People's Education for Action and Community Emancipation

The IWMP in Vedasandur, part of PEACE Trust's efforts, aimed to enhance rural livelihoods by transforming unproductive land into productive resources, employing soil and water conservation in drought-prone areas. Through community involvement, capacity building, sustainable agricultural methods, and conservation measures, the Programme in Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, successfully uplifted the region, showcasing promising outcomes.

The Watershed Management Programme in Periyakottai, overseen by PEACE Trust, spans 10 hamlets within Dindigul district's Periyakottai Panchayat. This rain-reliant region faced low productivity due to insufficient soil and water conservation efforts, worsened by the excess exploitation of water in wells, neglected tanks, and extensive soil erosion, rendering the land infertile. Through empowering the Village Watershed Committee, involving farmers in planning, and bolstering self-help groups (SHGs), the groundwork was laid for comprehensive implementation of the watershed programme, supported by NABARD, aiming to rejuvenate the area.

In Coimbatore District's Kongu region, PEACE Trust initiated Action Programmes for Sustainable Development to combat severe pollution caused by industrial effluents. Factories along the Noyyal River had contaminated both the river and nearby groundwater sources. To address this, the Trust conducted training and educational sessions on environmental balance, cleaner production methods, ethical trade practices, eco-friendly approaches, and sustainable development for various stakeholders including industrialists, employees, leaders, representatives, administrators, self-help groups, youth associations, and other community segments. Additionally, a monthly electronic news bulletin was launched to facilitate programme coordination.

In Karur District, considered among the most underprivileged areas in Tamil Nadu with high child labour rates, PEACE Trust initiated an Anti-Child-Labour Action Programme. The Trust conducted thorough surveys in target villages to gather information and visited suspected households to collect specific data, laying the groundwork for successful eradication efforts. Motivational programmes were organised for volunteers while establishing non-formal education centres, tuition facilities, and balwadis. Supporting these endeavours, Child Rights Groups were formed, alongside motivation camps tailored for child labourers. As a result, the Programme has shown progress, liberating child labourers and reintegrating them into formal educational institutions, signalling positive outcomes.

The Peace Industrial School in Dindigul district, Tamil Nadu, overseen by PEACE Trust, serves as an educational and training hub for marginalized children, particularly former child labourers. It provides both formal and informal education, aiming to equip them for self-employment and sustainable livelihoods. The School offers vocational training, securing Government-recognized certificates for youth, alongside seminars addressing socio-cultural issues and motivation programmes for consumer forums and youth welfare organisations. Additionally, the School conducts awareness programmes on HIV/AIDS and health/hygiene, fostering a comprehensive learning environment.