OUR PROGRAMMES - India

Community Development Project (CDP), Muzaffarpur

This project has had a massive impact on some of the poorest people in India. Now 2,300 families have close access to clean water from 600 new wells and 920 women and their families have access to micro credit through 50 women’s self-help groups. They are establishing small businesses such as selling milk or vegetables or operating small shops. The self-help groups are also empowering their women members who are now advocating on behalf of their families for improved health services to the local gram panchyate or village council - this has had a positive impact on the health of the community.

VASS funding: $4 for $1 donated

Womens Empowerment, Muzaffarpur

The goal of this project is to empower women, especially those with disabilities. This includes those disabled by leprosy who are marginalised and living in poverty because they are widows, single women, or the female head of a household. In the first year of the project about 350 self help groups of 12 to 15 women were established. In year two a needs assessment was organised. The groups are now beginning literacy classes and micro-enterprise activities all run by local community volunteers. The needs assessment also identified the need for improved antenatal and postnatal care; the infant mortality rate in the area is 63 deaths per 1,000 births (compared with NZ’s infant mortality rate of 5 per 1,000). Responding to this need TLM’s Hospital in Muzaffarpur has been running classes in safer delivery techniques for the traditional birth attendants, who help virtually all the women in the communities.

VASS funding: $4 for $1 donated

Education for Life, Faizabad

Vocational training is vital for many young people so that they may play a productive part in their communities as they become adults. Leprosy in the family often means lack of opportunity for all family members. This is devastating for children who have had a parent with leprosy, but have never had it themselves: they are often stigmatised as much as their parents.

Training in various trades is provided, including carpentry, metal working, motor and bicycle mechanics, tailoring and garment making. Also courses in computer and secretarial studies are available. When students need specialist equipment to start their own businesses the Vocational Training Centre can provide loans. This centre is fully funded by loyal New Zealand supporters – thanks again.