MUTHOLATH NAGAR

Agape Bhavan

At Agape Bhavan, located in Cherpunkal, Kottayam district, our mission is to empower individuals with disabilities by providing them with equal opportunities and comprehensive training. As the regional center of the esteemed Kottayam Social Service Society (KSSS), we are committed to fostering self-reliance, self-sufficiency, and a sense of belonging in our participants.

Our primary objective is to offer vocational training, support group meetings, and income generation programs for individuals with disabilities in Cherpunkal and nearby villages. Many of the children and youths who come to Agape Bhavan have experienced neglect and marginalization from their families, society, and peers. We aim to create a nurturing and inclusive environment where they can receive education, care, and love before returning to their homes in the evening.

Our dedicated team of specialized field workers in community-based rehabilitation (CBR) works tirelessly to enhance the health, skills, and self-esteem of our participants. We believe in focusing on their strengths and fostering their individual potential, which helps their families appreciate and cherish them with affection and understanding.

History of Agape Bhavan

Fr. Abraham Mutholath had started Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) groups for women, children (Smart Groups), unmarried girls (Madonna Groups), widows (Naomi Groups) farmers, physically and mentally challenged and their families (CBR Groups), and senior citizens while he was the director of KSSS from 1994 to 2000. While serving in Los Angeles, Fr. Mutholath received an application on July 30, 2002 from the senior citizens’ group of his home village Cherpunkal requesting to financially support them to build a room for their gathering instead of meeting in the houses of members. They said they would acquire two cents of land for the building.

Meeting of the Senior Citizens at Cherpunkal to discuss with Fr. Mutholath on their proposed building.

During his visit to Kerala, Fr. Mutholath met with the senior citizens’ group at Cherpunkal. Since their plan was to lease the land for building, Fr. Mutholath offered to purchase the land and meet the expense for the construction. While searching for the land, he found that 39 cents land was available for sale. He bought the entire plot of land and made a master plan for a regional social service center at Cherpunkal in consultation with Fr. Michal Vettikkatt, the then secretary of Kottayam Social Service Society.

Fr. Abraham Mutholath laid the foundation stone for Agape Centre, along with KSSS director Fr. Michael Vettikkatt and vicar of Cherpunkal Sts. Peter and Paul Church Fr. Mathew Mavelil in the presence of regional animators and self-help group leaders on December 28, 2002.

First a classroom was constructed for the initial functioning of the institution. Its blessing and inauguration were held on January 10, 2003. Fr. Abraham Mutholath blessed the building. Msgr. Jacob Kollaparambil presided over the meeting and Mr. Stephen George MLA inaugurated the building.

A Day Care Center for the mentally and physically disabled children was started on August 16, 2004. There were only four children at the initial stage. Transpiration facility is arranged to bring students from their homes and to drop them back in the evenings. Eventually, the number of students and activities have increased to 26.

Considering the need for more rooms, the second stage of construction was started on June 30, 2005. The blessing and inauguration of the completed building of Agape Bhavan was held, along with Silver Jubilee of the priestly ordination of Fr. Abraham Mutholath, on January 2, 2006. Fr. Mutholath handed over the 39 cents of land along with Agape Centre to KSSS during this function. His Grace Mar Kuriakose Kunnacherry blessed Agape Centre and presided over the meeting that followed. Hon. Revenue Minister of Kerala Mr. K.M. Mani inaugurated the meeting. Auxiliary Bishop Mar Mathew Moolakkatt, Fr. Michael Vettikkatt, Thomas Chazhikadan MLA, Stephen George MLA, Fr. Siju Mudakkodil spoke on the occasion. Agape Award was given to Joy and Shila Chemmachel and Jose and Mary Pinarkayil to honor their charitable contributions to the community. The function was well attended by over 2,000 people. Agape Center and the nearby streets were well decorated. The 26 students of Agape Center and self-help group members presented cultural programs to entertain the audience.

