Human Development Centre - HUDEC

Shelter Programmes

Immediate Re-Settlement

During the last 6 months 45900 Cadjans were provided to 153 poor families who were displaced due to the war situation and returned to their own places. Financial assistance for this programme has been provided by SEDEC (Caritas Sri Lanka) and other CARITAS organisations.

Assistance from the Republic of France ( DAH ) French Embassy

Programme of constructing or renovation of 14 public community halls are being undertaken by HUDEC Jaffna in collaboration with Caritas France with funds provided by the Republic of France under the programme of resettlement for the displaced and those living below poverty line. Nine of these halls have been constructed in the welfare camps of Kannakikudiyiruppu, Periyamathavady and Sabapathipillai in the Uduvil Division, Kappanda, Neethavan camp in Chulipuram, Chankanai Division, Punithanagar and Kudathanai in the Point Pedro Division and Thellipallai, Oorany welfare camps. Five general purpose halls are being constructed in the resettled regions of Sarasalai in Chavakachcheri, Maravanpulo in Kaithady area, Siruppiddi in Atchuveli, Kaaddupulam in Chulipuram and in the Kodikamam south area of these nine are new buildings costing 400,000 LKR and 5 are being renovated at a cost of more than 200,000 LKR. This project will be completed by the end of this year.

ECHO Scheme Jaffna.

With the assistance of Caritas France under the ECHO financial assistance scheme, repairs to houses are undertaken for 150 families living below poverty line under the resettlement programme. Three hundred fishermen have been provided fishing nets costing 20,000 LKR each and another 171 fishermen were given nets worth 10,000 LKR each. Seventy one beneficiaries were given tools and implements under the scheme of repairing of houses. Fifty houses in 10 Grama Sevaka divisions of Jaffna Divisional Secretariat, 100 houses for the beneficiaries in Vaddu North, Vaddu East, Vaddu South, Vaddu West,Thunavy, Changarathai, Tholpuram North, Tholpuram West, Pannakam, Sithankerny, Chankanai Divisional Secretariat division. These repair costs 53,500 LKR each. Under the this programme 129 fishing beneficiaries selected from the fishermen’s societies of Cheddipulam, Chaddy, Allaipiddy, Nainativu in the Velanai divisional Secretariat division and 171 beneficiaries selected from the fishermen’s societies of Analativu, Eluvaitivu, Kayts, Thampaddy, Paruthiyadaippu in the Kayts Divisional Secretariat division were provided with fishing nets worth 20,000 LKR each. One hundred and seventy one fishing beneficiaries in the Delft fishermen’s Society were supplied with fishing gear costing

10,000 LKR each. Tools implements were provided to 71 beneficiaries engaged in Cycle Repairs, Masonry, Carpentry, Hair Cutting and Electronic works in these divisions. This project will be completed by the end of this month.

ECHO Project

Vanni: With the assistance of Caritas France the following activities were undertaken under the ECHO project. Hundred poor beneficiaries in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu were provided agricultural inputs. Hundred farmers families in Alampil, Mullaitivu area were supplied goats, cows and poultry as an income-generating attempt. Further in Mullaitivu district temporary shelters for 150 families are under construction. Fishing gear for 100 poor families were supplied to enhance their income.

NECORD Housing Project

Hundred and twenty houses damaged by war operation in the Gurunagar area were renovated by NECORD with the collaboration of HUDEC with NECORD funding. NECORD had allocated Rs.75000/= for the renovation of each house. Additional expenditure for the renovation was borne by the beneficiaries.

This Project was completed with the participation of the people of Gurunagar and the 120 houses which had been renovated were handed over to the owners by the additional Government agent Jaffna Mr.Sivagamy on the 29^th of October.

TEMPERANCE – HUDEC

Temperance, Rehabilitation

There are relatives of alcoholics who were unable to rehabilitate these addicts by preventing from alcoholism. There is an opinion that it is impossible to stop alcoholics from the habit. Even in this situation alcoholic addicts had been redeemed from their habit by Hudec and they formed the group of alcoholic anonymous (AA group).

