Impact Spotlight
250 home solar systems for 1,500 Dalit people
Solar for 10 schools, serving over 8,500 students
Solar for 5 rural hospitals
About
Dalit families in India face significant socio-economic challenges built on centuries of religious and cultural marginalization. Historically, Dalit were known as “untouchables”, a remnant of Hindu caste systems, dictating that those born into Dalit families were segregated, with little access to education, healthcare, or job mobility. While the caste system was outlawed in 1950, the legacies of systematic marginalization still persist.
VOC Rural Development Centre is committed to empowering the marginalized rural Dalit communities in Tamil Nadu state. Over two decades, VOCRDC has been deeply integrated into these communities, using participatory methods and local partnerships to deliver critical services in housing, education, healthcare, and energy access, while respecting and promoting local cultural practices.
“Access to clean energy is not just about electricity—it’s about Dignity,
Opportunity and Justice. For our Indigenous communities, Solar power means children can study safely at night, health clinics can function reliably, and families are no longer left
behind in darkness. This project is a step toward energy equity and a future
where every household has the power to thrive.”
HF Partnership
In 2024, the Honnold Foundation helped VOCRDC bring solar energy to 50 Dalit households, 5 girls’ higher secondary schools, and 5 primary health centers in Vadipatti Taluk, Tamil Nadu, India. In 2025, a multi-year partnership will expand this work with 200 home solar installations, and solar-powered healthcare at 10 rural hospitals.
This initiative not only provides clean, reliable energy but also supports community education and skill development programs to ensure long-term impact—enhancing living conditions, improving education, and promoting economic empowerment.
In the News
