Adhwana Service Providing Centre, in collaboration with the Women and Child Development Department, Government of Kerala, has taken an active role in the United Nations-initiated ‘Orange the World Campaign: UNiTE’ to end violence against women. Under the campaign theme ‘Safety Always and Everywhere,’ Adhwana has designed and is disseminating 16 vibrant posters over 16 days through social media platforms to spread awareness and foster change.
Participation in "Orange the World" Campaign
A significant milestone in the campaign was a special consultative meeting held on 5th December 2024 at Pothencode Grama Panchayat. The meeting aimed to discuss and review the progress of ongoing activities to combat violence against women, children, and elders through the initiatives of Adhwana Service Providing Centre.
"Orange the World" Poster Campaign
The meeting witnessed active participation from key stakeholders, including the Community Development Project Officer (CDPO) for Kazhakuttom Block, ICDS Supervisors, Community Women Facilitators (CWFs), Legal Counsellor, Program Coordinator, Project Coordinator, Adhwana Chairperson, and victims of domestic violence. The participants shared their insights, suggestions, and concerns, emphasizing the urgency of collaborative action to tackle violence and ensure safety for all.
Adhwana SIA Unit organised a Public Hearing at Plavoor GHS, Kattakada in connection social Impact assessment study on 30th November 2024.
Public Hearing
Social Impact Assessment report on Playground for Plavoor Government High School was officially submitted to District Collector, Trivandrum on 05-12-2024 by Team Adhwana
Cover Image of the SIA Report
Adhwana proudly participated in the World Fisheries Day 2024 celebrations organized by the Trivandrum Social Service Society (TSSS) on November 21, 2024, in Trivandrum. The event served as a platform to recognize the invaluable contributions of the fishing community while fostering discussions on sustainable practices and innovations in the fisheries sector.
Participation at TSSS for World Fisheries Day
Dr. Mary John J., Chairperson of Adhwana, moderated an engaging session on Entrepreneurship in the Fisheries Sector, emphasizing opportunities for economic empowerment within the industry. The program witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 100 attendees, including traditional fishermen, fish vending women, social workers, and activists, who collectively enriched the dialogue with their insights and experiences.
The celebration also featured informative sessions on the Marine Ecosystem and the potential of Artificial Reefs as sustainable solutions to enhance marine biodiversity and support fishing livelihoods.
A section of the delegates
Adhwana remains committed to working alongside the fishing community, promoting initiatives that safeguard marine resources while empowering those who depend on them for their livelihood.
Adhwana, in collaboration with the Trivandrum Social Service Society (TSSS) and the South Indian Federation of Fishermen Societies (SIFFS), organized a Discourse and Dialogue on Marine Resource Diversity on November 19, 2024, in Trivandrum. The event brought together several NGOs, CSOs, and activists, fostering vibrant discussions and suggestions aimed at protecting the marine ecosystem.
Dr. A. Biju Kumar, Head and Professor, Department of Aquatic Biology & Fisheries, presented an insightful paper detailing the current challenges and conservation strategies surrounding marine biodiversity. The discourse was further enriched by Sri. Robert Panippilla, a community researcher specializing in seabed ecosystems, who highlighted pressing concerns about marine pollution and the imminent threats to the delicate balance of marine life.
The program attracted significant attention from local media and elicited thoughtful responses from civil society, amplifying the call for collaborative action to safeguard marine resources.
On the sidelines of the event, Sri. Robert Panippilla was honored for his remarkable contribution to marine studies. His work was recently recognized by Calicut University, which included the chapter "Kadaladithattile Mayakalchakal" from his acclaimed book, ‘Kadalarivukalum Neranubhavangalum’, in its B.A. Malayalam syllabus. This initiative reflects Adhwana's commitment to fostering dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders for the preservation of marine ecosystems and sustainable development.
A team of social workers from Adhwana and Friends of Marine Life, including Dr. Mary John J., Sri. Robert Panippilla, and Kumary Avani L.S., conducted an exposure visit to Vizhinjam to explore an inspiring community-based waste management initiative.
The project, spearheaded by a group of women from the fishing community, focuses on combating coastal pollution through the effective management of domestic organic and solid waste. During the visit, the women proudly shared their success story, affirming their impact with the statement: “See, our premises are this clean.”
This grassroots initiative, facilitated by the Kovalam-based NGO Positive Change for Marine Life, showcases how community-driven solutions can effectively address environmental challenges while fostering a sense of pride and ownership among participants.
Adhwana commends these efforts and is committed to supporting similar interventions that contribute to environmental sustainability and community empowerment.
Vidyadarshan, an initiative aimed at supporting students in their pursuit of greater heights in life, recognizes the importance of essential skills such as English language proficiency, socializing, leadership, communication, adaptation, self-confidence, the right attitude, and correct aptitude. While many students at Vidyadarshan aspire to become civil servants, football players, navy officers, pilots, police officers, teachers, engineers, forest officers, air hostesses, and more, they often lack the necessary skills to achieve their dreams.
