World Mental Health Day Programme
VOSARD commemorated World Mental Health Day and the inauguration of Community Mental Health Programme on 10th October,2023 at VOSARD Regional Office, Kattapana. The day observance and followed discussion served as an opportunity for people and communities to unite under the powerful theme of “Mental health is a universal human right.”. Smt. Sheeba George IAS, the esteemed Collector of Idukki, inaugurate the programme. The presence of distinguished guests, including Mr. Joy Anithottam (Vice-chairman, Kattappana Municipality) and Dr. Meena Srikumari (Head of Social Development and Research, MHAT), added immense value to the occasion.VOSARD implemented Community Mental Health Programme in 10 panchayath of Idukki in association with Live Love Laugh Foundation. VOSARD has successfully implemented the Community Mental Health Programme in ten panchayats of Idukki, in collaboration with the Live Love Laugh Foundation.
Free Cancer Screening Camp
Many cancers are treatable, when detected early.”VOSARD, in collaboration with Alphonsa Hospital, Murickassery and Karkinos Cancer Centre, Ernakulam, organized a free Cancer Screening Camp for Senior Citizens at Mattukatta, Idukki. The purpose of screening is to identify early signs of cancer or pre-cancerous conditions before any symptoms manifest. 104 Senior Citizen got benefit from the camp.
Senior Citizen day Celebration
VOSARD celebrated Senior Citizen day with the aim to create ‘society for all ages where the senior citizens are empowered to achieve active ageing and experience dignified life’.To make the day truly memorable, VOSARD organized various programs in Ayyapancovil, Erattayar, Kanchiyar, Kamakshi, and Kanjikuzhipanchayaths of Kerala, as well as in the Thogamalai block of Tamil Nadu.
Higher Education Scholarship Programme
VOSARD in collaboration with Samarthanam Trust for The Disabled Implemented Higher Education scholarship programme with the aim to encourage education of differently abled children as well as family members of differently abled. Sixty-one students got Rs. 10000/- for a period of three years under the programme. Fr. Dr. Jose Antony (Director, VOSARD) inaugurated the programme which was organized at VOSARD Regional Office, Kattapana. In his address he stressed on the responsibility of the society in ensuring education and other essential services to persons with disabilities. He further spoke about the need to ensure an inclusive society and commended the efforts of the VOSARD to achieve the same through itsvarious operations. Ms. Sreelakshmi (Interpreter, Samarthanam Trust for TheDisabled), Mr. Nafi (mobilizer, Samarthanam Trust for The Disabled), Mr. Rakavendran (Project Head, Samarthanam Trust for The Disabled), Mr. Chackochan Ambattu (CBR Programme Coordinator, VOSARD), Ms.Susan (Team member, Samarthanam Trust for The Disabled) addressed the gathering.
Distribution of ‘Chavara Jyothi’ Education Scheme
Once you choose hope, anything’s possible.” – Christopher Reeve Children are the building blocks of the country. With the aim to ensure opportunity to reach their full potential, VOSARD distributed Chavara Chavara Jyothi Education scheme for children who are in need. It is an interest free loan to meet the essential educational expenses. In this academic year 70 children got financial assistance worth Rs. 526000/- under the scheme.
Conducted Eye Camp
“The eye is the jewel of the body.” – Henry David Thoreau VOSARD along with Joseph Eye Hospital Melapudur, Tiruchirapalli organized free eye camp in Kavalkaranpatti, Tamil Nadu for senior Citizen. Fr. Jose Antony (Director VOSARD) inaugurated camp conducted with the aim to ensure high quality and low cost eye care service to the senior citizen at their door step. Around 57 senior citizen got benefit from the camp.
Handing over the Keys of Electric Auto
As part of ‘Snehayanam’ Project Shri. Roshi Augustine (Minister, Water Resource) handover key of electric auto to Mrs. Ancy K.C (Ayappanchovil) in the meeting held at Collectorate, Idukki. Mrs. Ancy K.C and Pauly Benny got benefit from ‘Snehayanam’ Project only because of great effort of Local Level Committee(LLC). Shri.M.M Mani (MLA), Shri Sheeba George IAS (District Collector ,Idukki), Mr. Chackochan Ambattu (Coordinator, CBR) and other dignitaries were present in the auspicious occasion.
Go green, breathe clean
On June 5 2023, VOSARD organized an event to observe World Environment Day with the aim to raise awareness on the protection and preservation of the environment. The celebration become a platform for advocates for a greener and pollution-free environment. Fr. Jose Antony (Director, VOSARD) inaugurated the event that was held at VOSARD Regional Office, Kattapana. In his address he stated that with the current pace of the overutilization of natural resources, the future generation is likely to be deprived of these resources. As part of the programme, VOSARD distributed 4200 plant sapling in eight district of Kerala.
