RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

HISTORY:
Tamil Nadu in 1952, was experiencing a severe drought of inadequate monsoons. The ground was parched and cracked. Touched by the pathetic condition of the starving people who lived in Mudichur Ms Agnes Martin, (wife of Prof Gavin Martin of Madras Christian College, Tambaram) and her friend Ms Mira Pasricha (English wife of a senior railway official who lived in Tambaram) decided to scout around and help the neediest village. They came up to Mudichur, which seemed to be the most pitiable of all the villages they had come across.

Ms Martin, who had been given a sum of money by the YWCA of India for famine relief work, arranged for a feeding programme from September 1952. Fifty to sixty children of the CSI Elementary School were fed daily. This programme grew into the YWCA’s work in Mudichur. The feeding programme ensured the YWCA’s close contact with the villagers.

The outcome of the drought made it difficult for the villagers to wrest a livelihood and lack of food caused all kinds of ailments, brought on by malnutrition. Ms Pasricha set up a make-shift clinic under the shade of a palm tree. A weekly Dispensary was opened in January 1953. In six months, over 200 persons were treated.

The village Panchayat gifted the YWCA ½ an acre of land on the main road to build a Dispensary. Newly built Dispensary was opened by the then Chief Minister Mr Kamaraj Nadar on 3rd August 1957.

In November 1957, the YWCA of Madras took over the Project. The work in the village developed enormously. The YWCA added to the mid-day meal provided by the District Board, Everyday milk was given for the school children, grams, nuts and fruits thrice a week. From medical aid and nourishment YWCA started focusing on prevention, such as, ensuring safe drinking water, regular baths, etc. A small nursery school was started for the children of the village, who stayed on, after drinking their milk for a sing-song and games.

Now the project has blossomed into a fully-fledged Rural Development Project. The following Projects are run by the RDP: - BALWADI

Our aim is to help women, children & elders, the vulnerable section of our society, to be able to learn, earn and live a life of dignity. With this in mind, we have a Balwadi with an average of 30 children between the age group of 3 – 4 years. They are given uniforms, nutritious midday meals and snacks, a conducive atmosphere is created to take care of their all round development. Most of the parents are coolies. They are unable to go to work with the children. The RDP helps them in looking after the children from 9.00 am to 1.00 pm. Republic Day, Independence Day, Sports Day, Children’s Day and Christmas are the programmes organised for the children. The parents take part in all the programmes and also in Women’s Day programme.

A DAY CARE CENTRE sponsored by Help Age India, caters at present to 12 elders (11 female and 1 male) Meals, Clothes, Pocket money and medical help is given. RDP is a place for the elders to stay during the day, while their children are away at work.

TAILORING UNIT This programme helps young women and girls to be independent. They are taught to stitch ordinary and designer blouses, in-skirts, salwar, etc. Tailoring Teacher helps these women get jobs in and around their residence, in garment and related industries.

SMART CENTRE: Young girls who attain Government jobs, learn Typewriting and Computer. This programme empowers young girls and women in the village to grow. A Computer Course for four months was conducted for girls and women from September 2010 onwards. Approximately 50 students in a year.

SKILL DEVELOPMENT COURSE 30 students are attending the course and sit for government exams. This course helps in attaining in government job.

Contact us:
Project Secretary: 6383898622
Email Id: rdp@ywcamadras.org