SIMCODESS

Empowering Rural Communities in Tamil Nadu, India

Our Programs

Empowering Communities through Sustainability

Simcodess focuses on improving the livelihoods of rural communities through sustainable agriculture, women's empowerment, and rural development initiatives.
By fostering self-sufficiency and resilience, we aim to build a brighter, more sustainable future.

SIMCODESS promoting organic farming and water conservation in Tamil Nadu, India.

Sustainable Agriculture

Fostering eco-friendly farming practices.

Empowering rural farmers with organic farming techniques, water conservation practices, and tribal knowledge to enhance soil fertility and biodiversity. We work to ensure sustainable food production and long-term environmental resilience.

Women’s Empowerment

Supporting women's economic growth.

Providing rural women with microcredit programs, livestock support, and vocational training to enhance financial independence. Our initiatives help women develop sustainable livelihoods, support their families, and contribute to community growth.

SIMCODESS supporting rural women in Tamil Nadu, India through microcredit and vocational training.

Rural Community Development

Building resilient rural communities.

Supporting rural communities through educational programs, infrastructure improvements, and community resource centers. We aim to uplift underprivileged areas by providing access to education, skills training, and economic opportunities.

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Who We Are

Dalit woman benefiting from SIMCODESS empowerment programs.

About us

Since 1990, Sirumalai Evergreen Multipurpose Community Development Society (SIMCODESS) has been dedicated to supporting vulnerable communities in Tamil Nadu, South India. Through sustainable agricultural practices and women’s empowerment initiatives, we work to uplift small-scale farmers, women, and children. Our focus includes promoting organic farming and fostering environmental conservation.

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Key Areas of Impact

PROMOTING
SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

By implementing organic farming techniques, we enhance food security, reduce reliance on harmful chemicals, conserve water, and protect local ecosystems.

ADVOCATING

FOR VULNERABLE

GROUPS

Through education and community-led programs, we prevent child labor, protect women from exploitation, and advocate for the rights of vulnerable populations.

FOSTERING

GENDER EQUALITY

By providing education, vocational training, and access to microcredit, we empower women to achieve economic independence and improve their livelihoods.

Sustainable Impact in Numbers

28,000

Woody trees planted by local school students

26,700

Seed balls sown in forest areas and hills

27,850

Palmyra seeds planted across the district

57

Mini check dams installed for rainwater harvesting

36

Miyawaki forests enstablished.

Events

Palmyra Palm Tree Seed Sowing Project

October 16, 2024
Over the past three years, Simcodess has facilitated the planting of 27,850 Palmyra palm seeds across the Dindigul district, including 5,350 seeds sown in 2024. The project focuses on enhancing environmental sustainability and involving local communities in reforestation efforts.
Farmers and youth from selected villages, with 60% of participants being women, were actively involved in the process. Seeds were sourced from reliable providers, and the planting was carried out by villagers who prepared the land, applied bio-manure, and planted the seeds in strategic locations to ensure optimal growth.

Farmer distributing saplings to local farmers for SIMCODESS’s Miyawaki forest project in rural South India. The initiative involves six villages, promoting biodiversity and sustainability by planting native tree species. Supported by local institutions and the NREGA program, the project focuses on ecological restoration and community involvement.

Miyawaki Forest Initiative

October 14, 2024
Every year, Simcodess undertakes the establishment of Miyawaki forests in rural areas, contributing to biodiversity and environmental restoration. Farmers from six villages participate annually, planting native tree species using the Miyawaki method, known for creating dense, fast-growing forests that restore ecosystems.
The project actively involves the local community, including children, youth, women, and farmers. Maintenance is carried out by workers employed under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA), who ensure that the saplings are watered and tended to regularly. Local self-governing bodies, called Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), provide essential coordination and support.
This ongoing initiative highlights Simcodess’s long-term commitment to sustainable practices and ecological restoration in the region.

SIMCODESS Project Manager Leem Speaking to Students at GTN College, Dindigul - Empowering Women Through Education and Community Leadership

Seminar on Women’s Empowerment and Inclusivity at GTN College, Dindigul

September 20, 2024
Simcodess took part in a seminar on Women’s Empowerment and Inclusivity at GTN College, organized by the Departments of Social Work and Economics. The event focused on key issues surrounding gender equality and the empowerment of women in India.
Mr. Viswasam Gnana Arockiyam, Director of Simcodess, and Mrs. Maria Rose Leema, a senior member of the organization, spoke about the connection between ecology, women’s rights, and the efforts being made to improve gender equality in rural areas. They shared insights into the challenges faced by women in these regions and discussed the initiatives Simcodess is leading to support and empower women at the community level.
The seminar offered students and faculty a chance to engage with these important topics and sparked meaningful conversations on how inclusivity plays a crucial role in shaping India's future.

Mass rally and seminar at St. Theresa's Higher Secondary School for Girls in Madurai organized by SIMCODESS to raise awareness on population growth, early marriage, and sustainable practices in India.

