14 women, assisted by LWSI, decided to make a change in the lives of their families who could not afford the basic necessities

The people of Singhiharan village in Kalahandi district were marginal farmers and experienced great difficulties to provide their families with the basic necessities. This was before 14 women, assisted by LWSI, decided to make a change. Saving Rs 30 (66 cents) each per month, they helped enhance the Self Help Group's fund steadily and soon they were inter-lending among themselves. Resources were also mobilized from the local bank. Their ambitions however took them much further.

Individual contributions and LWSI support enabled the creation of a grain bank as a starting point to limit food shortages. Small wells were dug to cultivate vegetables, and every member received training on improved cropping practices. In 2005 the group was selected to distribute rice and kerosene under the Public Distribution System. From this business they are making a profit of Rs 800 ($18) per month. A year later they were granted Rs 15,000 ($33) by Western Orissa Rural Livelihoods Project as revolving fund and a stall free of cost to sell their vegetables in the local market.

The women however kept up their hard work. As a result they received Rs 450,000 ($1000) under the government SGSY scheme in 2006. Motivated to expand their activities, they purchased 35 goats from the first instalment and are currently planning to take up intensive agri-farming with technical support from block offices.

Vital needs can now be met by the community but the women's achievements go far beyond. All children are now attending school regularly and together the people are moving towards prosperity.