Relief Organisation for Handicapped (ROH)
Sustainable livelihoods for the physically disadvantaged
Aim: Helping disabled people from the Hindupur district to have a sustainable livelihood.
Background: Malnutrition and intermarriage among poor people in Hindupur has led to a disproportionately large number of physically disadvantaged people in poorer communities. It is a prevalent belief that disability is due to actions in a previous life. Despite their disabilities, they still have to work hard to provide food for themselves and often younger siblings in the family. Often it is simply an adaptation of tools or some specific training to overcome a disability that is needed for them to live healthy and productive lives. Many disabled people are also unaware of the government provision that is available to them.
The programme: This project builds on previous group work in building self-help groups in two local districts. The project will encourage the growth and sustainability of the groups by providing skills training and 'start up' loans to group members. Skills training will take place based on the needs of the individual participants and groups and will focus on four key areas: tailoring, basket making, book binding/envelope making, and paper and leaf plate making. To overcome the physical limitations of their members, the group all focus on building a business for one member before returning the loan and focusing on the next member. Part of the programme involves educating the local population about the risks of intermarriage, and the government provision for the disabled.
Outcome: 400 disabled people will directly benefit from this project by having a sustainable livelihood and increasing their income. They will also register as disabled and access government support.Partners: ROH was established by a visually impaired member of the Hindupur community in 1993. Their past project partners have ranged from local government initiatives to global partners aimed at the alleviation of poverty through working with disabled community members in impoverished areas.
Evaluation: Detailed monitoring and evaluation of individual group members is already taking place with a high level of involvement of the leaders and members of the self-help groups. ROH have submitted a baseline study and six month interim report to Tzedek. They will be expected to submit an evaluation of the project at the end of the year. The director of Tzedek visited the project in January 2009.
Progress: In their first 6 month evaluation ROH reported that 40 people have been able to start small businesses so far and 4 groups have received matching loans from the government. 60% of the group members have been medically certified as disabled, allowing them to get various concessions from the government - for example 10 who are married have received housing. All groups are adhering to record keeping and financial management.
Required Funding: £20,000 granted over three years.
We are still seeking funds for this project: make a donation.
