'Paalam' is the Tamil word for bridge. Our Paalams are an attempt to create structures within the rural communities that can serve as a platform for different activities aimed at helping the people to help themselves. ACDC is working towards creating a stronger and more dynamic partnership with local inhabitants following the mutual goal of regional development. As an initial step to forming such a partnership, we established Paalams in 17 fishing communities and 17 inland villages.

The Paalam is being formed by two or three male representatives from each village (selected by the local leaders), who meet regularly with ACDC field staff to share information and organize activities together. The Paalams act as a link between the villages, the various projects, the Government and other NGOs.

This cooperation between ACDC field staff and the village Paalams will help to enhance the capacity for effective management of the integral development of the surrounding villages.

Men's Self Help Groups (MSHG):

Presently there are 32 MSHG with approximately 575 members.

MSHGs have two main functions:

- Savings. Please go to the following link for more information Micro Finance
- Micro projects.

These two activities enable the MSHGs to become agents of change in their respective villages.

Micro Projects: Micro Projects are initiated by the MSHGs. The groups discuss problems within the villages and identify small projects which improve the social, cultural, environmental, health and economic conditions. Once the SHG identifies a project, they estimate the cost of the project and submit a proposal. The communities have to contribute towards one-third of the project-costs either in-kind or in cash.

After approval of the Micro Project, the SHGs initiate and implement the projects on their own. Some of the projects include:

- Waste water management,
- Repairing street taps and lights,
- Supporting educational workshops for students;
- Solid waste management;
- Road repairs;
- AIDS awareness programme;
- Capacity building in the form of training workshops for the Paalam members in leadership, health and sanitation etc.
- Providing furniture for the schools;

In the last 6 months 20 micro projects have been completed.

Education: Night Schools are a good tool to improve educational opportunities. They are free of charge, and poverty indicators are used to select students. For the majority of students, doing their studies and homework is difficult because of restricted living conditions, family duties and a lack of electricity. The Night school provide an alternative for these students on two levels: offering a safe and undisturbed learning environment as well as the support of teachers who are trained in alternative educational skills.

These schools operate five evenings per week from 6 p.m to 8 p.m. Night schools are usually initiated by MSHGs. The MSHGs identify a site for the Night School, design a simple hut, get estimates on materials and submit a proposal to ACDC. The SHG then uses their work-force to construct the building. The MSHGs, with the assistance of the ACDC field staff identify suitable teachers from the village. Night school teachers are regularly trained in various aspects of teaching methodologies, classroom management, etc.

Sports Training:
ACDC and Sports Sans Frontieres (SSF), a French organisation are working together in initiating and implementing a sports programme for the village youth. So far approximately 300 youths from 12 different villages are participating in the programme