To bridge this gap, Vidyadarshan has launched an integrated plan to equip these young students with the skills they need to succeed in life. A crucial component of this plan is the English Proficiency Training for High School Students, which has recently entered its second week with the participation of 15 students from coastal Trivandrum. The intensive training program is specifically designed to enhance their speaking, reading, listening, and writing abilities, with a strong focus on grammar lessons to build a solid foundation.
Dignitaries of the Dais: (L to R) - Dr.J.M.John, Fr.Lenin Raj, Sri.Pratabchandran K, and Mr.Nithin Nixon
Dr. JM John addressing the audience
In addition to language skills, Vidyadarshan's training program goes beyond academics. Special sessions on group dynamics, soft skills development, confidence building, and more are seamlessly integrated into the course. The aim is to nurture well-rounded individuals who can effectively communicate, lead, and adapt to various situations, thereby increasing their chances of achieving their aspirations.
Undoubtedly, the path ahead is challenging. With limited resources and students starting from a lower skill status, it is uncertain how much assistance Vidyadarshan can provide. Nevertheless, the organization shares the same dream as its students: to see each and every one of them realize their dreams through hard work and perseverance. Despite the obstacles, Vidyadarshan remains resolute, believing that they will overcome these challenges and pave the way for success.
Students, Parents and Trainers in the inaugural session
Vidyadarshan's commitment to empowering high school students with English proficiency training and essential soft skills is a testament to their dedication to transforming young lives. By equipping students with the necessary tools, Vidyadarshan aims to open doors of opportunity and help them shape a brighter future for themselves.
Vidyadarshan Students Participating in English Proficiency Training 2023
Adhwana is now empanelled by Government of Kerala as one of the new Service Providing Centres (SPC) in Trivandrum District for providing legal and psychosocial support to the victims of domestic violence.
Government of Kerala has duly appointed Adv. (Dr.) J Mary John, Chairperson, Adhwana, as a Member of Child Welfare Committee for Thiruvananthapuram District in Kerala for a period of 3 years from 23rd June 2022 in accordance with the provisions of Juvenile Justice Act, 2015. The Committee has 5 members collectively responsible for the care and protection of children in need. The sittings of the Committee take place at a facility within the campus of Govt. Children’s Home, Thiruvananthpauram.
തിരുവനന്തപുരം ജില്ലാ ചൈൽഡ് വെൽഫെയർ കമ്മിറ്റി അംഗമായി നിയമിതനായ അഡ്വക്കേറ്റ് (ഡോ.) മേരി ജോൺ ജെ. അഭിഭാഷകൻ, സാമൂഹ്യ ഗവേഷകൻ, പരിശീലകൻ എന്നീ നിലകളിലും പ്രവർത്തിക്കുന്നു. അദ്ധ്വാന ചെയർപേഴ്സൺ, കേരള സ്റ്റാറ്റിസ്റ്റിക്കൽ ഇൻസ്റ്റിറ്റ്യൂട്ട് മെമ്പർ, ഇന്ത്യൻ സൊസൈറ്റി ഫോർ ട്രെയിനിങ് ആൻഡ് ഡെവലപ്മെന്റ് ലൈഫ് മെമ്പർ, മുതിർന്ന പൗരന്മാർക്കുള്ള മൈന്റെനൻസ് ട്രിബുണൽ കോൺസിലിയേഷൻ ഓഫീസർ (നെടുമങ്ങാട് സബ്-ഡിവിഷൻ) ആയും സേവനം അനുഷ്ഠിക്കുന്നു.
Dr. J M John, Chairperson, Adhwana, facilitated a four-day training program on Project Planning using Logical Framework for the professional social workers of Trivandrum Social Service Society on 14, 15, 17 and 18 June 2022 at TSSS Hall, Trivandrum. There were 12 participants who work in the areas of health, women empowerment and livelihood programs. The program was sponsored by Culcutta Ondoan and its Spanish partners. The results of the evaluation indicated that the program was near to excellent.
Centre for Consulting, Research and Training (CCRT), a unit of Adhwana, has successfully completed 13th National Training Program in Project Planning using LFA today (5th- 8th January 2022). This was an online interactive and practical training with group discussions and plenaries on Situation Analysis, Problem Analysis, Objectives Analysis, Analysis of Activities and Strategies, Budget analysis, Stakeholder analysis, Assumption analysis, time plan with some tips for fund raising. Lots of sharing and long term experience of the Trainer enriched the program which was rated excellent. Dr. J M John was the Trainer. Mr. Shaji Zacharia, Secretary, Adhwana gave an insightful valedictory talk on "The Soul of the Projects". This time we had participants from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Odisha, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh.
Six interns of Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi has provided much of the secretarial assistance for organising this program.