Crusade - AR 2024

Annual Report 2024-25

The report presented in the following pages highlight major activities undertaken during the year and the impact created by various projects of CRUSADE.

Community Health Project

CRUSADE through the community health project provide rural communities the knowledge needed to improve their health and the means to address it in a cost effective manner, thus enabling them to break the cycle of poverty and ill health to enjoy better lives. This has motivated women and their families to seek early treatment for the disease thus avoiding the complications and opportunity for a better living.

Mobile Homoeopathy Treatment Clinics

Mobile Homoeopathy treatment clinics provide medical services for treatment of common diseases and minor ailments of the community .CRUSADE organises mobile clinics once in three months in 36villages(spread over Sholavaram, Minjur and Gummidipondiblocks). In collaboration with Venketeswara Homoeopathic college and Hospital,Chennai- CRUSADE conducts Homoeopathy camps in 6 villages of Ellapuram block. In addition Homoeo treatment is provided in women wellness camps in 12villages by female Homoeopath. These camps offer curative, preventive, promotive and referral services.

During the year CRUSADE organized 225 mobile Homoeopathy treatment clinics (including elderly women camps).
Overall 8259patients were treated in the clinics in which 3685 were new patients and 4574attended for follow up.
In addition to the mobile homoeopathy treatment clinics, 52patients(9 new and 43 follow up) were treated in the homoeopathy clinic at Karanodai centre.

The common Health problems treated were Arthritis particularly of knee joint, Respiratory diseases like Rhinitis,Asthma, Female reproductive diseases like menstrual irregularity, Poly cystic ovarian disease, Leucorrhea etc, Skin diseases like Eczema, Cracked heels, Warts etc ,Digestive disorders like Acidity, Abdominal cramps, Indigestion and Constipation are treated during the camps.

Hypertension and Diabetes Screening.

The screening for hypertension was done along with the mobile treatment clinics which include exclusive camps for women and Elderly.Totally7187 were screened for Blood pressurewhich identified 1317 persons as having hypertension,550confirmed cases and 767in borderline.Blood glucose was checked for 652 persons of which92were identified as having Diabetes. They were offered counseling, homoeopathy treatment and referral services.

Cervical and Breast cancer screening camp for women

The screening camps for Breast and Cervical cancer were conducted in collaboration with Penn Nalam hospital,Chennai. Pap smear test and X-ray mammogram were performed in a mobile unit to detect cancer for early diagnosis and as a preventive measure.In four Screening camps conducted 163women were screened of whom30 were advised for further investigations and follow up to the hospital.

Eye Camps

In collaboration with Agarwal Eye Hospital-Chennai,CRUSADE organized 6screening camps for cataract and vision problem in the project villages. 526 were screened for errors of vision and cataract. 31 underwent cataract surgery and IOL implantation. The IOL implantation, food, lodging, medicines and transportation were offered free of cost. 350 persons were detected with refractive errors and CRUSADE arranged spectacles for them at nominal cost.

Dental Health Screening Camp for School students

CRUSADE in collaboration with MAHER Dental College, organized 2 dental screening camps aimed at promoting oral health among school students. These camps offered comprehensive dental awareness sessions and screening for common dental issues.During interactive sessions students were engaged with dental professionals, gaining valuable insights into oral health practices. 164 students were screened of whom 129were diagnosed with minor to moderate dental problems, each receiving patient card outlining the diagnosed issue and the recommended treatment plan. This initiative not only addressed immediate dental needs but also empowered students with knowledge for better oral health.

Ethical gift

(a).Delivery kit for New Born baby and Mother: CRUSADE identified 20young mothers who were not covered under government scheme for Delivery kits, provided the kit containing mosquito net, towel for baby, cotton dress, baby powder, oil, soap and sanitary napkin for mother.
(b).Assistive device for special group members: Under the Ethical Gift scheme provision of Assistive sticks to the Visuallychallenged was added and during the year11 assistive sticks were distributed which enhanced their safety and reduced the risk of accidents.
(c) Distribution of Spectacles: As mentioned earlier under the Ethical Gift scheme350 personsdetected with refractive errors were arranged spectaclesat nominal cost.

Health Education to Women

CRUSADE continued to provide Health education to SHG members to enhance their health knowledge while helping them seek early treatment for their health problem using 5 training modules developed for the purpose. The training was provided to 204 members of 21newly formed Women self help groups.