These persons are engaged in a programme of helping other alcoholic addicts to follow them give up their habits of addiction. Family members of those saved from the addiction are conducting awareness programmes in the villages. These members of the anonymous alcoholic celebrated their rehabilitation on the temperance day at Hudec.

Mobile Medical Service

Jaffna: This service is provided by Hudec with the collaboration of the Holy Cross nuns in Illavalai, Sahayapuram, Mathagal, Santhai, Uyarappulam, Manthuvil, Uduvil, Manatkadu, and Kaddaikadu areas. CARITAS and MIOT functioning in London are providing the funds for this service which is benefited by 940 patients monthly

15 cancer patients were provided with Rs 25,500/= financial assistance under the “ Kugananthi assistance scheme for cancer patients”

Vanni: 86 retired nurses working in kilinochchi and Mullaitivu districts are paid salaries amounting to Rs 51,600/= monthly. In addition to this 4578 patients from Punakary area have been taking treatment from the mobile medical service Rs 20,000/= is being spent on this programme monthly. CARITAS organisation and MIOT (Organisation of Sri Lankan medical professionals living in London) are providing the funds for this programme.

Educational Assistance Scheme

Jaffna: We are providing financial assistance under this scheme to children living under conditions. Poverty in the Jaffna district with the object of improving their education. Under this scheme 32 students studying in ordinary level and advance level classes are being given Rs. 200/=, 300/= respectively every month. Five hundred each is provided monthly to 22 students following University higher education. Eighteen thousand and one hundred was provided to 8 poor students following vocational training in the Patrician Institute.

Stationary and school bags were provided to 100 children from families below poverty line studying in J/Melinchimunai R.C.T.M School in Melinchimunai at a cost of Rs 22,250/=.

Strengthening of Women under the World Bank Programme

With the objective of strengthening women who are vulnerable by developing them socially Hudec women’s organisations have been brought together and divided into 7 regions. Management committees have been selected for each of these regions.

Hudec women’s union has been organised by bringing together the President, Secretary and Treasurer of these 7 regions. Activities are undertaken by these 21 members.

This union functions by sharing each other’s resources and as easy networking in facing the problems together.

HDL/MCR Project

Jaffna: HDL/MCR project is implement with the collaboration of HUDEC in the HUDEC complex. This is a factory producing soft concrete corrugated roofing sheets and cement concrete blocks. 15 males and females are employed in this factory. Blood donation was given at Jaffna Sinhala Maha Vidyalayam on 09^th September 2004 to fulfil the shortage of Blood in the Blood Bank. This was done at the request of the Midtown Lions Club to comply the requirement of Dr. Umashankar of the Jaffna Teaching Hospital. HDL/HUDEC staff extended their assistance to this programme.

Self-Employment Project

Jaffna: Farmers and Fishermen who have been badly affected by the war were encouraged to form into societies. Financial assistance was provided to these farmers and fishermen through the respective societies under CAFOD & MISEREOR funding and encouraged to engage in small business, home gardening, Cattle breeding, Dress making and Weaving of nets, Seed paddy, were provided to the farmers in Madduvil & Varani. Money repaid from the revolving loans already granted to the societies was deposited in the Bank weekly. Rs. Two million five hundred and ninety five thousand (2,595,000 LKR) from this deposit have been granted as loans to Fraternity Societies, Fisheries and Farmers Societies. Income from self-employment has been improved and savings are encouraged.

The following self-employment loans have been granted.