General Body meeting of KCDA
General Body meeting of KCDA (Kerala Confederation of Differently Abled) was held on May 27, 2023 in the presence of State Coordinators of CBR Project, Executive members of KCDA. Renewal of registration and general body election was the main agenda of meeting held atThejus Special School, Kottayam. As part of collective discussion general body members decided to send memorandum to CM for reservation of 4% of ration shop for PWDS. The major decision of meetings was as follows; send letters to MLA to conduct special medical camp for accelerating the UDID card, memorandum for KSTC chairman and Transport Ministry to increase income of bus pass up to 1 lakh for PWDS, send request to Minister of Local Self Governing Body regarding ensure the quality of three wheelers, aids and appliance, request all DSHG to renew the registration in time.
Conducted Hearing Impairment Diagnosis Camp
Hearing impairment is a natural part of old age, and most people will experience increasingly impaired hearing as they grow older. It is important to shed light on the issue and to help the elderly with this problem.VOSARD along with Modern Hearing center, Trichy organized free Hearing Impairment Diagnosis Camp, Kavalkaranpetti, Tamil Nadu. 53 senior citizen got benefit from the camp
Observance of Global accessibility day
VOSARD along with social work students conducted ‘access audit’ at public places like Government hospitals, Akshaya centers, libraries, NGO, offices, theatres etc. The audit was conducted with the aim to understand the performs of public places in terms of access and ease of use by a wide range of potential users, including people with disabilities. The programme was conducted as part of globalaccessibility day celebration at Kattapana Municipality. VOSARD team hand over the audit report to Shri Sheeba George IAS (District Collector ,Idukki) and Mrs. Shiney Sunny (Chairperson, Kattappana Municipality.
Evaluation visit from KKS-BMZ
Germany, Mr. Frank Wieber (Monitoring officer, KKS- BMZ Germany) and Vijay Ghanna (Monitoring officer, KKF- BMZ Germany) visited Kanchiyar panchayath for evaluate the project.
SHG Annual Day Celebration
VOSARD fostering women Self Help Group (SHG) in its operational area with the aim to enable them for achieving a strong and assertive personality and thereby lead a successful life. On 7th April 2023 VOSARD celebrated annual day of SHG at regional Office, Kattapana. Mr. Frank Wieber (Monitoring officer, KKS- BMZ Germany) inaugurated theprogramme and Vijay Ghanna (Monitoring officer, KKF- BMZ Germany) presided over the function. The presence of dignitaries from social, political, cultural and religious sphere in society make the programme more colorful. After the inaugural session Mr.Thomas K.K (Program Officer, VOSARD) lead a session on the topic ‘Economic independence through Self Help Group’. Around 150 SHG member’s take parts in the event. Games and cultural programmes add more color to the celebration.
Observing World Autism day
As part of Word Autismday,Local Level Committee in associating with Kumily Grama Panchayath organized Public Awareness Convention on 4th April 2023.Shri Sheeba George IAS (District Collector,Idukki)inauguratedthe Programme held at YMCA Hall, Kumily . Fr. Dr Jose Antony (LLC NGO member, VOSARD), Smt. Noli Joseph (Chairperson,Welfare Standing Committee, Kumily), Smt. Santhi Sajimon (President, Kumily Grampanchayath), Shri. V.K. Babukutty ( Vice President, Kumily Grampanchayath) and Shri. K.M. Siddique (Chairman, Education Health Standing Committee) spoke at the event.Shri. Chackochan Ambattu (District Coordinator and Convenor, LLC Idukki) lead a session on the topic “Transforming the narrative: Contributions at home, at work, in the arts and in policymaking” as part of the event.
Women’s Day Celebration
“DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality” VOSARD in collaboration with Karl Kubel Stiftung(KKS), German observed International Women’s Day on 8th March 2023. Fr. Jose Antony (Director, VOSARD) inaugurated the programme held at KKS Project Office, Kanchiyar. Adv. Shinoj Jose (Coordinator, KKS), Mr. Suresh (Administrative Officer, VOSARD) spoke on the Occasion. In the inaugural address father stated the significance of education in the digital age for achieving gender equality. He also spotted the importance of protecting the rights of women and girls in digital spaces. Mrs. Tomcy Mani (Assistant Project Coordinator, KKS), Mrs. Anu Sijo (Case Worker, Kaval Plus) lead session on the topic ‘“DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality”. In the auspicious occasion Fr. Jose Antony honored the leaders of Women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs) for their selfless service to bring women to the forefront of society. His words encouraged women to overcome challenges and realign their attitude for a stronger and dignified future. Games and leisure activities were also arranged for the SHG and clusters members.
