1. Action to improve the socio-economic condition of the Irulas

Progress within economic development schemes diversifies livelihood opportunities and allows greater financial security for Irula men and women. There are 140 Irula SHGs in ITWWS working villages with a total revolving fund of over Rs.80 lakhs. Economic stability through SHGs and Income Generating Policy activities works towards access to credit for women, loans, building and ownership assets and employment reservation for marginalised communities. Other sources of income concerning environmental conservation and adivasi knowledge include the collection of non timber forest produce and the marketing of Irula herbal products.

2. Programme to improve education and stop ignorance and illiteracy

Literacy programs for adults and children and training on the importance of a sound education for children have been promoted and extensively implemented in many ITWWS working villages. There are 1,387 children who have benefited from the provision of school uniforms, bags, equipment and text books. The 2,300 Irula children now attending formal government schools are continuously supported by ITWWS and encouraged to study in village learning centres. 28 learning centres have been constructed in Irula villages with 726 children being able to use their facilities. To further encourage children to continue studying, ITWWS has conducted programs and held meetings amongst adults to build awareness about the importance of education. Child development activities, in areas such as drawing and literacy, have seen over 800 children benefiting and developing their skills.

3. Implementation of health and sanitation schemes

Health programs have been implemented to create good levels of hygiene and clean practices throughout Irula communities. Regular medical camps provide essential assistance to marginalised communities and health awareness is disseminated through seminars and meetings to encourage them to seek assistance when needed. Hospitals and other medical facilities have been made more accessible through informing communities of their rights and the facilities available to them. Special care for women and girls is provided along with training about HIV/AIDS prevention, traditional healing methods and the revival of herbal medicine.

Irulas are continuously participating in ITWWS initiated community forest management programs to protect the land through indigenous strategies, rain water harvesting, wildlife protection and organic cultivation. Tree planting projects and widespread efforts to keep villages clean of rubbish is allowing the surrounding environment and ecosystems to be regenerated and replenished. ITWWS and its partners have successfully lobbied local and national government authorities to give greater rights to adivasis and forest dwelling people. Forest resources have been given back to indigenous inhabitants and tribal communities who are working to protect the forest’s resources and supplies.

The implementation and development of a community based federation works to empower women by allowing them to participate and interlink with other village sangams and women’s groups. As a united entity they are better equipped to fight poverty, violence, gender injustice, inequality and political discrimination. ITWWS has provided training to Irula women’s SHGs concerning micro finance, savings, entrepreneurship, growth indicators banking, and registering assets in the name of women.  ITWWS works with women to build their capacity with regards to credit links with banks, government programmes, communication skills and progression concerning economic development. Within village projects posters, booklets and notices have increased awareness about women’s rights. ITWWS continues to work towards increased reservation for women to vote, cultural programmes promoting women’s rights, equal wages, and awareness and counseling concerning marriage, education and health.

The process to enable Irula communities to become fully functioning units within local decision making political frameworks is promoted within the 102 working villages. ITWWS supports protests, meetings, village seminars and conferences to influence local authorities in order to gain access to basic amenities such as electricity, land rights, educational rights and clean water. ITWWS continues to implement campaigns on reservation for adivasis, including self-rule, training on local body elections and awareness to promote political participation. Villages and individuals are given support, encouragement and assistance to run as candidates in panchayat raj elections and institutions.

Irula communities are encouraged to revive their indigenous identity and knowledge through taking pride in their native customs. Traditional techniques and specialized abilities are being employed to diversify livelihoods and strengthen a common understanding about their identity. Adivasi rights conferences are held regularly on issues including community certificates and traditions to illustrate and embrace the characteristics of their culture. Documentation and publications of Irula arts is ongoing as folk songs have been recorded, art-work protected and a museum of numerous adivasi articles and artifacts constructed.