Gem Workers Development rights programme
Women Empowerment Programme
Social Security Awareness Campaigns
Child Labour Elimination Programme
Environmental Awareness
Child Labour Awareness Campaign
Health and Sanitation Programme
Safe Drinking Water Programme
Naturopathy Awareness Programme
General Awareness Programmes
VDC Board Members (2009-2012)



Gem Workers Development Rights Programme

VDC has been implementing the “socio- economic and personal empowerment of artificial gem workers” programme with the support of the Trocaire, Ireland since 1995. Through this programme we are able to work in 70 villages and release and rehabilitate 184 artificial gem workers from the debt bondage with the support of the government. More than 600 child labourers were given non-formal education and enrolled 350 children in regular schools. The leaders of the gem workers formed a Trade Union in 1999 and enrolled 4000 gem workers over the years. 253 women self-help groups were promoted and with a membership of 4001. The groups accessed benefits from bank worth of Rs. 90 lakhs for their livelihood development. We trained 150 women in animal husbandry and organic farming activities and they involve in supplementary income activities. Thus, VDC is able to achieve measurable outcomes and visible impact on the lives of the synthetic gem workers.

 

VDC is involved in realizing the rights under social security schemes for the unorganized workers since 1998.
VDC has been involving in the release and rehabilitation of child and bonded labours in Trichy and Karur districts since 1997.
There are now 150 women SHG with a total 
membership of 2,365. It is spread over 42 villages.