Distribution of Sewing Machines by Mavelikkara Diocese and Chethana Integrated Development Society

Kayamkulam: In a significant community support initiative, 50 sewing machines were distributed at the St. Joseph Malankara Catholic Church, Pallipad, under the aegis of the Mavelikkara Region’s Chethana Integrated Development Society. The event was inaugurated by His Excellency Joshua Mar Ignathios, Bishop of Mavelikkara Diocese.

Chethana Integrated Development Society has been dedicated to the overall development of the poor and marginalized people in Kerala. It facilitates self-help organizations, empowering women, widows, handicapped individuals, the aged, children, and unorganized and marginalized sections of society, irrespective of caste, creed, and religion. Chethana operates within six regions: Chengannur, Kadampanad, Kattanam, Kollam, Mavelikara, and Puthoor, comprising 23 local units with 470 Self Help Groups (SHGs), 15 Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) groups, 10 Senior Citizens groups, and 54 Children groups. The society covers 95 villages across the Kollam, Pathanamthitta, and Alappuzha districts, serving a diverse population of around 3 million people.

Key Attendees:

• Fr. Francis Plavarakunnil, Director of Chethana
• Fr. Robert Palavila, Eparchial Finance Officer and Parish Vicar
• Fr. Philip, Assistant Director of Chethana
• Ranjini R, President of Pallipad Grama Panchayat
• Animator Jose

Members from various units including Pallipad, Muttom, Vazhuthanam, and Chennithala, along with Chethana staff, participated in the event. The initiative aimed to empower 50 selected women by providing them with sewing machines to support their livelihoods.

Chethana’s mission focuses on “Change for a Better Future,” promoting sustainable development through participation, empowerment, and decentralization. Their Family Development Programmes have significantly boosted self-confidence among the people, lighting their paths with new thoughts and visions. This distribution event is part of Chethana’s broader goal to achieve integrated development from grassroots to broader society.

The event underscores the diocese’s commitment to social welfare and community development, reflecting the church’s mission to uplift the socio-economic status of the underprivileged sections of society.