Man behind the Concept: Msgr. Augustine Kandathil
The Save A Family Plan (SAFP) program, initiated by Msgr. Augustine Kandathil in 1965, holds a significant place in the efforts to alleviate poverty and improve the lives of the underprivileged. Inspired by Pope Paul VI’s call during the Ecucharistic Congress in Mumbai in December 1964, Msgr. Augustine Kandathil, a priest of the Archdiocese of Ernakulam, founded SAFP as a response to the Pope’s appeal for the peaceful eradication of poverty in countries like India.
With the support of a few like-minded professors from St. Thomas University in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada, SAFP was established with five benefactors who pledged to assist one poor family each in India. Over time, SAFP transitioned from being a charity to becoming a systematic development program aimed at sustainable development for families and communities.
UPI ID: thedirectormalanka.10003928@csbpay
Authorities and Implementation
The Save A Family Plan program operates through two entities: SAFP Canada and SAFP India. SAFP Canada serves as the funding agency, while SAFP India, based in Aiswarygram, Ernakulam District, Kerala, oversees the program’s implementation at the national level. Registered as a Trust under the Indian Trust Act 1992, SAFPI acts as a mediator between SAFP Canada and various NGOs in India.
SAFPI selects deserving NGOs from different dioceses in states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, and Maharashtra to execute the program. Donors from Canada and the USA are identified by SAFP Canada to provide financial aid to those in need. SAFPI currently partners with around 35 Christian diocese-based NGOs, empowering them to carry out the Save A Family Plan program. SAFPI also retains the right to recall the program from NGOs that are not effectively fulfilling their responsibilities.
The Role of Malankara Social Service Society (MSSS) in Save A Family Plan
Malankara Social Service Society (MSSS) has played a crucial role in implementing the Save A Family Plan program. SAFP initially launched its program on a state level in collaboration with MSSS. Over the last 50 years, MSSS has positively impacted the lives of more than 25,000 families through this program.
Through Save A Family Plan, families are selected by donors from Canada for a period of six years. MSSS facilitates the monthly financial aid provided by the donors, with each family receiving 1,000 Indian rupees per month, although donors may contribute additional amounts based on the family’s needs. Currently, MSSS supports 300 families monthly through the Save A Family Plan program.
The program focuses on nine targeted areas within the —-, divided into three regions:—–. Each region comprises a specific set of panchayats, municipalities, and corporations where MSSS operates to select deserving families.
Program Implementation and Selection Process
Under the Save A Family Plan program, each NGO appoints a team of four staff members responsible for its implementation. This team includes a Coordinator and three Animators chosen by the respective NGO. The Coordinator receives guidance from the NGO’s director and ensures compliance with SAFPI’s rules and regulations. They also update the family details in a software called DDMS, developed by the Canadian office. This system enables stakeholders, including SAFPI officials, benefactors, and SAFPI, to assess the progress of each partner family.
The Animators, who work in the field, provide support and empowerment to the partner families. They conduct regular visits, evaluate the families’ growth, and hold meetings to provide instructions for achieving various goals. SAFPI allocates specific areas to each NGO to prevent duplication in family selection. Each Animator is responsible for three panchayats/municipalities/corporations and handles a maximum of 100 families from the designated areas. This way, each NGO manages 300 families through three Animators across nine work areas simultaneously.
When a family completes six years of financial assistance through SAFP, they exit the program, making space for another deserving family.
Criteria for Family Entry into the Program
To be eligible for the Save A Family Plan – Family Development Program, families must meet specific criteria. The eligibility criteria are divided into three sections:
- Mandatory Criteria (fulfill both):
- Have at least one child under the age of 13.
- Have at least one family member willing and capable of engaging in a small business initiative.
- Additional Criteria (fulfill at least one of the following):
- Women-headed family (widow/abandoned/single mother).
- Family member with cancer/HIV/AIDS/tuberculosis/leprosy.
- Differently-abled family member (with at least 40% disability).
- Supplementary Criteria (fulfill at least three of the following):
- Belong to Below Poverty Line (BPL).
- Lack a sanitary latrine or have a defective one.
- Lack access to safe drinking water (more than 500 meters away from the place of use).
- Reside in inadequate shelter/homeless/poor quality roofing.
Benefits of Save A Family Plan
The Save A Family Plan program offers several benefits to partner families, including:
- Financial aid provided for six years (72 months).
- Monthly Family Facilitation Team (FFT) meetings to assess family progress and address special needs.
- Periodical monitoring visits by Animators and the Coordinator to evaluate partner family development.
- Entrepreneurship Development Program (EDP) training to support sustainable livelihoods.
- Formation of a Family Action Team (FAT) comprising community leaders, religious figures, and PRI members to promote family well-being through group work.
- Regional Level Meetings (RLM) and orientation classes on social matters, government policies, and programs to facilitate progressive growth.
- Access to healthcare facilities through health insurance schemes and other initiatives.
- Participation in self-help groups and social empowerment groups to enhance societal engagement.
- Promotion of vegetable gardening for a sustainable and eco-friendly environment.
- Teaching and assistance in mobilizing local resources for family empowerment.
The Save A Family Plan program, guided by the vision of Msgr. Augustine Kandathil, continues to transform the lives of families across India. By providing financial aid, training, and support, the program empowers families to overcome poverty, achieve self-reliance, and build a better future.