Mass Rally in Madurai: Empowering Students on Key Social Issues

August, 22, 2024
In collaboration with St. Theresa's Higher Secondary School for Girls, Simcodess organized a mass rally and seminar in Madurai to engage students in critical discussions about India's pressing social challenges. The event focused on raising awareness about the rapid population growth, the risks of early marriage, and the importance of sustainable practices. Through these interactive sessions, young girls were encouraged to become informed and active participants in shaping a more sustainable and equitable future for India.
This initiative reflects Simcodess’s commitment to educating and empowering young women, preparing them to tackle key issues affecting their communities and country.

Distribution of organic seeds to rural farmers as part of SIMCODESS’s sustainable agriculture program in Tamil Nadu, South India

Seed Bank Distribution

August 15, 2024
Simcodess organized its annual seed bank distribution to support 25 farmers within our network. Each farmer received 1 kilogram of organic seeds, which are later returned in double after the harvest. This process ensures the diversification of seed types and helps maintain a balanced crop yield. The organic seeds provided contribute to the cultivation of organic food crops, promoting a circular, eco-friendly farming system that supports both environmental and economic resilience in rural communities.

Seed Ball Awareness Event

August 8, 2024
In collaboration with GTN College of Dindigul, Simcodess launched an initiative to raise awareness about deforestation in the district. Students from the Social Work Department participated by creating seedballs made from soil, organic manure, cow dung, and three types of native plant seeds. These seedballs were designed to be scattered in deforested areas of the Sirumalai Hills, supporting the regeneration of local ecosystems.
By October, with the onset of the rainy season - though increasingly unpredictable due to the impacts of climate change - the students returned to the Sirumalai Hills to distribute the seedballs. The rainfall created ideal conditions for germination and growth, making it a crucial time for the reforestation effort. This initiative not only aims to restore the environment but also actively involves the community in conservation practices. Through this action, students contributed to raising awareness while making a direct impact on the fight against deforestation.

Empowering Dalit women through sustainable agriculture training and advocacy for women’s rights, supported by SIMCODESS in Tamil Nadu, South India.

Women’s Rights and Sustainable Agriculture

August 16, 2024
On August 16, 2024, Simcodess partnered with a local priest from Vellodu to organize a gathering for the Vannampatty Dalit community. The event focused on two key areas: raising awareness of women's rights and providing training on sustainable agriculture. Participants were taught how to prepare organic manures and natural pesticides, offering sustainable alternatives to chemical fertilizers. This initiative aimed to empower the community by promoting eco-friendly farming practices and advancing gender equality.

Offering computer training and vocational education to underprivileged communities in Tamil Nadu, South India, fostering skills for brighter futures.

Empowering Futures through Education

13 Jan, 2024
To prevent risky situations and exploitation, Simcodess focuses on empowering young girls by providing them with opportunities to develop essential skills, build self-esteem, and generate income. The organization offers various training programs, including computer literacy, beauty care, driving lessons, nursing, fashion design, and mobile repair services. Selected participants are enrolled in relevant institutions, and their attendance and progress are closely monitored by field staff to ensure success. These efforts aim to provide long-term solutions for their personal and economic growth.

SIMCODESS supports the development of children and youth through education and skill-building activities in rural Tamil Nadu, South India.

Youth and Children's Learning Center

4 Dec, 2023
The Children and Youth Activity Center in N. Panjampatty operates from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with the primary goal of reducing school dropout rates in the village. The center reinforces formal education by reviewing the daily school syllabus and engaging children in extracurricular activities such as art, drawing, music, and dance. Currently, 42 children benefit from the center's programs. To encourage active parental involvement, monthly meetings are held with the children's parents to discuss their progress and needs.

Student-led climate action event organized by SIMCODESS in Tamil Nadu

Student-Led Climate Awareness Rally

30 Sept, 2023
A mass rally involving students from five schools was successfully organized to raise awareness about global warming and climate change, while promoting solutions and sustainable practices. The event was made possible through the strong support and cooperation of the school management, whose efforts were highly commendable. The rally attracted the attention of thousands of villagers and passersby, making a significant impact in highlighting these critical environmental issues.

Psychosocial care program by SIMCODESS for rural women in Tamil Nadu

Empowering Girls through Psycho-Social Support

15 May, 2023
The psycho-social support program aims to provide essential care to young girls working in the textile, spinning mill, and cotton industries, who are often subjected to abuse, including sexual harassment, work-related mistreatment, overtime exploitation, health issues, peer pressure, and wage delays. Due to cultural norms, many of these girls rarely express their grievances, making it difficult to seek help. Additionally, they often struggle to identify alternatives or solutions to the challenges they face. This program seeks to address these issues by offering the necessary support to help them navigate their difficult circumstances.

Women sewing training program by SIMCODESS for economic empowerment in Tamil Nadu

Building Futures through Tailoring Training

19 July, 2022
The tailoring training was held at the Simcodess office in Sempatty, using 10 sewing machines and 2 power machines acquired for the program. The nine-month course covered basic stitching and dress-making, including garments such as shirts, skirts, churidars, and blouses. After completing the basic training, participants learned to operate the power machines. Alongside tailoring, handcraft skills were also taught. A total of 20 girls attended morning sessions and 23 participated in the evening, each receiving two hours of training. This project equipped them with essential skills for their future.