News&Events

A series of health initiatives were conducted at GSHEC and nearby locations. MMS Global Eye Hospital organized multiple eye camps, including one at Karamadai with 30 participants and another joint Eye–Dental–General camp with KPS Hospital and Syiaa Dental Hospital, benefiting 120 members from 61 SHGs and JLGs. Aravind Eye Hospital held an eye camp on 06/06/2024 with 83 attendees, resulting in 5 eye surgeries. Breast cancer awareness and screening programmes were conducted by Ramakrishna Hospital and c-HAI on 17/10/2024 with 78 participants, and by Ganga Hospital on 22/11/2024 with 93 participants. Additionally, Karunya Homeo Clinic at Valparai treated 185 patients during 2024–2025 and provided counselling services to 180 individuals, along with regular medical visits to surrounding estates.

Income Generation and Entrepreneurial Development.

For the Year 2024 - 2025, 17 new SHGs and 76 new JLGS are formed with 460 members. Total Loan Availed for this year is Rs. 11,65,89,000.

18 Learning Facilitation Centres functions in the villages of Karamadai (8) and Valparai (10), Coimbatore District, Tamil Nadu. The Learning Facilitation centres in Karamadai and Valparai have guaranteed a place for school-going children to attend regular supplementary classes. Regular attendance to the centres reflected in regular learning and completion of home/school work. In Karamadai all the Learning Facilitation centres were in tribal hamlets and in general, there is a tendency of irregular attendance in schools.

L & T is funding 30 NGOs under its CSR project. For the year 2024-2025 L & T has won the best award for a case study involving a student where intervention and sustainability were carried out by GSHEC. This is was the big milestone for us.

The System Changer Network (SCN), launched in 2023 has been associated and collaborated with nine NGOs in India and initiated Making More Health (MMH) over the past few years. GSHEC also is one of the NGOs has been actively involved in the programme aims to foster systemic change and innovation at the grassroots level.

The International Women’s Day was celebrated 0n 19th March 2025 at Good Shepherd Auditorium, Karamadai. There were more than 800 women participants. Prior to the celebration a campaign was held and the theme was “Accelerate Action” which emphasized the need to make bold and decisive action to fill the gender gaps. The event featured a range of dignitaries including Mr.Pavankumar G Giriyappanavar I. A.S District Collector, Coimbatore, Rev. Sr. Little Flower FCC, Provincial Superior, Seraphic Province, Palakkad, Rev. Fr. George Alappatt, Parish Priest, Good Shepherd Church, Karamadai. Rtn. Ganga Palanisamy, Managing Trustee, Rotary, Karamadai, Mrs. Priya Murali, Vice president. Kovai Mahila Samithi, Adv. R. Lakshmanan, Writer Tribal Activist.

The International Women’s Day witnessed the active participation of 210 Self-Help Group (SHG) members, highlighting the spirit of unity and empowerment among women on 9th March 2025 at Karunya Social Centre. The celebration commenced with a Women’s Day rally, which was inaugurated by Mrs. Alagusundaravalli, Chairman of the Valparai Municipality and following the rally, a public meeting was held, presided over by Rev. Sr. Anila Mathew, Director General of GSHEC.

The International Women’s Day was celebrated at Ettimadai on the 13th March 2025 at Sheffi Aaram Social Centre, Rottigoudanur. The chief guests were Sr. Anila Mathew, Director General of GSHEC, Sr. Celine, Councellor from Seraphi Provincial House highlighted the history of Women’s Day, Professors Nandhini, HOD, and Pushpa from Social Work Department, Neheru College of Arts and Fr. Jails, Director of Snehalaya, Rottigoudanur A total no. of 250 women participated from SHGs.

Good Shepherd Auditorium was opened and graced the occasion on 22nd April 2024 by His Excellency Mar Paul Alapatt and other dignatories Rev.Sr.Tereseena, Provincial Superior, Rev.Fr.George Alappatt and Rev.Fr.Devasahayaraju. The purpose of the Auditorium was to conduct trainings, meetings and celebrations for the target groups for whom the GSHEC rendering its services for the disadvantaged and marginalized groups of the society.

Manimegalai Award was received by Roja SHG, Kooranoor, Kemmarampalayam Panchayat at the District level from the Tamil Nadu Government, along with the cash prize of Rs. 50,000.