Life Skill and Mental Health Education to SHGs

CRUSADE has been providing training in three modules on ten essential life skills as recommended by WHO -Self awareness, Empathy, Communication skills, Interpersonal relationship, Creative thinking, Critical thinking, Problem solving, Decision making ,Coping with stress and Coping with Emotions. Each topic was designed to be interactive, participatory, fostering a learning environment.

In addition to Life skill, the women are also given training in mental health using a separate module which helps the trainees to have an understanding on Mental Health, recognizing signs of mental illness, coping strategies, seeking help and reducing stigma surrounding mental health issues. It provided practical guidance on maintaining good mental health and in supporting individuals facing mental health issues. During the year 187women in 19groups were trained in life skills and Mental Health.

The basic life skills provide tools to deal with challenges /demands of daily lives the women face from managing their emotions to making an informed decision. The members actively participate and clear their doubts .They also get clarity on addressing social stigma, ignorance, fear, misconception and faulty attitudes regarding mental illnesses.

Adolescent girls anemia control programme

Adolescence is a critical life stage. Investments in nutrition, quality education and physical and mental health can offer profound dividends in adult life. An iron deficient diet perpetuates an inter-generational cycle of anemic women giving birth to infants who are born with low iron stores and grow to become anemic children. This devastates children's physical growth, mental development and school performance.

The successful completion of the pilot study on Adolescent girls anemia assessment and control programme supported by Salt of the Earth in the previous year has led to the continuation of the project for a new batch of adolescent girls which is carried out in 5 villages 2 in Sholavaram block, 2 in Minjur block and 1 in Gummidipoondi block since September 2024. The programme enrolls200 adolescent girls between the age group 11-19 years. The programme includes Orientation,Periodic Assessment of Hemoglobin level through blood sampling, Health education on Personal and Menstrual Hygiene, Periodic distribution of Nutritional Health mix to all the girls, Distribution of a manual named NAN VALARGIREN”( IAM GROWING)in Tamil, Providing life skill education.

Hemoglobin assessment-Hemoglobin assessment is carried out periodically once in 3 months. The blood sampling is done instantly at the field and findings are recorded immediately

During the period, the assessment was carried twice
Providing health mix Health mix was provided regularly to all girls and were advised to make a porridge and consumeregularly in the morning. The Health mix was provided twice during the period. and would be provided periodically.

Health Committees

Health committees are formed in the villages to ensure community participation in Environmental and Health activities. Decentralization and people’s participation have been considered key strategies for making Health care and Sanitation services effective and enable people safeguard the environment.

CRUSADE has formed health committees in13 villages (Athur, New Erumaivetti Palayam, Inamagaram, Natham in Sholavaram block, Devadhanam, Kaniambakkam, Kalpakkam, Madimai Kandigai,A.Reddypalayam in Minjur block, Enathimelpakkam and Chinna Natham in Gummidipoondi block, Athivakkam and Azhinjivakkam in Ellapuram block).

Objectives of Health Committee

Promote better environment through composting and solid waste management
Avoid using toxic wastes-plastics, polythene bags
Adopt good health practices
Contribute in reducing global warming and Climate change.
Taking pro-active measures during epidemics.

Members of the Committee

Health workers and Cluster/Block coordinators of CRUSADE are the conveners who involve the key persons in the community-Panchayat functionaries, Panchayat level Federation leaders, Village school Headmaster/Teacher, Anganwadi workers, Sanitation workers, Village Nurse, Women SHG and Special group members.

Highlights of activities of Health Committees

The following are some of the highlight activities carried out during the year.

.NEW ERUMAIVETTIPALAYAM

52 dustbins were distributed by the health committee for segregation of biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste, promoting eco-friendly disposal practices.

Sanitary Unit-The Health Committee proposed building a toilet unit attached to the SHG building to support frequent public use. The SHG building, a hub for village events, lacked a toilet—causing severe inconvenience for women attending meetings, health camps, and training sessions.Estimated at Rs. 25,400, the project was co-funded by CRUSADE (Rs. 12,000) and the Panchayat.

INAMAGARAM

Students in the Government High School needed basic first-aid support and hygienic menstrual waste disposal.At the request of the Headmaster who is a strong believer in Homoeopathic system of medicine a first aid box containing Homoeopathic antiseptic tincture, ointments, sprays, cotton, scissor, bandage etc was provided to the school for treating common ailments minor injuries in school premises.

