DON BOSCO – THALAVADI A Brief Historical Note of the Mission The Salesian presence in Thalavadi began with an invitation of the then Bishop of Ooty, Rt. Rev. Anandarayar, who offered 2 plots of land, one in Kadambur, and the other in Thalavadi, which was then purchased from the diocese in 2003. Fr. Jeromedhas Varuvel was set aside by the community of Mount Don Bosco, Kotagiri, to scout the area through weekly visits. In September 2003 the Don Bosco Pazhankudi Makkal Membattu Sangham was started as a registered Society. In March 2004, Fr. Jeromedhas took up residence in Thalavadi, and a sort of Community College was begun. In June Fr. Amalan Seraphin joined the mission, and both occupied the permanent residence in January 2005. In March 2005, 32 acres of land was purchased at Kanakuntur in Sathyamangalam taluk, and in May 2005 the training center in Thalavadi was begun. In June 2006 the present team of 3 confreres, Fr. Jeromedhas, Fr. Lazar Anthony and Fr. Maria Selvam, took charge of the mission. The mission comprises Vazhikaatti, Self-Help Groups and Evening Study Centres in the Thalavadi and Kadumbur areas. Vazhikaatti Vazhikaatti has the scope of training and job placement of unemployed youth of the tribal areas. These youth were gathered together, given some basic training and motivation, and placed in jobs in nearby towns, according to their capabilities. So far about 300 unemployed youth have been placed in jobs. Some 100 young men and women have been sent on training to various part of the province in computer software, tailoring, automobile driving, electrician and carpentry. For this purpose, 2 staff members are employed. Future plans envisage equipping the Thalavadi centre with means to function as an adequate training centre. Self-Help Groups The Self-Help Groups form part of the Province Programme Project of the Nilgiris district, based at Kotagiri. At present 30 groups have been set up, 12 in Thalavadi, 6 in Kadambur and 12 at Hassanur. The aim is to promote entrepreneurship individually in groups through micro-financing. Tailoring units, brick-making enterprises, general provision stores and animal husbandry, and taking on lease forest resources like tamarind, honey, seemar for broom-making, are some of the initiatives in self-employment. For this purpose, 5 staff members are employed. Future plans include setting up 75 Self-Help Groups by 2010. Evening Study Centres The purpose of the Evening Study Centres is to promote literacy and education in the whole area, and prevent dropouts. At present, 55 such centers have been started and are functioning: 26 in Thalavadi, 6 in Kadambur, 19 in Hassanur, and 4 in Bargur Hills. Coaching classes are held for children from Stds. I to XII, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. with the help of local teachers. The area covered is vast and the terrain is difficult with wild animals in forest areas. Hence, direct contact of the various centres and on the spot verification of the progress of the work is a daunting task. A four-wheeler vehicle is a necessity and is being acquired. Staff accountability and discipline will have to be toned up so as to produce more effective results.
Hotel for tribal children Kadambur
On 28 March 2007, thanks to the Rector Major, a new home was finalised for the Tribal and other students of the hill of Kadambur.Among the hills Kadambur is a separate entity by itself and has a population of 50000 people. This year the Government began Std X for the local children and we salesians join hands with the progress of education in the area. The buildings separately for boys and girls are coiming up in godspeed so that by December 2007 the students can be taken in their new home. At present they are kept in a rented house in the neighbourhood.
Don Bosco Vazhikkatti
3/391 A, Behind Police Quarters
Thalavadi, Erode Dt.
Tamil Nadu 538461
