Rehab India Foundation is a non-profit organization working in the most backward and rural parts of the country. Nearly 7 years of intensive work by Rehab India Foundation in some of the backward districts of India has resulted in an enabling model of “Village Development Programme” (VDP) focusing on education, healthcare and economic development for the entire village. In 2012, Rehab India Foundation through its village Development Programme (VDP) strives to improve the quality of the life of rural people who are neglected and deprived of all the basic amenities and rights. Village Development Programme (VDP) is a five year flagship program which strategize into villages forming clusters and the program is broadened by strengthening the economic development initiatives such as Self Help Groups (SHGs). Initially, the programme will be implemented in the state of Bihar and only 150 beneficiaries benefited under SHG programme. 10 villages in the Kathihar district has been chosen to be developed this year. The project and programmes implemented will be utilized by the villages and they will be benefited through it. Through the programmes and projects, Rehab hopes to change the lives of the destitute people. There were nine villages in 2012 and now rehab has adopted 60 villages under its VDP programme. Presently rehab has a reach of 70,182 beneficiaries and 2,398 students to get enrolled in schools. Rehab healthcare Programs is also able to reach 3,284 beneficiaries and 60 villages of Assam, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Bihar. The villagers of the adopted villages are now live a healthy and hygienic life.

To promote the economic development of women living in marginalized situation of rural areas, an initiative- Self Help Group started in 2013 under village development programme (VDP). Over 600 Self Help Group members promoted by Rehab India Foundation have been benefiting from Micro Finance initiatives. It focuses on the concerns related to women’s empowerment such as capacity and confidence building of the members. Rehab ensures that the community improves leadership quality among themselves and change from Laenewala (receiver) to Daenaewala (giver). The income generation proposals of the members are evaluated and interest free loans are distributed. These loans are used productively by the women to create their own businesses, grow their assets, and get out of poverty once and for all.

A 17 year old, shinning case study from kaithar district of bihar, Piyarun Nisahas found great success in herself by the initiative of Rehab India foundation where she learns and earns. She was from that village where education is not considered significant for girls and as a result she dropped her education after 5th  and was doing household chores. She was very much interested in gaining the higher education but her parents were clinging to old customs and became a barricade to live her dream. It was during this time that the Rehab India Foundation initiated their programmes in her village in the year 2012. They organized various awareness programmes about the significance of education which progressively started creating an impact in our society. Basic literacy programmes were conducted to ensure that all the members of the SHG have the basic knowledge to write/sign their name. As a result she got enrolled at tuition center and with the help of this, she later rejoined back school from class 6th. Not only Piyarun but many girls appeared for matric exam with their motivation and all of us passed the HSC examination with 1st class marks. Through continuous effort in parents and children Rehab was able to achieve 100% enrollment in many of the Rehab villages. They have also achieved 0 % drop out in Rehab villages through of Rehab educare programme.

With the constant help and support from Rehab India foundation, she got enrolled herself in the tailoring and stitching Course where she learnt new tailoring skills and techniques. Rehab organized training programmes for SHG women based on their need and requirements. Once she has completed her course, she borrowed an interest free loan from Rehab India foundation for purchasing sewing machine. Now she earns handsome amount for her family from that training.

After few years, she was also considered to work as a teacher in Rehab’s 100% literacy programme for women in Bansibari. Now she is confident and also dream to change the old customs at her village.

As a result of Rehab India Foundation’s intervention efforts, an increasing number of rural families – especially women – are engaging in independent livelihood activities. These activities serve as opportunities for diversifying and enhancing their incomes.

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Impact-Story is a series on development and CSR interventions leading to some impacts on the ground. If you have a project, innovation or intervention that has changed the lives of a few people or a community, please share a brief note at csr@ngobox.org. Our Team will get back to you after validating the information for a detailed coverage.