Photo credits: Aide et Action
Initiated in 2019, our integrated development project aims to empower 14 communities in Madhya Pradesh and enable them to take ownership of their village's development.
In 2019, Aide et Action, in partnership with The Eicher Group Foundation, launched the "Sashakt Gram" community development initiative. Implemented in 14 villages in Madhya Pradesh, it aims to encourage communities to take ownership of the development of their village through active participation.
The aim of this project is to strengthen villagers' awareness and capacity for action in their communities. In this way, they are able to become involved in solving major problems concerning access to and quality of education, health and hygiene, environmental protection and the promotion of livelihoods.
Better opportunities for a better future
The project also aims to facilitate the creation of community assets that will be owned and managed by the communities themselves. In addition, given the difficulties faced by youth in terms of employment, another objective is to strengthen the skills of young people and create opportunities that will guarantee them a better income.
Since its inception, the project has supported 31 women's self-help groups, supported the creation of 5 women's enterprises, trained 13 youth groups and as many mothers' committees, and enabled the establishment of 19 school management committees, as well as 15 village management and development committees.
Two months ago, Rani Verma from Merkhedi village opened a grocery shop with the financial support of the self-help group of which she is an active member. Currently, she sells groceries and earns between 120 and 150 rupees (about 2 euros) every day. After receiving start-up support from the project team, she is now able to manage her shop account independently.
