COURTALLAM TAMIL NADU

The town of waterfalls - Courtallam otherwise known as Kutralam is situated on the Western Ghats in Thirunelveli District of Tamil Nadu, India. The numerous waterfalls and cascades along with the health resorts in the area have earned it the title of the Spa of South India . The closest towns to Courtallam are Sengottai and Tenkasi at 5 kilometres respectively. The three major waterfalls reachable by road are the Main Falls, Five Falls, and Old Courtallam Falls. Other waterfalls like Shenbaga Devi Falls and Honey Falls are reachable only by trekking on the mountain. Today Courtallam has become a centre of attraction - people from far and wide visit the locations to enjoy the nature. Work camps here will be organised with the cooperation of local community for rural development and water shed management, environmental education and working together with local villages in rural development projects. Most of the schools lack basic infrastructure like school building, education material, playground and drinking water. Volunteers can make a big difference in the daily lives of these children by providing the necessities listed above. The work camp will involve teaching children from poor and marginalized community in the formal and non-formal schools about basic English and Mathematics, Health and Hygiene, and Environmental protection through creative learning methods like art, music, games etc. There will also be house visits and meetings with local people as part of inter-cultural learning and to give awareness on health and hygiene. Volunteers can take the school children to places in the town like picnics and exposure visits. In addition, volunteers also will get a chance to take part in simple renovation work at local schools/orphanages and engage in activities like painting, tree plantation, promoting rainwater harvesting etc. As part of the cultural exchange, volunteers will witness and participate in the cultural programs with local community.