COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

CSA has facilitated an array of development programs in rural, urban and tribal areas of different states. CSA facilitates developmental activities in various sectors like health, education, social/community development, empowering community-based organizations (CBOs), land development, agricultural development. CSA aims to empower communities by empowering women to be socially, politically, economically active, and independent. The organization functions in the states of Karnataka, Maharashtra, Delhi, Kerala, Telangana, and Chhattisgarh. The quality of life rendered to the women, children, and the community has brought notable and immeasurable positive changes.

 

 

 

Livelihood Intervention  

 

Livelihood intervention has brought about economic empowerment among the beneficiaries. It has provided the members with financial stability and kept them away from the money lenders. This has been achieved through training like Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP), financial literacy, organizing visits for women providing exposure to a successful organization, etc.

The projects that were sustained earlier have contributed more (70% – 90%) in these aspects. Bastar and Unnathi are currently running projects which are contributing around 50% towards livelihood. The numbers are increasing as the awareness about the importance of livelihood among the members is increasing.

Villeges with CSA Intervention

     

CBO Collaboration CSA Endeavours

STUDENT VOLUNTARY BODY 

 

Community-based organizations (CBOs) are the people’s institutions. CSA forms CBOs intending to ensure their active participation in the developmental process. Having successfully managed 12 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in Rajendra Nagar, which is now completely independent, CSA continues to form and strengthen SHGs to proactively engage the women of the slum community for social progress and economic dynamism.

Currently, CSA is managing 11 SHGs in Janakiram Layout and 2 SHGs in LR Nagar. While the total savings of the groups amounted to Rs. 18,43,080, the total loan availed by the members amounts to Rs. 23,07,000, and the loan repaid amounts to Rs. 12,80,700.

Apart from the aforementioned, children’s parliament, eco-clubs, parent’s committees, and youth groups are being promoted in the slum community to involve the local communities in the people-based development paradigm propagated by CSA.

The quality of services rendered by CSA through its 5 urban slum development projects has brought illustrious & immeasurable changes. Our sense of pride comes out of significant transformations and positive results among the children and women of the marginalized section in health, education, awareness, livelihood promotion, and promoting value-based living. Substantial contributions have been made to improve the quality of life and sense of belonging to the underprivileged section regardless of their caste, creed, color, religion, and language.

 

 

Rural Community

 

In the year 2002, the activities were extended to rural areas as part of a community development initiative. Initially, the first project was started in the region of Hoskote (a rural district of Bangalore). The developmental activities are now extended to 11 rural areas across India, with development and self-sufficiency being core objectives. Substantial contributions have been made towards improving the quality of life of the people belonging to the underprivileged section regardless of caste, creed, race, religion, gender, and language. 4 out of 6 rural projects have been sustained. They are now managed by the registered body of the respective federations, and the remaining two are ongoing projects which are implemented based on the Self Help Group Approach (SHA).

Pragathi Child Focused Community Development project Integrated Community Development Project
Chetana Child-focused Community Development Project Micro-Enterprise and Educational Programme for Women and Children
Unnathi SHA- Child Focused Community Development Project    
 

 

 

 

CSA RURAL PROJECTS AT A GLANCE 

 

No.

Name /place

Year started

Completion

Date

Villages /hamlets

No. of Families

Beneficiaries

Activities

1

Hoskote

 

2003

 

2006

12

1400

 

1071 children, 1430 women and 426 youth

Early childhood care and nutrition, Strengthening Children’s Education, Community Health and Hygiene, Livelihood Promotion, and Community Based Organizations (CBOs)

2

Nirmal District, Telungana State

 

2006

 

2013

14

1520

 

900 children, 800 women and 400 youth

Early childhood care and nutrition, Strengthening Children’s Education, Community Health and Hygiene, Livelihood Promotion, and Community Based Organizations (CBOs)

3

MHCDP /Jiwati Chandrapur

 

2009

 

2018

24

1430

 

1100 children, 1015 Women and 350 youth,

Health and nutrition, Strengthening Children’s Education, 3) Community Health and Hygiene, Livelihood Promotion, and Community Based Organizations (CBOs)

