Voluntary Action for Integrated Global Awareness and Innovation Trust (Vaigai Trust)

VAIGAI TRUST actively engages in a networked approach, collaborating with various like-minded groups and institutions to ensure effective implementation and timely achievement of targets. Notable networks include TNRPM (Tamilnadu River Protection Movement) focusing on river basin conservation, IHN (Initiatives of HIV/AIDS-Net) for STD and HIV/AIDS prevention, NESAM addressing women's issues, FPCP advocating for child participation rights, TAFRE supporting fundamental rights to equity and education, JASUL working on sustainable livelihoods, PFHR emphasizing human rights, and TNEC dedicated to environmental concerns in Tamilnadu.

Initiating vocational skill training for adolescents in Nilakottai taluk, coordinating efforts to address child rights at the state level, and promoting environmental education for school students are key initiatives. The Trust also generates mass awareness of water, land, and air pollution caused by factories. Engaging in natural farming and modern agriculture training, the trust focuses on sustainable livelihoods in Tsunami-affected areas through forestation. Establishing a Resource Center for Environmental Information System (ENVIS), forming child and farmers groups, and conducting socio-economic studies contribute to comprehensive community development.

Collaborating with the Indian River Network and Peaceful Society, VAIGAI Trust organised a four-day cultural Yatra focused on Vaigai river conservation. The initiative aimed to enlighten and explore the holistic connection between nature and integration. The Yatra sought to raise awareness at the grassroots level about the significance of River Vaigai, delving into its historical importance in the cultural and socio-economic development of the catchment area, its substreams, and the surrounding plain flood areas.

Facilitating women empowerment, VAIGAI Trust focuses on microcredit linkages for deserving rural women, implementing Income Generation Programmes (IGP) for coastal women with a focus on nursery raising. The Trust provides training in vocational trade and skill development, ensuring women gain practical skills. Rights-based awareness training and workshops aim to empower women with knowledge. Additionally, environmental entrepreneurship programmes are designed for community-based women's welfare organisations, fostering a holistic approach to women's empowerment by addressing economic, social, and environmental aspects.

In the domain of child development, VAIGAI Trust champions child participation in the protection of their rights. The Trust engages in advocacy, lobbying, and campaigns at both district and state levels to address child-related issues. Initiatives include the formation of Children groups known as VAIGAI Mottukkal, fostering collaboration and mutual support. The establishment of Recreation Clubs provides refreshing activities for children. Furthermore, the trust is committed to educating and training children on environmental issues, promoting a comprehensive approach to their holistic development.