Integrated Community Development Program
Cultural Academy for Peace has engaged with in Integrated Community Development Program through:
- Economic Growth
- Food Security
- Education
- Health and Hygiene
- Gender Mainstreaming
- Environment
- Capacity Building and Good Governance
One of the continuous Community development programs we focus is in Kuramkotta is an island located in Cheranalloor Panchayat, an area adjoining Cochin City, occupied by 90 families of which 85 families belong to the scheduled caste. Kuramkotta is a peninsula surrounded by water on three sides and fishing is the primary source of income. In 1992 flood the area was struck and changed the course of nearby Periyar River. The newly diverted river separated Kuramkotta from the mainland, causing it to be an island. This has isolated the residents impacting their daily lives, occupation, education, health and nutrition. Cultural Academy for Peace has adopted the island and has been involved in different community development activities endeavoring to assist and empower them.
Large number of people in this area belongs to SC/ST caste including two Christian and one Muslim family. Our team conducted a need analysis study to identify priority areas for interventions. It was also found the only mode of transportation of the residents is through a tiny little ferry, which can accommodate only 25 people at a time. This is a huge problem as almost everyone on that island needs to go to the mainland for work, education, and even to go to a hospital!
During the 2018 floods Kuramkotta was severely affected with around 85 families lacking adequate resources. Taking this as a serious social concern, the Cultural Academy for Peace stepped out to take up the responsibility for arranging a ferry for the residents of Kuramkotta. Arrangements were made by Cultural Academy for Peace with the help of benevolent contributors to purchase Yamaha Outboard Motor Engine for the ferry boat. Now they travel to and fro from their homes to the mainland much easily. Cultural Academy also observed the need for Educational and Legal awareness Programs, which could enable them to seek legitimate help from Government agencies. Classes were also conducted to improve health and hygiene, addressing the poor health conditions.