4

Pragathi, CFCD, Kolar

2012

2019

22

1500

 

 

1100 children, 450 women and 300 youth

Health and nutrition, Strengthening Children’s Education, Community Health and Hygiene, Livelihood Promotion, and Community Based Organizations (CBOs)

5

Unnathi CFCD, Jamkhandi

2015

2020

11

1200

 

 

1200 children, 800 women and 300 adolescents/youth

Early childhood care and nutrition, Strengthening Children’s Education, Community Health and Hygiene, Livelihood Promotion, and Community Based Organizations (CBOs)

6

BCDP, Pakhanjore, Kanker  District

 

2015

 

2022

34

1709

 

1500 children, 1400 women and 800 adolescents/youth

Social Empowerment, Economic Empowerment and Political Empowerment with primary focus on education, health and nutrition, livelihood, CBO formation and rights and entitlements.

7

ICDP - Kainakari

2015

2018

 

900

300 children, 350 women and 120 youth

Educational development, Community health, Livelihood programme and sustainable agriculture

8

MEEP - Kainakari

2016

2018

2

1800

850 children, 350 women

Education to children & women, Livelihood promotion and awareness on organic farming

 

 

RURAL PROJECTS - DONATIONS AND PEOPLE IMPACTED

 

Timeline

2010-11

2011-12

2012-13

2013-14

2014-15

2015-16

2016-17

2017-2018

No. of Projects Implemented

3

3

4

4

5

6

6

6

No. Villages covered in 5 states (Karnataka, Telangana, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh,  Kerala)

53

53

75

75

86

122

122

128

Beneficiary Details

 

Early childhood care & nutrition (Birth to 5 years)

2118

2224

2965

3113

3570

8676

9100

9356

Strengthening Children’s Education (6  to 16 years)

2586

2715

3842

4035

4626

6617

6947

7605

Community health and hygiene

4609

4609

6409

8209

9459

9759

9759

10,959 

Livelihood promotion (microenterprises and vocational skills)

2305

2535

3205

3524

4729

5202

5722

5973

Community Based Organizations (Women Self-help Groups)  

136

151

169

181

209

228

271

307

 

URBAN SLUM COMMUNITY

 

The community development programmes of CSA are derived from the National Service Scheme (NSS). In 1999, the Departments of Computer Science and Commerce student volunteers visited a slum in Koramangala called Rajendranagar. Having seen the poor living conditions of the people, the students were motivated to start educative programmes for the children in Rajendranagar. The students mobilized support for educating 47 children. They provided them with educational materials such as school bags, books, stationery, etc., to help them continue their education.

This became the first activity of CSA, called the ‘Educate a Child’ Programme. As a follow-up mechanism, the volunteers continued to go to the slums, rented a building, and started to take tuitions for them to support their education. This facilitated CSA to venture out into community development programmes. CSA currently operates in 5 slum communities, 3 slums in Bengaluru such as Lakshman Rao Nagar, Ambedkar Nagar, and Janakiram Layout, and 2 slums Ghaziabad and Uttar Pradesh, namely Bombay colony and Reth Mandi. 

 

ACTIVITIES UNDER URBAN SLUM COMMUNITY

 

LIBRARY CENTERS 

CSA runs one library center at L R Nagar, under its "Grow by Reading" concept. The Library Centre has a varied range of books - academic, fiction, nonfiction. Library Centre works systematically, enrolls children, and aims at inculcating reading habits in them. It ensures the spread of knowledge, along with improving children's vocabulary and pronunciation.

Annually, about 360 children benefit from this program. So far, more than 1,000 children have accessed the library, improved their knowledge and self-learning skills.

 

 

 

 

COMPUTER CENTRE

CSA has been running 3 well-equipped computer centers for the children residing in the project areas. To bridge the gap between the young minds and today's fast advancing technology, basic computer literacy is imparted to grade 8 to grade 10.

The Computer Centre has been instrumental in fueling the youth towards a digital tomorrow. Annually, about 280 children benefit from this program. So far, around 900 children were trained in basic computer education.