Kemmarampalayam Panchayat under Village Poverty Reduction at the State level received an award from the Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanithi Stalin along with the cash prize of Rs. 1,00,000 for Kodiyur VPRC.

On Children’s Day, the Karamadai Good Shepherd Trust organized a welfare program for students from the Karamadai hill communities. A total of 103 students from several villages received support, including free tuition for students from grades 1 to 10. The event was held at the Karamadai Good Shepherd Trust, where Sister Anila Mathew presided. Secretary Sister Deepthi gave the welcome address, and Mr. Siva Satheshi Kumar, President of Karamadai Rotary Club, distributed welfare aid. Staff members, including instructors and trust employees, also participated. The program ended with a vote of thanks.

On behalf of the Karamadai Good Shepherd Charitable Organisation, the inauguration of two-year vocational training programmes for young women and girls was held. The courses include computer training, four-wheeler driving training, tailoring, and fashion design training. The event was presided over by Anila Mathew, Director General of the Good Shepherd Organization. The inauguration was marked by the lighting the lamp by FCC Assistant Superior General Sister Rose Anita. Staff member Usha Devi delivered the project introduction speech, and Elizabeth Sebastian delivered the welcome address. The staff of the Good Shepherd Organization presented a welcome dance. General Animator Sister Anita Jose honored and awarded hill-region students who scored the highest marks in the 12th standard public examinations. Teachers working in tuition centers at Karamadai, Valparai, and Ettimadai were felicitated with gifts by the General Finance Officer. Akilandeswari, Assistant Professor at PSGR Krishnammal College, delivered the special address. Palakkad FCC Provincial Councillor Ansmim praised members of women’s self-help groups by providing them with bank loans. Sister Anila Mathew of the Good Shepherd Organization distributed scholarships from the Apex body. Good Shepherd Superior Sister Viniitha awarded and honored women’s self-help group members. Prior to the function, the special guests planted saplings to mark the inauguration. Finally, staff member Elizabeth delivered the vote of thanks.

The district level conference was organized on 23.05.2023 at Hotel Heritage Inn, Coimbatore. Representatives from NGOs like Imayam, NMCT, ADI Federation, DFJ Trust, REST, USSS, CARE T, FFIRE, WED Society, Nanmugar Trust, academicians, lawyers, volunteers, PRI leaders, federation leaders and project staff from Coimbatore, Erode and Nilgiris took part in the program. Adv. Reena BA., BL. and Mr. A. Arivarasu, BE., BL. Handled sessions on the Indian judiciary and existing laws pertaining to women and challenges in claiming rights; in view of empowering women.

Exposure visit of staff and federation leaders to Arogya Agam, Aundipatti.

One batch of electrical and plumbing training was organized at GSHEC for youth in collaboration with Sharadha Skill Academy. The trainees were provided with a tool kit and certificate.

Staff exposure in the WINGS project was organized to ADECOM Pondichery on 14.06.2022.

A state-level conference was organized at Pillar Institute, Madurai on 27.06.2022 and there were 60 participants from 32 organizations belonging to the 20 districts of Tamil Nadu. Fr. Cyril, who is administering a Gandhian Institute, advocates for Gandhian truths and philosophy, was the speaker and topics like four types of forces to prompt for advocacy, including Colonial, Communal, Religious and environment sensitiveness, myths and misconceptions about advocacy, lobbying,etc.

One day training on policy promotion and policy advocacy was organized for NGO representatives and CBO leaders to become effective in advocacy and lobbying in the development sector. The training was held on 28.06.2022 at Pillar Institute, Madurai. Mr. Gilbert Rodrigo, Head of GUIDE, Chengalpattu handled sessions and there were 60 participants.

Mr. Sooraj, HPO, Salem vistited GSHEC and had interactions with the artisans of Karamadai.

Independence Day celebrated at GSHEC where Mr. A. K Selvaraj, MLA, Mettupalayam Constituency hosted the national flag. As a part of the celebration, health and sanitation workers in Covid were honored with certificates and mementos. Along with the team members of the Tree Club, Mettupalaym were honoured for their contributions to planting trees.75 tree saplings were distributed to the participants.

An awareness campaign was organized on 29.09.2023 in association with Manushi- Trade Union for domestic workers, initiated by CWDR, Chennai. The objective of the program was to sensitize the women who are going for house keeping and other jobs in the unorganized sector about their rights.

Exposure visit of staff to Chetanalaya, New Delhi on 02.11.2022.