Women’s Fraternity Societies	= 20	Rs 925,000/=
Fisheries Societies	= 12	Rs 1,200,000/=
Farmers Societies	= 06	Rs 470,000/=

Total loan granted		Rs 2,595,000/=

On his visit to Allaipiddy which is one of the villages where societies functioning under scheme the project co-ordinator provided a Vehicle on the request of the villagers considering the transport difficulties experienced by them (The financial assistance was 329,902 LKR donated by MISEREOR)

Education

Pre-School Education Scheme

Jaffna: Fifty-five pre-schools are run under this scheme of pre-school education. These pre-schools are run in the Divisional Secretariat divisions of Vadamaradchy,Vadamaradchy South, Thenmaradchy, Valigamam North, East and Islands. Training for the improvement of pre-schools and seminars for the upliftment of women are conducted monthly for more than 70 Teachers working under this scheme another 10 pre-school teachers who do not come under this scheme also are benefited by undergoing this training. A combined pre-school sports festival was conducted in the playgrounds of St.Patrick’s College, Jaffna on 10^th July 2004. The children used this programme to reveal their personality development.

Nutrition Project

Nutritional food items such as nutritional flour and sugar are provided to 1008 children in pre-schools & 1500 children under 12 years of age in 18 schools in Jaffna. Point Pedro, Chavakachcheri, Mirusuvil & Palai in the Jaffna district. Under the nutrition programme of the Jaffna district the nutritional flour is prepared and packed by the societies of widows in Jaffna, Point Pedro and Chavakachcheri.

Educational Assistance

Vanni: With the object of improving the educational standard, 36 students living in poverty in the Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu districts were provided 8,800LKR monthly. Under this scheme 75 volunteer teachers in Mullaitivu district are paid 90,000 LKR monthly and 67,200 LKR is paid monthly to 56 volunteer teachers in Kilinochchi district.

Pre-School Programme

Vanni: Tow thousand three hundred and eighty nine children are studying under the pre-school education programme in the Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu districts. Twenty one thousand is being paid monthly as salary for 21 pre-school teachers working under this scheme. Seminar on women’s social upliftment are also conducted along with continued training for the development of pre-schools.

Nutritional Food Programme

Vanni: Tow thousand three hundred and eighty nine children in the pre-schools and 10794 children attending school in Karachi, Kandavalai and Pachchilaipalli areas in Kilinochchi Mullaitivu districts are provided with nutritional food comprising nutritional flour and sugar. One hundred fifty nine thousand six hundred and forty three is spent monthly for the pre-school children and 595,319 LKR is spent monthly for the school students. It should be mentioned that this nutritional flour is prepared by two women’s associations in the Kilinochchi area.

Seminar for the final year students of Theology

It has been the practice for HUDEC to arrange seminars for the final year students of St. Francis Xavier’s seminary in which resource personals on social issues of various talents used to address. Sixteen students participated. The students were addressed by officials of foreign organisations such as GTZ, CARE, and local organisations such as TRRO & CHA and issues concerning social change, social mobilisation, animation were discussed and exchanged opinions. People employed in the government sector such as social service department, NECORD also addressed the students.

Fraternity Societies

Self-Employment programme for Widows

With the object of strengthening the widows who have lost their husbands in the war they were brought together to form into societies. They are encouraged to develop themselves in leadership and social upliftment and given the opportunity in managing their own affairs. There are 52 Women’s groups including the widows groups functioning here. They are engaged in savings and joint industrial ventures for economic development. They also engage in general work programmes with the groups in the neighbouring village. They exchange their experiences and knowledge and improve their skills and have strengthened themselves with the secondary leadership ideals in the community.

WIDOWS

Vanni: Eleven women’s groups with 126 members are functioning in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu areas. While they have joined the savings scheme, they are also engaged in individual and joint industrial ventures under the self – employment loan scheme. Repayment from the 5 groups are in the second stage and repayment activities are under way on Rs 250,000/= loan granted to 6 groups for joint ventures.

Self – Employment Scheme

Vanni: Self – Employment loan was granted to 25 poor families in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu districts with the object of uplifting their living standards by eradicating their poverty. Fifteen farmers’ groups comprising 268 members are engaged in self-employment activities such as farming, small industries and cattle breeding. Tow hundred and fifty thousand was already granted for a joint venture to 3 selected societies. The loan is now being refunded and kept in deposit. Nearly 400 women comprising of representatives from 55 women’s organisations functioning under Vanni Hudec and young women from animation groups are engaged in these activities. Four Water pumps and 4 sprayers were provided to 4 societies under this scheme.

