On Saturday, November 19^th, Project Venda (part of Fourth Wave Foundation) invited us, the WFAD secretariat, for a field visit in Chellanam, Kerala, India, following the Children Matter Conference. Together with Fourth Wave Foundation, WFAD has been collaborating on the project: “Strengthening capacity, empowering children”. The 1-year project is funded by ForumCIV and will be finalised in December 2022. The project is implemented in six districts in Kerala and aims to increase the capacity among stakeholders to ensure a safe environment for children.

One of the districts included in the project for capacity-strengthening training is Chellanam. Chellanam is considered a vulnerable area due to the constant risk of floods during the monsoon season. Disrupted sea walls, heavier rains, and flooding caused by climate change have left the area vulnerable. Simultaneously, many families depend on the sea as it is part of their occupation. The government has started rebuilding the sea walls, after years of activism, as a short-term solution. It is, however, requesting its inhabitants to leave the area as a long-term solution as these sea walls might last for 10-15 years. Even though inhabitants are encouraged to leave the area by receiving small funds, many can still not afford housing in other areas of the city and will lose their land or livelihoods/jobs.

Due to these insecurities, young people often revert to the use of substances or are recruited as mules to earn quick money. Besides the Strengthening Capacity – Empowering Children project, Project Venda also implements the alternative pursuits and WomenSchools project to ensure that more children feel empowered to choose a different path.

During the field visit, we were able to meet children from Chellanam High School and mothers who had joined the MotherSchools programme (in collaboration with Women without Borders). On the day of the visit, a group of enthusiastic, energetic, and happy children warmly welcomed us and introduced themselves. We learned about the stories of children/youth in the community and their stories of empowerment. Many children are involved in playing soccer or basketball, which is part of the alternative pursuit. Project Venda had put in efforts to make sure that the school gates were open after 4 pm, as previously they were closed in the afternoon/evening, to provide space for children to spend their free time. The team was able to join one of the soccer games with the children and learned that here soccer is all about playing a fair game, rather than ‘winning’ a game. This allows for more fun, connections, and no exclusion. The mothers we met shared their experiences with the programme and the strength they gained after joining. They learned that they have a voice and are influential in the family.