MST Brazil Delegation Visits ULCCS to Explore Synergies in Community Development

KOCHI:

A delegation from Brazil’s Landless Rural Workers’ Movement (Movimento dos Trabalhadores Rurais Sem Terra – MST), led by Judite dos Santos, Head of the International Department, visited the Uralungal Labour Contract Co-operative Society (ULCCS). The visit, marking the first in-person interaction between the leadership of both organisations following preparatory discussions, focused on exploring possibilities for cooperation in community-led development, traditional knowledge systems, cultural heritage preservation, education and sustainable livelihoods.

During the day-long programme, the delegation was received by M. M. Surendran, Acting Chairman of ULCCS, and held detailed discussions with Shaju S, Managing Director, at the Nadapuram Road Head Office on ULCCS’s century-long cooperative journey and its diversified initiatives. The delegation also visited ULCCS Centenary LP School, where they explored the cooperative’s community-oriented approach to education and its efforts to create an inclusive, activity-based learning environment for children.
The visiting team further toured the Madithatt initiative and the Sargaalaya Arts & Crafts Village at Iringal, gaining insights into community engagement, artisan support systems, traditional arts, and sustainable livelihood models. The programme concluded with a live Kalaripayattu demonstration, highlighting the importance of preserving and promoting traditional knowledge and cultural practices.

Discussions centred on developing long-term frameworks for knowledge exchange, strengthening community-based livelihood and craft ecosystems, promoting education and cultural heritage, and exploring opportunities for collaboration between MST and ULCCS in India and Brazil. The visit marked an important step towards building a meaningful partnership between two organisations with strong commitments to community empowerment, collective action, and sustainable development. A ULCCS delegation is also expected to undertake a reciprocal visit to Brazil as part of the future collaboration.