Happy new year 2010-

Dear Friends

As we are coming to the end of the year 2009, we find it meaningful to think of friends like you. You have been a great supporter PCTC and all its initiatives.

The year was filled with programs. The rehabilitation program for people with disability. The number of children participating in the day care center has increased. We were also able to make an impact on the adolescent group of young persons with disability, to motivate them to come to vocational training at the center. Now the following trades are being taught to them. Embroidery, stitching, envelop -making , Palm leaf products and so on.

Our new initiative to work with rural school going children has been interesting. This program “Thulir-Student Movement” has been an ambitious program to motivate these children to develop themselves not only in academic side but also to face the challenges in life as they move for their higher studies with skills in Computer, leadership, communication and so on As we consider them the stake holders of the future, a continuous on going training program is planned for them . this training is done during the holidays. The special emphasis on the present world scenario of the planet-and –the eco system, the medical system, the food production industry-with special reference to agriculture- the kind disaster it is making to the planet and the people. The importance reviving the local traditional knowledge so that they can have r responsibility to pass a cleaner sustainable environment to the next generation. They are also involved in their respective villages to be active partners of PCTC in developing localized program is their respective village , like community herbal gardens and home remedies, organic farming practices. They are also involved in Rehabilitation programs for people with disability. We get good response from them and they can be the future resource in every village. Thanks to Marie Jose Wouters and Henry Verdonk and family for their generous contribution to develop village libraries for these children. She has contributed the royalty which she had received for her book on St. Nicholas.

Christian Tingry and his wife who were with us at the beginning of 2009 had been instrumental to get a volunteer for our Bio- farm for two years through SCD, France. They also a made a short film on PCTC, which we would be happy to share with you. In January 2010 a group 8 French friends will be our first guests as part of rural Tourism Program for 15 days.

Ruedi Meier as usual paid two visits to the Center. During the Second visit Cecile his wife accompanied him, Thanks to him and all the Swiss friends who were instrumental in mobilizing support for all our new initiatives. Once again with his guidance we will be able to find support for a water sump ( 20000 liters) to store potable water to all the people and the children with disability in the campus. The sale of shawls and Smell bags with lavender brings in continues support to the center. We are on the look out for more buyers for our smell bags.

Now at the center a new structure (3000 S. Feet) for Vocational training to promote traditional crafts is coming up and we are hoping to complete it by March 2010.

To formalize the different training program we are giving, two of staff attended teachers training program on “ Community College”, which will help us to consolidate our efforts to give diploma program in Computer Education, Dress making and sustainable agriculture for the present. We would concentrate more in this program in the coming years so that the best can be given to the least. Depending on the response from people, we would initiate more number of informal training programs to the local target population.

A brief visit of Gavin Smith and Julia Kostic from UK has come in the right time to work on this Program. They are also initiating steps to organize a “Friends of PCTC-UK” Their contact details are: julia.kostic@db.com and gsmith@novussealing.com . For more news and updates please visit our website:www.pctcability.org and pctc blog

Just on the eve of Christmas we were happy to get the news that PCTC has been selected for the “ecological sustainability world-wide” contribution. We feel happy about this recognition and will be able to do much more in the coming years. Once again thanks to the Dutch Quaker 'church' organization for their encouragement and support to PCTC . we will try to live upto it.

We all at PCTC wish you good health and happy Christmas and a meaningful new year 2010

With much love ,

Xavier Mariadoss and the staff