Purpose of Agape Bhavan

Agape Bhavan – A Rehabilitation Center for the Differently Abled

At Agape Bhavan, in Cherpunkal, Kottayam district, our mission is to empower individuals with disabilities by providing them with equal opportunities and comprehensive training. As the regional center of the esteemed Kottayam Social Service Society (KSSS), we are committed to fostering self-reliance, self-sufficiency, and a sense of belonging in our participants.

Our primary aim is to offer vocational training, support group meetings, and income generation programs for individuals with disabilities in Cherpunkal and nearby villages. Many of the children and youths who come to Agape Bhavan have experienced neglect and marginalization from their families, society, and peers. We aim to create a nurturing and inclusive environment where they can receive education, care, and love before returning to their homes in the evening.

The purpose of Agape Bhavan revolves around several essential goals:

Equal Opportunities: We strive to provide equal opportunities and maximum engagement to all members of the Self-Help Groups (SHG) of KSSS, especially those with disabilities.

Comprehensive Development: Through awareness and training initiatives, we aim to promote the comprehensive development of the rural population.

Self-Reliance: Our focus is on encouraging self-reliance in individuals with disabilities by imparting various life skills.

Preventive Care: We also actively work to raise awareness among parents about preventive care and remedial measures to avoid disabilities.

Vocational Training: Agape Bhavan functions as a vocational training institute, equipping individuals with disabilities with skills to enhance their economic stability.

Activities

There is an assembly held for the students every day and a yoga session for three quarters of an hour. The students are divided into three classes and training is imparted according to their mental capacity along with physiotherapy. In the afternoon session a prayer is followed by classes on, Moral science, Personality development and Cultural activities.

Classes and seminars are arranged for teachers every month. C.R.C (Case Review Committee) meetings were held twice every month. Case history and Individual training methods were discussed in that meeting. Seminars are also conducted for parents and siblings of these students. Once in three months PTA (Parents Teachers Association) meeting is conducted to plan and evaluate the school activities.

Special celebrations like Onam, Independence Day, Republic Day, and Christmas are celebrated with students and parents with speech by dignitaries and cultural programs by the children. The school received honors for competitions for special schools in the state.

Besides physical training of the differently abled, different vocational training is also arranged for their economic stability. The vocational training includes Book Production, paper bag making, screen printing, cover making and binding unit functions in this centre. The notebooks and paper bags are supplied from the center to the local educational institutions and hospitals. These provide opportunities for income generation to the disabled members and to the neighboring villagers.

Outcome of the Centre

The local people wholeheartedly welcomed the institution. They are happy that the differently abled children and youth are taken care of in their midst while keeping up their relationship with their families and community. Considering the humanitarian aspect of the project, the architect of the building made his service a voluntary contribution. In the parents meeting of the students, some parents expressed their gratitude with emotion in offering such a service. Some of them shared how their burdens are lessened with the establishment of the institution, how the lifestyle of their children has changed, and how they are able to raise income for their families. The parents expressed their willingness to do voluntary service for the institution whenever they can do so.

Fr. Abraham Mutholath received request from Senior Citizens’ group at Cherpunkal seeking help to build a meeting room for them.
Fr. Abraham Mutholath bought 39 cents of land from Prof. Thomas Vadakkethottiyil for the construction of Agape Centre.
Fr. Abraham Mutholath laid the foundation stone for Agape Centre.

Videos

KVTV ” കരുണാർദ്ര മിഴികളിൽ ” Fr. Abraham mutholath Documentary 2018 Intro.

Agape Bhavan Inauguration at Cherpunkal on January 2, 2006. Part 1/3

Agape Bhavan Inauguration at Cherpunkal on January 2, 2006. Part 2/3

Agape Bhavan Inauguration at Cherpunkal on January 2, 2006. Part 3/3

Agape Bhavan Inauguration at Cherpunkal on January 2, 2006.

Photos

Agape Bhavan Cherpunkal Activities.

Agape Family Renewal Program Inauguration on January 27, 2012 at Good Samaritan Centre, Cherpunkal.

CBR Family Gathering on February 28, 2013 at Good Samaritan Centre, Cherpunkal.