In 2012, Humanium launched a project to improve the living conditions of children and villagers in the village of Eappakkam in India. The aims of this community development project were firstly to provide schooling for children, and secondly to alleviate poverty for its villagers. It has now been in place for 18 months, and we are pleased to be able to report its progress to you.
The objectives, which were established jointly between Humanium, its local partners and the villagers, are currently being achieved, and a tangible difference is already evident in the key areas of intervention.
Many initiatives proved to be successful. The tailoring enterprise scheme for women has been established, and currently involves almost 150 women. An adult literacy programme has also been implemented for villagers over the age of 35 who have never been in education. The 16 participants of this course have made significant progress since the start of the programme and are proud of their success. Regarding education, almost 30 students from Grades 2-5 now attend classes in the Children’s Learning Centre (CLC). Thanks to our support, our local partner donated a study pack. This pack proved to be efficient in addressing the learning gaps of most students.
The project has also made interventions in the area of health care in the village. Many people benefited from camps when health training was given in sanitation, personal hygiene and cleanliness. Since then, almost 40 people have constructed toilets in their homes as a direct result of the awareness and motivation the project promoted.
57 year old Selvaraj had been suffering from vision problems for over 13 years. During the first camp, conducted in partnership with the Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences, Selvaraj was examined, and the vision in his right eye was restored. The cost of his surgery and after-care were entirely free. « I’m so grateful to the doctors and ‘Hand in Hand India’ for helping me regain my eyesight» says a happy Selvaraj.
Today, all the project’s aims have been effectively implemented in the village. Eappakkam continues to foster community involvement to ensure long-term sustainability. The village is now on its way to becoming sustainable, and its villagers empowered!
Written by : Chloé Bamberger |
