Kolping India Supported Project

Kolping India Activities

In the year 2024–2025, over 15 new Kolping groups were formed. More than 150 individuals joined following orientation sessions conducted in various regions. These sessions focused on Kolping awareness, leadership development, and community empowerment.

Through leadership and awareness training sessions:

• Over 100 participants gained awareness about the ill effects of drug abuse.
• A Watchdog Committee was formed in 6 regions, each consisting of 1 captain and 6 members, to monitor and address social issues.

Participants developed key competencies such as:

• Effective Communication: Verbal, non-verbal, and written communication skills.
• Decision-Making & Problem-Solving: Ability to analyze problems, make informed decisions, and develop creative solutions.
• Leadership & Team Management: Skills to lead, motivate, coach, and mentor team members.

These efforts have empowered participants/members to:

• Take on new challenges and progress in their careers.
• Experience personal growth, self-awareness, and increased confidence.
• Understand their social responsibilities and become agents of positive change.
• Apply learned skills to make sustainable life choices.
• Engage in natural resource management, contribute to decision-making processes, and advocate for sustainability.

Sustainable Development Initiatives

Kolping members have begun designing and implementing sustainable projects and initiatives that promote the conservation and management of natural resources.

Support Through National Livelihood Schemes

Through the support of the Kolping India National Office, members have benefited from various livelihood support schemes, helping them move towards a sustainable way of life:

• SAP (Sanitation Assistance Programme) - Benefiting numerous families by improving access to proper sanitation, by helping in construction of toilets. During the year 15 members got support for sanitation program, amounting to 15000 thousand rupees each.
• MAP (Milch Animal Programme) - aims to improve the socio-economic status of rural women, particularly those from agricultural backgrounds, by providing them with assistance for purchasing milch animals. During the year 10 members got support for this program, an amount of 15000 thousand rupees to each beneficiaries.
• HSP (Housing Support Programme) – Provides financial assistance to its members to construct or improve their homes. This includes partial financial support for construction and facilitation to access government housing schemes. The project aims to help families, especially those with limited resources, realize their dream of owning a proper house. 2024-25 year 5 members get support from this program. Each Person got 50,000 rupees.
• IIGP (Individual Income Generation Programme) – Supporting individuals in starting their own income-generating ventures. These include livestock farming (cattle and goat rearing), small business ventures (petty shops, tailoring, catering, etc.), and access to loans for starting or expanding businesses. These initiatives are aimed at enhancing the financial stability and overall well-being of Kolping families. 2024-25 year 15 members got support from this program, an amount of 10,000/-.
• VTP (Vocational training program) - It aims to equip individuals, particularly Kolping Self-Help Group (SHG) members and their children, with job-oriented skills to enhance their employability and income generation. There were 2 students got support in the last year, with an amount of 15.000/- each.

CIGP (Collective Income Generation Programme)

During the project year, Kannur Kolping selected the Ushas Kolping Group to initiate a Collective Income Generation Project (CIGP). The Ushas Kolping Family, which has been functioning since 25.06.2018 in Edoor Village, Irrity Kolping Region, expressed their willingness to start a shop as a collective effort to improve their economic conditions.

Kolping India supported the initiative with Rs1,00,000 under the CIGP, and the group also availed a loan through Kudumbashree. They have now rented a Panchayath building for the activity and have successfully started a stationery shop in the heart of the town.

The "Organic Farming by Kolping Members" project seeks to promote sustainable agricultural practices among Kolping members, empowering them with the opportunity to cultivate organic farming and giving them an opportunity for self- employment.

Name of Group: Little flower, Deepam Kolping groups jointly conducted the activity.

Cultivation of Vegetables -
• Ladies Finger
• Long beans
• Tomato
• Chilli








Sustainability
At the start of the agricultural season, the land was cleared and prepared for cultivation. The soil is naturally fertile, and after the initial cultivation, it becomes even more enriched. This improvement makes it easier for the members to continue farming with fewer challenges. As a result, it creates a sustainable source of income and a reliable livelihood opportunity for Kolping members. The Church has granted the use of the land for a period of three years, allowing members to focus on agriculture without interruption. They can use seeds from their previous harvest for future planting, ensuring a supply of high-quality seeds. This creates a self-sustaining cycle that keeps members actively engaged in farming while providing the community with organic vegetables on a continuous basis.

Under the leadership of KAIROS Kannur, the Kolping Day Celebration was held in a grand manner. The event was presided over by Mrs. Maria Goretti, Kolping India National Board Member and President of Kolping Kannur Diocese. The celebration was inaugurated by Most Rev. Alex Vadakumthala, Bishop of Kannur Diocese. The first anniversary of the Episcopal Ordination of Auxiliary Bishop Most Rev. Dennis Kuruppassery was also celebrated on this occasion.

As part of the program, three students who secured admission for BSc Nursing received financial aid of Rs 50,000/- each from PINHEIRO FOUNDATION. Additionally, 21 individuals with disabilities were provided with wheelchairs and walkers.

Among the 89 groups active under Kolping Kannur, the Best Group was selected through a grading process, Chithanya Kolping Patuvam was awarded as the outstanding group. From each of the six cluster federations, the best groups received the awards. The names of these groups are Jeeva Kolping Kannur Cluster Federation, Gloria Kolping Punchakkad in Kanhangad Cluster Federation, Karuna Kolping in Pilathara Cluster Federation, St. Antony’s Kolping Group, Kalluvayal in Irrity Cluster Federation and St. Alphonsa Kolping Neruvambram in Payangadi Cluster Federation.

In the diocesan level, the Best Social Worker, Mrs. Neetha Gilbert, and the Oldest Active Social Worker, Mrs. Thresyamma Thomas, were honoured with mementos and shawls.

Rev. Fr. George Mathew, Director of KAIROS, along with parish vicars, the General Coordinator, HR Manager, Kolping Diocesan Coordinator, and the Thavam Parish Secretary addressed the gathering. The program was organized under the leadership of the KAIROS Payangadi Regional Coordinator and staff members. Around 300 participants from various parishes took part in the event.