In his speech he promised and extended the support of the Archdiocese to all the members of this peaceful protest and stated that it deserved urgent attention and action from the side of the authorities in the State and Nation in the face of a lingering threat to innumerable families in the State.

The lit candles were held up as an expression of hope – a Flame of Hope amidst a dark and difficult bout between the people of the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu and also welcomed judicious and timely action from the part of authorities to save the peoples (brothers and sisters of the same nation) from unnecessary and mounting grudge.

The Biggest Annual Agricultural Fest of Central Kerala – the Chaithanya Karshikamela was conducted spectacularly from December 1 to 4, 2011. It exhorted the villagers and the public to embrace the culture of ‘Agriculture’ – which was connoted as the ‘Mother culture of Cultures’. Among the chief attractions on display were an elaborate Crop exhibition, Traditional handicrafts/articles’ exhibition by School children of Kallara and Kaipuzha schools, Health and alternative lifestyle practices display.

It was an entertainment venue for men and women, young and old alike. The different groups of marginalized sections in society including disabled, farmers, senior citizens, widows, women and children all were jubilant to participate in cultural programmes staged in between public meetings as they all shared a sense of brotherhood under the umbrella of KSSS development programmes.

Colourful and indigenous competitions were another channel of communicating the traditional agricultural methods and approaches which were in practice. These included pounding the rice grains to separate the rice, making butter out of curd, paddy harvesting using sickle, digging and slicing tapioca the traditional way. All these along with others aimed at reducing the gap between earth and the lifestyle of men in this era. It was a rich confluence where the younger generation met or even meditated on the lives of the older generations.

Interwoven within the Karshikamela were around 200 diverse stalls catering to agriculture and animal husbandry, environment, health and information aspects endeared by the ordinary and marginalized villagers in society. The Amusement park, science exhibitions, indigenous food stalls etc all made the Mela a splendid place for the family to be together.

The support received from the media personnel and the rapport maintained with the government ministries were reflected in the public meetings during the days of the Mela and TV and newspaper reports during the following days. The Fest was distinguished with the presence of seven State Ministers including Central Minister, District Collectors, Honourable Bishops, Cine-artists etc. Thus the 14^th Chaithanya Agricultural Fest was successful to attract wide attention and show case the example of a committed development organization thanks to the good team work among its staff and organizers at all levels of the organsisation.

• Scientific research in agriculture (pepper, palm plate  production technology, coconut harvesting  technology) KSSS also undertakes researches and studies on social issues and upon data collected from the field in order to update and evaluate its performance for further improvement.

• Survey, studies on social issues KSSS system of Documentation is improvising at the time with adoption of the developments in information technology. By and by, the documentation is stored in computer systems for development of publications and reference needs. Attention is also paid upon making of Documentaries of projects and activities undertaken.

• Website The news and events at KSSS is also available online at www.ksss.in since 2006.

• Publications: Its monthly newsletter plays an important role in the successful and efficient execution of field programmes. Moreover periodical publications also ensure to keep up the credibility, transparency and accountability of the organization.
  • Sangachaithanya – Monthly Newsletter, Brochure, Leaflets, Diary, Annual Report

Community shop As a first step, we started a community shop at the central level. The members brought in their various self-made products from their income generation            programmes and the centre sold their goods to other members. The system was working quite well for those members who lived near to the KSSS centre.  Those who lived further away found it difficult to make the commute to purchase products and thereafter it was proposed to start regional counters as       well as ten extension counters of Community Enterprise Counters. The SHG members now deliver their products at the Community Enterprise Counters in the villages and adding a small service charge, the quality products will be sold at cheaper rates to the public. The interference of a middlemen is avoided as the service charge is mainly just for processing and SHG members will get more demand for their goods. The Community Enterprise Shops are also managed by           selected group members who were given special training to run them.

Thozhil Bureau: Kerala is one of the many Indian states that are densely populated. As the literacy rate in Kerala is exemplerarily high, the number of unemployed and under employed is also as high. To help the unemployed and under-employed to find suitable employment we have started a Thozhil Bureau. As thozilis the Malayalam word for Work.  People are free to register with the bureau and as job openings become available candidates are employed. So far we have employed 47 people in different sectors without any service charge.

Marketing Specialist: To provide an easy access to the Value Added Products to the households, KSSS initiated to start the supply of VAP through Marketing Specialists in its operational villages. The marketing specialists provide door to door service according to the need. Periodical training programmes and evaluation sessions were conducted to maintain the quality of the MS.

Income Generation Programmes

To ensure a minimum standard of living to the poor and needy sections of the society, KSSS established various income generation programmes to the target people. Subsidies and revolving funds were provided as per need.

God the creator has created every individual person unique and acquired them with specific skill sets and capacities.  The primary motto of KSSS is: “Awareness Enabling Development.” This motto is enacted upon at KSSS through empowering individuals and groups to explore their potentials and very capacities in order to ensure their well-being along with enhancing a sense of community care.  KSSS recognizes the vital role that institutions play for the development of society, and therefore has initiated several programs with the support of government and non-government organizations along with KSSS’s own resources.

