637 122Tel: 04936 - [email protected]

TC 26/269, Spencer Junction, AGS Office P.O.,Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala - 695 039Tel: 0471 - [email protected]

Documents

Annual Report KSSF 2010