'Rojavanam' literally means A 'Garden of Roses,' a peaceful place where senior citizens dwell in an atmosphere of compassion and affection.
We have two such Rojavanams, Senior Citizens Care and Protection Centres, catering to the much desired needs of 64 inmates and 183 outpatients with a dedicated team of 42 qualified and experienced personnel. One centre is situated in Nagercoil Town, the headquarters of Kanyakumari district, and very close to District Collector's Office, and the other one is in Ramanputhoor near Nagercoil and the other one is at Kanyakumari. Both the homes take ultra care of senior citizens.
Rojavanam is a splendid home especially to the suffering senior citizens. This splendid home is a paradise of senior citizens and a haven where the angel-like nurses serve the weary and ailing, aged men and women with smile. The service of the nurses is much appreciated by the inmates for it is copiously blended with love and affection - fatherly and motherly or sometimes a combination of both.
Kind doctors treat the inmates of Rojavanam with great care, compassion and utmost sincerity and receive their gratitude only by a smile. Whatever is given is blended with love and Rojavanam finds happiness in giving happiness to the sick and old, sorrowful and grief-stricken at their old age.
Cleanliness, delicious food to their taste, and tender medical care make the inmates forget their home, in this home.
We ran a Drug Awareness counselling and Assistance Centre from 1995 to 1999 with the assistance of Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. We motivated drug and alcohol users to refrain from drugs through awareness, counselling and follow-up assistance. This programme covered the whole area of Kanyakumari district. Under this programme we identified and treated drug addicts and referred more than 2500 drug addicts for treatment.
The Regional Resource Centre has certified the De-addiction centre established by AMK as the “GOOD De-addiction Centre”. This centre is the best out of the 26 De-Addiction centres established in Tamil Nadu.
As we are already involved in Drug Awareness Counselling and Assistance through our Drug Awareness and Counselling Centre we realized the need for a de-addiction treatment cum rehabilitation centre. With the support of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment we got sanction for this Centre.This centre has been functioning since 1999. The centre is 15 bedded.
Through this centre we conduct campaign and identify the addicted persons and admit them in the de-addiction centre. We are providing them a course of treatment comprising detoxification, individual counselling, group therapy, group activity, spouse counselling, family counselling, yoga therapy and rehabilitation to the needy persons. Since the inception of this centre we have provided treatment to over 7400 addicted persons as inpatients.
We are also providing treatment for addicts as outpatient. So far we have provided outpatient treatment to over 9000 persons affected by drugs/alcohol
90% of the addicted persons treated by our centre have given up worst the habit and started a drug-free life. We are providing follow- up services to the relapsing cases. This programme is continuing with the appreciation of the Government, community and stakeholders.
AMK is proud and happy in organizing training programs for NRDWP. The National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP) under Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation(MDWS) envisages providing multi level cadre of adequately motivated skilled and trained personnel in rural water supply sector with a view to ensure sustainability of water supply, water sources and optimally productive utilization of sectoral investments and concomitant enhanced benefits to rural areas. The purpose of the Key Resource Centre is to ensure that sector professionals are sensitized for change in role, responsibility and attitude through need-based in-service training/ exposure utilizing the services of specialists/ experts.
During the Financial Year 2015 – 16 AMK organizes the following training programmes:-
Similarly, during the year 2016-2017 also the following programmes were organized:
Training action plans preparation for WATSAN functionaries, Social mobilization, and sustainability of water and sanitation programme, source and system, water quality, operation, maintenance and community participation for Sustainability of WATSAN etc are the topics dealt with.
Communication and Capacity Development Unit (CCDU) Under TamilNadu Water and Drainage Board (TWAD), Government of TamilNadu is a part of the Water and Sanitation activities to improve the quality of implementation and for promoting initiatives in water supply and sanitation sector.
