KOLLAM: A group of youngsters under the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) in West Kallada village here has launched a project to help destitute schoolchildren and also protect Sasthamkotta lake, a source of drinking water to the residents of Kollam.
The youths collect waste materials, including plastic and e-waste, from houses along the banks of the lake, avoiding dumping of waste materials, to raise funds to help the children.
The programme 'Samanvayam' was launched by the West Kallada village committee of the DYFI some six months back.
As many as 50 schoolchildren have been given school books, school bags, uniforms and other items since then.
"The youths under 15 units in West Kallada are engaged in the work. Old newspapers are a major item in the collection. These are sold to scrap dealers to raise funds to aid the destitute schoolchildren," said S. Santhosh, DYFI village secretary.
The village lies on the banks of Sasthamkotta lake which provides drinking water to the main water distribution network in Kollam.
With the 'Samanvayam' project, the youths also protect the lake from waste disposal.
"The Sasthamkotta lake is spread across the village and its banks are crowded with houses. By collecting the waste materials, the chances of piling up garbage on the banks could be reduced," Mr. Santhosh added.
The village committee identifies beneficiaries at the ward level, selecting children who excel in their studies but are financially backward.
Seeing their efforts, more people have joined them to collect waste and help the children.
