KSSS
Kottayam Social Service Society
Kottayam Social Service Society
KSSS in association with the Health department and Kottayam TB centre launched the Health Jagaratha vehicle campaign to mitigate COVID -19. Dissemination of proper information about the prevention of COVID-19 was one of the primary activities envisaged. Mr. P .Thilothaman (Minister of Food and Civil Supplies) inaugurated the campaign at Kottayam Collectorate.
Mr.Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan MLA, Mrs.C.K. Asha MLA, Mr. Mani C.Kappan MLA, Mr.P.K. Sudheer Babu lAS (Collector, Kottayam), Mr.Jayadev G. IPS (Superintendent of Police,Kottayam), Mr. George Pullatt(Municipal Chairman, Ettumanoor), Mr. V.M. Chacko (RTO, Kottayam), Dr.Jacob Varghese (DMO, Kottayam), Dr.Rajan K.R., Dr.Anitha Kumari(Deputy DMO), Mr. Domi J. (Mass Media Officer),Dr. Tingle T.(District TB Officer), Fr. Sunil Perumanoor (Executive Director, KSSS) and Fr. Mathews Valiyaputhenpurayil (Asst. Director, KSSS) participated in the function.
After the inauguration, Mom’s Magic Hand wash awareness and demonstration was also conducted. As part of the campaign, KSSS distributed masks, IEC materials and hand wash kits to the community people. The Health Jagratha Campaign of KSSS was implemented in the Kottayam, Idukki, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, and Ernakulam districts of Kerala. The audio awareness program could outreach remote rural villages where people have no access to media. Hence it was a good means of awareness to the community people to understand the pandemic COVID 19 and how everyone has to ensure their own safety in this situation of rapid community spread. Through mobile vans and announcements in rural areas, KSSS has also reached 4 lakh people with awareness messages on preventive measures.
Kottayam Social Service Society together with national and international funding agencies partners have scaled up operations to fight corona virus in 5 districts across Kerala, providing dry ration kits to 44314 poor people, 17250 cooked meals to migrant laborers, distributed 22314 hygiene kits and distributing 2,660 safety kits to frontline workers. KSSS has also circulated IEC materials for the communities through social media to prevent the corona virus. It helped the people to stay safe.
Kottayam Social Service Society provided television and digital devices with internet connectivity for the students who are unable to pursue online classes during the COVID-19 era. Our aim is to avoid giving any kind of burden to students and ensure them hassle-free environs for their online studies. It is just as important to have a digital device in the hands of students as a textbook during this pandemic era. Even those who cannot afford such a device should have it on hand for their studies. KSSS distributed 115 television and 42 mobile phones to the poor children in the Kottayam district.
With the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, informal sector workers are worst hit by losing work and daily income. They lost their livelihoods and fallen into deep poverty. Agriculture labors, wage workers, and small-scale industries are crippled without work. In this context, KSSS supported Self Help group members to start a sustainable livelihood like farming, animal husbandry programme, and small-scale industries. An amount of Rs.101500000 was disbursed among 1421 families selected from five districts of Kerala.
Kottayam Social Service Society always aims to strengthen farmers and the agriculture sector with regenerative activities collaborated with various agencies to encourage farming communities to take practice community farming. Interest-free loans are made available to the farmers at a subsidized rate to overcome the COVID crisis in agriculture. The financial aid was given 10 Self Help Groups in Kottayam district. These groups in scientific farming practices will contribute significantly to better food production and attaining food security. The financial aid was made available for the cultivation of tapioca, cash crops, vegetables, and paddy.
Due to the second wave of Covid-19 the hospitals have urgent requirements of medical equipment to strengthen the health care services. The hospitals have requirement of Digital BP apparatus, Surgeon’s gown and Non-Re-breathable Masks, Oxygen Concentrators, Pulse oximeters. With the support of CBM Trust India, KSSS has distributed 100 valves,400 Nasal Prongs,50 Venturi masks, 200 Disposable Ventilator Tubings, 400 HME Filter with Bacterial and Viral Filter,200 Closed Suction set,300 Endotracheal Tubes,75 Triple Lumen Central Venous Catheters, and 50 Ted Stockings to the Government Medical Colleges in Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Ernakulam
With the support of Give 2 Asia, KSSS distributed 10 Digital BP apparatus, 200 surgeons’ gowns, 500 non-re-breathable masks, 25 oxygen concentrator, 500 PPE kits to Little Lourde Hospital Kidangoor, and Caritas Hospital Kottayam. The agency also supported the infected patients staying at home care services and the high-risk groups like elderly people, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, and people with other associated medical problems with 500 pulse oxy meters and 1000 steam inhalers.
