AParticipatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) session was conducted by the department ofSocial Work, Mercy College, Palakkad on 27th December 2025 at Ward19, Koduvayur Panchayat. Mr. Joshi Kurian C, Assistant Professor and Head ofthe Department, St. Mary’s College, Thrissur led the workshop with theobjective of familiarizing students with participatory tools and techniques.These tools enable communities to analyze their own resources, challenges, andneeds, facilitating effective community engagement and development.
Thesession involved hands-on exercises in community mapping, problem ranking, andresource identification, providing trainees with practical insight intocommunity assessment and participatory planning. Through these activities,students gained a deeper understanding of community dynamics and thesignificance of involving local members in development initiatives.
ThePRA session strengthened the student’s ability to facilitate community-leddevelopment processes, enhancing their understanding of the importance ofcollaborative planning and local participation. The session was deemed highlyinformative and enriching, with students benefiting from Mr. Joshi Kurian C’sexpertise and guidance. The program coordinated by Ms. Sruthimol K, faculty,Ms. Navya P and Ms. Nikitha K, student coordinators.
TheDepartment of Social Work appreciates Mr. Joshi Kurian C for sharing hisexpertise and contributing to the student’s understanding of participatoryapproaches to community development. The skills and knowledge gained from this sessionare expected to enhance the trainees’ effectiveness in community-basedinterventions.