1. Training and Coordination of Staff:

1. 1. Training to animators

Training is provided to animators, as they are valued as the direct most field staff.  Their training is to enhance their abilities to run, or animate, activities in an effective manner for the development of the society. Regular training      conducted by efforts at KSSS embarks the ideas of: motivation, character  counts, skills development, and knowledge (MASKs), and Knowledge skills X(KSAKs).

1. 2. Refresher training to office staff

KSSS organizes four-day skills training programs for its 30 professionally qualified office staff.  These programs are refresher courses as well as teaching   courses of new materials and methods that have been introduced in the field of      development and social work.  Previous training programs have been based on: work-based planning, communication, efficiency, community leadership, documentation,participatory approaches in development, advocacy, lobbying, micro finance, current government schemes of development, the social worker’s role in community, community enterprise organization, rights based approaches,gender issues, and assessing cultural sensitivities.

1. 3. Regional meeting

Eight regions consist of the operational areas of KSSS.  Regional coordinators       facilitate KSSS efforts to the regions as animators run KSSS programs at the     village level.  Regional coordinators and animators have meetings once a week      to discuss the weekly programs and any problems or issues that may have arose in the field.  The purpose of these meetings are for planning, monitoring, and          evaluation –all to ensure quality programming.

1. 4. Coordinators meeting

Regional coordinators have meetings amongst themselves once a week as well to discuss entire programs with KSSS staff and its implementation.  The meetings also include discussions of regional level activities and group      discussions on specific methodologies and experiences.

1. 5. Monthly Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation meeting

Executive bodies are called once in a month for planning, monitoring and evaluating the KSSS activities. Active discussions are being conducted in this meeting as they are planning various programs to achieve the real needs of   the community.

Regular Beneficiary Programme (SAFP)

This is a family development programme in which the poor and suffering families get regular support from SAFP for starting income generation programs, as well as educational assistance of the children, and house maintenance or medical treatment purposes of the family members. These families are adopted for a certain period of time and monthly Rs.750/ are given to them as a grant. Along with the financial support, beneficiaries are also given training in family life orientation, budgeting, income generation programmes etc. Periodic family visits and evaluation help us to have access to these beneficiaries.

-          Regular support to 252 families

-          Regular follow up

-          Training on various IGP

Sponsor A Grandparent Programme (SAGPP)

With the object of bringing the aged people into the mainstreams of society, KSSS started Sponsor A grandparent Programme in collaboration with HelpAge India. The programme provides assistance to 172 selected senior citizen members in the 5 districts of Kerala state.  The program includes:

-          Regular food supply to 172 selected old people

-          Free medical camps

-          Eye camps

-          Awareness classes

House visits

To maintain a good rapport with the target beneficiaries KSSS has an effective system for regular house visits. It helps the organization to understand the grass root level problems and solve it with limited time frame.

Widow, Widower development programme

As the number of abandoned and unwed mothers number on an increase day by day, KSSS intervened into this by introducing Widow Widower development programme in association with Save A Family Plan. Through this programme, 54 abandoned and unwed mothers get an amount of Rs. 4000/- as subsidy to start some Income Generation Programmes for their sustainable income generation.

Kudumba Sangamam

To develop a “Family gathering” of the SHG members and their family members, KSSS started a new intervention named ‘Kudumba Sangamam’ (Family get together) in its operational villages.

-          Active participation of the villagers

-          Special message from the KSSS central office Team

-          Intergenerational experience Sharing

-          Cultural programmes of the participants

-          Traditional food distribution

-          Evaluation of the activities conducted so far in the village

Counseling and Guidance

Counseling and guidance services are given free-of-charge to the ordinary villagers by professionally qualified staff at KSSS. The services are intended for those who are suffering with problems in life.

Door to door service according to the necessity

Following are the environment awareness programmes conducted by KSSS:-

a) Environment Awareness Campaign on ‘Climatic Change’

As a part of the Environment Awareness Campaign 2008-2009, KSSS conducted one day Environment Awareness Campaign at Community Center, Thellakom in collaboration with Centre for Environment and Development department

-          Participation of 250 members

-          Participation of households, existing CBOs, School Children and PRI members

-          Distribution of leaflets on ‘Climatic Change’

-          Free distribution of 2 kg vermin compost to 125 selected participants

b) World Environment Day Celebrations

By the initiative of Kottayam Social Service Society, World Environment Day celebrations were conducted on 5^th June 2009 at Pachira village of Kottayam district.

-          Distribution of coconut plantlets to the participants

-          Environmental based Poster Competition and distribution of prizes to the winners

-          Free distribution of Nutmeg plantlets to the participants

-          Participation of about 750 people

-          Inauguration of ‘Fruit Plant Promotion Programme’

c) ‘Fruit Plant Promotion’ Programme

With the aim of creation of a healthy and disease free community, KSSS initiated to start a new developmental programme named “Phalasamrudhi Pathadhi”(Fruit Plant Promotion Programme). This programme intended to cultivate a minimum of 7 fruit plants in each Self Help Group Member. It also aims to create sharing attitude among the self help group members by sharing the plants each other.

