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Changing Lives, A Rural Development Project in South India

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IRDT Logotype

Changing Lives, A Rural Development Project in South India

Welcome
Education
Health
Employment
Fundraising Events
How to Donate
Newsletters
Contact Us

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Code-of-conduct
Risk Management Policy & Procedures
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Friends of Mettupalayam Trust

7 hours ago

Our latest newsletter, apologies for the delayed posting. The full newsletter with photos is available on our website www.irdt.co.uk February 2026Dear FriendsCrakehall Primary School newsNormally our February newsletter contains information gained following Francis’ visit in January. Sadly, due to a number of issues, his visit had to be cancelled at the last minute. However, despite this, the usual activities around Pongal still took place, including a school trip. The older children were asked where they would like to go, and this year, they chose to visit the famous Marina Beach near Chennai. In order to boost the educational value, Venkat also took the school party to the Chennai museum, the recently expanded airport terminal and to see the political leaders tribute buildings. From the videos that Venkat sent, it seems the children most enjoyed the dancing on the bus!As the school starts the third and final term before the end of the school year in April, the children’s progress is again monitored with exams. Although the curriculum is very tightly defined by that term’s text books, real development and growth is enhanced through all the other activities that Venkat and the teachers organise, and this becomes apparent when our 5th year students move on to secondary school. The feedback regarding comparison with pupils from local state schools is always highly complementary and continues to show in the secondary school exam results in following years. The school nutrition programme of a healthy lunch including breakfast for those pupils who would benefit, has been a significant part of school life for many years now and there are UK donors who specifically support this part of the project.HealthWe were sad to hear that one of our teachers recently lost her mother to cancer, and this prompted Venkat to think about cancer prevention and treatment in our rural area. Contact with a local cancer specialist hospital led to a mobile cancer screening service coming to Mettupalayam. Over 50 village women came for screening and 5 have been referred to the hospital for further investigation. There is much disinformation locally regarding cancer including thoughts that it is both contagious and a curse from the gods. Education and encouragement of knowledge sharing will continue!Next week there will be another visit by the mobile eye checkup team, undoubtedly picking up more patients requiring cataract treatment. Unlike in the UK, any operations will be carried out immediately, often the following day. These operations are all free.FarmingFollowing a good monsoon the farm has seen 5 to 6 acres of paddy planted, providing casual employment for villagers. The fruit orchards and timber trees will all benefit greatly from the rain.The highly regarded and valued local cooperative of around 1000 small farmers continues to be a great help in lowering input costs and maximising income, and our own oil mill brings in a good income from the mainly organic oils produced and the nutritious cattle cake residue. Finally, a huge thank you again to all our Friends who continue to support Venkat and his team. UK fundraising continues to be challenging, and we are so grateful to the many donors who show their continuing commitment and support. Also a belated Happy New Year, as this is our first newsletter of 2026.Contact us: Adele Eldridge Francis and Rosie Muncaster Hugo and Jean Welsh01969 650618 07491948878 07802641073 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] ... See MoreSee Less

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Friends of Mettupalayam Trust

7 hours ago

It's incredibly hard work planting the rice paddy but it grows very quickly. Tradionally, the job of collecting together the nursery paddy is done by the men, whilst the women replant the individual seedlings. ... See MoreSee Less

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Friends of Mettupalayam Trust

4 weeks ago

The children love to dance! ... See MoreSee Less

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Friends of Mettupalayam Trust

4 weeks ago

So pleasing to see that, although my trip was aborted this year, Venkat still arranged a school trip for the older children.This time, the children decided they would like to go to Chennai to the famous Marina Beach.To add to the educational elements, Venkat also took them to the Chennai museum, the recently expanded airport terminal and to the political leaders tribute buildings.I will also post a video of the children enjoying the bus journey! ... See MoreSee Less

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Friends of Mettupalayam Trust

1 month ago

A recent mobile cancer screening clinic at Mettupalayam. Over 50 women attended and 5 have been referred for further investigation at the specialist hospital in Kancheepuram.Sadly, cancer is still seen as being contagious and many patients avoid telling both friends and family. Education into the reality is ongoing but there is still a long way to go. ... See MoreSee Less

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Friends of Mettupalayam Trust

1 month ago

Pongal day in Mettupalayam. Preparation of the special devotional meal, sharing the food with the village elderly and handing out new clothes.A very joyful and significant day. ... See MoreSee Less

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Friends of Mettupalayam Trust

2 months ago

Our very special friend, Senior Constable Shakthi celebrating Pongal with her police colleagues.Sadly my plans to be there again have failed, due to a lost passport, difficulties with my visa, and a very greedy and inflexible Emirates.Oh, and yes, Norovirus for both Rosie and me.Next year. ... See MoreSee Less

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Friends of Mettupalayam Trust

2 months ago

A very special event in Mettupalayam today.Venkat organised a reunion for ex pupils and parents (many of whom are also ex pupils!). Special prayers were said, and respect paid through washing feet. Everyone then enjoyed a celebration meal.I am so sad to have missed this event, as it was organised so that I could meet some of the many students who know me from the last 20+ years of visiting.Hopefully I will be flying out later in the week ... See MoreSee Less

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Friends of Mettupalayam Trust

2 months ago

Mid term exams, followed by 2 days extra holidays.I'm looking forward to my annual visit, arriving the following week, just in time for the Pongol celebrations. ... See MoreSee Less

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Friends of Mettupalayam Trust

2 months ago

A very Happy Christmas, from all in Mettupalayam. ... See MoreSee Less

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