Projects In Asia:Madurai Trust for Community Development

INDIA ($4,700)
Production of Blue-Green Algae, Vermi-Compost and General Compost
Project Coordinator - Mrs. Meera Mathan

Thirty ex-scavenger Dalit women from Virudunagar District, Tamil Nadu are participating in this one-year project.

MTCD is a current RSWR partner. The last project was very successful and MTCD decided to extend it to more ex-scavenging Dalit people in self-help group members formed in adjacent villages. MTCD has formed 100 self-help groups in Virudunagar District. Among the groups more than 80 women are ex-scavengers. They will receive ten days of training for the production of blue-green algae and vermi-compost. They will receive loans of $125 each, to be repaid at $11 per month for 12 months. Anticipated economics are:

Katie Goslee visited in February 2009 and found them to be a strong organization. The current project works with women who were formerly human waste collectors in the city. From Dr. R. Kannan’s report, “Madura Trust for Community Development is a small NGO with two staff. The current project is progressing well. MTCD is forming new self-help groups and conducting trainings. The ex-scavenging community is one of the unorganized, unconsidered, and uncared for communities. MTCD’s efforts need to be strengthened. MTCD is making contacts with local farmers and government departments for the marketing of blue-green algae and vermi-compost.”

Project Completed: December 31, 2010