CODEP is short for Community Development Program and ITI means Industrial Trainin Institute.

CODEP is a program under the Diocese of Vellore and a unit of Vellore Social Service Society, VSSS. The diocese covers an area of 12.265 km2 and has a population of more than 500.000.It belongs to a poor part of Tamil Nadu and more that 50 pct. of the population in the diocese are living below the official poverty line.

The students of CODEP ITI are selected among the poorest families in the area; that means they come from families with a total income per year around 10.000 rupees. They are the first ones in their family to get an education. The students are Dalits boys, and they come from the Hindu, Christian and Muslim communities.

By selecting the Dalit students and give them education, we will improve their standard of living by giving them opportunities to make an income for themselves and for his family in the future.

CODEP ITI was founded in 1989 with one trade, motor mechanic vehicle, and a hostel with the objective of training the dalits and marginalized youths in the area to have skilled training. That means the school fees are very low compared to other educational institutions so as many as possible can afford the school fees.

CODEP ITI is approved by the Central Government and is recognized as one of the best ITI’s in the state.

Up to now around 600 students have graduated as motor mechanics and more than 90 pct. of them are working in the trade inIndia and abroad. Some are employed and others have started their own company or work shop.

Source: http://codepiti.wordpress.com/about-us/