Field Action Program: Bringing the Invisible Children of Darkness to Light

Prince Solomon, PhD, MSW; Sharlin Sara Thomas, MSW & Samuel D. Jairaj, MSW | September 22 | 10:15-11:15 am

Topic: International, Programming | Knowledge Level: Beginner

Irulars, meaning children of darkness (Thurston, E., 1909), are among the most vulnerable indigenous communities of India (Ganesh, 2021). Their vulnerability stems from their innocence, low literacy levels, and livelihood options (Solomon, 2018). The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (2015) mandates the Right to Life, Survival, Development, and Participation. But in reality, Irulars are far from it. During the 2015 Chennai Floods, Irulars were one of the most affected, yet systematically excluded, communities. The Department of Social Work (Aided), Madras Christian College, India identified this injustice. Here began the Field Action Program (FAP), a departmental initiative to provide the Irulars with the knowledge, skills, and resources to claim their own civil and human rights (Self Advocacy). The FAP team, so far, has built houses and installed solar lamps and potable water tanks through multi-stakeholder collaborations. Irulars have historically been deprived of basic identity proofs and governmental provisions. Identifying this gap, FAP team liaisons, along with the government, provided Irulars with Aadhar Cards (community certificates). Community empowerment is a major agenda of FAP. Livelihood training and skill development programs have therefore been conducted. The road ahead for the Irulars is very wide. There is a need to build indigenous community leaders to sustain the rights-based activities and build a community participatory model of social development.

Presentation Objectives:

· Discuss the current state of indigenous communities in South India with special reference to the Irular community

· Describe the Field Action Program (FAP)

· Enumerate the various programs conducted by the FAP for the benefit of the Irular community

· Explain the steps needed to make the Irular community empowered and self-reliant

About the Presenters

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Prince Solomon, PhD, MSW

Prince Solomon is currently a visiting scholar at the School of Social Work, University of Michigan, USA. With 21 years of teaching experience, he is the Fieldwork Coordinator and the Dean of Student Affairs for the college. His expertise includes Mezzo Practice Skills, Community Development Practice, and Tribal and Indigenous Development.

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Sharlin Sara Thomas, MSW

Sharlin Sara Thomas is a social work graduate with work experience in indigenous and tribal people development during her academic years. She has worked exclusively with indigenous people of South India and various groups. Her roles included resource mobilization, participatory rural appraisal, research, fundraising, advocacy, and documentation.

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Samuel D. Jairaj, MSW

Samuel Jairaj is a social work graduate with professional experience in community empowerment of indigenous communities of South India. He has worked exclusively towards deriving indigenous people rights by lobbying with government officials, livelihood resource mobilization through multi-stakeholder collaboration, and disaster relief activities. His expertise lies in community mobilization.

2022Anna SchrammSeptember 22, 2022Prince Solomon, PhD, MSW; Sharlin Sara Thomas, MSW & Samuel D. Jairaj, MSW22:10:15