A training was organized for partner NGOs on the topic of breaking social taboos for gender justice. The training was organized at Jeevan Jothi Training Centre, Coimbatore where Ms. Krishnaveni, senor program coordinator, handled sessions and 70 participants benefited from the inputs.

A State level consultation was held at Jeevan Jothi Training Centre, Coimbatore on gender justice to discuss and reflect on challenges faced by women and girls and to collect collect, consolidate and communicate recommendations for a just society for women and girls. The meeting was held on 29.11.2022 and the participants were from different regions of Tamilnadu.

Campaign on elimination of violence against women and girls was held in Karamadai on 15.12.2022. The district level conference on Political inclusion of women for sustainable development was held on 19.12.2022 at Hotel Heritage Inn, Coimbatore. Representatives from NGOs, field workers and PRI leaders from Coimbatore and nearby districts participated in the one-day program.

On March 28th state level consultation was organized at ICSA, Chennai in collaboration with Social Watch Tamil Nadu on Schemes for SC & ST Women and the leading experts handled the input sessions. In the meeting, the current scenario of SC/ST communities with reference to education, livelihood, resource mobilization and e-commerce have been discussed.

On 29th March 2022, the most promising program on Consultation on Policies and Budget for Women in Tamilnadu was held in association with Social Watch, Tamil Nadu, Tamilnadu Women's Collective and EKTA Resource Centre for Women, Madurai in solidarity with Tamil Nadu Women groups. Ms. A.S Kumari, Chairperson, Tamilnadu State Commission for Women was present in the meeting where all the leading organizations working for women empowerment were also present. The speakers were from Society for Rural Education and Development, Information and Resource Centre for Deprived Urban Communities, National Domestic Workers Movement, Action Aid Association, Ethiraj College, Centre for Women's Development and Research, GSHEC and December 3rd movement.In addition to that consultants and researchers in gender, poverty and development were also a part of the program. During the meeting, the Tamil Nadu Women Policy and budget recommendations have been discussed. In the panel discussions, the required revisions were stated by the speakers and participants

International Women's Day Celebration 2022

Covid Relief activities- Distribution of grocery kit in association with Boehringer Ingelheim , Germany and Karl Kübel Stiftung, Germany

Good Shepherd Health Education Centre and Dispensary, Karamadai celebrated International Women’s Day on 03.03.2020 at 11.00 am in Kaaniyappa Mahal, Karamadai.Ms. Latha Sundaram, The Founder and Managing Trustee, Aram Foundation, Coimbatore inaugurated the function. Sr. Tereseena FCC, provincial Superior, Seraphic Provincial House, Palakkad presided over the function. Prior to the celebration a procession was held by the Self Help Group women to declare their rights for equality and accessibility of their rights. Fr. Nithin Palakattu delivered the key note address and Ms. A. Meenakshi, Imayam Social Welfare Association, Coimbatore gave special address. During the celebration the new women empowerment project of GSHEC funded by Karl Kubel Stiftung and The Federal Ministry of Economic Development Corporation, Germany was inaugurated. A women help line with a toll free number as a part of the project was inaugurated. The toll free number is 1800-425-1771 which is generated for communicating the grievances of women followed that legal support and counselling along with various referral services will be provided. Sr. Anila Mathew FCC, Director General, Good Shepherd inaugurated the number. Mr. Philips Ilayaraja, District Executive Officer, TNRTP, Coimbatore. Ms. Kavitha.S, Executive Officer, TNRTP, Coimbatore Mr. A. Ravichandran, BDO, MNREGs, Ms. Daisy Mary, Federation Officer, Karunya Social Centre, Valparai felicitated the function. A lucky draw was held for the participants. Prizes and certificates were distributed to the best self -help groups, best entrepreneurs band achievers in social action. . Coordinator proposed vote of thanks. 1000 SHG women from Karamadai, Periyanaickenpalayam and Valparai were participated in the celebration.

An event was organized at GSHEC on 23.01.2020 to honor the leaders who have elected in the panchayat election held in December 2019. Around 150 leaders including district councilor, union councilor, panchayat president and ward members participated in the programme. 48 women from Self Help Groups won the election. Thiru. A. K Selvaraj MP and Thiru. O.K Chinnaraj MLA honored the winners by handing over memento.

