Self help groups and skills
Over 43 rural women self help groups organised and assisted with micro credit, savings and skills training.
Women empowerment programs
Empowering women, protecting children, conserving rivers
VAIGAI Trust is a registered, nonprofit service organisation working for the development of deprived communities in Tamil Nadu since 2002.
We focus on welfare initiatives for women and children and on the efficient management of natural resources for a sustainable future. Our executive committee brings together experienced professionals, guided by a board of eminent advisors, and our staff and volunteers are committed to serving the community and the environment at large.
Our work is rooted in villages around Nilakottai in Dindigul district, and it reaches state and national level through networks that campaign for clean water, child participation and gender equality.
About our work
Meet Our Founder
Annadurai
Director, VAIGAI Trust
A tireless advocate for river conservation, water rights and community development, Annadurai has dedicated over two decades to building grassroots networks across Tamil Nadu and beyond.
- Director, Vaigai Trust
- State Convener, Indian River Network
- Treasurer, Tamilnadu WASH Network
- State Convener, Fresh Water Action Network South Asia, Tamilnadu
- Zonal Convener, Tamilnadu Voluntary Health Association (TNVHA)
- Executive Member, Campaign Against Camp Coolie System (CACCS)
- Member, Indian Water Partnership (IWP) and Global Water Partnership (GWP)
- President, VAIGAI CC, URI South Asia
Three areas of focus
Women's empowerment
Micro credit linkage for rural women, self help groups, savings habits and vocational skill training so that women earn, decide and lead.
Child development
Child participation in protecting child rights: children's groups called VAIGAI Mottukkal, recreation clubs, environmental education and district and state advocacy.
Environment
Coalitions on natural resource management, river and water conservation, water and sanitation awareness, and mass tree planting every year.
What our work has achieved
Figures taken from our programme records.
- 120adolescent drop-out youth given vocational training
- 70+river protection groups formed across 6 districts
- 1,300students trained in waste management and biodiversity
- 43+rural women self help groups supported
Featured programs
We empower women, raise awareness on natural resources and start productive measures that reach the most remote communities.
Children as collectives
Twelve child welfare groups work to ensure children can take part in decisions that affect them.
Child development programs
River and coastal protection
Over 873 trees planted along river banks and mangroves restored along the coast.
Environment programsMoments from the field
A few glimpses of our programs with women, children and communities across Tamil Nadu.
Latest video
Watch the latest from VAIGAI Trust
See our work with rivers, children and rural women in the field. The video loads only when you press play, which keeps this page fast.