-          aims to create a healthy and disease free community

-          Announced prizes to the member having greatest number of fruit plants at home

d) Srama Danam (Voluntary work)

To instill the theme of clean and hygienic environment, KSSS celebrates October 2^nd as Srama Danam (Voluntary Work day). On the same day, all the Self Help Group members will clean the public places of their respective villages.

-          Cleaning of public places and institutions such as hospitals, public roads, public wells etc…

-          Organization of awareness campaign based on Sevana Varacharanam

-          Participation of Panchayath officials

a) Promotion of Group Farming at Fallow lands

To create a worthy and fertile environment, KSSS initiated to promote participatory group farming in the fallow lands available by using organic manure. The programme was a great success in the last year and the farmers could earn high return from the field. Moreover, it was a motivation to others to follow this model.

e) Environmental Education

Conservation and management of natural resources are extremely important for the co-existence of man and environment. Adopting simple life style in harmony with the nature and natural resources is necessary for man’s secure life. Optimum exploitation of natural resources with out its protection always leads to disaster. As a step of environmental protection awareness creation on Eco- Friendly farming, Rainwater harvesting, Bio fertilizers, control measures for soil erosion, Reforestation and social forestry etc are being promoted. It has created awareness on environmental tragedies and precaution to be taken to protect the environment

Bio diversity conservation

Social forestry: Tree is a boon to man.  To protect the environment and the bio-diversity deforestation must be stopped and reforestation must be promoted. As a step to it KSSS promotes awareness classes and planting of trees. About 56000 trees were distributed through the SHG groups in 26villages of Kottayam and Idukki Districts.

a) Planting of Trees

To protect the environment and the bio-diversity deforestation must be abolished and forestation must be promoted. As a step to it, KSSS promotes awareness classes and planting of trees. In the Villages of Kurumollor and Neezhoor 25000 trees were distributed through the SHG groups.

e) Participatory Coconut Farming Promotion Programme

As a part of biodiversity conservation programme, KSSS distributed coconut plantlets to its farm club members at a subsidized rate of Rs.10.

Plastic Reduction programme

To protect the environment from the aggressive and harmful usage of plastic, KSSS introduced paper bag and cloth bag as an effective and eco-friendly substitute for plastic bags. By the timely intervention of KSSS, paper bags and cloth bags were widely accepted as a suitable alternative throughout its operational villages. Advantages of paper bag and cloth bags:-

-          eco-friendly and cost effective

-          economical

-          Biodegradable

1. Competitions

A number of competitions were conducted to create environmental friendly attitudes among the people through public participation. The competitions were very informative and covered almost all the villages. Following are the competitions conducted:-

a) Poster Competition

Poster competition intended to address each and every environmental issue through posters. The winners were honored with the prizes of Rs.750, Rs.500 and Rs.250 as first, second and third prizes respectively.

b) Quiz Programmes

As a part of the Farm Fest, Environmental Quiz Competitions were conducted at KSSS for both Farm Club Members and SMART Group Members (Children’s Group).

Environmental Quiz Competition for the Farm Club Members

The Environmental Quiz Competitions were organized in a systematic way as the farm club members selected at village level competed at regional level. The selected two members of each region were selected for the central level competition at Farm Fest. The two members regional groups of 8 regions competed each other at Farm Fest and the winners were honored with prizes of Rs.1500 and 1000 for the 1^st and 2^nd places respectively.

Environmental Quiz Competition for the Children

The selected SMART group members of village level were competed at regional level to get promoted to the Central Level for Farm Fest. The selected 8 groups of 2 members were competed each other at Farm Fest. The winners got attractive prizes.

Solid Waste Management Programme

With the object of creation of ‘clean and healthy environment’ KSSS initiated Solid Waste Management Programmes in its operational areas with the participation of its Civil Society Organizations. A Workshop on “Waste Management” was conducted and more than 3500 tree-saplings were distributed to the participants.

b) Promotion of Biogas

With the aim of effective waste management and conversion of waste to biogas as an economical means of fuel, KSSS promoting Biogas plants in its operational villages.

-          Availability of different models according to the convenience of the area

-           Rs. 3500 as subsidy

-          Deenbandhu and Drum model

Akshara Jyothi Educational scholarships: programme is implemented in co-operation with IGSSS & Agape Movement to support poor students who are undergoing various job-oriented trainings. Each student is supported for maximum period of three years and Rs.4000/- is given yearly as a revolving fund. Beneficiaries will reimburse the money in 30 installments with out interest six months after completing their course. This year we have supported 227 children for their education.

Career Guidance: In order to help the students passing out from 10^th and 12^th classes to choose there career based on there attitude Kottayam Social Service Society has been organizing carrier guidance seminars in the eight regions of Kottayam Social Service Society