Coco-cola, its partners complete rehab projects in 39 flood-hit villages of TN
TNN Bureau. Updated: 3/17/2018 2:50:57 PM
National
Chennai, Mar 17 : Reiterating its commitment towards building sustainable communities, Coca-Cola, along with its partners Hand in Hand India and World Vision India on Saturday successfully implemented the Rehabilitation Projects to restore communities in 39 flood-affected villages in Chennai and Kancheepuram districts of Tamil Nadu.
The company had announced commencement of the program in May 2017, sanctioning a grant amount of USD 389,000 towards the initiative.
Post the torrential floods in 2015, there was a strong need to construct new Anganwadis or Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) centers and reconstruct the affected ones in the two districts.
By partnering with World Vision, Coca-Cola has revitalized 32 Anganwadis to facilitate a safe and healthy environment for children in the community, a Coco-Cola release here said.
More than 500 children below five years of age now have access to a safe environment, clean drinking water, outdoor play area, play material and a kitchen garden.
The Anganwadis were equipped with facilities to provide early childhood care and education services to the children.
Additionally, capacity building programs were also conducted by health workers to ensure that the community members receive education on health and nutrition.
World Vision India CEO and National Director Cherian Thomas said “collaboration with Coca-Cola has enabled us to provide a safe and healthy environment for children to play, learn and grow.''
''The parents now feel happy to send their children to these centers as they fulfil the WASH (Water, Hygiene and Sanitation) requirements”.
Coca-Cola collaborated with Hand in Hand India to restore the livelihoods in villages of Tiruvallur and Kanchipuram districts.
Community members were provided support to restart their livelihood and skill trainings in areas such as agriculture, poultry, milch animal management, tailoring, handicrafts, and car driving.
The program has been beneficial in generating income for the beneficiaries, especially for women in rural and slum areas.