RURAL EDUCATION & ACTION DEVELOPMENT
(READ)

Environmental Awareness campaign



Acknowledging the need for environmental protection, the Ministry of Environment & Forestry of the Indian government is sponsoring some non-governmental organizations to conduct campaigns in rural villages aimed at preserving and restoring the environment. READ was selected as one of the groups for this goal. READ chose 2 villages, Andimadam and Keelneduvai, for a 2- and 1-day campaign, respectively.
A total of 108 women from 15 different villages participated in this event. Seven persons from government and voluntary organizations contributed their expertise and knowledge. READ had printed 5 pamphlets and an information poster. Through lectures, dialogue, and group discussions, information was shared among the participants regarding many environmental topics, with an emphasis on: The campaign was highly successful. The women participants agreed to take this information to their relatives and friends, and to contribute their labor and services. They decided to plant trees, to organize rallies with the theme "keep our villages clean", and to form women actions groups to voice against ecological degradation. As a follow-up, READ has proposed to plant trees in 5 villages during the next rain season, and to print pamphlets to encourage village leaders, shop owners, businessmen and government officials to collaborate with READ towards its mission of protecting the environment.
back to READ homepage