Holistic Rural Development Programme (HRDP)
HOLISTIC RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (HRDP)
VAPS has Implemented HRDP in more than 15 villages in Ramanathapuram and Sivaganga districts, predominantly the back ward districts. The core activities covers Farming, Natural Resource Management, water and sanitation, remedial education, women health and mental health and school development work are being carried out with the funding support of corporate social responsibility (CSR).
The goal of the HRDP program is to create holistic development by building capacities for sustainable livelihoods, agricultural development, water conservation, water and sanitation interventions for hygiene and community health, and community development in collaboration with various stakeholders and mainstream institutions.
The HRDP program has achieved remarkable impact and brought about positive changes in the community:
Improved agricultural practices:
Around 500 farmers have enhanced their farm production and income through the adoption of improved agricultural techniques.
Animal husbandry:
Approximately 30% of households have sustained agriculture activities for continuous income through livestock activities such as dairy farming, goat/sheep husbandry, and poultry rearing.
Natural resources management:
About 400 households have benefited from soil and water conservation measures, including the renovation of village tanks and percolation tanks/ooranis. Additionally, the removal of Prosopis Juliflora trees (Seemi Karuvelam) has been achieved.
Water sanitation and hygiene (WASH):
All villages have achieved 100% open defecation-free status, with 420 households having individual household toilets or access to community sanitary complexes. Functional toilets and access to toilets for all school children have also been ensured.
Reproductive child health and community health:
Efforts have been made to address issues of anemia and stunting in around 500 children and adolescent girls, along with raising awareness about HIV/AIDS within the villages.
Education:
Improved educational interventions have resulted in approximately 75 students pursuing professional education in these villages.
Ecology and renewable energy:
Around 30 households have made environmental improvements and reduced energy expenditure.
Skill development programs:
Approximately 30 masons have enhanced their skills, and 30 youths have acquired expertise in solar street lamp maintenance and services.
Village Development Resource Centre (VDRC):
A viable VDRC has been established, providing access to government resources for village development, particularly benefiting the youth.
Through effective convergence with different stakeholders and government programs, additional benefits such as farm ponds, subsidies for toilets and solar pump sets, access to AABY insurance, scholarships, and improved reproductive and child health services have been extended to the communities.
Overall, the HRDP program implemented by VAPS has made significant progress in achieving sustainable development across multiple dimensions and improving the lives of the rural communities it serves.
SKILL TRAINING
In the context of alleviating poverty and improving livelihood, five types of off-farm and one on-farm skill and entrepreneurship training was provided to the productive age group. Since the project locations are predominantly backward and the people eking out their livelihood depending on irregular farming and farm work and 100 days wage work.
900 beneficiaries (Ettivayal panchayat, Ramanathapuram district- 340, Hanumanthankudi, Sivaganga district- 560) were benefited by the skill training over the period of 18 months. The intense training, including exposure visit and handholding helped the beneficiaries to start their business in micro level. The program reached the underprivileged people who are said to have lack of opportunity and options to substitute their family income. As a result of the intervention, transformation taking place among the beneficiaries.