A sanitary napkin incinerator was installed to ensure safe and dignified menstrual hygiene.

25 steel serving bowls were distributed to the Anganwadi centre for toddlers to be used during snack time.

NATHAM

With Panchayat support, CRUSADE provided 50 households with dustbins(45 members in 15 WSHG and 5members in 1 SPECIAL GROUP).

A thatched roof was built over 8 compost pits. Sanitation workers began collecting biodegradable waste every Monday and Saturday.

KALPAKKAM

Certain households faced stagnant waste water due to lack of drainage outlets, leading to foul smell and mosquito infestation posing health risks. The Health Committee proposed individual soak pits as a decentralized wastewater solution.

5 soak pits were constructed to absorb wastewater safely into the groundeach near the affected households, based on priority needs.

MADIMAIKANDIGAI

(Asana puthur) Health committee members in Asanaputhur village were eager in promoting tree plantation. The Health committee planned for planting tree saplings around the newly constructed Panchayat union primary school in the village. The Health Committee initiated tree plantation and a nutrition garden to promote health, shade, and local food sustainability. 15 saplings were planted and fenced.

ATHIVAKKAM

89 adolescent girls in Government High school, from four Panchayats had no safe method to dispose sanitary napkins, risking infections and fire hazards while disposing them. The Health Committee decided to install a sanitary napkin incinerator at the school. CRUSADE funded and installed the sanitary napkin incinerator. Students were trained on safe usage and hygiene practices.

AZHINJIVAKKAM

Lack of a drainage system caused wastewater to stagnate in the streets, especially affecting a households.Constructionof soak pit was planned to address wastewater stagnation for individual households. One soak pit was constructed as a model for a PwD family by the Health Committee, with future plans for expansion. The Health Committees play an instrumental role in organizing health camps, Screening programs, mobilizing patients for treatment during camps, participate in relief activities during Natural disasters.

Women Development Project

Status of WSHGs

CRUSADE has formed 25 new WSHGs during the year taking the count to 447 from 422, enrolling around 300 women members and now there are more than 6100 women in the groups. Bank accounts for 26 groups are opened during the year taking the count to 438 from 412. The number of groups, members and groups having bank account in the two blocks with number of hamlets covered are given in the table below.

Block	Villages (No)	Groups (No)	Groups with Bank Account	Members (No)
Minjur	60	311	304	4284
Sholavaram	41	136	134	1901
Total	101	447	438	6185

In Ellapuram and Gummidipoondi, although CRUSADE work with WSHGs, CRUSADE does not monitor the financial transactions of the groups as they directly deal with banks, Government to avail loans and grant. CRUSADE’s engagement with groups is restricted to promoting Environment (tree plantation, kitchen garden and herbal plants), skill training, village development, etc. However, two WSHG’s with 27 members in Ellapuram block (Kadanallur village) has been affiliated to CRUSADE.

Savings, Common Fund and Audit Of Group Accounts

The financial data of WSHGs are collected once in three months by CRUSADE Staff and consolidated at project level. The combined savings and common fund of 400 SHGs at the end of December 2024 was Rs.12.55 Crores (125 million rupees) which work out to Rs3.13lakh/group.

CRUSADE arranged external audit of annual account of 156 SHGs for 2023/24 accounts. The block level coordinators have been directed to visit the remaining groups which are not audited to assess their financial status and report the possibility of subjecting the groups to external audit.

Bank Linkages

1109 women SHG members of 219 WSHGs have availed 729.95 lakhs of external loans from various sources (Banks, Panchayat Level Federations, Village Poverty Reduction Committees. In addition CRUSADE provided from its Revolving Fund, advances to tune of RS.44.30lakhs to 155members of 11 groups. The group members utilize the loans for various livelihood priorities: Economic activities, Children’s education, Housing, Medical expenses, Social functions etc.

Skill Training and Sewing Machine Distribution

CRUSADE provides skill training in Tailoring to members of WSHG and PwD members. During the year, 21 women members in Natham village, Gummidipoondi block were provided the training and among them 10 economically poor women members were provided sewing machine at 50% subsidy under the village sponsorship programme. The next batch training was started in Feb 2025 in Natham village of Sholavaram block enrolling 24 women members and the training to be completed by the month of July 2025.

