About CEFEE

The Centre for Empowerment & Enrichment (CEFEE) is a Kerala-based non-profit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of marginalized communities—especially differently-abled individuals, vulnerable children, and families in need. Since 2007, CEFEE has worked at the grassroots level to build an inclusive society where every person has the opportunity to live with dignity, purpose, and joy.

Our mission is rooted in the belief that true empowerment comes not from charity, but from justice, awareness, and participation. We act as a facilitator—bringing together individuals, institutions, and communities to co-create sustainable change.

Centre for Empowerment & Enrichment, Empowering the Marginalized. Enriching Lives with Dignity

Our Journey & Milestones:

A Journey Rooted in Compassion

CEFEE's work began through the personal initiative of Dr. P. A. Mary Anitha, who started engaging with differently-abled persons and their families in 2007. What started as compassionate outreach grew into a structured, rights-based movement for inclusion and enrichment.

2009 - Initiated community events to bridge social gaps between differently-abled individuals and the broader public.
2012 - Launched "Uniquely Me", an inclusive Children's Day celebration honouring special children.
2013 - Introduced "Poovepoli", an Onam-themed celebration designed to build confidence and showcase the talents of differently-abled individuals and their mothers. Events include Pookkalamalsaram (floral design), Onappattu (traditional songs), Thiruvathirakkali (folk dance), and fancy dress competitions such as Maveli Mannan and Malayali Manka, culminating in a grand traditional Sadya (feast).
2014 - Launched "Break the Silence", a pioneering awareness campaign addressing child abuse, addiction, and cybercrime.
2014 - Introduced "LOVE, CARE, RESPECT", a support initiative for destitute mothers, offering quality time, new clothes, medical care, and entertainment-based emotional support.
2015 - Started "JYOTHI", a comprehensive disability camp providing medical care, mobility aids, and legal support.

2016 Present Expanded services to include mental health support, parent counseling, public health access, and inclusive education initiatives.
2020 - Launched "Sun Shine Smile", a relief program providing nutritional supplements and essential medicines to children with special needs and their families, with the active support of a dedicated volunteer network.
2023 - Established the Centre for Early Intervention, Rehabilitation & Research (CEIRR), a comprehensive rehabilitation project envisioned as a one-stop center for the needs of differently-abled individuals. The center is also planned to evolve into a dedicated research institute.
2024 - Launched "ABILITY ZONE", a life skills and vocational training initiative for differently-abled individuals above 18 years. The program empowers participants to lead independent and dignified lives through training in bakery, soap and cleaning lotion making, themed candle production, computer skills, sales and marketing, and essential life skill development.

These milestones reflect our growth from a small outreach group into a recognized organization championing empowerment through diverse, integrated services.

Our Approach

Over the years, CEFEE has expanded its reach, earned recognition from civil society and local government, and impacted countless lives through its unique blend of empathy, action, and advocacy. It has succeeded in transforming stigma into support, and isolation into integration.

CEFEE works across multiple domains with a common goal: empowering the marginalized and restoring their rightful place in society.

We believe that lasting change comes from collaboration, awareness, and systemic support. That’s why CEFEE’s model is:

Inclusive -
Creating spaces where every individual is seen, heard, and valued.

Participatory -
Engaging stakeholders—families, educators, institutions, and volunteers—in the solutions.

Holistic -
Addressing physical, emotional, legal, and social needs of the community.

Sustainable -
Fostering local ownership and long-term impact rather than one-time interventions.

Vision

To create an inclusive and equitable society where every differently abled individual is empowered to realize their full potential, live with dignity and independence, and contribute meaningfully to collective social and economic progress.

Mission

To empower and enrich the lives of differently abled individuals through inclusive education, vocational training, rehabilitation, and active participation in society. To drive sustainable social transformation by fostering self-reliance, collaboration, and a spirit of service, ensuring equitable access to opportu¬nities and a life of dignity, purpose, and fulfilment.

Where We Work

CEFEE currently implements the “Uniquely Me” project across three major districts of Kerala:

Ernakulam
Thiruvananthapuram
Malappuram

Scale & Reach

The initiatives have demonstrated significant impact and outreach across multiple regions:

Over 1,200 children with special needs participate in the most recent event held in Ernakulam.
In Trivandrum, more than 750 specially-abled children take part in a combined programme — Uniquely Me and Jyothi.
A one-day event in Malappuram bring together over 350 children, featuring the Central Government's flagship initiative, Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, aimed at empowering the girl child.
To ensure sustained engagement and long-term impact, monthly and bi-monthly programmes are organized throughout the year.
These efforts have indirectly reached thousands of family members, caregivers, and volunteers, amplifying the initiative's positive influence within communities.

Recognition

“Uniquely Me” has received high-level acknowledgment from:

The Vice President of India
Governors and Ministers from various states
Leading educators and disability advocates
Community leaders and influencers

Dr. P. A. Mary Anitha

Founder & Chairman,
Centre for Empowerment & Enrichment
(CEFEE)

Early Life & Motivation

Dr. P A Mary Anitha has turned a personal vision into a movement. In her earlier years, during her study extension in Hyderabad, she witnessed first hand how even well-funded institutions for children with disabilities lacked sufficient emotional care and individual attention. This sparked a strong conviction in her—that children who are differently abled and unable to access services should not be invisible or deprived of dignity.

Despite a flourishing professional career, she made the deliberate choice to channel her efforts into social service. Rather than being discouraged by challenges, she drew strength from them, deepening her resolve to advocate for and uplift the vulnerable.

Dr. Mary Anitha is a visionary leader, social reformer, and passionate advocate for children with special needs. As the Founder and Chairman of the Centre for Empowerment & Enrichment (CEFEE), she has dedicated her life to empowering differently-abled individuals and uplifting marginalized communities through inclusive, sustainable, and high-impact initiatives.

She lives her values: working without salary, standing by families in distress, and building an ecosystem where differently-abled children are not just supported—but celebrated.

Today, Dr. Mary Anitha continues to inspire a movement for inclusion and dignity. Her life and leadership are a testament to the idea that true service is not occasional—it's a way of being.

Our Guiding spirit

George Alexander Muthoot
M G Rajamanickam IAS