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Two hundred and fifty mothers are registered in Self Help Groups (SHGs). There are 25 groups and each consists of 10 mothers from the urban slum areas. These women are empowered through formation of self help-micro credit groups. The community as a whole is improved through group problem solving and decision-making. |
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Each SHG group has set up its own bank account. |
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Six mothers are fully trained on hand made paper design and are now working in the production unit. |
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Six mothers are fully trained in cord bag making and are now working in the production unit. |
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The SHGs produced and supplied Rakhi/ friendship bands to various corporate bodies and NGOs. |
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Eighty-eight mothers from the micro credit group attended a free orientation of Insurance by LIC agent. |
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Fourteen SHG members availed of loans to set-up and run their businesses improving the economic status of these women and their families. |
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Three staff members attended a workshop on micro credit organized by Access, a project of Care International. Presence at this workshop was important to ensure a rapport is built between the HOPE’s micro-credit group and this organisation so that the micro credit group can be enlisted in this forum. |
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Three exposure visits were completed by the coordinators in RDC, IGNOU and Syscon. |
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Two women received training from RDC. |
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Fifteen mothers are participating in the income generation programme unit called Unnati. This unit is involved in the production of hand made greetings cards, costume jewellery and fashionable bags. |
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Twenty six mothers attended capacity building training on SHG. |
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A CSR programme with Tata Consultancy services donated two computers to the micro credit group and to the Unnati production unit. Unnati production unit was also added to their mailing list and to the NGO tradelink website. Software on adult literacy has also been generously donated. |
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A workshop on micro credit organised by the State Bank of India was attended by the Programme Coordinator. Again this was important to build a rapport with this bank and to ensure the micro credit group was enlisted. An awareness camp on the development of bank contacts was also organised in ward 82. A 70% attendance was recorded. An expert from the State Bank of India presented this awareness programme. |
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The Unnati group organized an exhibition where 50% of their total products were sold. |
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Seven groups from the Chetla Slum of Ward 82 were introduced to the West Bengal State Cooperative Bank. A total of 68 women from these groups opened bank accounts. They now have access to this bank and are encouraged to save. After six months each woman will qualify for a loan from the bank with a 2% interest rate. These women are all maid servants. Their self-esteem has increased as a result of this self help group. They now have access to banks and are informed on their benefits as a result of direct communication with the bank manager. |
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A cd was made on the production of handmade paper and greeting cards. This cd was presented to the Oxford bookstore, Pantaloons and Landmark. |
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A kite-flying day was organised to raise awareness on the subject of child labour. The kite was chosen as it is seen as a symbol of freedom. Children performed street drama, dance and song in various corners of Kolkata. Information leaflets on children’s rights were also distributed. The day was very successful. |
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Unnati, the income generation group of micro credit successfully completed three big orders within a specified time frame. Each order was different in nature. One order was for 150 wedding cards, another was for 75 christmas cards and the final order was for 30 embroidered cotton carrier bags. The creative design and high standard of each order was very well received. |
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The Unnati group in conjunction with Hope Kolkata Foundation organised an exhibition in the Tolly Club. A total of 50% of all products were sold and a profit of Rs 6000/- was reported. |
