Vimukticharitabletrustpothnal

Bankal project, situated in villages of Mudigere Taluka in Karnataka operates within the Western Ghats. The area predominantly relies on agriculture, with coffee, tea, cardamom, and rice cultivation. Women in this region face challenges due to illiteracy, limited opportunities, and heavy workloads. The Capuchin Krishik Seva Kendra, with support from Andheri Hilfe, is working to uplift women and children in the area. They've established 104 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) with 1325 members, empowering women to discuss issues, undertake leadership roles, manage micro-finance activities, and enhance their community's overall well-being. SHG members have embraced income-generating activities, developed their reading and writing skills, and become involved in local governance. These efforts have resulted in improved living conditions, empowerment, and positive changes within the community, addressing unemployment, illiteracy, and alcoholism, advocating for better rural schemes and public services.

Over the past decade, Vimukti in Chikodi has made significant strides in empowering marginalized rural women and communities. Initially facing skepticism and suspicion, the project has now reached 73 villages in Chikodi Taluka, organizing 3944 women and 449 men into 321 Self Help Groups (SHGs). Through training, awareness programs, and government scheme participation, these women have gained financial independence, legal awareness, and self-confidence, leading to a shift in their social status from passive individuals to informed and assertive citizens. They have also engaged in political processes and have influenced local governance. Additionally, Vimukti has promoted environmental conservation, supported flood-affected communities, and focused on livelihood programs through NREGA, emphasizing a right-based approach. This comprehensive effort has brought positive change to the lives of Chikodi's marginalized populations, and Vimukti continues its mission with renewed determination.

POTHNAL, located between Sindhanur and Manvi in Karnataka, has witnessed a growing Capuchin presence since 1994, primarily focused on socio-economic development, with particular attention to the marginalized, including Dalits, women, children, and the poor. This initiative, led by the Clara Vihar community of Capuchin fathers, encompasses faith formation in 14 villages, aiming to bridge the disparities prevalent in this area due to cultural and caste-class dynamics. The project's core focus is education, with a significant illiteracy rate in the region. Vimukti Charitable Trust, through various activities and programs, strives to address educational challenges, health issues, social inequalities, and access to government schemes, thus making a positive impact on the lives of the local community, especially children and women, while actively involving the local authorities and NGOs.

Dayalbagh Rural Development Programs, based in Belthangady Taluk since 1969, is committed to improving the lives of economically disadvantaged individuals, irrespective of their caste or creed. Their mission focuses on the integral development of families, with a special emphasis on empowering women through Self Help Groups (SHGs). The organization initiated SHGs in 1999, leading to the formation of over 2000-member Vimukti Women's Federation by 2000. Today, the federation includes 150 SHGs across 33 villages, promoting microfinance activities, financial savings exceeding one crore rupees, and loans worth over three crores. They conduct programs related to health, education, awareness, and entrepreneurial activities, with support from Child Fund India. These initiatives are helping communities to transform, breaking down barriers based on caste, religion, or ethnicity, with a focus on children's well-being, education, and overall development.

Asha Kiran De-addiction Centre, a unit of CKSK Society in Ujire, was established in Bhadravathi in 1990 to address the widespread issue of addiction to alcohol and other substances in districts like Shimoga, Davangere, and Chitradurga, where no de-addiction or rehabilitation centres were available. Over the years, the centre has grown significantly, providing in-patient services to 300 individuals from various districts and states. It offers detoxification, medication, counselling, and therapeutic sessions to help addicts overcome their struggles and build healthier personalities. The centre also conducts Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, follow-up programs to support sobriety, family counselling, and awareness and training programs for students and staff.

In 2016, Vimukti organized several initiatives as part of its Child Welfare Programme. The "Makkala Grama Sabha" saw children from eight villages under the Pothnal Gram Panchayat expressing their grievances, including issues like child labour, child marriage, and inadequate facilities. A campaign focused on girls' education and combating early marriage issues was conducted in various schools and villages. Vimukti also worked towards eradicating child labour by raising awareness and celebrating World Anti-Child Labor Day. The Child Rights Clubs organized events such as Swachh Abhiyan campaigns and awareness rallies on topics like AIDS and HIV. Additionally, Vimukti encouraged children to care for the environment, and they visited a police station to learn about the functions of law enforcement. These efforts aimed to empower and educate children on their rights and responsibilities.

Capuchin Krishik Seva Kendra (CKSK) is a voluntary organization led by the Franciscan Capuchin Fathers in Karnataka Province, established in 1976. Operating in Dakshina Kannada District, CKSK has been involved in integrated community development activities since 1969. Their mission is to create an environment of hope and respect for underprivileged children from all cultures and beliefs, offering them opportunities to realise their full potential and providing practical tools for positive change for children, families, and communities. CKSK focuses on child development programs, including health, education, personality development, and child rights awareness. They also engage in livelihood and economic enhancement initiatives to empower the poor economically and provide support for various income-generating activities. Women's empowerment programs and community development activities are an integral part of their work.