Holistic Rural Development for a Sustainable Future
Empowering Communities, Ensuring Resilient Livelihoods, and Transforming Lives
Introduction
Sabuj Sangha is a non-profit organization based in West Bengal, India, committed to improving the lives of marginalized communities through sustainable development initiatives. Founded in 1954 in Nandakumarpur village in the Sundarbans, the organization was formally registered in 1975 under the West Bengal Society Registration Act. With a legacy spanning nearly 70 years, Sabuj Sangha addresses poverty, education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability to foster resilient and self-sustaining communities.
This proposed ₹15 crore initiative aims to uplift underprivileged communities in remote areas by providing access to sustainable livelihoods, quality education, healthcare, and natural resource management, ensuring a lasting impact on over 100,000 beneficiaries across nine districts of West Bengal.
The Need for Intervention
- Multidimensional Poverty: 11.89% of the population in our target districts experiences extreme poverty (National Multidimensional Poverty Index, 2023).
- Gender Inequality: Only 13.76% of enterprises in India are women-led, with rural areas faring significantly worse (NSS 73rd Round, 2015-16).
- Educational Divide: Only 50% of rural schools have access to digital tools (ASER 2023).
- Healthcare Gaps: High prevalence of stunting (33.85%), anemia among women (71.5%), and low antenatal care visits (75.8%) (NFHS-5, West Bengal).
- Environmental Challenges: Frequent cyclones, embankment failures, and soil erosion threaten livelihoods and homes in coastal regions.
- Child Trafficking: 41.6% of rural girls are married before 18, increasing vulnerability to trafficking (NFHS-5).
Project Scope and Execution
Sustainable Livelihoods
- 5,000 farmers trained in climate-resilient agricultural techniques, including organic farming, water-efficient irrigation methods, and integrated pest management.
- 1,000 women-led enterprises established through Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in poultry farming, with access to microfinance and business development support.
- Formation of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) to improve collective bargaining power, market access, and sustainable financial management.
- Integrated pond-based farming, supporting fishery and vegetable production to enhance food security and income generation.
- Village Development Committees (VDCs) to empower local stakeholders in decision-making, ensuring inclusive development.
- Agricultural extension services to provide expert guidance, demonstration farms, and technology adoption to enhance productivity.
- Market linkage programs to connect farmers with buyers and facilitate fair trade opportunities.
SMART Schools for Quality Education
- 30 government schools transformed into SMART schools equipped with digital classrooms, modern libraries, and upgraded sanitation facilities.
- 36,000 students to benefit from improved educational infrastructure, enhancing digital literacy and STEM learning.
- Teacher training programs to build capacity in digital pedagogy, interactive learning, and student engagement techniques.
- Building as a Learning Aid (BaLA) methodology incorporated to create engaging, interactive learning environments using infrastructure elements.
- Provision of e-learning materials in regional languages to bridge the digital divide and make education more accessible.
- Regular assessments and feedback mechanisms to monitor students’ progress and enhance learning outcomes.
Education & Child Protection
- 2,500 at-risk children enrolled in daycare schools and vocational training programs, ensuring access to early education and skill-building.
- Scholarships and financial aid to support first-generation learners in continuing their education without financial constraints.
- Life skills, sports, and self-defense training to empower adolescents, particularly young girls, to build confidence and resilience.
- Career guidance and vocational training tailored to local employment opportunities, preparing youth for future job markets.
- Community awareness programs focused on preventing child trafficking, early marriage, and gender-based violence.
- Parental engagement programs to promote the importance of education and child welfare in rural communities.
Healthcare in Remote Areas
- 100,000 people reached through 3,000 mobile medical camps, offering basic healthcare, maternal and child health services, and vaccinations.
- 2,000 cataract surgeries provided for underprivileged elderly individuals, restoring vision and improving quality of life.
- Strengthened linkages with government health services, ensuring long-term accessibility to essential care.
- Health awareness campaigns focused on nutrition, maternal health, menstrual hygiene, and communicable disease prevention.
- Telemedicine initiatives to provide remote consultations and expert guidance to communities with limited healthcare access.
- Training of community health workers (ASHA and Anganwadi) to improve healthcare outreach and service delivery.
Natural Resource Management & Climate Resilience
- 100,000 mangrove saplings planted to protect coastal areas from soil erosion, storm surges, and climate change impacts.
- 20,000 fruit trees distributed to enhance food security and promote agroforestry.
- 600 solar-powered streetlights installed in remote villages, improving safety and sustainability.
- 20 water harvesting structures restored to improve water availability for agricultural and domestic use.
- Training programs for sustainable water management to educate farmers and communities on conservation techniques.
- Community-driven monitoring systems to track the health of natural resources and ensure the long-term success of conservation projects.
- Collaboration with local government bodies to integrate sustainable environmental practices into policy frameworks.
Projected Impact (Year 1 & Year 2)
- 80% of farmers adopting sustainable agricultural techniques.
- 75% of SHGs generating profit through women-led businesses.
- 60,000+ students gaining access to digital education.
- 80% of rural communities benefiting from solar-powered lighting and afforestation projects.
- Significant reduction in health issues through improved medical access and nutritional awareness.
Risk Mitigation & Sustainability Plan
- Livelihood Diversification: Training in alternative income sources to mitigate financial risks.
- Community Engagement: Establishing local committees for decision-making and project ownership.
- Government & NGO Partnerships: Ensuring long-term funding and support.
- Climate Resilience Initiatives: Implementing sustainable farming and afforestation to mitigate disaster risks.
- Capacity Building: Training local community-based organizations (CBOs) to independently manage and sustain initiatives.
- Regular Monitoring & Evaluation: Implementing simple, community-friendly tracking mechanisms to ensure accountability and impact measurement.
Call to Action
Join us in creating a lasting impact on rural India. Your support for this ₹15 crore initiative can help break the cycle of poverty, empower women, provide quality education, and foster sustainable communities. Let’s build a future where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.
Thank you for your time and attention. We welcome your questions and feedback.