Economic activity

With the availability of loans and capacity building training, more women members in SHGs are now engaged in self employment activity which is catching momentum with several of them venturing non conventional economic activities- starting readymade garments shop, tailoring, Stationeries and Fancy shops, rearing love birds, Sugar cane juice centers, Tiffin centre and eateries, beauty parlors.

Women who are not able to be entrepreneurs are at least engaged in Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme which fetches 100 days of work in a year and earn around RS.300/day During the year, CRUSADE collected data on the employment status of WSHG members. The data collected for 441 groups, 5808 members showed that 5057(87%) are employed and 751(13%) unemployed. Some of the facts collected are

2841 (56%)employed in MGNREGA
1055 (21%) self employed
119 (2%) in Government sector
526 (10%)in private sector
516 (10%) as daily wagers and unskilled laborer

Participation Of WSHGs in Government/Panchayat Activities

WSHGs and PLFs(Panchayat Level Federations) works closely with CRUSADE and Panchayat in various Health Promotion, Environment Improvement and Village development activities. The following are some of the other activities WSHGs are engaged in 2023/24.

Identify families below Poverty line-send the name list to Government authorities and to enhance their livelihood enable them to get loans at concessional interest rate.
Identify people who are self employed and get them loan from PLF.
Recommend Differently abled who are self-employed/aspire to start a business to get interest free loans from Government.
Help differently abled persons to get enrolled in National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme.
Recommend suitable grass root workers for outreach government schemes that promote home based Medical care, Education, Sanitation.

DISABILITY PROJECT.

CRUSADE’s strategy in providing services to Persons with Disability commenced with the setting up of special disability groups consisting of both male and female PwDs of all ages. The groups serve as a vehicle to deliver services and to empower the disabled. The groups are encouraged and taught basics of savings and thrift and internal lending. It empowered PwDs to understand finances and develop the confidence to engage in Economic activities to obtain supplementary income. CRUSADE serves as an intermediary between the Government and PwDs and ensures that the beneficiaries are aware of and avail the benefits all Government schemes.

The programme aims to improve the status of people with disabilities and enable them to live a life of dignity and self-reliance. It addresses disability not just as a health issue but also as socio-economic and rights based programme. It promotes a holistic model where it ensures that the differently abled people have access to Government welfare schemes but also provides support in other areas of importance such as health and rehabilitation, education, physiotherapy, livelihood and right to take ownership and responsibility for decisions that impact their life. The chart shows the comparison of data of PwDs during the year 2024 and 2025 and are explained in detail in the following paragraphs.

Groups, ID cards and maintenance allowance from the State Government

In April 2024, the number of groups was 229 and the number of PwDs enrolled were 2314. The number of groups has now increased to 246 with around 2473 PwDs enrolled.

The members having ID cards increased from 2013 to 2192. CRUSADE assisted more groups to open Bank accounts and now 150 groups have bank account. The number of PwDs receiving monthly maintenance allowance of Rs.1500/2000month from the state increased from 1429 to 1643 during the period. Most of the mentally challenged persons receive Rs 2000/month.

CRUSADE motivates and helps PwDs to attend monthly camps organized by state Government in Ponneri Taluk hospital to obtain ID cards. During the year alone CRUSADE assisted more than 70 PwDs to get ID cards which were issued on the day itself after medical assessment. Also CRUSADE assists some of them who didn’t get maintenance allowance from the stategovernment in writing to Chief Minister’s cell to escalate the demand.

The PwD members are also informed to apply their needs online to avail the Government benefits.

Educational support to children of the Disabled

CRUSADE has been providing a small grant to school going children of poor PWDs to meet their school expenses post- Corona pandemic. During the year 200 students (84 students in Minjur, 40students in Sholavaram, 10 students in Ellapuram, 66students in Gummidipondi) received RS.1000 grant from the project which was remitted in their bank account.

Economic activities

CRUSADE carried out data collection of PwD members of the special groups. Analysis of data collected for 2100 PwD members in four blocks showed that 1211 (58%)have enrolled in National Rural employment Guarantee programme,272(13%)are self employed,228(11%) are employed in various government sectors andin private sectors. The project continues to motivate people to get into an economic activity except in cases where the extent of disability is profound or if they are mentally challenged.

Loans from Bank / PLF / VPRC

During the year 46 members in 19 special groups have obtained loans total Rs 6.05lakhsfrom Panchayat Level Federations and Village Poverty Reduction Committees. 45 members from 7 groups have obtained RS.8.5lakhs loan from banks and the loans were utilized mainly for Housing, Income generation activity and for children’s marriage and education.

