DALE VIEW: SELF-HELP COLLECTIVE OF 14000 RURAL POOR
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| C. Christhudas, ‘Dale View’, Punalal, Thiruvananthapuram |
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Punalal,
a remote village of Thiruvananthapuram District is in the front of
developmental activities, thanks to the voluntary organization, ‘Dale
View’, led by C. Christhudas, its director.
Under
about 700 women’s self-help groups the organization has a combined
membership of 14000. And
these groups are engaged in activities as varied as soap making,
preparation of eatables and snacks, vermin-compost manufacturing etc. to
generate additional income for the members.
The
organization was able to build 2000 houses and 1500 latrines for the poor
with the assistance of Government agencies, CAPART and Housing Board.
This they consider as their major contribution.
At
present they are implementing Western Ghat Watershed Development Programme
of the Government in 780 hectares with soil and water conservation
measures.
Training
to the self-help groups is given by their umbrella organization, ‘Samyuktha’.
The
organization runs 2 schools – one at Punalal and other at Kattakkada.
In these schools, students are taught agriculture, animal husbandry
and other vocational courses in addition to the regular syllabus.
In
recognition of their pioneering work, many honours have come their way.
Vijaya Rathan award of India International Society and ‘Samuhya
Seva’ award by Sahrudaya Vedi, Thiruvananthapuram are 2 of them.
Soap making in progress at a self help centre
Courtesy: Staff reporter, Karshakashree, July 2002
Contributed by: Administrator
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