AMK is implementing this scheme in Kanyakumari and Ramnad districts in Tami Nadu through fund support of Tamil Nadu Water and Drainage Board (TWAD). During the financial year 2014-2015 and 2015 – 16 AMK has trained 1200 CBP to PRIs, VWSC members, Gross Root Workers like masons, pump mechanics and OHT operators and SHGs. The major objectives of CCDU are developing state specific information, education and communication strategy for reform initiatives in water and sanitation, providing capacity development and addressing the need for sustainability in water and sanitation During the financial year 2016-2017 AMK has trained 1000 CBP to PRIs, VWSC members, Gross Root Workers like masons, pump mechanics, OHT operators and SHGs
AMK is implementing this scheme for the empowerment of the women of minority section of the society. It is a scheme under the Ministry of Minority affairs, Government of India, for empowering and instilling confidence among the women of minority section of the society by providing Leadership Development Trainings. The effort would embolden women of minority group of society to move out of the confines of their home and community and assume leadership roles and alert their rights, collectively or individually, in assessing services, facilities, skills and opportunities, besides claiming their due share of welfare benefits of the Government for improving their lives and living conditions. During this Financial Year 2015–16 AMK has trained 250 women of minority communities in 10 batches Financial Year 2016–17 AMK has trained 375 women of minority communities in 15 batches under this scheme.
Each batch will have six days training on varied topics resourced by eminent resource persons.
National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM) is trying to make the poor as entrepreneurial and have innate desire to come out of poverty. The challenge is to unleash their capabilities to generate meaningful and sustainable livelihoods. The first step in this process is motivating the urban poor to form their own institutions. They and their institutions need to be provided with sufficient capacity so that they can manage the external environment, access finance, expand their skills, enterprises and assets. This requires continuous and carefully designed hand holding support. An external, dedicated and sensitive support structure, from the national level to the city and community levels, is required to induce social mobilisation, institution building and livelihood promotion.
AMK organized the training programmes. As AMK has long experience in organizing women groups, it has taken efforts and identified potential urban women for the training programme. Women living Corporation area have been identified for this training. Though more than a thousand women needed the training, AMK restricted the beneficiaries to 600 and prepared a schedule for the training programme.
Training for the first batch of 600 women was completed. Women are trained on the following topics for three days.
It is a programme of National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM). AMK identified 714 street vendors in Corporation limit and implemented this programme
Objectives of the programme are:
Survey and Issue of Identity Cards - Conducted survey in the corporation area. The Survey covered all street vendors of the area. AMK staff conducted the survey. During the survey, we verified the residence - proof - documents of the vendors. ID cards were issued to all vendors surveyed and we maintain database of vendors who were issued Ids.
We prepared City Street Vending Plan (CSVP). The CSVP was based on information of markets where sellers and buyers naturally congregate for the sale and purchase of products and services. The Plan was developed after consultations with Street Vendor’s Associations
Prepared plans for improved civic facilities such as providing, water supply, toilets, waste disposal facility, lighting, common storage space, specialized carts for specific types of trades, temporary sheds and/or parking facilities
Motivated the street vendors for Financial Inclusion and opening of basic savings deposit accounts of street vendors (ID cards issued to street vendors to act as document for account opening)
Various credit schemes for traders were made known to the street vendors. This would be helpful for the vendors for meeting their working capital needs
Besides, various social security schemes were explained and motivated the vendors to make use of these schemes. The insurance schemes of Government of India such as RashtriyaSwasthyaBimaYojana (RSBY) for health insurance, AamAadmiBimaYojna (erstwhile JanashreeBimaYojna) for Life Insurance were made known to the vendors.
It is also a programme of National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM).
Information, Education and Communication are vital parts in any development initiative. They are needed for developing the field in which they are meant for. The traditional methods of lectures alone will not help a person. Matters conveyed through IEC materials will easily reach the minds of the people for whom they are meant for. AMK wished to develop more entrepreneurs so as to enhance their socio economic conditions. We have been training and providing support services for the women to start new Income Generation Activities (IGAs). Individuals and groups trained and motivated by AMK are successfully involving in various IGAs.
We selected 10 successful units and video - graphed them. These videos would be a boost for new individuals and groups for starting similar initiatives. We planned to screen these videos to people during trainings, meetings and in public places.
