Origins
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) with the following objectives.
To develop soft skills
Social consciousness
Rural community building towards sustainability
Building genuine human relationships, inculcating concern and respect for persons
Linking Government Authorities & Village Community
Encouraging creativity, bringing out latent talents
Making them effective leaders
Objectives
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.
