SPEECH
mduspeech@gmail.com Ezhil Nagar, Iyer Bungalow, Madurai-14.

Themes of Our Work

Child Rights Protection

Ensuring safety, security and a protected childhood for every child.

Women Empowerment

Supporting women to lead, earn and sustain change in families.

Education Support

Helping children access learning opportunities and safe schooling.

Health & Nutrition

Promoting better health systems and nutritional support in communities.

Livelihood Development

Skill development and income generation for sustainable futures.

Climate & Environment

Resilient communities adapting to climate change for a greener tomorrow.

Our 30-Year Journey

Since 1994, what began as a mission to rescue children from hazardous labour in Sivakasi has become a movement that empowered 27,000+ children and 50,000+ families across six blocks in Virudhunagar district.

1,500+

Children rescued and re-enrolled in schools

100%

Increase in school enrolment

92%

Pursuing higher education

99.9%

Reduction in child labour & child marriage

Community-Led Models that Worked

Ten models emerged from community life — empowering women, children, and local governance.

Children's Parliaments

Empowering children to lead, voice issues, and shape community action.

Creative Learning Centres

Nurturing joyful learning and creativity beyond traditional schooling.

Women SHG Federations

650+ SHGs now drive social, economic, and governance changes.

Bio-intensive Gardens

Addressing malnutrition through community-led agriculture.

Oxy Parks

14 green spaces created as symbols of climate leadership.

Higher Education Committees

Community support for youth pursuing college education.

Transforming Lives & Systems

From individual households to entire ecosystems, creating lasting change

  • 62,000+ trees planted & 22 water bodies restored

    Building climate resilience through community action

  • 60 villages now practice social & gender inclusion

    Overcoming long-standing caste divisions

  • 45% youth gainfully employed or self-employed

    Breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty

  • Women lead Panchayats & federations

    Transforming decision-making spaces

  • 14 Oxy Parks as symbols of climate leadership

    Community-led environmental initiatives

Community Empowerment

Communities Leading the Way Forward

After 30 years, the people of rural Tamil Nadu now lead their own change - with SPEECH as a guide and ally. This is not the end - it's a milestone in an ongoing journey of resilience and empowerment.

30

Years of Partnership

27,000+

Children Empowered

50,000+

Families Transformed