The Caritas India programme that aims to improve the health status of the targeted vulnerable population of Kolar Gold Field district of Karnataka will develop volunteer base to bring self-sustainability.

In the initial analysis, it was observed that pollution, migration, alcoholism, chemical farming, unhealthy practices, lifestyle, food/nutrition are the major causes for the deteriorating health of the people in the target areas. Therefore, health and sanitation became the priority to tackle the identified issues of livelihood, alcoholism, migration, and agriculture.

Bishop Antony Kariyil during the programme launch of ‘Suraksha’ at Mandya District shares that life is a God’s gift and we need to take care of our health to live a healthy life. He expressed his happiness for the work undertaken by Jyothir Vikasa, Mandya Diocesan Social Service Society which works for the well-being of neighboring villages.

The programme will focus on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WaSH), Integrated Family Farming, Skill Enhancement, Volunteerism, Local Resource Mobilization and Linkages and networking during its 18 months tenure.

Mrs. Laxmi Ashwini Gowda, an Ex-IRS (Indian Revenue Service) officer on this occasion motivated women to participate more and more in developmental activities. She stressed that to lead a good life, people need to come out from their houses for learning and developing. She also encouraged women to provide good education to their children.

Women participants of the programme collectively contributed Rs. 10,000 for the People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV). The Organization decided to have a monthly gathering of PLHIV to motivate and support them with nutritious food.

Robert D Souza, Caritas India State Officer for Karnataka shared different components of the programme, like the promotion of volunteerism, local resource mobilization, promotion of Suraksha Action Team (SAT), dissemination of government schemes, awareness programmes, etc. He shared that networking and collaboration with like-minded NGOs, SHGs, CBOs, educational institutions, various government departments, is a key element for the success of this programme. Caritas India is directly supporting this programme in 8 Diocesan Social Service Societies in Karnataka.

The programme was organized with the guidance of Fr. Kuriakose Kunnath, Director of Jyothir Vikasa. Nearly 300 women participated in this programme and expressed their active involvement in the future.