Prabodhini Programme

Prabothini means women’s awakening. That is to awaken women. This programme is implemented by the National Peace Council in 10 districts in Sri Lanka. Prabothini programme is implemented through the Human Development Centre in the Jaffna district. Our Prabothini programme is implemented in the Jaffna district with approximately 50 activists. These 50 activists are elected from the village level groups, which were already organised by Human Development Centre. Representative from Govt. and Non Govt. organisations are also included in these organisations. During the last 6 months we have strengthened these activists through various programmes highlighting leadership, gender equality, role of women in politics and celebration of International women’s day introducing functions on village level. As Prabothini programme is connected with ideals it is felt that this should be extended in the future. Hence 10 persons were selected from Village groups and non- governmental organisations for resourceful training.

Service to Pro – Life

This programme is implemented for the last 3 years by Hudec with the collaboration of Good Shepherd nuns at Inuvil for the rehabilitation of affected women and malnourished children. This programme is funded by RASCOB and 5 women are being benefited under this programme at present Rs 30,000/= is spent on them monthly. The number of beneficiaries changes as the need arises.

Animation Activities

Leaders of 5 or 6 groups on village level have got together and established 6 peoples groups. These groups are planning their future programmes, and joint ventures while agitating for their needs and implementing income-generating projects. While new leadership is created through the secondary leadership training, peoples groups are engaged in strengthening the groups trained in Politics, Spirituality, and the system of data collection. Training and sales of Palmyrah resources undertaken along with activities in curing and exporting Palmyrah juice in collaboration with the Palmyrah development Board. While engaged in earning from small industries they arrange home garden competition, and the agricultural group has constructed a dam to prevent seawater entering the land by Shramadana with the co-operation of the people. Twelve groups are conducting evening classes and arranging cordial relations between children and elders. They visit the groups of the local areas and the other districts and the villages of small groups jointly share the social and cultural values by revealing the read situation.

Peace Animation Programme

Jaffna: Peace education and seminars are conducted in village level and schools by the peace animation programme branch of our organisation. Groups exchange programmes are also arranged under this arrangement. 50 Buddhist monks with the concurrence of USCOD Badulla visited Jaffna with the collaboration of peace animation branch of Hudec. They had discussions with Semmanan the Jaffna district assistant administrator of the political wing of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Ellam (LTTE) in the office of the Political wing. They visited the Jaffna Diocese Justice & Peace Commission and had discussions with the members of all Religions. They also visited the high security zone and saw for themselves the situation there. Further they visited the displaced people’s camp at Kuruvalai Alaveddy saw the difficulties experienced by the refugees and discussed with those people regarding their problems. The Buddhist monk who was leading this group stated that they have seen for themselves the difficulties experienced by these people and these matters were not known to them in the south. There are some Buddhist monks in the south who are against peace. He further stated that his idea is to make such monks to come here and understand the situation by seeing these conditions. They will then agitate on behalf of these people. They had discussions with the union of Hindu priests in Jaffna. Representative of village level peace animation groups made a group exchange visit to Kandy diocese. They had discussions with government and religions leaders regarding the problems of Tamil. In addition they revealed those problems by drama where there were no speech. Members of the peace animation group of Valigamam region went on group exchange programme to Vadamaradchy- Manatkadu animation group and lodged in the houses of the member and implemented a tree planting programme on the Manatkadu- Kudatanai new road.

Peace Animation Project

Vanni: Seminars and discussions were conducted to groups comprising children and women on village level under the peace animation project in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu districts. The themes in these were on uniting communities acting with understanding and improving spirituality. Friendship building programme with the Kurunegala district was conducted. One hundred six thousand three hundred and eighty six and cents fifty was spent on this programme. Another friendship building programme was conducted for the mentally deranged. One-year anniversary of the peace animation groups was conducted. There was significant improvement in the social activities with understanding among the communities.

Fr.C.G.Jeyakumar
Director
HUDEC – Caritas Jaffna

31^st December 2004