The frontline workers (including Asha workers, Village Health Volunteers & field workers) are supporting the government to provide continuous medical treatment and health care services to the infected patients in the hospitals as well as at home and people under quarantine in the community. So they are at high risk of getting the infection and if they are infected the complete health care services will be disrupted causing massive spread and loss of lives. To avoid the crisis situation, KSSS distributed 15000 PPE kits to health workers in the Kottayam, Alappuzha and Ernakulam district.
The families infected with Corona virus are mentally stressed as even the close relatives stand for support. Therefore under the activity of Volunteer Training and Village Rescue Team Formation, the leaders who had the interest to work voluntarily formed six groups. Thus 36 volunteers were trained and six groups were formed and each village has one team consisting of six members. The volunteers were given one-day training on ‘COVID 19’ on 14th November 2020 by Dr. Sreelakshmi R, Medical Officer in charge of COVID19 department in the Govt. Medical College, Kottayam. She explained the symptoms, modes of infection, prevention measures, and the first aid treatment of COVID 19. The training was very beneficial for the volunteers and it gave them a clear picture of the virus infection and how they can help the families infected. She also demonstrated how to wear the PPE kit.
The Village Rescue Team is involved in carrying out the preventive response and they are supporting the families in quarantine as well as the families affected by the pandemic in association with health department thus these will help to fight against the pandemic and to prevent the spread of the virus. The follow-up training for the Team will continue and it will support the community to take up all the disaster a situation like flood-related activities and also future pandemics contributing to form a resilient community.
In association with the Kottayam Homeo Medicine department and Caritas Ayurveda hospital, Kottayam Social Service Society distributed 25000 Ayurvedic and homeopathic medicines to prevent Corona virus. The ayurveda medicinal kit includes Indukanthakashayam, Villuvadi tablet, and Aparachitha Dupa churnam. The programme was inaugurated by Fr. Reji Kochuparambil (Director Caritas Hospital) by handing over the ayurveda kit to Fr. Sunil Perumanoor(Executive Director, KSSS).Fr. Mathews Valiyaputhenpurayil (Assistant Director,KSSS) Mr.Sijo Thomas (Programme Officer,KSSS),and Mrs.Mercy Stephen were delivered felicitation. KSSS distributed these medicines to the people of Self Help Groups in five districts of Kerala.
In Kerala second wave Corona has created havoc among the people. People who are under house observation are psychologically stressed and their family members are also mentally upset. Apart from that the vulnerable marginalized people are feeling panic and anxiety about the second wave impact in their life. In this juncture in order to ventilate their pent up emotions, telephonic counselling support is very essential. So that the people are relaxed and they follow the right instructions. Moreover they can also clarify their queries. KSSS has started 24 hours tele – counseling for the Self Help Group members as well as general public.
The Covid-19 has made the lives of the differently-abled so miserable. Lockdowns have disrupted the medication of differently-abled children. Children living in the containment zone cannot buy medicines because of strict curfews. Even though the parents are unemployed during the lockdown, the families are facing an economic crisis. In this context, children’s health will be negatively affected if they lack adequate medicine. The KSSS along with the Catholic Health Association of India and Nannikunnel Medicines, Ettumanoor distributed medicines to the differently-abled children during the lockdown. KSSS volunteers and CBR staff distributed the medicine through home visits.
The Malankara Region of Kottayam Social Service Society badly affected with covid-19 and flood. KSSS distributed steam inhaler to prevent corona virus, pulse oxymeter to understand the oxygen level in the body, PPE kits, and Homeo and Ayurvedic preventive medicine. The kit were distributed to Kuttoor,Chingavanam,Eraviperoor,Ranni,Vakathnam,Pachira,Veliyanadu,Kallissery,Thiruvamandoor,Thuruthikadu,Thengali,Kattodu,and Othara. The inauguration of this programme was done by Auxiliary Bishop of Kottayam Archdiocese Gheevarghese Mar Apream. Fr. Graceson Vengakkal, Vishnu Das T.D were present in the meeting.
