Projects - Fida International

Maharashtra Village Development Project

Fida International recently began a new project with its partner the Assemblies of God Church in Maharashtra. Migration to the cities is a major problem in these parts. Deprived of basic human necessities and desperate for a solution, many families move to large cities in search of work, only to get trapped in the dismal circumstances of slum living and the squalour of urban poverty. This project aims to improve living conditions and prospects in the villages so that there will be a reduced urge to move and more people will be able to build sustainable and happy lives for themselves in the countryside. The aim is to facilitate social work of various kinds and strengthen, support and enhance the quality of life in these villages in multiple ways. The possibilities are many, but we wish to actuate long-term development which benefits the whole community. In keeping with Fida’s larger vision, the project plans to support the village community in identifying their problems and shortages as well as in formulating and implementing the solutions. By assisting them in seeing their own weaknesses, we believe that the community can transform in a more impactful and far-reaching way. The project started work in June 2007 and as a first step, a wide study was implemented in 30 villages. We arranged training for village teams and enabled them to carry out the studies. As part of the training, we focused on the challenges of the study, as well as how to meet with people in the village and establish personal rapport. The project aims to start work in five villages in 2008. We aim to address weaknesses that have emerged in the preliminary studies in these pilot villages. It is, however, vital that the village community participates from the beginning and influence changes based on their own realisations. Clean water, personal hygiene and sanitary living conditions will be some of the first areas to be addressed. Health and disease prevention will be another primary focus area. In the beginning, the thrust will be on awareness creation programmes through which the importance of these issues will be emphasised within the communities.