TRIP TO SEDS – NOVEMBER 2002 – LUISA RYAN I
visited the Social Economic Development society (SEDS) from the 8th
to the 17th November 2002. During this time I discovered that the scope
of projects and the impact that SEDS is having on the local community is much
more extensive than I imagined. SEDS was established in the small village of
Anandapuram by Rajen and Manil Joshua over 20 years ago. The organization now
in over 70 villages, using a holistic approach that takes into account the
social, economic and environmental needs of the local peoples. I visited a
range of projects, including many of those funded by Action Aid. SEDS
runs its own school and hostel. At nights I helped the exchange teachers
supervise the younger hostel children whilst they did their homework and had
a playtime. This was one of my most enjoyable times during my visit to SEDS.
Most of the 80 sponsored children came to the farm on the Saturday I was
there. They were given a health check an participated in some activities,
including games and singing. I visited a number of schools. Many have Action
Aid toilets. Students are taught how to use them, plus associated hygiene.
Tree planting in schoolyards provides relief for students from the intense
sun. Flag poles compound walls and school buildings have also been built. It
was pleasing to see that a number of communities are beginning to ask for and
contribute to better facilities in schools. Accumulated
silt is removed from the water tanks and returned to farmland under the
tank-desilting project. When it rains the basins fill with water, providing
water for animals, for washing cloths, and for the plantations. Five Action
Aid tanks have recently been restored, although most of the tanks are still
empty due to the drought. Horticulture
plots (2 acres) were planted about 2 years ago in 10 villages, and it is
expected that they will return a crop that can be sold at market this year.
The main crops are mango and guava. Some fields were more advanced and better
cared for than others. The watershed program has seen the establishment of
small dams and the plantation of trees and grasses in the surrounding areas.
The result is that even though the region is in drought, the once barren land
has been turned into green countryside and the dams still have water in them.
Even though the funding for this project has finished, the area still
requires maintenance and vigilance in keeping the co-operation of the local
farmers, What became evident in visiting SEDS is that development work of
this nature is about changing attitudes and this does not happen over night.
The establishment of relationships with the villagers is the key, with trust
often taking time to build. Local communities need to be shown that their
lives can be improved and be supported as they step into change. MY
impression of SEDS is that it is sensitively contributing to community change
in a way that is constructive and accountable. |