Kandiyur
Kandiyur AD Colony is located in Mettupalayam Taluk of Coimbatore district. It is a socially and economically underprivileged community. The entire community belongs to one of the lowest castes in the hierarchy. Around 75 families are live in Kandiyur colony. Almost all the men and a reasonable number of women are engaged in agricultural labour. They have worked on the farms of their landlords for several years and have not been able to save even paltry sums to survive the next drought. The adult population is uneducated or with basic schooling. The young girls and boys are in school, while the youth have dropped out of school. Out of the 30 youth in the village only two women are in college. One man has graduated with a degree and is working while another young woman is married and is a home maker. Most young people are in search of daily wage jobs or remain unemployed due to lack of skills.
An aerial survey of the issues and their causes reveals that illiteracy, indebtedness, alcoholism, school dropout, open air defection, lack of livelihood options, zero land holding were key factors that held back the community. A detailed analysis presents that social hierarchy and its dynamics is the dominating factor that keeps people hooked to the vicious cycle of poverty.
Bagavathi Amman Koil
Bagavathi Amman Kovil community is near Kandiyur. It is inhabited by a tribe called Irular. Traditionally, the Irulars are known to be snake catchers from the hills. They moved to the plains in search of jobs and have settled in small hamlets taking up daily wage jobs. In this community none of the children were going to school.Bagavathi Amman Koil community is one of the social and economically oppressed communities in the surrounding.There are 18 families living in the community. We had regular meetings with the community children and the community people to analyze theneeds. We brought the local community leaders like Panchayat president and ward members to the community to address the various issues. We take regular classes for the children to teach them read and write. We also teach them about health and hygiene. The children are regularly taken to the nearby library to inspire them to improve their reading skills.
Visits are arranged to the Panchayat office to create awareness on the rural governance system. Arrangements are being made with the Government school Headmaster and teachersfor their admission in the next academic year. Though our advocacy theyhave agreed to admit them in school.