FLASH NEWS:

NEWS

Fisherfolk Women to Drive Electric Autos; FCDP Gearing Up Cultural Shift

Kollam

Prasanna Earnest, Hon. Mayor of Kollam, handing over the keys

Fisherfolk Women to Drive Electric Autos; FCDP Gearing Up Cultural Shift

9 August 2021

Self Help Groups, Skills Training, Social Development,

News written by: Father Joby Sebastian SDB

Fishermen Community Development Program (FCDP) of the Salesian Province of Bangalore has marked the beginning of yet another phase of its creative community involvement with the inauguration and the first phase of its distribution of electric autos to women on August 4, 2021, in Kollam, Kerala. FCDP is a voluntary organization founded in 1979, under the guidance and leadership of the Salesians of Don Bosco, Bangalore Province, for the integral development of all fisherfolk living in the coastal area of Kollam (Quilon).

To shift gears from the traditional occupation of the coastal folk, FCDP has initiated a women empowerment programme through micro-enterprises, skill training activities, production units etc., to eke out a living for themselves. Prasanna Earnest, Hon. Mayor of Kollam, in her inaugural speech, spoke of the project as a new meaning given to women empowerment by providing a sustainable means of income to the fisherwomen. A K Dilu, Regional Transport Officer, applauded FCDP for translating environmental protection to a reality with the distribution of electric autos. Rt. Rev. Msgr. Vincent Machado, Vicar General of the Diocese of Kollam, appreciated the works carried out by the Salesians, especially the ongoing project to bring about a cultural shift. The keys of the e-autos were handed over to the beneficiaries by the dignitaries present along with Father Stephen Mukkatil, the Rector and Parish Priest of St. Stephen`s Church, Thope, Dr Sindha Mendez, Chairperson of FCDP, Father Joby Sebastian, Director FCDP, Tomy Nepolean, Corporation Counsellor, Vinod, Proprietor Sreekala Driving School, and Shibu, Managing partner, Asian motors.