ERD and its partner, Church of South India (CSI) have undertaken a comprehensive evaluation to further build on CSI’s five years of experience in enterprise development work. The evaluation is primarily concerned with addressing the need for diversified and viable economic opportunities for people affected by the tsunami.  The evaluation findings will be used as the first step in developing a five-year strategic plan which will be completed in March 2006. 

In addition to the Indian Ocean tsunami’s widely reported impact on fishermen, many who engaged in traditional industries were also adversely affected.  CSI is helping to establish or re-establish small business in tsunami-affected areas in sectors such as rope making from coconut fibers, lime making from sea shells and dried fish making.

CSI has encouraged the formation of Village Community Forums (VCFs) and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) with revolving loans to help people establish small businesses in many tsunami-affected communities.  Colochel was one of the worst affected areas in Kanyakumari Diocese.  ERD staffer Cara Wolinsky visited several VCFs there in July 2005.  Approximately 10-15 VCFs in each of 2 or 3 wards/divisions VCFs have been formed in Colochel and nearby Pachiapuram.  Each VCF consists of approximately 15-25 members.  Some groups are mixed sex, some are single sex, but the majority of the groups are women-only.

In Kanyakumari small revolving loans managed through VCFs have allowed women to start up or improve existing small businesses in areas such as fish-vending, fruit-and-vegetable stands, tailoring, and tea shops. 

In 2006 ERD funds may provide scholarships for young adults to attend one of the many CSI vocational schools.  CSI opeates 16 Trade Schools in the tsunami-affected areas, covering a wide range of technical skills to train carpenters, electricians, printers and binders, plumbers, secretaries, welders, tailors as well as other trades.  Most programs are one or two years, and the average tuition is INR 20,000/year, or roughly $480.  ERD is a considering scholarship funds for people living in tsunami-affected areas to enable broader economic development opportunities as a strategy for Phase 3, anticipating 100 scholarships per year. 

Enterprise development is one of the best ways to give communities the tools and skills they need to improve opportunity and help themselves in the future.