CRUSADE provided financial assistance of Rs.8.7lakhs to 30 members in 9 PwD groups, who

utilized the amount for Income generation activities such as petty shop, basket weaving and grocery shop and for housing.

Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy

Two physiotherapist are engaged in three blocks (Sholavaram, Ellapuram and Minjur) on weekly basisto provide therapy to PwD members.During the year 270 PwDs were provided therapy and the recommendations by the therapist like splints, knee caps, calipers, prosthetics are being met by CRUSADE.

Integrating Health Care

In an attempt to provide health care to PwDs in Special groups, a Homoeopathic physician visits the special groups on regular basis. During 2024-25, 48special groups were visited in 4 blocks to provide Medical treatment, Counseling and Referral services to those having health issues. The members of the special groups are also motivated to attend the mobile clinics, women wellness camp, Eye camp and other camps organized by CRUSADE in project villages. Thus154PWDs attended Homoeopathic camps and got treated for their health problem. The process helps in early detection of health problems of this vulnerable population and for suitable intervention. The visiting doctor also recommends the assistive devices needed by PWDs and the organization takes initiative to provide the devices.

Life Skill Education to PWDS

CRUSADE has been providing Life skill training to PwD members using the three modules on ten essential life skills. Additionally a fourth module on Mental Health provided practical guidance on maintaining good mental health despite physical disabilities.

During the year CRUSADE extended life skill training to 40special groups in three blocks. 244 PWDs attended the training. Realizing the effectiveness, CRUSADE continues to provide the training to more special groups.

Assistive Devices

CRUSADE has provided assistive devices like walking stick, walker, elbow crutches, Axillary crutches and blind stick. CRUSADE also contacted BhagvanMahaveerViklangSahayatasamiti, Mylapore, for providing prosthesis limbs and other assistive devices. The PwD members are also provided assistive devices by the state government. A total of 133 devices were procured from various sources and the details of the assistive devices are tabulated below.

DISTRIBUTION OF ASSISTIVE DEVICE TO PWDS APRIL 24-MARCH 25

ORGANISATION	WALKING STICK	WALKER	ELBOW CRUTCHES	CALLIPER	CRUTCHES	BLIND STICK	WHEEL CHAIR	TRICYCLE	PROSTHETIC LIMB	MOTOR BIKE	TOTAL
CRUSADE	41	13	5	_	2	11	16	_	_	_	88
MAHAVEER TRUST	1	2	_	3	2	_	3	5	16	_	32
GOVERNMENT	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	1	1	4

Apart from motor bikes, three visually challenged PwDs were provided mobile phones andFour members were provided battery operated tricycle by the state government.

Flood Relief

With the support of Salt of the Earth, CRUSADE revamped thatch roof damaged due to heavy rain of one PwD member in Gummidipoondi block, with cement sheet roof.

Primary Care Giver Support-

The primary care givers of the severely disabled or mentally challenged are supported by CRUSADE to take up a convenient IG activity and during the year four members ( 2 in Gummidipoondi, one each in Sholavaram and Ellapuram) were provided sewing machines. One primary care giver in Ellapuram was assisted in goat rearing.

Progress of ‘Vallamai’ (Strength), the Federation of special groups of the Disabled-Vallamai Trust

Vallamai is a registered Federation of Special groups of the disabled.200 groups in all the four blocks have joined the federation and the groups also pay an Annual subscription of RS.100 to show their solidarity. Vallamai has a built in Revolving Fund which the trust uses for providing financial assistance at low interest to PWDs for Income generation, Housing and Medical care.

Vallamai had its 7th AGM in February, 2025 in which, the body of members were restructured as their term of power ended by Dec 2024.

CRUSADE celebrated Disability day in the month of Feb 2025, during the visit of SOTE trustees. PwDs from all the block and CRUSADE staff participated and 15 primary care givers were given space to share their feelings and emotions in bringing up the disabled children. They were also honored with small gifts. Two PwD members who lost their lives were given small grant of Rs.5000 by Vallamai trust to their legal heir during the SOTE trustees visit. 18 PwD members who lost their lives were given the same grant through cheque to the legal heir of the PwD members.

