Date: February 2023
Amount: $8,320

The Action for Community Transformation India Foundation Trust (ACTIF Trust) was founded on 1995 with its prime focus to support tribal communities in Tamilnadu, India and other marginalized communities with education, health, livelihood, wildlife conservation, and basic human rights. The mission of the organization is to empower and sustain the development of marginalized communities. Current programs include Basic Astronomical Sciences, STEM Education for School Children, Computer Education to Girl Children and Youths, Tribal Development, and Anti-Violence Against Women and Girls.

With this grant, ACTIF Trust will introduce amateur radio to rural populations, especially to women, students of all ages, educators, and government and non-government organizations. ACTIF Trust will use the existing structure of Common Service Centers (CSCs), run by certified Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs). Up to 30 VLEs will be trained and licensed as amateur radio operators, and they, in turn, will act as ambassadors, spreading the word about amateur radio and its usefulness to rural populations.

Update

Action for Community Transformation India Foundation Trust (ACTIF Trust) seeks to serve impoverished and marginalized citizens of tribal communities in Tamilnadu, India through educational, healthcare, and other related efforts in order to improve their way of life. Many of these programs include initiatives centered around increasing educational opportunities for women and children. ACTIF Trust sought to utilize existing resources (Common Service Centers) that are run by Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs). VLEs are older teenagers and young adults who have received training and certification from Indian government entities that allows them to assist those less fortunate in accessing necessary digital resources (such as for banking, insurance, social benefits, etc.). ACTIF Trust reached out to ARDC for a grant to assist 30 VLEs in obtaining amateur radio licensing, and in turn these licensees will educate interested area residents (with a focus on women and children) into the world of amateur radio and its inherent benefits.

The five month plan centered around five basic goals:

• Identification of 30 VLEs to receive amateur radio instruction and licensing
• Recruitment of trainers and curriculum development
• Purchase of radio equipment and training materials
• The 12-day training course needed to prepare VLEs for license exams
• Support in travel to testing location and obtaining of license

At first, there was some reluctance in convincing rural youth to participate. Other challenges included the long distance to the testing location as well as governmental bureaucracy involved. In the end though, more than 50 participated in the training efforts which included participation by 30 youth as well as 23 Red Cross Society members and teachers. Of the 53 total who participated, 25 of them had obtained licensing by mid-2024. A local club was formed and there are ongoing efforts to train additional licensees.

Learn more at http://actiftrust.weebly.com.