History

Keezhmadu, located in the outskirts of Aluva town in Ernakulam district, was chosen in 1981 to house the initial stages of formation to Salesian life. Later in 1995 this became the post novitiate formation house with studies in philosophy as well as graduation in religion and humanities. The institution today has also other programmes of social and religious nature through development interventions and animation of a parish church

Integral human advancement has been the main intent of the Salesian work in our area. Educational progress and economic development have been the two chief areas of involvement.

The social and development activities conducted here are:

Daily Youth Centre: The youth centre has a membership of about 75 youth. They attend the youth center on a daily basis. The youth centre offers facilities for outdoor games such as Football and cricket, and indoor games such as caroms and chess. The youth also get ample opportunities for self development and growth. The annual membership day is held on August 15. Application forms are distributed well in advance. The members take oath on that day.

The Youth centre also takes initiative in the areas of sports and the annual football matches conducted are one of it s popular activities.

Sunday Outreach: Besides the daily youth centre functioning in the premises of Don Bosco - Aluva, the students in formation organize recreational and educational activities in four villages around. Each of these is attended by 20 to 25 youngsters.   One of these four centres is a recent initiative intended to cater to a large group of migrant youth from North India who have taken up jobs in certain companies in and around. Steps are being taken to attract them and gather them to form a club.  At present, facilities for sports activities are being offered.

The School for the Blind: The students reach out on Sundays to the students of a residential school for the blind. These students are being assisted in their educational requirements and recreational needs.

The Parish under the care of Don Bosco Aluva reaches out primarily to 171 Catholic families, and through its social and development activities to all in need in the locality. The many programmes of saving and credit groups, income generation activities and emergency support are organized with high level of participation of the people

 
Self-Employment  Units:

Yuvadeepthi Enterprises is a concrete hollow block unit began by 12 young men. Now it has two units namely Yuvadeepti and United enterprises

Bosco Clay Products, by 8 young men, produces and markets clay products such as tiles and flower pots.

Savio Mosaic and Tiles, started by 6 young men, undertakes mosaic works and interlocking bricks.

Sahrudaya Vanitha Products, started by seven women from seven different families, produce and market special sweets and bakery items to serve the local market.

Sahrudaya Kshema Sangha (SKS) functions as a credit union among the womenfolk of the area.

 These units have not only provided employment and livelihood opportunity to the partners nut also generated many jobs in the area. These enterprises have all grown and does make a difference in the well being of the area. This has also generated leadership and a strong community.
 

The Impact

There has been visible improvement in the area of education. From having only a single graduate in 1981, most young people today pursue higher education due to the various efforts of awareness and support. Many have gained useful employment through job oriented courses and support the livelihood of the family. The business ventures have positively contributed to a better economic situation through decent housing, education and health care for family members etc. There has been also much improvement in the areas of transport and communication.