Institutional Distinctiveness
Fisher folk make up the majority of the population in South Tamilnadu and their primary industry of employment is fishing and its subsidiary businesses who are predominantly illiterate and poor. The following are the strategic initiatives provided by V.O.Chidambaram College Under the umbrella of the UGC STRIDE programme that have been adopted in the 21 villages surrounding Tuticorin for the different stakeholders, namely fishermen, school children in the coastal region, SHGS of women fishermen and college students from the coastal region.
- EDUCATION
UN SDG GOAL 4 - Quality Education
For School Children
- Savings Pattern:
As it was observed that the fisher folk in areas of Manapad and Periyathalai and other coastal areas are not aware of savings and always under debt from personal money lenders awareness for the same were provided.
- To promote Higher Education
The survey in the coastal villages proved that the students after their higher secondary were not interested to pursue their higher education. Awareness for the same was provided for the plus two students of Singithurai, Manapad, Periyathalai and Tharuvaikulam. The different opportunities to be chosen were explained.
For College Students
Most of the students of V.O.Chidambaram College from the coastal villages are first generation learners. Several trainings were provided to prune their employability skills.
- Employability Skill Training offered.
- Trained in Spoken English and Interview Skills
- Several Entrepreneurial Skills were taken.
Interactive Sessions
After several interactions with the fisher folk the following representations by the fisher folk were made:
- First Aid training
- Conduct free health camps to address alternate their health issues.
- To provide alternate source of income during ban period.
- Awareness on Savings.
- WELFARE MEASURES FOR THE STAKEHOLDERS (FISHER FOLK)
Measures for Alternate Livelihood
- Sea Weed Culture
The villagers were given training in culture of sea weeds as an alternate livelihood. They were provided the materials needed to the tune of 35,000 each.18 kg of seeds per rope were utilized for 94 long-line ropes (94x18) kept afloat .The harvest cycle from planting to harvesting took 33 days with a yield of 80 kg per long-line rope. A seaweed farmer earned Rs. 45, 120/- per plot.
- Training on Preparation of Ready to Eat Fish
UN SDG #9 – Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure
V.O.Chidambaram College, Thoothukudi, under the UGC STRIDE Scheme, organised an Awareness Programme on "Ready to Cook Fish" training programme was conducted at the campus premises in association with , Thoothukudi Meenavan which highlighted on the skills pertaining to sourcing, cleaning, cutting, and marinating fish for easy cooking. This can be done either for self-domestic purposes or in a start up by catering to needs of the office goers through the supply of instant-cooking fish.
- TAILORING
UN SDG #8 – Decent Work & Economic Growth
Tailoring and sewing skills are a lifeline for women, giving them the opportunity to earn some money and contribute to the family income. A Self-Employability Training Programme on "Tailoring" exclusively for the coastal women of Thoothukudi from 25.05.2022 to 11.06.2022 at Maha Fashion Tailoring Unit, was conducted by V.O.C under the UGC Stride Programme at APCM, Thoothukudi
- AARI WORK
UN SDG #8 – Decent Work & Economic Growth
The V.O. Chidambaram College, Thoothukudi, under the UGC STRIDE Scheme, has organised a Self-Employability Training Programme on "Aari Work" exclusively for the coastal women of Thoothukudi from 08.06.2022 to 17.06.2022 at V.O. Chidambaram College, Thoothukudi. The scope of learning the aari embroidery in today’s context was explained by quoting the prices of wedding blouses designed with aari. Participants have learnt the basics thoroughly and they are making good designs in their stitched garments.
- FASHION DESIGNING
UN SDG #5 – Gender Equality
V.O.Chidambaram College, Thoothukudi, under the UGC STRIDE Scheme, has organized an Entrepreneurship Training Programme on "Sustainable Fashion Start-up" from 13.06.2022 and 14.06.2022 at V.O.Chidambaram College, Thoothukudi. The programme was exclusively for the young girls of the coastal regions of Thoothukudi toward becoming fashion industry entrepreneurs, starting businesses and becoming experts.
- DOLL MAKING & Baking Classes
Students from the coastal region were trained in doll making from waste newspapers which was an eco friendly approach and baking classes conducted as an alternate livelihood.
- PROGRAMMES ORGANIZED FOR GOOD HEALTH AND WELLBEING
Medical Camps conducted at Various Fishing Villages
UN SDG GOAL #3 – Physical Wellness
- First aid training was organized on 08.06.2022 at the fishing harbour. They were given practical training of properly checking pulse, giving cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with the help of a dummy, dressing different kinds of bandages, slings for various kind of accidents including fractures with the help of a multipurpose triangular bandage, at the accidental sites when they are at sea.
- An eye camp was organized in association with Aravind Eye Hospital and Young Indians at V.O.Chidambaram College. About 250 participants from SHGs and students participated on 08.03.2022.
- A special health camp organized at Tharuvaikulam village, in association with Mohan’s Diabetic Centre and Dr.Agarwal’s Eye Hospital to assess the eye and diabetic problems in this village. About 150 villagers participated on 13.03.2022.
- A free medical camp was organized at Maranthalai village, Authoor Panchayat, Thoothukudi on 03.07.2022. Free sanitary napkins were distributed
- Medical camp at Sippikulam village was conducted on 31.07.2022 in association with BEWELL Hospitals. About 50 villagers benefitted.
- Another medical camp was organized at Keelavaippar on 21.08.2022 in association with BEWELL Hospitals. Free blood sugar and blood pressure tests were conducted and tablets prescribed.
- Medical camp at St. Thomas Church, Gandhi Nagar, Tuticorin Corporation and awareness on H1N1 was given.
4. AWARENESS PROGRAMME ON CONSERVATION OF MARINE RESOURCES FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
UN SDG GOAL #14 -LIFE BELOW WATER
- Awareness on Ocean Pollution.
- Awareness camp on Protection and Conservation of Marine resources in association with the Tamilnadu Forest Department was conducted at Tharuvaikulam, Coastal village.
- Sensitization and clarity on the Knowledge and the usage of proper nets, types of nets and the impact of their usage on the Marine Fauna was conducted.