India: Program support for community development
In 2023, the projects reached more than 80,000 people with different activities. Some of the activities were: 56,420 community members were offered free access to medical care, 8,153 trees were planted, 80 biogas plants were built, and 175 kitchen gardens were established and maintained.
Four new projects were added to the existing ones as the Community Development projects expand to new areas.
Case story: Komal Devi, Disha Project, Uttar Pradesh
My Name is Komal Devi and I am from Palai Village in Goverdhan Block, district Mathura. I had studied till 8th standard and always wanted to do something to earn a living but I didn’t have any idea of what I should do. I used to feel disappointed with myself. Then, one day, I got the opportunity to attend a meeting in the nearby village at Madhu Devi’s home, where people from the Humana team told us about the Disha Project which helped women of the village in getting employment or starting their business. That day I got to learn that even a woman can start her own business and earn money while at home.
Soon after the meeting, I told the Humana People to People India team members that I too wanted to start a general store and after returning home, I shared this thought with my husband who willingly gave his consent. After a few days, I got a loan of fifty thousand rupees from Gramin Bank Goverdhan under the PM Mudara Yojna with Humana People to People India’s support and with that initial investment; I purchased groceries and started a shop in the village.
Gradually, everyone in the village came to know that I have opened a shop, and my business started picking up. Seeing the progress of my business, I became highly excited and passionate. I am earning nearly Rs 7,000 to 8,000 a month now. I have even started saving, too. I had never imagined that one day I will be able to earn so much money and will be able to save also. All this has happened with the timely support and guidance from HPPI through the Disha Project.
Today, I want to sincerely thank the Disha team members and wish that such programs be continued in future also so that other women like me may be benefit.