Activities covered are as follows:-
Since the inception of the Home the basic necessities of the children are fully met with and AMK never compromised anything for any reasons. The Home is concerned about the health and hygiene of each child by providing a pleasant stay at the Home. We have provided one room for six children. Each child is given a single cot with bed sheets and a pillow. Proper lighting and fan facilities are made. Care has been taken to have one side window at least in each room for sufficient daylight and air. Each child is given a trunk with a lock to keep their clothes and personal belongings safely. This also helps the children to grow up as a responsible person. Every year two new sets of school uniforms and two new colour dresse are provided to each inmate. Adequate space is provided for the children to read, dine, play and pray.
Two telephone connections are made available so that the parent / guardian can contact the children. Though it is instructed that the parents can call the children only on the holidays, we allow emergency calls from the parents. If a child falls sick he or she can communicate to their parents over cell phone when it is not possible to get access over the telephone.
Internet facility is also available for the reference purposes, which is a boon for the inmates. A Television set is there in the centre for enjoying entertainment and for gaining general knowledge. Three newspapers one in English and two in native languages are provided for the children. A mini library is kept here for developing reading skill.
All the children are taught personal hygiene practices and motivated to practice them in their daily life. This programme is going on with the appreciation of parents and well-wishers
Alcoholism or drug dependency is a chronic and progressive disease that leads to severe physical, emotional and social problems. AMK New Life Centre provides new life to the alcoholics. The objectives of the treatment measures make the patients total abstinence from alcohol or other drugs for life and creating positive changes in them thereby improving the quality of life of the drug addicts.
The centre is functioning in the following address. It is easily accessible through bus services throughout the day
AMK New LifeCentre,Shelter for Urban homeless caters the shelter needs of the urban poor particularly people who do hard work during day or night times, people caste out of their homes from relatives, aged sick people, people who were punished for petty crimes etc, who seek accommodation at street side platforms, bus or railway stations, in front of closed shops, under bridges, church or temple premise and wherever they get space to sleep or take rest.
This centre situated by the side of Madurai-Melur road, about 2 kilometre from Madurai is having the facility of drinking water, electricity, sanitation facility, beds, compassionate care taking staff, easy access with Government Hospital for taking treatment etc. This home is now having 78 inmates who enjoy a homely atmosphere. AMK is managing this home for the utmost satisfaction of the inmates with the co-operation of Madurai City Municipal Corporation.
Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, Government of India is funding this programme under the National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM) scheme. AMK and Madurai Corporation jointly run this home for the benefit of urban homeless.
Tiruchirapalli Municipal Corporation has established similar homes at the following three places in Trichy Corporation area. AMK and Tiruchirapalli Municipal Corporation jointly run these homes.
Most of the people who are getting treatment in Government hospitals are from poor and marginalized families. As hospital rule do not permit caretakers to stay with the patients and hence, after admitting their family member for treatment in the hospital, their care takers have to leave the hospital. As their homes are far away, they cannot go home and return the next day. Hence they have to find a shelter for them within a proximate location. But these people have no means to pay for lodging or renting a house for them. Hence they spend the night under trees, road sides, car sheds, in front of closed shops, under parked vehicles etc. During rainy seasons, their condition would be more pathetic. They roam along the streets waiting for the dawn. Women are the most affected. They cannot find a safe place easily. Further, some patients after being discharged from hospital have to come for follow-up treatment for some days. These patients cannot travel long distance and they have to stay nearby the hospital.
Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, Government of India is funding this programme under the National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM) scheme, AMK and Chennai Greater Corporation jointly run the Special home for bystanders at Rayapuram, Chennai.
AMK has been empanelled as a Training Organization under Ministry of Women and Child Development to conduct training programmes on Sexual Harassment at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 and the subsequent Rules framed and put to operations on 9th December, 2013. The Government thinks, the effective use of this legislation is possible only through awareness generations among the masses. Though training intervention is certainly not a panacea to this problem, we believe regular training programmes will create awareness among the people. HR Managers of organizations also need to be trained to be responsible for sensitizing all the employees about the fine line between healthy mixing of colleagues of different sexes and the behaviour amounting to sexual harassment.