Data collection of PwD members

Following an exposure visit of key staff involved in Disability programme to Rural Development Trust ( RDT) which is operating in several districts in the neighboring Andhra Pradesh state exclusively working for the welfare of PwDs, CRUSADE designed a questionnaire to collect holistic data of PwDs enrolled in support groups to create a detailed profile of them.

A comprehensive data collection of the PwD members is carried out in all the four blocks. The data are analysed using SPSS software. The output of the analysis not only shows the required statistical data but also act as a base for further planning and achievements. In Minjur block the data is collected for 600 PwD members in 69 special groups. In Sholavaram block the data is collected for 400 members in 47 groups. In Ellapuram block the data is collected for 500 members in 49 special groups. In Gummidipoondi block the data is collected for 600 members in 67 groups.

Monitoring

The groups are monitored by the project coordinators and cluster coordinators who attend cluster level meetings every month which discuss opening of bank accounts for groups (which do not have bank account), plan for securing ID cards/ maintenance allowance, physiotherapy needs, review of IG activities, inclusion of new members in the groups, review of group meetings in the villages and creating awareness on Government schemes etc. The groups which cannot participate in cluster level meetings due to remoteness and mobility issues meet separately which is attended by block coordinators as feasible.

Village Sponsorship Programme

The village Sponsorship Programme was initiated in 2017 with funding support from Salt of the Earth. The villages sponsored by the donor contribute on an annual basis to address the basic needs of the village/School which is taken up in collaboration with village communities/schools. The type of programme differed from village to village depending on the felt needs of the People. The priority is given for potable water, water storage, school building renovation, infrastructure and sanitation in schools. Presently four villages are covered under sponsorship programme, two in Gummidipoondi, one in Ellapuram and one in Minjur Block.

Thandalachery village- Gummidipoondi block

Under the village sponsorship programme CRUSADE provided financial assistance of Rs.50000 for housing to Shobana, mother of two male children with hearing impairment. FourPwD members who are severely disabled were provided wheel chairs to ease mobilization.

Natham village- Gummidipoondi block

Under the village sponsorship programme, 10 economically poor women members who underwent tailoring training by CRUSADE were provided sewing machine at 50% subsidy. CRUSADE has providedthree wheel chairs to severely disabled PwDs who were completely paralyzed at home because of severe disability. During the year CRUSADE provided sanitary napkin incinerator to the panchayat union middle school, benefitting 18 adolescent girls in 6thto 8th grade.

Thirunilai village- Ellapuram block

The Panchayat Union Middle school in Thirunilai village Ellapuram block has 28 students from grade 1 to 5. CRUSADE provided 500 litre water tank to the school replacing the damaged leaky one. Cost of piping and minor plastering work was met by CRUSADE. Two PwD members were renovated housing – one member was replaced mud floor with concrete flooring and roofing of the house. One member assisted with complete concrete finishing of the unfinished walls.

Kaniyambakkam village- Minjur block

Under village sponsorship programme, CRUSADE provided 10 sewing machines to economically marginalized women SHG members at 80% subsidy.9 SHG and 1 person with disability was supported with the sewing machine.

Water Project-Access to clean water

CRUSADE's water project aims to provide clean water to villages in its project areas, addressing the pressing issue of water-borne diseases. This transformational initiative eliminates health problems and saves valuable time and energy for community members, particularly women, allowing them to focus on other essential tasks. During the year CRUSADE has completed 3 water projects each at the of Rs. 2 lakhs per bore well – oneeach in Gummidipoondi,Sholavaram, Ellapuram.

CRUSADE has dug a bore well at Ramachandrapuram village in Gummidipoondi block in the spot identified through water divining. The depth of the bore well is 150 feet benefitting150 households through the 2000ltr capacity watertank installed by CRUSADE.

The second one in Poorivakkam village, Ellapuram block. Thebore well was dug for 150 feet and 2000 ltr capacity water tank was installed benefitting 80 households through theover head tank supply of water.

The third one in Sholavaram village. The bore well was dug for 140 feet and was connected to the panchayat over head tank benefitting 160 households.

Environment

As in the past , WSHs and Special group members are involved in planting fruit and timber tree saplings in their homestead.CRUSADE procured and distributed through WSHGs and PWD groups 1760tree saplings of different fruit and timber varieties in the project villages in four blocks. The tree saplings were distributed to 180SHGs and 20special group members. The varieties of fruit/timber include Mango, Banana, Guava, Coconut, Grapes, Pomegranate, Fig,Gooseberry, Drumstick, Chikku, Orange and Indian Red sandal wood, whip wood and Teak.

