CSR undertook a campaign to create awareness among various stakeholders and cluster wise activities for the core group of MSMs (Thozhas), which was supported by APAC. The District level campaign addressed stakeholders like political leaders, lawyers, Panchayathraj officials and care providers, who were briefed on the sensitive issue of working among MSMs. They were oriented about activities planned amongst MSMs on prevention of HIV and promotion of Health check up, condom practice etc.

Songs developed by CSR were judged best among the APAC projects which was developed into a CD and released on 27th November 2009, by Hon. Speaker to the Tamilnadu Assembly Mr. Aavudayappan in the presence of Hon. Minister for Environment & Sports Mr. Moydeen Khan. The appreciation also followed with another project in training module for cultural teams of 11 Districts, which was headed by our Coordinator for Resource & Training Centre on Traditional Media, Mr. Palaniapillai.

The project, supported by PWDS- Abbott covers three blocks (Melpuram, Munchirai and Rajakkamangalam) of Kanyakumari District attending the needs of the children infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.The beneficiaries are linked to the local services and resources with the help of community based forum consisting volunteers, community based counselors and faith based leaders. The families are helped to avail welfare schemes, which would augment monthly income benefiting treatment, education and better health. Skills are imparted for improved nutrition, hygiene, sanitation and families given training in home based care. The project has brought about sustainability and a reduction in the death ratio.

The project initiated with the help of PWDS- Alliance intend to improve the health and environment of the children infected and/or affected by HIV/AIDS in four blocks (Thovalai, Agastheeswaram, Kurunthencod and Rajakkamangalam) of Kanyakumari District. Children are provided nutritional and educational support and extended aid for house maintenance and medical needs. The assistance reduces the burden of the family especially in case of single parent family and caretakers.Support group meetings are held facilitating sharing of feelings and experiences and are helped for self-confidence and communication skills. CSR has successfully brought them under the ICDS programme and is lobbying for doubling-up the provision.

As part of empowerment, those interested are brought together as registered bodies and trained on Entrepreneurship Development Programme facilitating income generating micro enterprises. The families are trained on home based care, volunteers are trained on early identification, referral services and community is encouraged on mobilization to meet the needs of the core community. There were series of prevention programmes training youth as TOTs and adolescent girls on reproductive health encouraging them to percolate the knowledge among peer group.Village Development Associations were formed to look into the sustainability of care and support and resource mobilization.

The movement has helped forming Self Help Groups promoting income generation programmes. Another salient feature is the Family Insurance Scheme. CSR have created linkages with various banks for providing loans. Facilitated aid for Free Housing, Marriage, Land Patta (right to land holdings), Maternity assistance, LPG supply, Old Age Pension and streetlights. In 2004 a Women Federation was formed, called 'Sangamam'. The Federation bought land and built a Super Market whose business during the period 2008 – 2009 was Rs.24,92,873/-and have asset worth Rs.45,25,000/-.

Counsellors and PEs are involved in referral for OIs and conduct of monthly support group meetings. Orientations were held with Health Providers and Administration Officials to create an enabling environment. A booklet in vernacular language was developed on basic facts, home based care, counseling aspects and ART adherence.Counsellors and PEs are involved in referral for OIs and conduct of monthly support group meetings. Orientations were held with Health Providers and Administration Officials to create an enabling environment. A booklet in vernacular language was developed on basic facts, home based care, counseling aspects and ART adherence.

CSR observed World AIDS Day with a bike rally accompanied by Folk Arts and Puppet Shows from Kaliakkavilai to Nagercoil on 16th of December 2009. The rally was inaugurated by the District Revenue Officer and Collector in charge, Mr. Kalaichelvan. Rally addressed public along the 40 km distance on issues related to HIV/AIDS, care & support and elimination of stigma & discrimination.Performance by the folk group (in traditional attire) accompanied by Chenda Melam (group performance with drums, a permanent feature associated with all the festivals in South India ) was prime attraction for the public to gather around, which was utilized to disseminate the messages.

CSR invited all families of beneficiaries for a get together celebrating the New Year. Eminent Personalities from District Administration and NGOs graced the occasion, who talked on confidence building and motivation.Invitees were given New Year gifts and savories. The programme was eventful with cultural activities and music, which was followed by lunch.CSR extends Best Wishes and Seasonal Compliments to all visitors to our site. It is a modest effort to put forward a newsletter through our site, which is a combined effort and contributions by Ms. Joan Dorodhy, Mr. Suseelkumar and other staff. We would appreciate your valuable comments and suggestions that could be mailed to csrnagar@csrngo.org.