 

CHILDREN'S ACTIVITY CENTRES 

It is one of the flagship programs of CSA, which is conducted throughout the year. Activities conducted at these centers ensure academic vigor and language expertise. With the addition of a buddy system, the program also attempts to ensure the children's emotional well-being and development. Currently, CSA facilitates 12 children’s Activity Centres to improve the children’s learning levels, cognitive skills, and life skills.

 

 

 

DAY CARE CENTRE

The project areas have well-equipped daycare centers for children between 18 months to 3 years to help the working women with their chores and make motherhood more convenient. While children’s nutritional status and health care are being taken care of, Day Care Centre also provides input to mothers on nurturing their infants. Currently, there are 4 Daycare centers functional in LR Nagar, Janakiram Layout, Bombay Colony, and Reth Mandi. Annually about 100 children and their mothers are benefitted from this program.

 

TRANSIT SCHOOL FOR SCHOOL DROPOUTS 

CSA has been running Transit School at L. R. Nagar for school dropouts. Annually, about 30 to 35 children within the age group of 5 to 14 years benefit from this program. Children are given school uniforms, shoes, bags, and educational materials. This is a need-based program facilitated by CSA for school dropouts. Despite numerous challenges, on average, 26 children daily attend the Transit School. On average, 12 to 15 children are mainstreamed and admitted in government and private schools annually. Over the years, around 192 children have enrolled in Transit school, out of which 140 children were mainstreamed, and 52 children migrated.

 

 

 

EDUCATE A CHILD SPONSORSHIP PROGRAMME 

“Educate a Child Sponsoring Programme” is an inspiring initiative by CSA with the contribution from the student community of CHRIST (Deemed to be University). Through this project, the students sponsor the education of underprivileged children from the urban slums of Bengaluru. This initiative took off in 1999 with a small number of 47 children from the urban slum community. The sponsorship supports the children with school dress, school fees, books, uniforms, bags, and other stationery items. The sponsored children also avail themselves of different co-scholastic and life-skill orientations such as personality development, leadership, and creative skill development. Health camps, talent shows, excursions, and sports competitions are also conducted along with the activity center and buddy system.

 

CSA URBAN PROJECTS AT A GLANCE 

No.

Name /place

Year started

Completion

Date

No. of Slums

No. of families

Beneficiaries

Activities

1

Rajendra Nagar

1999

2017

1

2500

530 children and 375 women.

Strengthening Children’s Education through Child Sponsorship Programme, Community Based Organizations (CBOs) such as self-help groups, and bridge school for drop out children, library and computer center, housing project, formation of eco-clubs in school and decentralized solid waste management unit.  

2

Ambedkar Nagar

2013

On going

1

300

350 children and 50 Women

 

Strengthening Children’s Education through Child Sponsorship Programme, Community Based Organizations (CBOs) such as parents committee and library.   

3

LR Nagar

2010

On going

1

500

600 children, 50 women and 50 adolescents and youth.

Early childhood care and nutrition through Day Care Centre, Strengthening Children’s Education through Child Sponsorship Programme, Community Based Organizations (CBOs) such as parents committee, computer centre, library, transit school for drop out children and vocational employment skill training. Employment referral.     

4

Janakiram Layout

2008

On going

1

2500

700 children, 350 women and 200 adolescents and youth

Early childhood care and nutrition, Strengthening Children’s Education, Community Health and Hygiene,   Community Based Organizations (CBOs) like SHG, vocational training (mobile training)  computer training,   second hand shop, business unit (Anu Spandana)

5

Reth Colony

(GZBD)

2018

2020

1

600

600 children, 700 women and 350 adolescents/youth

Early childhood care and nutrition, Strengthening Children’s Education, Community Health and Hygiene, Livelihood Promotion, and Community Based Organizations (CBOs)

6

Bombay Colony

(GZBD)

2018

2020

1

600

600 children, 700 women and 350 adolescents/youth

Early childhood care and nutrition, Strengthening Children’s Education, Community Health and Hygiene, Livelihood Promotion, and Community Based Organizations (CBOs)

1.         

Uday Colony, Cochin

2015

2018

1

300

140 women, 75 children and 70 youth

Education, health and Livelihood promotion

2.         

