Project HAND

Helping the Affected Neighbours in Disaster

Restoring hope and rebuilding lives in the aftermath of devastation

In August 2024, Vincentian Social Services stood witness to one of Kerala’s most heartbreaking natural disasters at Chooralmala and Mundakai—a deadly landslide that wiped out homes, displaced hundreds, and left behind haunting silence and sorrow. Amid the ruins, Project HAND was born—a compassionate response to the needs of children and families shattered by this tragedy.

Representing De Care – Vincentian Social Services, Fr. Tony Plavunilkunnathil and Fr. Ajith Kannamkery, Finance Officer of VH Meenangadi, visited the affected regions on August 9th and 10th, offering prayers, solidarity, and a plan for action. The visit to the temporary camps, hearing stories of survival, and seeing children play unaware of their orphaned state deeply moved our team. The resolve to act was immediate.

Genesis of Project HAND

Moved by the loss and resilience witnessed, Vincentian Social Services launched Project HAND (Helping the Affected Neighbours in Disaster)—a long-term humanitarian initiative focused on children affected by natural disasters. The project was launched with the dual aim of supporting education and offering psychological and emotional healing for affected children and their families.

Thanks to generous crowdfunding efforts initiated immediately after the disaster, and the compassionate response of our Vincentian confreres, we laid the foundation of a project that continues to grow in meaning and impact. Special gratitude is extended to the De Paul Public Schools of St. Joseph Province for their unwavering support, which played a key role in the birth of this initiative.

What We Did in 2024-2025

1. Identification and Assessment

• Collaborated with Wayanad Social Service Society (WSS) and government officials to identify 20 most-affected children and their families.
• Conducted thorough assessments and finalized beneficiaries in consultation with local stakeholders.

2. Life Skills and Psychosocial Support

• Organized a life skills training session for the children to foster confidence and social adaptability.
• Conducted a parents’ meeting to build supportive networks at home.
• Children requiring additional care were referred to professional counsellors for trauma-informed support.

3. Educational and Medical Support

• Began providing scholarships to support the children’s continued education.
• Extended medical care to families facing health challenges in the aftermath of the disaster.

4. “Trace of Dreams” – A Healing Camp

• In collaboration with ESAF Foundation, hosted a two-day residential camp titled “Trace of Dreams”.
• Focused on enhancing self-confidence, building resilience, and supporting the emotional wellbeing of disaster-affected children.
• Activities included group sessions, creative workshops, and recreational events aimed at healing through joy and expression.

5. Social Advocacy

• Carried out advocacy efforts to address systemic issues facing the affected population.
• Submitted a petition to Mr. V. D. Satheesan, the Hon. Opposition Leader of Kerala, urging action on educational loans being denied to students from the disaster-hit region.

Looking Forward

Project HAND continues to evolve as a platform for long-term healing, empowerment, and advocacy. Our vision is to stand with every child affected by disaster—ensuring that their dreams are not buried beneath the rubble of tragedy, but nurtured with care, compassion, and community.

As we move forward, our commitment remains strong:
To restore dignity, enable dreams, and walk hand in hand with the affected—because healing begins with human connection.