Power of Partnerships:
Boosting Confidence and Income for Women in Rural India

Fast Facts

In the Bankura District, the average monthly family income is $20. Sixty percent of children do not go to school because they are needed at home to work in the fields.
Before India’s independence, tribal people migrated from Jharkhand State to Balurghat in West Bengal to work for the British colonial power as day laborers in tea gardens or forest clearing.

Millennium Development Goals Impacted: 1, 8

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India

Episcopal Relief & Development is partnering with the Diocese of Durgapur on the Samadi Community Development Program in the Bankura District of West Bengal. The Diocese works with 10 communities in this predominantly rural area to address development issues including agriculture, income generation, clean water, sanitation and primary healthcare.

In 2009, the partnership has expanded to include 12 communities in Balurghat as well. To address a variety of development needs, seminars will be conducted on organic farming, cooperatives will be enlisted to start fish farms, coaching centers will be initiated to support the educational needs of 400 children, an HIV/AIDS awareness campaign will be implemented and the construction of latrines will begin.

Episcopal Relief & Development is also working with the Organization for Eelam Refugees Rehabilitation (OfERR) to provide assistance to Sri Lankan refugees living in camps in the Tamil Nadu region. The refugees, who are not recognized by the United Nations or the Indian government, have no legal rights and cannot work in India.

Responding to Disasters and Rebuilding Communities

Sri Lankan refugees are being provided with clothing, supplies, shelter, clean water and sanitation, and given access to health care, school support and skills training.

Counseling and social awareness training are offered to refugees to strengthen their well- being. The emphasis on human rights awareness and non-violent, democratic values will empower them in the process of repatriation and nation building.

OfERR’s services and programs in India will continue until the repatriation of refugees is completed.

Alleviating Hunger and Improving Food Supply

Training workshops in sustainable agricultural techniques are enhancing the capacity of residents in Samadi to improve food supply.

Communities in the Balurghat region are receiving training in organic farming techniques.

Semi-intensive cooperative farms for larger scale fish production and sale are being established in the Balurghat region.

Creating Economic Opportunities and Strengthening Communities

Micro-finance programs in 10 villages in the Bankura District allow women to start small businesses to increase family income.

Eight fish farms are being built to provide additional income in the Samadi and Balurghat communities.

Twenty community-run coaching centers will promote the preservation of local tribal languages and the importance of education.

Youth will be given technical education allowing them to promote micro-businesses and diversify income sources.

Promoting Health and Fighting Disease

Community workshops help residents determine the critical health care needs in their villages.

Latrines and toilets are being built or improved.

Community health services with a special focus on maternal and child health are being established in Samadi and Balurghat.

HIV/AIDS prevention education is being provided in communities.

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