The Navomi Group was initiated by Kottayam Social Service Society, the social service wing of Kottayam Archdiocese with an aim to support and empower widows and women-heads of households. Due to the Covid 19 many of the widows lost their jobs and livelihoods. The meet was organized at Chaithanya Pastoral Centre Thellakom to distribute financial aid to the members of the group to start a small venture. Mar Mathew Moolakkatt (Metropolitan Archbishop of Kottayam) in his inaugural address stated that schemes for self-employment will provide an opportunity to women who shoulder responsibility of taking care of their households to unleash their entrepreneurial potential. He also added that self-help groups play a vital role in the realization of such projects. Shri. Thomas Chazhikadan (Member of Parliament) who presided over the meeting commended the exemplary work undertaken by the organization aimed at the welfare of disadvantaged families. Prof. Rosamma Sony (Member, Zilla Panchayath, Kottayam), Shri. Thomas Katoor(Vice-President, Ettumanoor Block Panchayat), Fr. Sunil Perumanoor (Executive Director, Kottayam Social Service Society) Fr Mathews Valiyaputhepurayil (Assistant Director, Kottayam Social Service Society) and coordinator Mercy Stephen spoke at the event. A seminar on the employment generating ventures for women was organized at the event. As part of the welfare activities organized by the Navomi self-employment scheme, interest free loans of Rs.10, 000 each were made available at a subsidized rate to assist 30 individuals in their self-employment ventures.
With an aim to encourage entrepreneurial ventures in the covid-19 to overcome the economic crisis, the Kottayam Social Service Society organized a seminar in association with the Nai Roshni program-a scheme implemented by the Ministry of Minority Affairs. Mar Mathew Moolakkat (Archbishop, Kottayam Archeparchy) inaugurated the event held at Chaithanya Pastoral Centre, Thellakom. In his inaugural address he said that the common man can employ scientific approaches to explore their potential in entrepreneurial opportunities. He also added that we should recognize opportunities that can be embraced within the scope of our living conditions. Rev. Fr. Jacob Mavunkal( Executive Director, Kerala Social Service Forum) presided over the meeting. Shri George Kurian(Deputy Tahasildar, Kottayam), Fr. Sunil Perumanoor (Executive Director, Kottayam Social Service Society), Fr. Mathews Valiyaputhenpurayil( Asst. Director, Kottayam Social Service Society), program officers Ms.Nithya Mol Babu and Nisha Jaimon spoke at the event. The seminar was headed by Smt. Babitha. T .Jessil (Social Worker).
The Kottayam Social Service Society, the service wing of Kottayam Archdiocese organized a meeting of volunteers involved with Covid relief work. The program which was held at Chaithanya Pastoral Centre, Thellakom was inaugurated by Mar Gheevarghese Mar Aprem(Auxiliary Bishop, Kottayam Archieparchy). In his inaugural message he stated that voluntary groups through their efforts can help assuage the fears and concerns of the society during the Covid-19 crisis. He urged the group to persist with their work in bringing relief to the life of people affected by the pandemic. The meeting was presided over by Smt. Bincy Sebastian (Municipal Chairperson, Kottayam). Rev. Fr. Jacob Mavunkal( Executive Director, Kerala Social Service Forum), Fr. Sunil Perumanoor (Executive Director, Kottayam Social Service Society), Fr. Mathews Valiyaputhenpurayil( Asst. Director, Kottayam Social Service Society) and coordinator Mrs.Bessy Joseph addressed the gathering. Following the awareness session held as part of the event, safety kits including protective masks and hand sanitizers were distributed among the volunteers.
To raise awareness on hygiene measures, the Kottayam Social Service Society organized a program in association with the Nai Roshni program-a scheme implemented by the Ministry of Minority Affairs. The event was held at Chaithanya Pastoral Centre, Thellakom and inaugurated by Mar Mathew Moolakkat (Archbishop, Kottayam Archeparchy). In his address, he affirmed that such measures focusing on the individual-family-society model to educate people on hygienic practices will contribute to raising a healthy generation and in ensuring a safe environment for them. Rev. Fr. Michael Vettickatt (Vicar General, Kottayam Archdiocese) presided over the meeting. Smt. Lovely George (Chairperson, Ettumanoor Municipality),Shri. Biju Valiayamala(President, Athirampuzha Gramapanchayath), Shri. T.C. Roy (Municipal Councillor, Kottayam), Fr. Sunil Perumanoor( Executive Director, Kottayam Social Service Society), and Fr. Mathews Valiyaputhenpurayil( Asst. Director, Kottayam Social Service Society)spoke at the event. As part of the event, a class on the importance of hygienic practices was also organized in light of the pandemic.
