UNIQUE VILLAGE ADOPTION PROJECT OF ST. MARYS COLLEGE, MANARCAD AT IXth WARD OF MANARCAD GP
Every higher education institution should have a commitment towards its neighbouring community, especially when majority of students hails from the same society. St. Mary’s College is situated in the IXth ward of Manarcad Grama Panchayath, which is a typical rural village. In 2017, college has launched a mega community development project, first of its kind in India by an Arts & science College aiming at the Sustainable Development of the Community. Project is based on principles of Sustainable Development Goals (17 SD Goals) of UNEP targeting overall development of the community in various fields of life & human interactions. A preliminary survey was conducted among the community covering the entire ward and made a baseline data on various aspects of life. Survey revealed that it is a typical transitional society from Agrarian to urban. This is an exact cross section of Kerala community hence can be considered as the prevailing socio-cultural scenario in the state. Each department and various clubs including NCC & NSS were requested to chalk out a project plan for five years, with year wise plan of action. Based on the submitted action plan various departments, clubs and the College, 5-10 different projects with definite output & outcome have been launched every year. Tangible results have been recorded in every targeted sphere of action. Care, Share & Learn projects have been implementing by the Departments, clubs & the College together, under five different major heads:

• Environmental conservation & natural resource Management

• Cultural Development

• Socio-economic Development

• Women empowerment

• Disaster Management

• Charity Activities