Jalaripeta

Jalaripeta Outreach Programme

Jalaripeta, a densely populated fishermen's colony in Visakhapatnam, is among the largest slums in the city. Located near St. Ann’s Formation House in Lawson’s Bay Colony, the area faces numerous socio-economic challenges including illiteracy, gender inequality, domestic violence, superstitions, child labour, poverty, early marriage, extramarital issues, school dropouts, and gambling.

Since 2015, Sr. Nirmala Mathew and Sr. Angel Mary have been actively engaged in outreach initiatives in Jalaripeta, beginning with rapport-building and small-scale interventions. Over time, their efforts have expanded to cover multiple strategic areas.

Strategic Focus Areas

1. Women Empowerment
2. Vocational Training
3. Children's Development Programmes
4. Environmental Awareness
5. Domestic Workers’ Welfare
6. Educational Support
7. Disaster Relief
8. Services for the Destitute

Women Empowerment Programme

As part of our Women Empowerment Programme, women are encouraged to form Self-Help Groups (SHGs) aimed at fostering financial independence and long-term sustainability. They are provided with comprehensive orientation and support on a range of issues relevant to their empowerment and development. To date, 20 SHGs comprising a total of 250 women have been successfully established and are actively engaged in this initiative.

Key Outcomes:

Regular awareness sessions on herbal medicine, child education, Government schemes, and hygiene have significantly improved knowledge and practices.

SHGs promote savings and micro-credit systems, enhancing financial independence.

Tailoring skills training, in collaboration with Ann Jyothi Centre, has led to job placements.

Women have acquired skills in preparing herbal tonics, pain-relief oils, Vaseline, and other natural remedies.

Children’s Development Programmes

Evening Coaching Centre:

Addressing the alarming rate of functional illiteracy, even among students in higher classes, a coaching centre was initiated. Starting with 27 children, the program now supports 87 students. Sessions are held every second Saturday, providing academic materials, tuition fee assistance, and moral instruction. Student progress reports are collected regularly.

Children’s Parliament:

Children’s Parliament sessions are conducted on the second Saturday of every month, aiming to nurture the innate potential of children and empower them to contribute to the development of their communities. These programmes also help children stay focused on their education and inspire them to become responsible and productive members of their families and society.45 children are regular to this programme.

Educational Assistance:

 Financial support has been extended to nearly 125 students, primarily orphans, children from single-parent households, and those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, to help them pursue their school education. These students have shown consistent academic progress, reflecting the positive impact of the assistance provided.

Programme for the welfare of the domestic workers:

Approximately two-thirds of the women in Jalaripeta are employed as domestic workers. To safeguard their rights and enhance their well-being, the Visakha Nava Jeevan Domestic Workers Union was officially registered on April 2^nd , 2019. The union currently comprises 105 active members and holds regular monthly meetings focused on workers' rights, welfare initiatives, and community development. Members are provided with official identification cards and are enrolled in the E-Shram portal to receive labour cards, ensuring access to social security benefits and government welfare schemes.

Vocational Training in Tailoring and Handicrafts:

Since 2016, tailoring training has been provided to adolescent girls and young women, many of whom were previously idle or engaged in harmful activities such as gambling. To date, over 175 women have benefitted from this six-month training program. Participants receive certification upon completion, and deserving candidates are offered sewing machines at a subsidized cost.

Additional Training includes:

Jewellery making (earrings, bangles)

Home décor (door mats, artificial flowers, wall hangings)

Household products (phenyl, surf, candles)

COVID-19 Relief Efforts :

St. Ann’s Society has always stood as a beacon of hope for the poor and marginalized, consistently supporting those in need. During the COVID-19 lockdown, the Society extended critical assistance to 225 deserving families who had lost their livelihoods, by providing them with essential supplies to help them sustain through the crisis.

Support for the Destitute:

Monthly provisions are distributed to five destitute individuals, including the blind and elderly, who are entirely dependent on external aid. This support serves as a vital lifeline for their survival and dignity.

Looking ahead…

While the pace of development has been gradual, the transformation taking place is both meaningful and impactful. One of the ongoing challenges is to shift the mindset of residents from being passive recipients of aid to becoming proactive agents of their own upliftment.

Our mission is to empower individuals to take ownership of their growth and to inspire them to become the change they wish to see in their community.

With continued commitment, we envision a vibrant, self-reliant community where every individual has the opportunity to lead a life of dignity, purpose, and hope. By fostering education, promoting livelihood opportunities, and nurturing a spirit of solidarity, we aim to build a future rooted in resilience and the celebration of life.