Children’s Day 2019 was celebrated in GSHEC on 17.11.2019. 200 children from the SEED project villages participated in the celebration. Input session for children on Child Parliament was organized for the children by Mr. Krishnaraj, Vidiyal NGO. Dr. D. Vijayagiri, Consultant & Paediatric Surgeon inaugurated the programme. Mr. M, Sanjay Shankla, Secretary, Mr. J. Stephen, Regional Coordiantor, Dr. D. Krishnamoorthy, Rtn. Balaji from Rotary Club of Mettupalayam, Rtn. Asha, Rtn. Poornima Vijayagiri, Rtn. Preetha Suresh from Innerwheel Rotary Club of Erode and Mr. A. Swaminathan, Civil Engineer, Swami Associates, Mettupalayam felicitated. Winners of various village level competitions were awarded with prizes. Thereafter cultural programmes were held.

GSHEC is implementing household level solid waste management using bio-clean technology in Thekkampatti region of Karamadai Block of Coimbatore district. To expand the possibilities of the system GSHEC started a solid waste management plant in the centre as a demonstration unit. In the plant degradable vegetable waste is collected and processed for the production of organic manure. The produced manure is outsourced to the farmers in and around Karamadai.

Good Shepherd celebrated Children's Day 2018 on 25.11.2018 in the center. The day was celebrated with the children of Student Learning Facilitation Centres from 6 project villages of Thekkampatti region of Karamadai Panchayat. Rtn. K. Senthil Kumar, President Rotary Club of Coimabtore Texcity, Rtn. Valsa, President Rotary Club of Coimabtore Texcity, and Rtn. Suji Senthilkumar First Lady Rotary Club of Coimabtore Texcity were the chief guests for the day. There were input sessions in the morning on child rights and child parliament. A proposal on the sustainability of Mobile library was handed over to Rotary Club of Coimabtore Texcity. Children enjoyed the day with cultural programmes and there were about 250 children in the programme. Prizes were distributed to winners of village level competitions.

Summer Holiday Camp-2018

GSHEC Initiated an innovative training to the women from the project villages of Thekkamapatti (Karamadai Block) and Valparai to equip them with the skills of construction. 45 trainees have completed their one month training in Masonry. Ms. Asha and Ms. Radhika from Archana Women Centre Kottayam were the trainers. The trainees were undergone for intensive training with theory and practical sessions. They were trained on tools and equipment, basic materials, mixing mortar, building bricks wall stretcher, english bond, right angle english bond, Square junctions using english bond. corner using flemish bond, skill consolidation fixing window and door frames, plastering, foundation work up to DPC, building junction manhole, random rubble wall, etc. After the completion an evaluation was conducted for the trainees to know their knowledge on masonry training. The trainees were taken to Archana Women's Centre to observe the changes in the lives of women who are trained and involved in the field of construction.

Children's Day celebrated on 18th November 2017 at GSHEC. Mr. Anpuraj District Child Protection Officer, Coimbatore was the chief guest. Mr. Chella Pandian, Programme Coordinator, TNSSS, Mr. S. Thamarai Selvan, TNSSS, Mrs. Shantha Head Mistress Kendepalayam Midlle School, Sr. Daisy Maria Director GSHEC, Sr. Deepthi, Project Director, Sr. Roseena Mother Superior Good Shepherd Convent and Sr. Achilles participated in the function. Various sessions were organized for the children on their rights, protection, moral values, child help line and child parliament. 200 children from 6 project villages came and the cultural programmes were held by the children's club members. Prizes were distributed to the winners of village level competitions.

GSHEC Initiated an innovative training to the women from the project villages of Thekkamapatti (Karamadai Block) and Valparai to equip them with the skills of construction. 45 trainees have completed their one month training in Masonry. Ms. Asha and Ms. Radhika from Archana Women Centre Kottayam were the trainers. The trainees were undergone for intensive training with theory and practical sessions. They were trained on tools and equipment, basic materials, mixing mortar, building bricks wall stretcher, english bond, right angle english bond, Square junctions using english bond. corner using flemish bond, skill consolidation fixing window and door frames, plastering, foundation work up to DPC, building junction manhole, random rubble wall, etc. After the completion an evaluation was conducted for the trainees to know their knowledge on masonry training. The trainees were taken to Archana Women's Centre to observe the changes in the lives of women who are trained and involved in the field of construction.

GSHEC is going to celebrate its 40th year (Ruby Jubilee) on 29th July 2017 at 4. 00 pm in the campus of GSHEC