Sahayog Events

As part of the academic curriculum, the final year Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) students undertook a four-day study tour to Wayanad, Kerala, from 23rd to 26th February 2025. The objective of this study tour was to provide students with practical exposure to community-based organizations, understand the functioning of NGOs and government initiatives at the grassroots level, and gain first-hand insight into tribal, women, and rural welfare development programs.

Study Tour Objectives

1. To understand the role and functioning of NGOs working in the fields of tribal welfare, women empowerment, and rural development.
2. To gain practical exposure to social welfare programs, sustainable development practices, and government schemes.
3. To interact with field practitioners and beneficiaries for enhanced understanding of social work in real-world contexts.
4. To observe community life, especially among tribal groups, and understand their culture and living conditions.
5. To familiarize students with the operations of support institutions like Anganwadi centers, social service societies, and research organizations.

Day 1: Orientation and Community Visit (24th February 2025)

The first session of the tour was an orientation held at Sheryas Social Service Centre, led by Ms. Melna, Program Development Coordinator.  The Centre established in 1979, is a prominent non-governmental organization based in Wayanad, Kerala, working primarily for the upliftment of marginalized communities, especially tribal groups, youth, and persons with disabilities. Functioning under the Diocese of Mananthavady, Shreyas has grown into a nationally recognized organization with operations spread across nine regions in India.

The organization is committed to integrated community development, focusing on areas such as education, livelihood support, healthcare, women empowerment, and sustainable agriculture. Shreyas actively collaborates with major institutions like NITI Aayog and NABARD, and implements various government and non-governmental projects for grassroots development.

 In the afternoon, students were divided into two groups, each led by Mrs. Deepika Sanil and Ms. Colin Dsouza, and were taken to visit a tribal community. This visit offered them exposure to tribal lifestyles, culture, and socio-economic challenges. Following this, the students visited an Anganwadi center, where they learned about the functioning of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and various schemes designed for maternal and child welfare.

Day 2: Institutional Visits (25th February 2025)

The day began with a visit to Arshabharath, dedicated to promoting sustainable development and social upliftment. Established in 1988, the organization focuses on various sectors, including agriculture, natural resource management, environmental conservation, healthcare, and social support, aiming to create a more equitable and sustainable future for all. ​

Arshabharath places a strong emphasis on gender equity and women's empowerment. The organization conducts awareness programs and offers specialized training to enhance women's life and leadership skills, enabling them to enter traditionally male-dominated fields.

 Later in the day, the students attended a session at the Women Welfare Association, conducted by Sr. Christina and Sr. Anis. This dedicated to promoting integrated, people-centered rural development aimed at enhancing the quality of life for village communities, irrespective of religion, caste, creed, color, or political affiliation. ​

The organization operates across multiple domains, including healthcare, education, gender equality, child and youth development, legal awareness, food and nutrition, and livelihood support. By implementing various programs and initiatives, WWA strives to address the diverse needs of rural populations, with a particular focus on women's empowerment and community development.

Day 3: Social Development and Livelihood Exposure (26th February 2025)

The day began with a visit to the Wayanad Social Service Society, where Mr. Biju Joseph, Program Coordinator, is a registered charitable organization and secular voluntary agency established in 1974. Serving as the official social work department of the Diocese of Mananthavady, WSSS operates across the districts of Wayanad, Kannur, and Malappuram in Kerala, as well as Gudallur Taluk in Tamil Nadu.

The society focuses on the socio-economic empowerment of marginalized populations, including tribal groups, women, youth, and small-scale farmers, through participatory development programs. Students gained insight into grassroots development work and community mobilization efforts.

In the evening, the group visited the WAM Tea Factory, where they observed the tea production process and learned about the social welfare programs the factory runs for its workers, including education, health, and fair labor practices. The company specializes in producing various grades of tea, including black tea, green tea, and white tea, catering to both export and auction markets. WAM Tea sources fresh tea leaves from approximately 380 small-scale tea growers, collectively cultivating around 976 acres

Day 4: Research and Environmental Learning (27th February 2025)

The final day began with a visit to the Swaminathan Research Center, where Mr. Gopal explained the organization’s objectives, focusing on agricultural innovation, biodiversity conservation, and tribal development.

Following this, the students toured the botanical garden, where they were introduced to a variety of medicinal plants including Dashamoola and Dashapushpa, widely used in traditional healing practices. The day – and the tour – concluded with a visit to the butterfly park, offering a glimpse into local biodiversity and environmental conservation.

34 Final Year BSW students, accompanied by Ms Colin Dsouza and  Ms. Deepika Sanil participated in a Study Tour.

Apart from social work organizations, the students had an opportunity to visit the historical and sightseeing like Edakal caves. Banasura sagar dam and SM street Calicut.