Coastal Voluntary Network

The Coastal Voluntary Network (CVN) has established regional resource centres in eastern coastal areas to support the conservation of forest biodiversity and improve the livelihoods of forest-dependent communities. Over the past two years, these centres have been instrumental in identifying various livelihood opportunities, promoting value addition, implementing Government programmes, and collaborating with local authorities and Government departments. Its objectives include expanding network membership, empowering coastal and forest-dependent communities, disseminating development information, enhancing capacity through training, advocating for key issues, conducting research, and providing guidance and planning for partner networks. CVN's aim is to create a sustainable consortium for community development and collaboration in the social and voluntary service sector.

CVN focuses on promoting organic farming, bio-technology-based agriculture (including bio-fertilizers and pesticides), and seaweed cultivation (marine agriculture). It conducts these activities through its regional resource centres (RRC) and direct initiatives. Its approach involves resource mapping, mass meetings, and workshops to engage the public and gather support. Protecting natural resources is crucial, so it emphasizes community structures, capacity building, and effective implementation. Recognizing the importance of agriculture in rural India, CVN promotes organic farming, trains women and youths in bio-fertilizer and organic pesticide production, and supports sustainable agricultural practices. It also encourages seaweed cultivation, contributing to coastal agriculture. Its training covers various bio-technology-based agro-products, ensuring a scientific and eco-friendly approach to agriculture.

CVN is actively involved in a project aimed at empowering rural and urban slum women through self-employment. This initiative, generously supported by APSSDC, seeks to address workforce development and alleviate urban poverty. The project focuses on training the most economically disadvantaged women, equipping them with essential life skills and income-generating opportunities. The goal is to enhance their income, participation in economic activities, and overall livelihood, ultimately contributing to social and economic development. This endeavour is facilitated through a woman-led cooperative society and environmentally friendly enterprises, aiming for 100% empowerment of women in these communities.

CVN is dedicated to ensuring the life security of women in rural areas, particularly in Andhra Pradesh, where many face challenges due to illiteracy and lack of basic resources. It recognizes that a significant portion of the population lives in rural areas with limited access to education and essential services, putting women and girls at risk, even within their own homes. To address this, CVN plans to establish Life Basics Literacy Animation Centers in select areas annually. These centres will operate for up to ten months, equipping women with essential knowledge and skills, and empowering them to break free from the chains of ignorance and illiteracy. The goal is to make women equal to or even surpass men in terms of development, ensuring that every girl attends school and that all illiterate women gain literacy in life basics within 4 to 5 years, thus enhancing their life security.

Coastal Voluntary Network (CVN) empowers rural Indian women through unique Adult Literacy Programmes. These initiatives aim to teach reading, writing, and arithmetic, raise health and environmental awareness, improve social standards, boost economic growth, and instill ethical values within a year-long curriculum. Using specially designed Literacy Primers, CVN operates 25 centres in Andhra Pradesh, reaching a 5th-grade literacy level. The project's overarching goal is holistic rural development, focusing on literacy, health, economics, and equality. It targets individuals aged 15-55, particularly women and girls, contributing to MDG goals while promoting community improvement through voluntary activities, supported by essential infrastructure and materials.