SOCIAL WORK
With the intention of increasing the reach and awareness of Pokkali to a new generation of students and interested farmers, the Pokkali Social Work Wing was launched in February 2018.
The social work wing regularly invites student interns to learn and contribute to the farming practices spread over 38 local bodies. Research work on Pokkali rice farming and Pokkali extension works in developing value added products is regularly conducted.
During the first year of the program, there were 9 student interns. The following year, 2019, we had 21 students, this goes to show that there is a great need for such farming initiatives among young people. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, in the year 2020 we have had only 3 students in the program.
The following educational institutions have been associated with the Pokkali work and Social Work wing;
*Rajagiri College Of Social Science ( Department Of Social Work)
*Sree Sankaracharya University for Sanskrit , Kalady( Department Of Social Work)
*Sree Sankaracharya University for Sanskrit , Thuravoor regional centre( Department Of Social Work)
*Bharathmatha College, Thrikkakara. ( Department Of Social Work)
*St. Alberts College Ernakulam( Department Of Social Work)
*Tamilnadu Central University. ( Department Of Social Work)
*St. Theresa’s College, Ernakulam ( Economics Department)
*Sophia University ( Japan)
The following opportunities are offered to students, academicians, researchers, professionals, practitioners, and others interested in a sustainable livelihood agenda for collaborating with the initiatives of the Palliyakkal Co-operative Bank.
1. One day field exposure visit to Special Agriculture Zone
The program is an opportunity for those interested in the sustainable economic development initiatives of Palliyakkal co-operative bank, Ezhikkara. The visitors shall be briefed about the developmental initiatives of the Bank, about various SHG programs in agriculture production, value addition, marketing, and especially about the flagship program of promotion of pokkali farming. Field visit to pokkali farms and interaction with pokkali farmers, and other community leaders are the essential components of the program.
Target groups: University/College students, Teachers, Development practitioners, NGOs, organic farming groups and Rotary/Lion clubs, youth groups, Employees associations, Members of Various Co-operative Societies, LSG functionaries, Family Unions and general public
2. Short term field exposure to Special Agricultural Zone
This program is an opportunity for students and researchers in social sciences, agriculture and allied sciences, to get an in-depth understanding about the various initiatives of the Palliyakkal co-operative bank in scaling up local economic development. The duration of the field exposure can be planned based on the requirements of the visitors.
The participants are given detailed orientation about the development initiatives of the bank. Interaction with the farmers and their associations who are engaged in pokkali farming is a unique component of the program. The learning outcome envisaged is where the participants develop in-depth understanding about the socio-economic initiatives of the co-operative bank and the problems and challenges in local economic development.
Target groups: University/College Students, Teachers, Development practitioners, NGOs, Organic farming groups, Youth groups,
Duration: Two days to Six Days
3. One week farming immersion program
The co-operative bank shall facilitate a one week farming immersion camp for university/college students as part of their NSS/NCC/Nature Club activities. There will be opportunities to fully participate in the process of farming by engaging in preparing the field, planting etc., participatory learning and action (PLA), community survey, village cultural festivals etc. shall be the ingredients of the farming immersion camp.
4. One month rural immersion program
Field engagement is an essential curriculum component of programs like social work, community health, development studies and business management. In this program students will be given appropriate guidance and supervision to undertake their field work and develop their competence in community organizing and planning sustainable livelihood strategies and programs for local economic development. Preparation of challenging development projects, monitoring of the ongoing projects of the co-operative bank and evaluation of the programs are envisaged as part of the rural immersion program.
5. Short term research projects
Students and faculty members of universities /colleges, independent researchers will be given opportunities to undertake short term research projects in the areas of local economic development, sustainable livelihood practices, organic farming, issues and challenges in co-operatives, rural development, urbanization challenges, and develop prospects of rural tourism and promotion of cultural heritage under the aegis of Palliyakkal co-operative Bank.
6. Action research programs in sustainable rural livelihood
Development practitioners/students who are interested in long term action research projects in community development and allied sectors will have opportunities to collaborate with the socio-economic initiatives of the Palliyakkal Co-operative bank. Universities and research institutions are also welcome to collaborate with the co-operative bank on a long-term basis to facilitate the action research projects for sustainable local economic development
7. Volunteering Opportunities
Palliyakkal Co-operative bank will provide opportunities for short term as well as long term volunteering to students, retired as well as working professionals, house wives and others to participate in the socio-development initiatives of the co-operative bank. They can contribute their skills and competence towards the realization of the goals and objectives of the bank in creating sustainable rural livelihood. Volunteers are encouraged to provide innovative ideas, strategies and good business plans for scaling up the economic and development activities of the bank.
The participants who complete the necessary requirements of the aforesaid programs shall be given a certificate of appreciation from the Palliyakkal co-operative Bank, Ezhikkara.