AMK is about to train staff of various departments of state Governments in India, staff of private organizations, teachers etc.
As a means to develop trades in Kanyakumari District, Government of India has decided to construct a Commercial Port at Colachel (Inayam). The port area will stretch from Helen Nagar, a hamlet about 1 km from Inayam to Kurumbanai. The port will cover a total area of about 12 sq. km.
As part of the development initiatives, the Port Trust of India has chart out many programmes for the welfare of the coastal communities. As AMK has been working in this area for more than 25 years, it partnered with Port Trust in launching the following programmes for the development of the women, men and the youth.
SHG Promotion programme that includes, Bank linkages, Capacity building, Entrepreneur development programmes. Under this programme a total of 1200 women and men will be benefitted
Vocational Training Programme – Under this programme 60 youth will be trained on computer skills. They will be trained on M.S.Office, Photoshop, AutoCAD, Tally, Internet accesses etc. The duration of the course will be of 6 months.
AMK has been empanelled under IICA for development of CSR Initiatives at L & D, NFCSR, IICA from FY 16-17 onwards.
IICA offers capacity building and advisory solutions to the Government, Statutory Authorities, Private Sector etc. through its schools and centres. It creates customized programmes designed especially for specific ministries, departments or companies that seek training as per their requirements. IICA plays an important role in implementing the Governments’ mandate on section 135, Companies Act 2013. Scopes for AMK under this empanelment are:
PradhanMantriKaushalVikasYojana (PMKVY) is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE). The objective of this Skill Certification Scheme is to enable a large number of Indian youth to take up industry-relevant skill training that will help them in securing a better livelihood. Individuals with prior learning experience or skills will also be assessed and certified under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Under this Scheme, Training and Assessment fees are completely paid by the Government.
AMK has been selected as a franchise to organize short term skill training courses. Skill development trainings on computer education, beautician courses, driving, etc are to be imparted to the youth.
The Short Term Training imparted at PMKVY Training Centers (TCs) is expected to benefit candidates of Indian nationality who are either school/college dropouts or unemployed. Apart from providing training according to the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF), TCs shall also impart training in Soft Skills, Entrepreneurship, Financial and Digital Literacy. On successful completion of the course Central Government approved certificates will be issued to the trainees. The trainees can register these certificates in employment offices and opt for suitable posts. Further, upon successful completion of their assessment, candidates shall be provided placement assistance by Training Partners (TPs). Under PMKVY, the entire training and assessment fees are paid by the Government.
AMK believe that this initiative will motivate first generation entrepreneurs to improve and excel in their entrepreneurial pursuits, and inspire those who are a part of the country’s entrepreneurship ecosystem to excel even further.
We started the mobile counselling centre in 2002. Our counsellors and police from all women police station visit disputed families in villages, counsel them and settle the disputes. Follow-up services and legal assistance are also provided. Till date we have counselled over 1200 families and amicably settled 70% of the family disputes. It is an ongoing programme.
Started in the year 2003, this programme is being continued with three centres at different places. The persons who have given up drug / alcohol meet in the centre once in a week to discuss their present status of health. In these meetings they share the good impacts in their life after they have given up using drugs.
Meeting of wives of the addicts is also being conducted. In these meetings they share their experiences after their husband have given up drugs.
These meetings help to reach new addicts in villages and provide treatments.
This programme funded by NACO through Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, was started in the year 2004. HIV/AIDS awareness programmes are conducted in Kanyakumari district. HIV/AIDS awareness messages are disseminated through this programme to patients in our de-addiction centre, school and college students, SHG women and the general public. Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has provided us this programme on seeing our success in running the de-addiction centre. This is an ongoing programme of AMK.
This programme was meant for counselling the children of Siruvar Seerthirutha Palli in Tirunelveli. This programme was launched in the year 2004. Our counsellors visit the palli (school) twice a month and provide counselling to the children. Till now 48 visits are made and we counselled about 50 to 75 children. It is an ongoing programme.
