Koottu

Koottu, meaning "together" in Malayalam, is a collaborative initiative of Vincentian Social Services, the Kerala State AIDS Control Society (KSACS), and district-level networks of people affected or infected with HIV. The program supports children living with or affected by HIV, aiming to break the barriers of poverty, stigma, and social exclusion.

 Program Objectives:

• Ensure access to education and essential supplies for children impacted by HIV

• Address psychosocial challenges through targeted interventions

• Empower adolescents with life skills, legal awareness, and digital literacy

 Key Interventions:

• Educational Scholarships and academic material support

• Celebration of festivals to foster inclusion and joy

• Life skills workshops for confidence, emotional growth & decision-making

• Legal awareness sessions on child rights and protection laws

• Digital skill training: Python Programming workshops in Kottayam & Thiruvananthapuram

• Public awareness surveys to inform future HIV-related advocacy

 Geographic Reach:

Children and adolescents from Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam, Kannur, Kozhikode, Kasaragod, Wayanad, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Malappuram, and Palakkad participated in the various activities spearheaded by Vincentian Social Services.

Impact Summary:

Koottu goes beyond charity—it nurtures a generation of resilient and capable children, equipped to rise above adversity. By integrating education, mental well-being, legal literacy, and digital empowerment, Koottu builds hope, dignity, and equity for some of the most vulnerable children in Kerala.