An innovative step for social change
“Innovation is taking two things that exist and putting them together in a new way”. With the aim to develop innovative methods for social change VOSARD signed MOU with Mahatma Gandhi University. Through this programme,VOSARD offer freespace and basic facilities for innovative incubators to set up production and business units for social development. MG University and the Business Innovation and Incubation Centre (BIIC) offer all support for VOSARD for taking a novel step in field of social work. Fr. Dr. Jose Antony (Director of VOSARD), Prof. Sabu Thomas (Vice Chancellor, MG University) and representatives from MG University, BIIC, and VOSARD were present for the momentous occasion
State level celebration
Observed the International intellectual day on 04/02/2023.The programme was organized in associating with Department of social justice and SNAC kerala.12 special schools participated in the parogramme with around 500 intellectual children as the direct participants of the event. The programme marked the presence of Mr. Dean Kuriakose (MP) Ms.sheeba George I.A.S (District collector Idukki) and other politicians, various organizations heads and other dignitaries. Cultural events of intellectual children took place after the public meeting.
Launching of Interstate Project
A new phase for the empowerment and support for citizens was inaugurated on 6th January 2023 at VOSARD regional office kattappana.Municipal Chairperson of Kattappana Muncipality Mrs Shiny Sunny and Vikas Director Fr. Lijo Kochuveetil jointly lightened the lamp. The project aims to satisfy the needs and issues of elderly people in Ayyappancovil, Kamakshi and Kanjikuzhy of Idukki district and Thogamalai block of Trichy district, Tamilnadu.
Annual Day Celebration of the women empowerment project
Annual day has been celebrated on 19 November 2022 by the women SHG members of KKS project.The pogramme was inaugurated by Mr.Gigi K Philip (President District Panchayath Idukki). The main objective of the project is the holistic development of marginalized families in the area through Women Empowerment and Child Development.All the members of the project participated in the cultural events conducted thereafter.
Ayurvedic Medical Camp
VOSARD under the project MISEREOR ‘ Enhancing quality of life of senior citizens in Idukki district’ conducted Ayurvedic medical camps on 14th and 20th of November at Idukki and Kattappana block panchayaths of Idukki districts.460 Senior Citizens become the direct beneficiaries of the camp. The camp was organized in association with Department of Ayurvedic Medicine.The programme focused on free treatment and supply of Ayurvedic medicines to the elderly.
Leaders Training programme
Training for the SHG leaders of the differently
abled persons was conducted on 6th November 2022.The programme was organized in
association with NABARD.Federation leaders and SHG Leaders participated in the
training programme.
World senior citizens day celebration
the world senior citizens day was observed on October 1, 2021 at Idukki by VOSARD. The elderly members from Chakkupallom, Vandanmedu, Kattappana, Erattayar, Kamakshy, Kanjikuzhy and Kanchiyar participated in the celebration
COVID 19 Relief Activities
With the support of MISEREOR, Germany 420 poor and marginalized elderly people in Idukki districr were supported with nutrition supplements
Nutrition Supplement
With the support of many humanitarian organisations and Habitat India 530 families were supported with immediate nutrition support in corporation with VOSARD.
Prize Distribution to the Winners
The KKS project at Kanchiyar conducted various competitions during Independance day and Onam Celebration and the winners were awarded with shields and prizes
23rd Anniversary Celebrations
VOSARD completed its 23rd years of touching lives and walking with the poor in various areas in Idukki district.
KELI Education Promotion Programme
VOSARD in asociation with Swtzerland Malayalee association and Rajagiri Outreach Social Service distributed Rs. 300,000 (Three Lakh) to 21 children from Idukki District studiying for Professional Courses.
Annual Day Celebration 2021
Annual Day of JWDS, KWDS and AWDS clusters under “Holistic Development of Marginalized families in Kanchiyar Panchayat” Under KKS is Celebrated on 20-12-2021 at Women’s Cultural Centre, Kanchiyar, Idukki District Panchayat President Mr. Giji K Philip Inagurated the Function and Many women and Children participated in the cultural activities and meeting.
Honors & Awards
On the 21st of March 2017, VOSARD has received another honor for our committed work for the marginalised and less privileged people. The honor was given by K Chittilappilly Foundation, for Excellence in Social Service.
Community Gathering
On the 26th of February 2017, VOSARD community gathering has been conducted. The Function was blessed by the presence of various important personalities in the society and inaugurated by Mr Joice George, MP. We celebrated together with around 1000 people.
Office Inauguration
On the 19th of October 2016 we inducted our new regional Office in Kattappana. The Building was blessed by Mar Mathew Arackal, bishop of Kanjarappilly and inaugurated by Mr Joice George, MP. We celebrated together with around 2000 people.
Careers
Job satisfaction is valued the most at a workplace and this fact remains the same for those who work with VOSARD. We are a voluntary organization with the aim of transforming the lives of the poor. If you wish to contribute towards the lives of the elderly and enrich yourself in the process, we will be happy to hear from you!!