Vegetable seeds distribution

CRUSADE procured 22kgs of seeds from a reputed dealer in Trichy and distributed them well ahead of monsoon. The seeds include packets of greens, beans, bitter gourd, bottle gourd, snake gourd, ladies finger, tomato, radish. We have also procured some seeds locally.

The field staff packed the seeds in 5/10grams and distributed 5263 vegetable seed packets to 750 members of WSHGs and PWDs groups to grow vegetables organically in their backyards mostly for home consumption and thereby improve the nutritional status of the family members.

Climate Change Adaptation Through use of Solar Energy

CRUSADE has been working on ‘Climate Change Adaptation Through use of Solar Energy (for powering households).The initiative is to promote the use of renewable energy, particularly solar energy, for household level energy use, particularly in low income segments.

CRUSADE has installed the solar units for 20 members (11 PwDs, 9 WSHG and 1 Health volunteer). The units are effective and maintenance and service for a year is done by Selco, the company. It is very easy for the members to maintain it. Due to the effectiveness and easy maintenance there is an increase in the demand for the units among the PwD and women SHG members.

114 single solar lights were distributed to women SHG members and PwD members at cost price. The demand for the single lights are more that another 60 lights have been procured for distribution.

Elderly Women groups

CRUSADE has been forming Women Self Help Groups (WSHGs) since early 90s and many women in the groups have attained superannuation status and therefore are not able to continue in the groups (as they cannot save money regularly, pay subscription and avail loans as they have no source of income to repay the loans) nor do they have access to medical care and other services. But the elderly women are vulnerable with age related health problem and loneliness, mobility issues and financial insecurity. Although many of these women live with family, they are often neglected when they require constant attention, company and support for their small and vital needs.

CRUSADE has25 Elderly women Groups enrolling 426 elderly women. The groups are visited by Health professionals once in three months to provide medical care and diagnostic services.
During the year CRUSADE conducted 7 Geriatric camps in which 95 received personalized care and were screened for hypertension of whom5 are new cases and 9 borderline and 42 were screened for Blood glucose level and one found pre diabetic.
Elderly women are also motivated to screen themselves during the eye camps conducted in collaboration with Dr.Agarwal Eye Hospital, Chennai. 15 elderly group members (11 from Minjur, 4 from Sholavaram) attended the camp. One underwent free cataract surgery and 9 received spectacles at nominal cost.
CRUSADE identified 32 elderly members with severe mobility challenges and distributed sturdy walking sticks tailored to their needs.
CRUSADE organizes recreational tours for Elderly women members to Chennai and Mahabalipuram, allowing them to explore historical sites, temples and beaches. During 2024-25,three trips were planned and138 elderly women members from 16 elderly groups visited beach, memorials and temples in Chennai.
CRUSADE provided high-quality blankets to each elderly group member.Blankets were distributed to all 426 elderly members across Minjur and Sholavaram blocks during the onset of winter.

Children sponsorship Programme

The new project for the year 2025-26, sponsoring 100 children of PwD members in Gummidipoondi block was approved by SOTE. Identification of PwD children and children of PwD members, compiling profile of the 100 children and reporting to SOTE were carried out during the period.

Visitors

In Dec 2024, two supporters from AVI, UK visited project villages in Sholavaram and Ellapuram interacted with PwD group members and Elderly women members.

In Jan 2024-25 Trustees of Salt of the Earth, Mr.Murray and Janet,Mr.Paul and Billee visited the project areas and addressed PwD members on the Disability day celebrated by CRUSADE.

In thefirst week of February 2024, 8 supporters of SOTE visited the project villages. During the third week of Feb 2024, 12 students and 2 teachers from UK with two from SOTE visited the project villages, particularlywater project sponsored by them and one of the student from UK sponsored two football and sports outfit to boys in Government High school, Kaniyambakkam village, Minjur. In March 2025, Dr.Lynn an occupational therapist, volunteer from AVI,UK, visited the PwD children in the project villages in all the four blocks to provide occupational therapy.

Staffing

CRUSADE staff structure include one Project Executive, two Programme Associates, four Block level Coordinators, one Medical officer ( Homoeopathy system of Medicine) , seven Cluster coordinators, one accountant, two drivers and 9 support staff. Besides 12 Community volunteers are engaged part time.