About kalanjiyam

This presentation provides an overview of Kalanjiyam's work!

1. Kalanjiyam Kalanjiyam Trust, Registered Office: Chennai Field office: Kalpattu Village, Kancheepuram District www.kalanjiyam.org

2. Who we are Kalanjiyam was established in 2006 by a group of socially minded individuals to transform under privileged rural communities by developing a sustainable model for community development

3. Our Vision Kalanjiyam envisions a energized and empowered community that can take part in its own development, is able to mobilize and organize itself, and take actions to ensure quality education, improved health and overall well-being of all its members

4. Kalanjiyam Coverage Villages in Kacheepuram and Virudhunagar district of Tamil Nadu with about 15,000 population Beneficiaries include 35 Village communities 16 Government Panchayat Union Schools with over 1000 school children from primary to 10 th standard An estimated 1500 young people in these villages

5. Assuring Early childhood development Objective: Instill interest in learning early on among rural children Currently 120 children benefit from this program The program includes Daily evening fun and learn activities Nutritional supplementation provided Outcome: Ensures that all children in our villages enroll in primary school on time and are healthier and effectively start learning

6. Strengthening Rural Education Objective: Ensuring enrollment and completion of primary schools (1 to 5 th class) We create an enabling school environment in the adopted schools We provide seating, fans and lighting, water, hygiene and sanitation in adopted schools We create interest in learning and all rounded development through computer education and exposure to arts such as drawing, yoga and music We address children’s health through nutrition supplementation and free access to treatment for illnesses

7. Supporting completion of higher education Objective: to encourage and support children to complete beyond primary school, up to12th standard Strategies: Provide free van service to address walking long distances to school Providing for water and construction of hygiene facilities in school Supplementing additional educational materials Educational scholarships to encourage 10 th standard students to continue education Education aid for deserving students to complete schooling or college

8. Information Education & Communication (IEC) Objective : To provide information to rural and semi-literate populations effectively We have developed six innovative and culturally sensitive IEC materials for free public distribution on: Maternal and Child health, Nutrition and brain development, adolescent reproductive health , advocating for child rights Using these materials we conduct Bioscope programs, a video on wheels awareness program at the community’s door step in our villages With these we have reached out to over 10,000 individuals and families across Tamil Nadu

9. Community Health Objective – to improve health of rural communities through access to free health care and information on health Child Health – Over 800+ children in our adopted schools are provided with free health care Community outreach – programs in coverage villages to impart health information, counseling and referrals on Tuberculosis and other chronic health problems

10. Programs for Young people Objective: To provide skill training to young people so that they would be able sustain their families and are able to contribute to development of their communities We conduct: Life-skills program for young girls focusing on reducing vulnerabilities Awareness on reproductive health, HIV/ AIDS and self-awareness and empowerment Expanding livelihood options by skill training Tailoring, driving and setting up small businesses About 1500 young people from our villages have benefited from these programs

11. Monitoring and Evaluation We strongly believe that any effective effort is one that can demonstrate that they have achieved desired results We therefore take up regular surveys and assessments to monitor each and every effort / program Needs assessments Monitoring and tracking Documenting results and changes To identify areas for strengthening

12. Key Accomplishments Developed a effective model for participatory and community based development Formed voluntary base of local community members and village leaders to increase ownership and sustainability Strengthened the quality of education in 16 Panchayat Union schools Zero school drop outs in our villages in primary schools Reduction in school drop outs in high school and beyond Increased pass out rates in 10 th and 12 th standard

13. Future Directions Making way for RICH communities Promoting health and preventing disease / illnesses Strengthening children’s education Bringing a community library Expanding horizon of young people Information through Knowledge and Internet Center Diversifying livelihood options Expand skills through a livelihood training center

14. Thank you