"Rural Enrichment through Students Community Action & Participation for Environmental Sustainability (RESCAPES). RESCAPES is a well structured program, integrated into the curriculum, running for 3 academic years with specific evaluation system carrying credits."
"Our mission is to foster intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and lifelong learning while nurturing compassionate leaders who will positively impact their communities and the world."
The Community Extension Programme RESCAPES emerged out of an interaction with experts in the International Conference on Sustainable Development and Management of Natural Resources held from 15th -17th March 2003 at Holy Cross College (Autonomous) Trichy. Experts’ recommendations were on the conservation of ecosystem and their sustainability in India. This spark ignited the launching of the program in 2004 (06.07.2004).
The primary stakeholders of this extension activity are the entire U.G.student community. The secondary stakeholders are the 24 selected village communities. To assist students, teaching faculty were provided with input on how to make benchmark survey, problem identification, and micro level planning by experts from different NGO’s. Identifying 22 villages belonging to Mannachanallur Panchayath, each department was allotted one village and action plan for the respective villages are carried out and recorded. Having environmental sustainability in mind and the bench mark survey and need analysis, a set of projects are identified and categorized to core projects, non-core projects and discipline oriented specific projects which are carried out. Since 2004, various kinds of activities are carried out in all the adopted villages.
Through RESCAPES Training Programs for SHG members in vermi compost, Panchakaviya and mushroom cultivation were arranged in selected villages. Awareness cum skill training programs for students and teaching faculty on the above mentioned projects for the effective implementation of the projects were also arranged. Incorporation of Research into RESCAPES program resulted in the Department of Science & Technology funded one major Research project for Rs.5,25,000/- and three UGC funded Minor Research Projects for Rs 1,00,000/-, Rs.90,000/- & Rs.60,000/-
The RESCAPES program is co-ordinated by a full time co-ordinator who bridges among the villagers, authorities and the college. A core committee constituted by selected faculty members with external expert co-ordinates the whole process.
RESCAPES converge with NGO’s and Government Organisations, that play a complementary role for the effective implementation of the projects and the benefit of the village community.
Made aware of Self, improved Self-esteem, and Emotional Intelligence
Developed project-specific knowledge and skills
Sensitized about sustainable development
Exposed to rural community and the problems they face
Enriched with creativity in planning, execution, and documentation
Developed leadership ability and team spirit
Self-reliant
Economically developed
Environmentally and socially improved
Institutionalized and inbuilt into the academic curriculum
Involves the entire U.G. student community and teaching faculty
Has periodical reviewing & updating of the entire program
Integrates NSS, EXNORA, ROTARACT, and RED CROSS activities to UGC-funded research projects
Links RESCAPES program with adopted villages
Exhibits improved self-awareness, self-esteem, and Emotional Intelligence
To awaken social consciousness and prepare socially responsible citizens
To impart skills and knowledge
To encourage creativity in students
To build genuine human relationships
To inculcate respect for persons and nature
To expose students to rural communities
To enable village communities to become self-reliant and sustainable
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| About RESCAPES | Holy Cross College, Tiruchirappalli, an autonomous college established in 1923 and affiliated with Bharathidasan University, launched the RESCAPES program in 2004 as a structured initiative integrated into the academic curriculum to provide skills and opportunities for students to engage in community action and environmental sustainability. |
| Need and Scope |
- To awaken social consciousness and prepare socially responsible citizens - The College has several service wings focusing on innovative and sustained activities - Decline in the quality of the rural environment has been highlighted - RESCAPES is planned to rejuvenate rural environments and create sustainable livelihoods - Recommendations focus on conservation of ecosystems in India - Field visits, workshops, and seminars have been conducted to develop a comprehensive Action Plan |
| Purpose | The purpose of RESCAPES is to provide students with a structured opportunity to engage in rural development activities that promote environmental sustainability, personal growth, and skill-building. |
| Objectives |
- To awaken social consciousness and prepare socially responsible citizens - To impart skills and knowledge - To encourage creativity in students - To build genuine human relationships - To inculcate respect for persons and nature - To expose students to rural communities - To enable village communities to become self-reliant and sustainable |
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Target Area | 22 villages in Manachanallur Block, including Samayapurampudur, Akkaraipatty, Devimangalam, and others. |
| Core Projects |
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| Optional Projects |
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| Strategy |
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| Methodology |
Stage I: First Year Students acquire skills for personal and environmental sustainability through SBE-paper I and II courses. Stage II: Second Year Students engage in fieldwork in adopted villages, identifying problems and designing projects with local communities. Stage III: Third Year Students conduct impact studies and prepare reports on project outcomes. |
| Conclusion | The RESCAPES program develops ecologically sustainable model villages and empowers rural communities while facilitating the growth of students into potential leaders. |
Adopted Village – Holy Cross College
Through regular visits and interactive programs, the college strives to create awareness, uplift communities, and empower villagers in areas such as:
Education – Conducting literacy drives, spoken English classes, and tuition support for school children.
Health & Hygiene – Organizing medical camps, awareness on nutrition, sanitation, and women’s health.
Skill Development – Offering training in self-employment, vocational skills, and digital literacy.
Environmental Care – Promoting tree plantation, waste management, and clean village campaigns.
Women & Youth Empowerment – Forming self-help groups, capacity-building sessions, and career guidance.
M.S.W., (Med & Pdy), M.Phil., M.Sc. (Rehab. Sci)., MSW (CD)
Co-Ordinator RESCAPES
Assistant Professor
Department of Rehabilitation Science
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