Parivarthana CU Campus

2008

2015

1

25

25 families from the urban slums

Waste collection, segregation, sale of recyclable materials, hand-made recycled paper, organic compost and bio-gas plant etc. 

 

URBAN PROJECTS - DONATIONS AND PEOPLE IMPACTED

Interventions

’2010--11 

'11-12

'12-13

'13-14

'14-15

'15-16

'16-17

2017-18

Child Sponsorship amount contribution (in Lakhs)

12.62

17.48

23.40

25.15

31.25

33.99

36.00

40.02

Educate a Child Sponsorship Programme (No. of children benefitted)

315

437

584

628

761

806

881

807

Rural Exposure/Study Visits

-

32

39

60

62

46

13

32

Voluntary Student Participation

70

112

137

154

188

221

269

450

Parivarthana Project – Solid Waste Management

(Bangalore Slums)

2

3

3

3

3

2

2

0

 
 
URBAN PROJECTS - DONATED AND PEOPLE IMPACTED

 

Tribal Community

 

 

Tribal Development was initiated by CSA in collaboration with different organizations. The main objective of the developmental activities is to empower tribal communities of selected regions after identifying the marginalized tribes. The projects aim to create an ideal society for the children, youth, and the women of the tribal communities to access opportunities for holistic development. 2 out of 5 projects have been sustained as of now, and three are still ongoing. 

 

Bastar Community Development Project  Integrated Community Development Project
Jeevadhan Child-focused Community Development Project    
Manikgarh Hills Community Development Project UDHIPANA YOJANA, Tiryani, Mandal, Asifabad, Telangana

 


 


A video compilation guide on one of the 5 verticals of CSA, Community Development

 


OTHER ACTIVITIES

 

 

 EMERGENCY RESPONSES

 

During natural calamities and the recent pandemic, CSA facilitated disaster-management and mitigation activities, in collaboration with other organisations. In terms of covid-relief and flood relief, preparedness of the regions also played a major role in CSA’s efforts.

 

COVID-RELIEF

The families in 3D Janakiram Layout and Vriddhi have seen an increase in unemployment, malnourishment, and health risks due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The volunteers started with the promotions of the Community Development Program from the last week of February to broaden the focus towards the overall development of the community.

The volunteers utilized social media in this regard to its full potential. Circulation of posters on social media platforms and collaboration with Instagram handle class-wise CDP promotions followed Under25. 

 

AT A GLANCE

 

COVID-19 RELIEF ACTIVITIES IN CSA PROJECTS AREAS

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

  • 1,030 survival kits were distributed in 3 urban slums and 81 CSA project villages (in Chhattisgarh and Karnataka), benefiting 4,120 people.

  • Protection Kits were distributed to families of CSA-sponsored children in L R Nagar and Janakiram slums, and the villages in our project area benefitting 4,500 people.
  • 5,000 masks were distributed in Kainakary, Alleppey district, Kerala, with the support of the local panchayat.
  • Resource support to ASVAS NGO for providing food materials to 500 families.
  • CSA field facilitators in the villages extend support to local self-government systems like BBMP, PHCs, and panchayats by creating awareness about COVID-19 and supporting the relief work activities.
  • Makeshift shelter for migrants arranged at Bommanahalli Boys hostel.

 

 

The fundraising initiatives have led to the collection of ? 5,00,000 up until now. The funds will directly go towards buying ration kits and providing support to the 750+ families of CSA’s project areas.

A total of 12,331 people and 1,030 families among the vulnerable population in the project areas were provided with relief support worth Rs. 20 lakhs 34 thousand rupees, through various interventions of the University. 

 

 

 

CHRIST UNIVERSITY COVID RESPONSE 

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

The families in the Urban Project areas of CSA located in Bengaluru have seen an increase in unemployment, malnourishment, and health risks due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To deal with this, the volunteers started with the promotions of the Community Development Program from the last week of February to broaden the focus towards the overall development of the community.  

