DSSS and Other Voluntary Organisations

TASOSS as a regional organisation has to continuously extend its support in the field of evaluation of Diocesan activities and other voluntary organisations. The evaluation helps to assess the activities of various DSSS and voluntary organisations in the region and helps them according to their needs and requirements. TASOSS undertakes the evaluation programme as and when required by the DSSSs and voluntary organisations for common problems faced by all.

The first phase of the New Thrust programme ended in February 2002. To study the impact made by the project on the people and to recommend for the future course of action, an evaluation was conducted in the region.

The Evaluation went on out from 17th September to 4th October 2001 in Tamilnadu by a team of 16 persons comprising directors and staff of TASOSS and 8 DSSSs along with three external consultants viz.

The sample Evaluation was carried out in all the DSSSs. First hand informations were gathered from the groups / federations by the 3 Evaluation team members from Ooty, Chennai, Madurai, Sivagangai, Kottar, Thanjavur, Perambalur, Vikravandi and Pondicherry. And details were collected from leaders, staff and directors in the rest of DSSSs.

The purpose of the Evaluation were to make analysis of experience of the TASOSS New Thrust in order to assess its achievements and the social impact of its work, to assess the management of TASOSS New Thrust and the appropriateness of its structure and working relationship with other people's organisations and to gain a conceptual understanding of the promotion of federations. The lessons learnt and the results of the Evaluation should also clarify the direction of the future development of New Thrust.

In villages where grass-root level groups have not existed, people have come together to start their own sangams often having seen the importance and usefulness of having a village level sangam in neighbouring villages.

Women occupy the key positions of the groups and federations.

New leadership has emerged in the sangams and federations. The quality of leadership increased. Also second level leaders emerged.

Byelaws were framed by sangams. They conducted regular meetings.

Keep records which are systematic and transparent.

Grass-root groups have some funds through regular savings and subscription, but federations lack funds and economic independence.

Increased self-confidence.

A spirit of co-operation and unity have been enhanced.

People began to take up issues and actions.

People begin to question patriarchal values and beliefs. There are slow but steady changes happening in the cultural practices that oppress people.

Men groups consult women groups on taking up issues or resolving common problems.

They are invited to all Gram Sabha meetings and are given chances to voice their opinion on the programmes.

POs at the village level are able to apply much pressure on the local politicians for implementations of Government welfare programs and also for participation in decision making.