With the aim to support women financially safe in this covid-19, the Kottayam Social Service Society organized an awareness program in association with the Nai Roshni program-a scheme implemented by the Ministry of Minority Affairs. Mar Mathew Moolakkat (Archbishop, Kottayam Archeparchy) inaugurated the event held at Chaithanya Pastoral Centre, Thellakom. He emphasized the importance of each person to practice financial discipline in everyday life to ensure financial planning and security. Smt. Pushpa Thomas (Vice President, Neendoor Gramapanchayath) presided over the meeting. Fr. Sunil Perumanoor (Executive Director, Kottayam Social Service Society) and Fr. Mathews Valiyaputhenpurayil( Asst. Director, Kottayam Social Service Society)spoke at the event. A class on the practice of financial discipline in everyday life and in entrepreneurial enterprises was taken as part of the program
The Kottayam Social Service Society organized a program to distribute financial aid as part of the scheme to encourage farming practices. Mar Mathew Moolakkat (Archbishop, Kottayam Archeparchy) disbursed the funds at the event held at Chaithanya Pastoral Centre, Thellakom. He emphasized on the importance of switching to polyculture farming for the efficient and productive cultivation. He also praised the efforts of the Kottayam Social Service Society in strengthening sustainable agriculture. Smt. Lovely George (Chairperson, Ettumanoor Municipality) presided over the meeting. Prof. Rosamma Sony( Member, Kottayam Jilla Panchayat, Smt. Lissy Kurian (Municipal Councillor, Kottayam), Fr. Sunil Perumanoor( Executive Director, Kottayam Social Service Society), Fr. Mathews Valiyaputhenpurayil( Asst. Director, Kottayam Social Service Society) and Mr. Luka M.J representing the farmer’s group spoke at the event. A subsidized interest-free loan was disbursed among the farmers to cultivate plants like tapioca, banana, ginger and paddy.
The Kottayam Social Service Society organized a loan mela with an aim to promote economic development through self employment ventures in this covid-19 situation in association with the Kerala State Backward Classes Development Corporation. An amount of 1 crore would be made available for setting up small enterprises at a low interest rate as part of the scheme. Mar Mathew Moolakkat (Archbishop, Kottayam Archeparchy) inaugurated the event that was held at Chaithanya Pastoral Centre, Thellakom. In his inaugural address he focused on the need for systematic planning to achieve financial stability through small business ventures. He also stated that small businesses can pave way for financial independence. Smt. Nirmala Jimmy (President, Kottayam Zilla Panchayath) presided over the meeting. Smt. Lovely George (Chairperson, Ettumanoor Municipality),Shri Thomas Kattoor(Vice President, Ettumanoor Block Panchayat), Fr. Sunil Perumanoor( Executive Director, Kottayam Social Service Society), and Fr. Mathews Valiyaputhenpurayil( Asst. Director, Kottayam Social Service Society)spoke at the event. Selected beneficiaries involved in activities such as animal husbandry programme, stationery shop, tailoring units, beautician service, farming would be given an assistance of Rs.50, 000 as financial support.
As part of the Mitra Scheme the Kottayam Social Service Society, organized the distribution of sewing machines along with overcoming the difficulties of the pandemic through encouraging self-employment practices. Mar Mathew Moolakkat (Archbishop, Kottayam Archeparchy) inaugurated the event held at Chaithanya Pastoral Centre, Thellakom. In his inaugural address he stated that the opportunities for self-employment would empower the rural women and offer an independent and regular means of income. Fr. Jacob Mavunkal (Executive Director, Kerala Social Service Forum) presided over the meeting. Shri Biju Valiayamala(President, Athirampuzha Gramapanchayath), Shri George Kurian (Deputy Tahasildar, Kottayam), Fr. Sunil Perumanoor (Executive Director, Kottayam Social Service Society), and Fr. Mathews Valiyaputhenpurayil( Asst. Director, Kottayam Social Service Society). The selected beneficiaries of the scheme were given USHA Motor Sewing Machines.
The Kottayam Social Service Society in its attempt to ensure food security with integrated opportunity for additional income generation during this covid-19 period has envisaged a project to encourage goat rearing in rural areas. Malabari goat will be made available for goat rearing at a subsidized rate as part of the progarmme. Metropolitan Archbishop of Kottayam Mar Mathew Moolakkatt graced the occasion and inaugurated function that was held at Chaithanya Pastoral Centre,Thellakom. In his inaugural address, he emphasized the need to identify and implement livelihood opportunities to overcome these difficult times and called upon mobilizing measures to support such a promising initiative. Smt. Lovely George (Chairperson Ettumanoor Municipality) presided over the meeting. Shri V.M Chacko (Regional Transport Officer, Kottayam),Shri.Biju Valiyamala(President ,Athirampuzha Gramapanchayath),Fr. Sunil Perumanoor (Director, KSSS) and coordinator Mrs. Bessy Joseph were spoke on the occasion.