This programme envisages providing counselling to Hostellers and College girls regarding evils of drugs, spreading ways of HIV/AIDS and its impacts on the society and counselling regarding moral and ethical issues. This programme was started in the year 2004 and it is still continuing. Our counsellors pay two visits per month to the hostels and provide counselling service. Now we are covering 10 women’s hostels under this programme.
This programme was started in the year 2005. The aim of the programme is preventing transmission of HIV/AIDS from mother to child. The target for this programme is 27,000 ANCs per year. We identified 22,000 mothers and conducted blood checkup. We identified 8 HIV positive cases and got them treatment and ensured safe deliveries.
Further, HIV/AIDS awareness programmes are conducted for VHNs, Anganwadis, staff of Government and Private Hospitals, SHGs, school and college students. PHCs, Government Hospitals, Kanyakumari Medical College, Private Hospitals and Health Department Officials are the stakeholders of this programme.
Awareness rising, home based care and follow-up services on HIV and TB cross referrals are the core of the programme. It is a programme of Tamil Nadu State AIDS Control Society. We have been implementing this programme since 2007 and assist the government’s welfare measures.
Family Health Awareness Campaign was conducted from 14th to 28th November 2005 under the sponsorship of TANSACS-Chennai. FHA camps were conducted in 59 villages. The following activities were carried out.
This programme was launched in the year 2005 with a view to promote awareness among tribal along the Tamil Nadu, Kerala border areas on de-addiction, protection of forest resources and natural resources. We covered 48 tribal habitations and conducted 8 street plays were conducted. This is an ongoing programme of AMK.
This programme started on February 2006 is sponsored by DFID, SPYM, FINGODAP, UNODC and RRTCs. The aim of the programme is to reduce the risk of HIV/AIDS among the drug users. The core of the programme is to identify drug users especially IDUs and provide them motivation to give up drug if not teach them to be risk free. Till now we have identified 375 IDU cases and trained 20 peer educators who in turn will identify and disseminate the message. This is an ongoing programme.
The aim of this force is to create a drug free village through selecting volunteers from the same village and create awareness and motivate the drug addicts to give up drugs and enlighten them on the terrible effects of HIV/AIDS. The force has at present 50 active volunteers. Till date these volunteers have covered 43 villages. We intend to cover the whole of Kanyakumari district through this program
This program was sponsored by SHARON, New Delhi to survey the IDUs in Kanyakumari district. We conducted a two months survey and identified 100 intra drug users (injecting persons). Now we are intervening with them to relieve them from this. The survey process is continuing.
We have been running a clinic through which we are providing round the clock treatment preferably to people who cannot afford private health providers. We provide them treatment for minor ailments and refer cases with serious problems to the government hospitals. This free clinic has been functioning for the past 12 years. So far over 10,000 persons have benefited from this clinic.
World Anti Drug Day has been observed by AMK since 1994. District Collector inaugurates the programme every year. The programme will be conducted throughout a month. Elocution, essay and drawing competitions would be organized for school and college students and prizes distributed.
We have a training centre in our office premises at Mondaikad. We provide trainings on health and personal hygiene to the staff of private and government health service centres/hospitals, paramedical staff, village health nurses, Anganwadis, SHG members, youth volunteers, school and college students and leaders of tribal groups. This training centre has been serving to build capacity among these groups so that they could address the health issues successfully.
It is a Government Programme. We have been providing ambulance service round the clock and helped to save lives of accident victims by timely admitting them for emergency treatment in hospitals.
This programme, sponsored by Tamil Nadu Health System Project, Government of Tamil Nadu was started in December 2006. We have a “May I Help You” counselling centre at Government Hospital, Karungal, Kanyakumari District. This programme intends to provide suitable treatment options for patients who visit Government Hospitals. It is an ongoing programme.
Through Village Knowledge Centre we provide information to farmers regarding monsoon status, prices of various varieties of crops, prices of food grains etc. Similarly, we provide information to fishermen regarding climatic conditions, areas for fish catch etc. This programme is being well utilized by farmers and fisher folk.