 

 

The CSA team in rural projects such as Pragati - Kolar district, Chetana - Hosakote, Unnati - Jamakhandi in Karnataka state, Pahanjoor in Kanker district, Chhattisgarh state, Kainakary block, Alleppey district, and Niravilpuzha in Wayanad district, Kerala, were proactively involved in coordinating and facilitating the relief works organized by local self-government bodies and Public Health Centres in their COVID-19 relief activities.

CHRIST (Deemed to be University) had supported the vulnerable population in the Bangalore urban slums in Koramangala (LR Nagar, Ambedkar Nagar), Kamanahalli (Janakiram Layout) and Wilson Garden. Under the guidance of Dr. Victor Paul, Team Leader, CSA, the project field staff identified the neediest families who were susceptible to the deadly viral infection and were provided with protective equipment. In total, 5500+ individuals were impacted through relief measures.

 

The worldwide outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has left the world in the face of an unprecedented crisis. The lockdown crisscrossed with the pre-existing vulnerabilities, bringing to the fore inequalities, discrimination, and anxieties among the disadvantaged sections of the society. In tandem with the nation's fight against the virus spread, CHRIST (Deemed to be University) implemented a series of interventions through the Centre for Social Action (CSA) to help the most vulnerable and at-risk groups in all the project areas sail through the crisis. 

This has been done at various levels such as direct support to the communities, collaboration with NGOs at the field level, networking with local government bodies in facilitating community support programmes, awareness creations among the communities, and so on. The University contributed Rs. 5,00,000/- to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund, Government of Karnataka. Besides, 12,331 people and 1,030 families among the vulnerable population in the project areas were provided with relief support that is worth Rs. 20 lakhs 34 thousand rupees, through various interventions of the University.

 

 


 

FLOOD RELIEF - JAMKHANDI

The relief materials were collected and distributed to support women and children in six villages of Jamkhandi, Karnataka, that were destroyed in the 2019 Karnataka floods. Generous contributions were made by CSA volunteers and Christ students for providing for these activities, and it was ensured that relief funds reached the targeted people.

 

The relief materials collected to support women and children in Six villages of Jamkhandi, Karnataka

Roads and huts flooded

Christ (Deemed to be University) ensured relief funds reached the people

 

 

HULIMAVU FLOOD RELIEF

CSA volunteers with other Christ students set out from the campus on 27th November 2019 to distribute flood relief donations to çommunities affected by the flood at multiple locations along the Begur-Hulimavu Road. The residents in the area had suffered an immense loss due to the destruction of most of their possessions by the flood, like clothes, wheat, ragi, and other edibles. The donation kits for each family consisted of four toothbrushes, 2 soaps, 1kg ragi, 5kg rice, 2kg dal, sanitary napkins, and chocolates for kids. The volunteers also witnessed the interior of the flood-affected houses, interacted with the locals, and enquired about the extent of the damages they’ve suffered. The donation drive was well organized in a very short period of time, and with the combined efforts of volunteers, Christites, faculty, and the council, more than 60 households were covered in a single evening. 

 

 

Testimonials

Padmavathi M, Activity Centre, LR Nagar, Koramangala

I am studying in 9th grade, I have benefited from a speechless opportunity in the CSP program for the past 8 years. I received school bags, shoes, Christmas gifts, study exposure, extracurricular activities, moral values education which made me more confident. I am able to speak English very fluently and I got opportunity to participate in the stage

Read More

Yashaswini R

I’m Yashaswini R, a sponsored child of CSA, who is a 10th grader in Bethany English Primary & High School. Through the program, I learnt to give respect to others and to communicate well as I improve proficiency in speaking, listening and reading. The support given by the facilitators and volunteers helped me to improve my skills

Read More

CHRIST

(Deemed to be University)

Dharmaram College Post, Hosur Road, Bengaluru - 560029,
Karnataka, India

Tel: +91 804012 9100 / 9600

Fax: 40129000

Email: mail@christuniversity.in

Web: http://www. christuniversity.in

Vision

EXCELLENCE AND SERVICE

Mission

CHRIST (Deemed to be University) is a nurturing ground for an individual's holistic development to make effective contribution to the society in a dynamic environment.

Copyright © CHRIST (Deemed to be University) 2020 | Privacy Policy