Directors Message Welcome to the RIDE website. RIDE was established in 1984 by a group of graduates from Madras University, including myself, to implement education and other programs that would assist in the socio-economic and cultural development in the district of Kanchipuram, with particular emphasis on issues impacting women and children. RIDE's goal is to help people to help themselves to improve the quality of their lives. Since RIDE began its work in 1984 the organisations approach has revolved around a central concept of self-help - that people cannot be developed but that they can develop themselves. RIDE's activities include programs for children, women and for the general rural poor population. For children, central to our theme of child labour eradication, RIDE’s Bridge School Centre’s and evening Schools focus on education and nutrition to help create future generations in rural communities which are literate and healthy. Bridge Schools which have been established to date have had significant success in providing a pathway to mainstream education. 95% of students who commence at Bridge Schools complete the program and enroll in public school. Of these graduates 90% are still in attendance at the public school after 12 months. For women RIDE focuses on empowerment, through the establishment of Self Help Groups and Loans Program and providing complimentary training - building self confidence and support and income generation to increase economic self reliance. We are proud to say that we were one of the first organizations in Tamil Nadu to commence facilitating Self Help Groups. We now support 1368 Self Help Groups in 295 villages. For the general rural population RIDE conducts training in vocational skills and on income generation through our Rural Entrepreneur Development programs. 80% of new enterprises established after the training are still operating 12 months later. We are also increasingly focusing on improving water supply and sanitation systems in rural villages. As well as this we have conducted awareness programs on health care, sanitation, hygiene, HIV/AIDS, road safety and voter awareness. As the need arises we also participate in other community campaigns, such as disaster relief after the Tsunami. Early in 2004 we sourced and distributed over Rs.7 million worth of medicines and supplies to the affected areas in our region. The above projects have been conducted through the funding and support received from the following partners and activities: American Jewish World Service Global Fund for Children Tamil Nadu State Government Income generated through donations, small enterprise activities and tours. During the calendar year 2006 we achieved the following outcomes: 187 bonded child labourers released from working in the silk industry. 165 released child labourers participated in the Bridge School and 325 children attended the Night School. 375 new Self Help Groups for women and 52 youth Groups were formed in the villages surrounding Kanchipuram. 76 Self Help Groups including 761 women received micro loans to commence new income generating activities. 4,682 village women participated in locally run Leaders Training for the animators of Self Help Groups. 12,265 women participated in 206 basic training courses, discussion groups and awareness raising workshops conducted locally by RIDE supported Self Help Groups. 360 participated in training on agricultural techniques and improved farming practices. 411 participated in various vocational training programs. 737 women participated in the Entrepreneur Development Program to prepare plans for the establishment of income generating enterprises. I trust you find this website of interest. Please feel free to contact me at RIDE by email at jeyaraj@rideindia.org Also of course if you are in Tamil Nadu you may wish to visit the Temple City of Kanchipuram and see first hand the important work undertaken by the RIDE team. S. Jeyaraj Director