Empowering Lives Through Self-Help Groups and Livelihood Management
At FCDS, we believe in the transformative power of self-help groups (SHGs) and livelihood management. Our focus is on uplifting the lives of vulnerable individuals and families in slum communities by equipping them with the necessary skills and resources to generate sustainable incomes and improve their overall well-being.
What are Self-Help Groups (SHGs)? SHGs are financial intermediary committees typically consisting of 10-20 local women. Members contribute regular savings over a period of time, and these funds can be utilized for lending purposes within the group or to support others in the community. In India, many SHGs are linked to banks for the delivery of micro-credit, fostering financial inclusion and economic empowerment.
Our Impact: We have established four SHGs in different slums, comprising members with limited financial resources. The average monthly income of these families is less than Rs. 5000/-. Many of these families face dire circumstances, with children dropping out of school and inadequate nutrition leading to poor health indicators such as low hemoglobin levels and low body mass index (BMI).
Our Approach: FCDS identifies the unique skills and potential of SHG members and provides them with training and upskilling opportunities. We strive to connect them with suitable employment opportunities, while also supporting income-generating activities for their family members. Enrolment in an SHG and regular savings are prerequisites to avail of our Income Generation Activity (IGA) support. Through collective efforts, we aim for families to achieve self-sustainability within a span of three years.
Measures of Self-Sustainability: A family supported by FCDS is considered self-sustained when the following criteria are met:
- Stable Family Income: The family achieves a stable monthly income ranging from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 20,000.
- Education Continuity: There are no school dropouts among the children, ensuring their educational progress.
- Adequate Nutrition: The family has access to an adequate number of meals, meeting their nutritional requirements.
- Active Participation in SHG: The family continues to be part of the SHG and maintains regular savings.
- Multiple Income Sources: The family benefits from multiple income sources, increasing their financial resilience.
- Government Scheme Enrollment: The family enrolls in at least two government schemes such as housing, widow pension/old age pension, PMJDY (Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana), etc.
- Legal Document Availability: The family possesses all necessary legal documents.
- Employability and Job Placement: All employable members of the family are gainfully employed with relevant skills and sustainable jobs.
Upon meeting these criteria, the family transitions from regular support to follow-ups conducted by our dedicated community workers, ensuring their continued progress and well-being.
Join us in our mission to empower individuals and families, providing them with the tools and opportunities to thrive. Together, we can create a brighter future, where self-sustainability and improved livelihoods are within reach for all.
