Ghongadi Cluster Development

Since the beginning our focus had been on the development of Mother and Child with some initiatives like family counseling where in we tried to bridge the gaps between husband and wife. However we realized that a lot could be done on "FAMILY" as a unit. We came across the families of Sheep rearers, the artisans weaving blankets, wool workers through the self help groups. Here the entire family used to work in the same profession. Their income was low; the debts were high, living conditions unhygienic and unsafe. Officials at NABARD were aware of our social work and our standing in the society.
They encouraged us to take up a developmental project for these families. We prepared a detailed project report and the same was accepted and is being implemented for the last couple of years. We have targeted to DOUBLE THE INCOME OF THESE FAMILIES IN THREE YEARS.
What we have done for the past couple of years -

• a) We did the survey, carried out studies and implemented awareness campaign.
• b) We arranged study tours and training programs for the weavers and other artisans.

To date about 60 families have undergone these training programs and have raised their income levels to one and a half time of what it used to be two years ago. In 2006 -07 there were only 7 handlooms which were being operated. Today there are 22 handlooms which are in operation. We intend to develop a CFC (A Common Facility Centre) and its project report has been sent to the Wool Board for approval / further actions. After a very short training program we were faced with a challenge. In Nov. 07 nabard held a exhibition named 'Grama - Sampada" in Pune. We got an opportunity to participate in it. We were concerned about the demand these products would have in a place like Pune. Our women were new to handling the stalls in Pune, presenting the products and selling. However we participated in the exhibition and we could successfully sell all our products (Ghongadi and Jen ) within a week's time.
WE FELT PROUD ABOUT US WHEN WE RECEIVED THE FIRST PRIZE OF THE EXHIBITION SALE FROM GRAMA SAMPADA!!
We were fortunate enough to get the support from " ANTARA " for training on weighing the sheep. We have also received the help from experts at national and international levels in the areas of sheep and wool develop**

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