SETHU SAMUTHIRAM SHIP CHANNEL PROJECT (SSCP):The Sethu Samuthram Ship Channel Project has been implemented with collaboration of Government of India. The Sethu Canal is the short sea route in the Gulf of Mannar between the Sri Lanka and India near Rameshwaram islands. The project is aimed at to impart skill development training to the coastal area people for creating sustainable and Alternative / supplement income source.During the financial year we have trained 160 women under various skills that are ornamental shell designing, Palm Craft, Food Processing and simple chemicals.ARD also provides Nursing training to the female youth under Sethu Samuthram Coastal Development Project to those who completed school education and are unable to go for higher education due to their poor economic background. Under 6 months course we have trained 60 students during this academic year. ARD is functioning as a District Lead Partner to lead the NGOs implementing Sethu Samuthram Coastal Development Project in Ramanathapuram District. ARD has been monitoring 13 NGOs and provide proper guidance to achieve the goals and objectives of the program.
PROMOTION OF HANDICRAFTS: With the financial support of Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, we have mobilized 300 artisans in Rameshwaram cluster 150 artisans under Sea Shell Craft and 150 artisans under Palm Leaf Craft.During this year, 20 artisans are provided
with skill development training on Palm Leaf Craft and 20 artisans were
provided with skill development training in Sea Shell Craft for 4 months
duration with Rs.1500/- stipend for every month to each artisan. At the end of
the program, all the artisans were provided with Rs.6000/- as wage compensation
along with Rs.1000/- worth of tools to continue their activity in each craft. Apart from this, 60 artisans are provided with
Design development workshop for 15 days by inviting qualified designers in
seashell and palm leaf craft 30 each. At the end of the program, they are
provided with Rs. 2250/- as wage compensation. They are advised to invest the
money to purchase raw materials to start their own production instead of going
for bank loan since the investment needed is very low for this activity unless
they go for bulk orders.As we directed,
the artisans are earning a very good income to lead their family. The program
is really a boon to the artisans to come up from their low socio economic
status. They have participated in 8 sales Mela during this year organized by
various companies and departments.