Journey of Hope:
Nestled along the banks of the River Gowdamy and known as the “Rice Bowl of India,” the village of Kapileswarapuram has been the heart of St. Ann’s Society’s mission since 2004. What began with tailoring classes for women and adolescent girls has grown into a comprehensive community development initiative.
Over the years, we have introduced Self-Help Groups, computer and typewriting training, and moral and academic support through tuition centers,believing that children are the foundation of a better future. These programs have instilled values, built confidence, and educated children about their rights and responsibilities.
Women have been empowered through leadership training, awareness sessions, and environmental initiatives like tree planting and organic waste management. Today, our movement has grown giving hope and shelter to hundreds of deserving poor people of our locality, all working together toward a more educated, equitable, and sustainable community.
Self-Help Groups:
Established in 2004, St. Ann’s Society currently facilitates 37 self-help groups comprising 564 members organized into three clusters. Members receive leadership training and skill development in various self-employment areas such as skirt stitching, preparation of disinfectants like blue and phenyl, and herbal medicine production. Regular meetings also include awareness sessions on health, financial literacy, and social issues to empower members comprehensively.
Study Centers:
St. Ann’s Society operates tuition centers in three villages within Kapileswarapuram, offering academic support and creating a nurturing, engaging learning environment for children. These centers currently support 125 underprivileged students, helping them build strong educational foundations. In addition to regular tutoring, 7 deserving students are provided with financial assistance to pursue higher education, encouraging long-term academic growth and success.
Care for Creation:
As part of our environmental stewardship initiative, St. Ann’s Society actively promotes sustainable living among women in the community. We have distributed 1,257 packets of vegetable seeds and 55 saplings to encourage home gardening. Additionally, all women have been trained to convert kitchen waste into organic manure, 176 supporting the development of eco-friendly kitchen gardens.
Support for HIV/AIDS Patients:
St. Ann’s Society began its outreach to HIV/AIDS patients after witnessing the heart-breaking plight of a woman and her son who were both affected by the illness and faced severe social exclusion, even being denied basic housing. Moved by compassion, Sr. Herma Hilda took the initiative to collaborate with Government departments to identify and support affected individuals in the year 2010.
What began with outreach to 15 patients has now grown into a sustained support program for 38 HIV/AIDS patients. Each month, they receive essential provisions, personalized counseling, and regular awareness sessions. This initiative aims not only to improve their physical health but also to restore dignity, inclusion, and hope in their lives.
Rights-Based Activities:
St. Ann’s Society actively advocates for the rights and entitlements of marginalized communities. We assist individuals in accessing essential government welfare schemes, including old age, widow, single women’s, and disability pensions.
Through sustained community mobilization and advocacy, we have also addressed broader social issues. In 2012, our efforts led to the closure of nine illegal belt shops, reducing substance abuse, and the sanctioning of a Rs. 19 lakh CC road project, improving local infrastructure. Through awareness and collective action, we help communities claim their rights and improve their quality of life.
Self-Employment Programs for Women and Youth:
Through targeted training in tailoring and computer skills, we have empowered 855 women and 467 youth,54 youth from type writing, enabling many to gain employment or establish their own businesses, thereby supporting their families and contributing to local economic growth.