Rural Student Capacity Building Programme (RSCBP) was launched in the year 1971 in the rural working villages of AMK. The following packages of activities were conducted through RSCBCs-Rural Students Capacity Building Centres- in 11centres.
During 1975 to 1979 we were running 10 Balwady centres. 25 children attended in each centre and thus each year 250 children benefited. During the four year period 1000 children were benefited. The children attended the balwadi centres developed health and hygiene practices and got basic literacy. These children were motivated and subsequently enrolled in schools. Follow-up service given regarding their studies and continuance in schooling was monitored. These balwadi centres were really a boon for the children from marginalized section of the society.
AMK started a Home for destitute children in the year 1979. The main aim of this programme is to fulfil the health and educational needs of destitute children. The children are provided periodic health check up and their health conditions monitored and are maintained by providing proper medicare. A mini clinic is attached to the Home and a doctor and paramedical staff attend and treat the children periodically. The children are enrolled in schools and their educational needs are also fulfilled. From the inception in 1979, 750 destitute children have availed health care and education benefits. At present we are providing education and health care for 30 destitute children through the Home.
A tailor training unit was functioning from 1985 to 1995 to mitigate poverty through income generation. Each year 22 women were trained by this unit and a total of 242 rural women were trained during the 11 year period. We are happy to mention here that many of the trained women are now running their own tailoring units and others are working in tailoring centres and earning decent salary. There is no doubt that the centre has helped to enhance the socio economic conditions of these women. As these women are working in our project area we are still monitoring their professional activities.
This programme is being supported by United Nations on Drug and Crime, New Delhi. AMK is implementing this programme from 2007. This programme is implemented for reducing substance use related HIV/AIDS Vulnerability in female drug users and female partners of male drug users.
Our collaboration with Thiruvarul Peravai (A forum for Communal Hormony) is remarkablefrom the inception and our contributions for creating communal harmony areworth mentioning. We have organized a Workshop on Communal Harmony on 20th January 2010. Leaders numbering 65 from various communities participated and shared their views in this workshop. “Issues to be addressed to have an integrated community” was the topic for group discussion which was the highlight of the workshop.
Programmes on Water and Environment Conservation and Awareness on Sanitation programme implemented in collaboration with WAESCO were our remarkable Contribution.The programme focussing on water conservation was conducted in schools. Environmental conservation covered by providing saplings for the school children. Further, the sanitation status in villages is assessed by us for providing Government schemes. World Water Campaign was organized by us on 23rd March 2010 at Parvathipuram, Nagercoil. In the signature campaign, students of schools andcolleges and commuters pledged their commitments for water conservation by signing on a 500 metre white cloth
AMK is more concerned about environmental protection and continually giving awareness to school students and general public through various awareness programmes. As youngsters are the future generation, we are visiting schools and explaining the importance of environmental protection and providing saplings to school students. Till now we have visited 10 schools and provided more than10, 000 saplings to the school children.
AMK co-ordinated the whole event when the District Collector, Kanyakumari, called for a ban on the usage of plastic materials in the district. We took initiative to provide alternative bags in the campaign. Within a day we promoted the distribution of more than 15,000 bags. We are still actively campaigning on this and now in the district plastic usage has been reduced to 80%. Further we are also encouraging the school children to vote for anti plastic campaign. This is an ongoing successful programme.
As we felt the need for an NGO network in Kanyakumari district, we took initiative and organized 56 NGOs into a forum. The objective is to disseminate Government programmes, policy related information and to show the strength of unity in working for the wellbeing of the community. We have a network of NGOs doing Environmental Conservation, Disaster Management, Health Care, Sanitation, Child Care, Women Empowerment etc. This forum has monthly meeting in which development related matters would be discussed.
Global Warming is an issue threatening the whole world. Scientists all over the world are talking about the various possible impacts of global warming on earth in the near future. The Copenhagen Meet clearly charted the impacts of global warming. On that basis, to address the issue and to make awareness to the community AMK has organized district level awareness campaigns. Awareness rising rallies and competitions to studentswere conducted. “The roles and responsibilities of students to address global warming was the theme of the competition. Large number of students took part in this competition.